JF 4101: Cross-Border Capital, Tariff Headwinds and Investing in Western New York ft. Thomas A. Kucharski

Amanda Cruise and Ash Patel interview Thomas A. Kucharski, president and CEO of Invest Buffalo Niagara, about how his organization has helped transform Western New York from a legacy manufacturing market into a growing tech and advanced industry hub. He explains how their team centralizes regional data, builds commercial listing systems, and acts as a neutral connector to incentives, infrastructure, and workforce programs—without taking commissions—so companies can de-risk expansions and relocations. Tom shares case studies ranging from Odoo’s tech expansion and Milk-Bone’s reinvestment to Tesla’s solar facility and large industrial site redevelopments on former steel mill land, highlighting the importance of shovel-ready sites and public–private collaboration. He also digs into cross-border Canadian investment, tariffs, and why developers and local businesses “pay to play” not for sweetheart deals, but to collectively grow jobs, investment, and the regional tax base. Thomas A. KucharskiCurrent role: President & CEO, Invest Buffalo NiagaraBased in: Buffalo, New YorkSay hi to them at: https://buffaloniagara.org Start earning passive income today at gsprei.com/bestever Alternative Fund IV is closing soon and SMK is giving Best Ever listeners exclusive access to their Founders’ Shares, typically offered only to early investors. Visit smkcap.com/bec to learn more and download the full fund summary. Join us at Best Ever Conference 2026! Find more info at: https://www.besteverconference.com/ Join the Best Ever Community The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It’s free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria. Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at⁠ ⁠⁠⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠⁠ Podcast production done by⁠ ⁠Outlier Audio⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices