Dave Meleca
Genesee Beard Co.
Interview No. 33
"This city supports each other. Local businesses love to support other local businesses, and Rochester residents love to support their local businesses."
Published May 4, 2016.
What part of Rochester are you from?
Greece.
What is your favorite part of living in Rochester?
There is an absolute abundance of parks with trails to hike around the city, and tons of small waterways with fishing and kayak access.
Do you have any favorite or secret spots in Rochester?
Corbett's Glen Park and Irondequoit Bay Park West. They're both absolutely beautiful parks that each offer something different.
Do you have a favorite day of the week?
Sunday.
What is your favorite time of day to hang out in the city?
Nothing beats nighttime in the city.
I wanted the Rochester pride to resonate along with the brand and be instantly recognizable.
Describe your dream Rochester day.
Kayaking and fishing in the early morning, followed by a diner breakfast (there are so many phenomenal diners), a hike or a bike ride along the Genesee, spending time at the Lilac Festival, and finished off with a dinner at the Genesee Brew House.
Favorite bar?
Paddington's in Greece and Wall Street in the city.
Favorite hungover eating spot?
Mel's Diner in Greece.
What is your personal coping mechanism for cold/gray weather?
Go out and enjoy it! Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you have to stay inside. Bundle up and get out there.
What is your favorite Rochester memory?
I loved going to High Falls with my parents as a kid. They used to bring me down to the bridge to watch the light shows.
What makes Rochester unique?
This city supports each other. Local businesses love to support other local businesses, and Rochester residents love to support their local businesses.
What do you think could be improved?
Public transit. A rail system or subway system would have a huge impact.
If Rochester were a season, what would it be?
I won't take the easy way out and say winter, but I'll go for the other season Rochester has: Construction.
What made you decide to start a business in Rochester versus somewhere else?
It just felt right to start where I've lived my whole life, and to incorporate the Genesee name into the business. I wanted the Rochester pride to resonate along with the brand and be instantly recognizable. I had thought of relocating and launching the business, but Rochester is and always will be home.
What is the best part of owning a business in Rochester?
Everyone loves to support anything Rochester. Consumers and other businesses always reach out with ideas and tips and are just as excited about your business as you are.
What are some of the challenges you face?
Simply getting the product out there and in front of people. Not just in the marketing sense and making sure that people know that Genesee Beard Co. exists, but actually fulfilling the orders as a one man operation. Everything is mixed and bottled by hand right here by myself.
Do you have any advice for up and coming entrepreneurs in the Rochester area?
Just go for it. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and no idea where I was going. As I watched my expenses grow before I had even launched the product, I began doubting myself. I'm just happy now that I never gave up and pushed forward.
Dave Meleca is the one-man operation behind Genesee Beard Co., a beard oil company based and produced in the good ol' Rochester. He is a supporter of the local business community and you'll often find him in a kayak.
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