The magazine for alumni and friends of the UB School of Management
Issue link: http://ubschoolofmanagement.uberflip.com/i/1538623
24 Buffalo Business | AI AND BUSINESS ANALYTICS SOCIAL IMPACT OF MANAGEMENT BUSINESS OF CLIMATE CHANGE INNOVATION, ENTREPREURSHP AND LEADERSHIP Alumni Impact Nicholas Cognetto, BS '14, in his shop, Northstar Bikes, under the store's neon motto. Photo: Hayden Harter W hen cyclists roll into Northstar Bikes on a Saturday morn- ing aer a group ride, they are greeted by a large neon sign inside the shop that reads, "If you're here, you made it." For co-owner Nicholas Cognetto, BS '14, those words are more than just a tagline; they are a commitment to make cycling accessi- ble and welcoming for everyone, from first-time riders to veteran cyclists. "Cycling can be intimidating. It can be hard to walk into a bike shop, especially if you have never ridden before or think you're not experienced enough," Cognetto says. "But cycling is about fun and freedom. To us, your background or your ability doesn't matter. The first step is walking in, being there and showing up." Together with fellow UB alumnus and co-owner Hayden Harter, Cognetto has helped grow Northstar Bikes beyond a place that pro- vides high quality bikes and service. Their goal is to create commu- nity, connection and provide a sanctuary for cycling enthusiasts and beginners. Each month, the shop organizes activities across various disci- plines and skill levels: group rides that end in coffee and bagels, Ped- al and Pints brewery tours, bikepacking workshops and mountain bike demos throughout New York State and beyond. Cognetto uses platforms like Strava and Discord to keep the momentum going on- line, helping cyclists stay engaged and connected beyond the shop. "We thrive on community outreach — anything we can do to get more people involved in cycling," says Cognetto. For the 2025 Ride for Roswell, Northstar stood out as the only major bike tech shop on-site, tuning up bikes and helping partici- pants get road ready. The shop also partners with Wheels for Work- ers 716, a local nonprofit that supports Buffalo's resettled families by providing bicycles and helmets to those without reliable transporta- tion to work. Cognetto is part of a growing group of School of Management alumni who are channeling their passions to redefine wellness in their communities and across the globe, from building better sleep habits to fostering healthier, more active lifestyles. HOW ALUMNI ARE TURNING PASSIONS CHAMPIONING WELLNESS INTO POWERFUL IMPACT By Alexandra Richter