We love to hear from our listeners! Click HERE to send us a text! (Mobile Devices Only)

In this episode of Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store, Joe Slichko and Erica Cubello talk about one of the most recognizable—and most frequently asked about—symbols in Albany:

Nipper.

If you’ve ever visited Fort Orange General Store, you’ve likely seen the iconic dog featured throughout the shop. And if you’re from out of town, you’ve probably asked the same question they hear almost every day:

“Who is that dog?”

Joe and Erica start with the story they often share with customers—explaining Nipper’s connection to RCA, the famous image of the dog listening to a phonograph, and how a massive statue of him still sits on a building in Downtown Albany today.

From there, they dive deeper into the history of Nipper, exploring where he came from, how he became a global advertising icon, and why he continues to hold such a strong connection to Albany across generations.

They discuss:

• The origins of Nipper and the “His Master’s Voice” image
• How RCA helped turn Nipper into a worldwide symbol
• The history of the Nipper statue in Albany
• Local traditions and public art installations
• Why certain symbols become deeply tied to a city’s identity

But the episode doesn’t stop with history.

It shifts into something more personal.

Joe and Erica share how Nipper’s presence in their store has shaped customer experience—and how, over time, their own dog Rue has become a beloved part of Fort Orange General Store.

From greeting customers at the door to becoming a familiar face for regulars (and even inspiring her own merchandise), Rue has taken on a role they never planned—but now couldn’t imagine the store without.

They reflect on:

• How customers connect with Rue in unexpected ways
• The role of personality in a retail space
• How something small can become part of a brand’s identity
• The way business and family life naturally blend together

At its core, this episode is about more than a famous dog.

It’s about connection—between people, places, and the stories that bring them together.

Because sometimes what people remember most about a business…

isn’t just what you sell.

It’s how it makes them feel.

Keywords: Nipper Albany NY, RCA dog history, Albany landmarks, Fort Orange General Store, small business storytelling, retail customer experience, shop dog, small business podcast, entrepreneurship, entrepre

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Small Business, Big Life: Inside Fort Orange General Store.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Every follow, share, and review helps support a growing independent podcast and small business.

📍 Visit us in person:
Fort Orange General Store – Downtown Albany, NY

🛍️ Shop online:
fortorangegeneralstore.com

📲 Follow along on social:
Instagram: @fortorangegeneralstore

💬 Join the conversation:
Have a question, topic idea, or small business story you’d like us to cover? Send us a message or leave a comment—we’d love to hear from you.

🎙️ New episodes drop weekly, sharing honest conversations about entrepreneurship, marriage, parenting, and the beautiful chaos of building a life and business together.

Until next time—thanks for supporting small business, community, and real stories.

Help us keep the mics on and show your support: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/2UYW9XX4NX2HW