Starting out fun, define the Hudson Valley? What area is actually encompassed in the Hudson Valley to you?
Being from Poughkeepsie, when I was young the Hudson Valley to me was about 15 miles North or South of me and strictly on the river. So Rhinebeck to Beacon maybe, lol. As I’ve gotten older and my world's expanded quite a bit, I tend to define HVNY by all the towns that have cropped up along the mountain ranges in the great valley of the Appalachians along the Hudson River. Anything from Yonkers and Nyack all the way up to Albany. Basically the lands the Dutch settled and the River School artists painted.
Can you share a cherished memory or experience that reflects your deep connection to the Hudson Valley and what this region means to you personally?
Just growing up here on Corlies Avenue. It’s where some of my earliest and fondest memories come from. Growing up in a two family home with my grandparents down stairs, big family holidays, riding bikes in the neighborhood, playing home run derby up at King Street park. This is home. At this point I’ve lived all over the valley but whenever I come back to Poughkeepsie, I feel all the memories come rushing back. It's got a special place in my heart.
What’s the story behind what brought you and/or your family to the Hudson Valley as your home?
My family has very deep roots here. On my mother's side, all I really know is the story of my grandfather's family, the DeFraia family. They came here in the very early 19th century, 1913 officially, by way of Geata, Italy and settled as farmers in Highland, NY. They eventually made their way over to Poughkeepsie by the time my grandfather was born in the 1920s.
My fathers family goes way back to the 17th century. The Secors first came to America as French Huguenots escaping religious persecution and were one of the founding families of New Rochelle. The family name is on a founding plaque, although back then it was Sicard before the change to Secor. They were also farmers. Originally salt farmers in France. But it wasn’t long before the family spread all the way up into the Catskills. All the way up and down the Hudson, there are Secor roads and towns and local stores. We’ve been here a long time. Many of my ancestors fought in the Revolutionary war.
What are some of the unique qualities of the Hudson Valley that you love and appreciate?
There is a hardiness that exists here like nowhere else in the country. From the early colonial days, it has always been a place of immigration and where settlers from all over came to make a new life. So, the entrepreneurial spirit has and always will exist here. It is alive and well. Besides that, it’s one of the most beautiful places on the planet to live. Between the river itself and being surrounded by the Appalachian mountains, it really is beautiful when you stop and take it all in. There is a reason it has become a tourist attraction at this point. People from all over come to see what we live in day in and day out.
What inspired you to start your business in the Hudson Valley? What is your passion and vision and how does it tie into the region?
Always in me was this idea that I wanted to do something Hudson Valley themed. Big shock, right? To be honest, it’s a bit cliche at this point. Everyone is trying to capitalize on promoting themselves as a Hudson Valley based brand, or as “the only” one in Hudson Valley doing that thing. Which is good. I love it actually. This region as whole is really ready to explode and like I said, the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well here, so yes! Keep promoting the valley. Essentially, that’s what this is all about. I’ve been in Graphic Design / Branding for almost 15 years now and over that time I’ve had all kinds of ideas for Hudson Valley based brands. Clothing brand, brick and mortar retail store, hiking themed brands. But, the only thing that has always stuck with me and feels most authentic is offering what I do, branding, strictly to Hudson Valley businesses and initiatives. It’s my way of giving back. I’ve always been someone who 1, wanted to make a difference in the world. And 2, believes in the impact an individual can have and the way small acts have a huge ripple effect. So Corlies Ave., named after the street I grew up on in Poughkeepsie, is an effort towards that. We believe in the reciprocal value businesses and communities provide for one another and that when local business thrives, our communities thrive as well. That, and I love people. I love meeting people, hearing their stories, and if you take the Hudson Valley as a whole region, it’s really made up of all these individual stories, so this newsletter is an effort to tell those stories and broadcast them across the valley.
As a brand owner, what's been your proudest moment or achievement so far?
This agency is a new venture for me, but I’ve had my hands on quite a few brands and projects in the region and nothing beats getting to sit with someone who has a passion and getting to hear them talk about their why. Why they are doing what they do, how they came to love it, and watching as they put everything into developing their business from idea to reality.
"This Our Valley" is all about sharing individual stories across the valley. Can you speak more on your individual story and experience living and working in the Hudson Valley?
Indeed, so I grew up on Corlies Avenue in Poughkeepsie, one of 3 kids. We lived in a 2 family house that my grandparents owned and lived downstairs, so our house was like the central location for the family. I grew up very close to all my Uncles and Aunts and cousins because of this. We had a typical childhood. We were probably one of the last generations who grew up pre internet, so going outside in the morning and coming home when the street lights came on was still a thing. We had the typical old world neighborhood experience. There were lots of kids in the neighborhood I grew up with and we were all we knew. We spent our whole childhood together riding bikes, playing baseball at the park, getting roughed up playing tag in the parking lot of Corlies Manor, breaking windows. It was a great time to be a kid in the late 80’s early 90’s. My whole family was and is here. Like I mentioned earlier, all sides of my family have deep roots here. As I grew up, I moved all over but never ventured too far from Poughkeepsie. Just recently moved back actually. But one of the things that has had a profound effect in shaping my world view was getting into hiking. Once I got up high and could see the valley from that grand scope, I really started to see it for all it was. All the history, the communities, how close they actually really are. The Hudson Valley really is like an organism all its own. It’s a large region, but small in the grander scheme of things.
"This Our Valley" also highlights the stories of Hudson Valley businesses. Do you have a favorite local business that you believe adds value to the community? What about their story or products/services resonates with you?
There's some real staples in my small little world. Long time family owned businesses like Rossi’s, Gino’s, Alloy’s, a couple of barber shops on main st. like Newport. These businesses have been around for as long as I can remember and have always provided a space for locals to congregate. I know quite a few entrepreneurs in the area who have big plans as well. One such business is Vidl Barbershop, owned by a good friend, Alex Vivar. I don’t know of any other salon or barbershop doing what Alex is doing there with education, local events, giving back to the community, and putting HVNY on the map in a big way. I also have to mention what Jordan is doing with Connect HV. His whole mission is very similar to Corlies Ave. in the sense that he’s trying to promote the idea of why are we going elsewhere when we have such a diverse talent pool right here in the valley. No longer do we need to go outside of the valley to find what we are looking for. Specifically as creators. What he’s doing to connect the HV creative and entrepreneurial community is admirable and I have no doubt Connect HV is poised to become huge. Check out his website here
Many Hudson Valley residents and businesses are actively involved in their communities. Are there any community initiatives, organizations, or events that you're passionate about and actively support?
The Poughkeepsie Riverfront Partnership. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah, a board member with PKRP and they have wonderful plans for developing the waterfront in Poughkeepsie. You have to excuse my focus on Poughkeepsie, lol. I’m one of the many people who have been waiting for and wanting to participate in any way to bring about Poughkeepsie’s revival.
The Hudson Valley has an immense amount of diversity and talent. Can you share your perspective on the diverse community that thrives here and the unique talents that contribute to its vibrancy?
Just take a walk on any main street up and down the valley and you’ll see just how diverse it really is. This region has been a beacon for industry and immigration since the colonial period, so people from literally all over the world flood this area. Not to mention, as the Hudson Valley continues to grow, it’s becoming more and more a tourist attraction, so take a walk on the walkway or go hike up in the gunks one weekend and you’ll see the diversity first hand. Many of the towns of the valley were industrial centers, surrounded by farmland, so there is all this unique blend of people, passions, and talents. Everyone’s got a story, lol. Hit up a local bar and talk to a stranger, you’ll hear it for yourself. Or, hopefully you’ll keep checking in on the newsletter to hear these stories as well ;)
How has the culture in the Hudson Valley shaped your outlooks and influenced your own life journey?
This place has so much to offer by way of diversity of talent, interests and people. Aside from my family, I attribute a lot of what makes me who I am to the diverse personalities and spectrum of people I was exposed to from a very young age. It’s made me very adaptable and able to get in and fit in with all kinds of people. I’ve been told I'm very personable which goes a long way when you do what I do. But also, whatever you want to call it, nature or nuture, but growing up here around such a diverse atmosphere made me the kind of person who see’s the humanity in all people and is fascinated by individual stories. It’s made me a good listener. That’s for sure.
"This Our Valley" aims to foster a sense of community. In what way do you see the link between business and community?
Humans are entrepreneurs, so it's only natural that when you step out onto main streets all over the world, you see locals doing it all; owning bars, restaurants, corner stores, deli’s, coffee shops, barber shops. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that business is good for the community. Local businesses are only as strong as the communities in which they exist. But because local business is owned and operated by definition, locals, then communities are only as strong as local business as well. They are one in the same. There is a reciprocal value there. It’s literally how communities are built from the beginning of time. Strong local commerce builds strond communities. And that is what Building Community Through Brand is all about. What Corlies Ave. aim’s to do is help build strong brands that uplift the communities in which they exist, that are a part of the community and bring commerce so that we all thrive. We believe it’s that ripple effect, that will make for a better Hudson Valley
Can you share your top three favorite spots or hidden gems in the Hudson Valley.
Garvans. Hidden on the back roads out in new paltz is a restaurant in a very old colonial house. The food is fresh, local, and delicious. I believe they actually run tours to Ireland as well.
Brown Barn Farms. A unique little spot out in New Hampton with amazing drinks. Perfect for a nice chill summer night. Go with some friends, grab a cocktail, and hang by one of the fire pits under the stars.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention a Poughkeepsie business and just recently had the pleasure of checking out Hudson & Packard, a Detroit style pizza place on academy. If you’re a pizza traditionalist, don’t go. But, if you’re open to trying something new as a new yorker, definitely check it.
Looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of the Hudson Valley? Are there any changes or developments you're excited about, or areas where you'd like to see growth and improvement?
It’s ready to Kaboom, in a very good way. The Hudson Valley has always been a place to be for a weekend getaway from the city, if even just a hidden gem. But, there is a lot going on here now and lots of people are doing big things and don’t want to take their talents elsewhere anymore.
Since "This Our Valley" is a monthly newsletter, can you share a preview of something interesting or exciting happening in the Hudson Valley that you think our readers would love to know about?
Yes, this month, check out Vidl Talk 2024 at the Academy, a live podcast event hosted by Vidl Events where local entrepreneurs will share their tips to success, featuring Daymond John, Ali Krieger, Anthony Serino, and Tyler Lydon. It’s an event not to be misses.
Anything else to add about your experience as a Hudson Valley resident?
Yes. When I was young, my grandfather told me something that always lived with me. He told me that focusing on the big picture can be overwhelming to the senses at times. Paralyzing. But if you just focus on the small details in front of you, it’s easier to digest and get things done one step at a time. That’s what we’re doing with Corlies Ave. I used to want to change the world, until I realized it all starts small. First with self, then with family, the neighborhood, city, town, region and so on. I believe that that is how we change the world for the better, by focusing our efforts on what’s right in front of us, right here at home.
