OLEAN — Two small business owners and Olean storefront neighbors have been named Entrepreneurs of the Year, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Jamestown Community College announced Thursday.
Arnim Alexander, owner of Royal Cuts Barbershop and Salon at 1206 W. State St., and John “Brooklyn” Tait, owner of Rogue Force Training fitness studio at 1204 W. State St., will be honored at the next WIN in Business luncheon in celebration of National Small Business Week.
The SBDC invites business professionals, entrepreneurs and community members to the event set for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 30 at the JCC Cattaraugus County Campus, Magnano Room, 260 N. Union St. SBDC Business Advisor Brian Rovegno will speak on artificial intelligence implementation in business.
WIN in Business is a monthly program open to anyone in the small business sector that offers a welcoming space to exchange ideas, share experiences and address common challenges over lunch.
Each session begins with participant introductions — where attendees are encouraged to share one thing about their business — followed by a presentation from an experienced guest speaker. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards and take advantage of the opportunity to connect with other professionals in the community.
The SBDC is honored to recognize the tremendous efforts of the local small business community. As the Entrepreneurs of the Year, these two businesses are recognized for overcoming obstacles and contributing to the economic growth of the area.
Alexander began working with the SBDC in 2022 and has since launched a medical transportation business while exploring new ventures. He opened Royal Cuts Barbershop Salon, where style meets tradition, in the heart of Olean as expert barbers offer precision haircuts, beard trims and classic shaves in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The space features vintage chairs, sleek mirrors, local art and complimentary refreshments for a relaxing experience. At Royal Cuts, they focus on building community by getting to know each client’s unique style.
Tait’s Rogue Force Training is a fitness studio specializing in “functional fitness,” designed to enhance proper ergonomics and form when exercising. He has added several training certifications and expanded his services significantly since initially meeting with the SBDC in 2022. Tait offers services such as mobility and flexibility programs, functional fitness, suspension and nutrition training and some self-defense classes.
The Small Business Guide to AI presentation will focus on tools and practical strategies of AI to implement into your business. Learn how to use AI to help your small business thrive, explore practical AI applications and discover free tools you can start using today.
This session is perfect for small business owners and entrepreneurs ready to embrace the future of technology. The presentation will include information about AI basics and using AI for growth in marketing, automation, customer service and data analysis.
Rovegno is a business advisor with the Small Business Development Center team, joining their ranks in the fall of 2019 and receiving his national AI Certification in 2024. Originally from Erie, Pa., and a graduate of St. Bonaventure University and the University of Nottingham, he relocated to the area with his family after 18 years in Colorado.
Rovegno is passionate about working with clients and helping local businesses prosper, bringing extensive experience in marketing and social media development to the role. He is currently serving as the Board President of the Chautauqua Leadership Network.
Every year since 1963, the U.S. President has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, which creates about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.
There will be a press conference in Chautauqua County at 10 a.m. May 9 at 150 N. Portage St., Westfield, to recognize the two other Entrepreneurs of the Year: Julie Ambrose, owner of St. Elmo Spa, and Carrie and Levi Swanson, owners of Sweeterson Farms. SBDC will also celebrate the U.S. Small Business Administration’s New York Small Business Person of the Year, Melissa Baideme, owner of CK Natural Fruit Juice, LLC.
This program is sponsored by Community Bank, NA. Pre-registration is required for the WIN in Business luncheon. To reserve a spot or learn more about the WIN in Business program, contact the SBDC at (716) 338-1024 or visit www.sbdcjcc.org.
