By Kim Anderson
STONY POINT, NY— Brion Hayman, a longtime Stony Point Town resident known for his work in education, business and community engagement, is continuing to widen his reach with Bare Wires, the interview podcast he launched after building a studio from the ground up on his property. His newest episode features U.S. Congressman Mike Lawler, who represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, an area that includes all or parts of Rockland, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties.
Hayman, who notably was an ardent supporter and investor in an effort to transform Letchworth Village into an anchor property for Stony Point – has a storied background that spans decades – including as teacher, coach, businessman, musician…and snowboard instructor on weekends. In the latest chapter of his life, he decided to create a high-quality studio for podcasting with a variety of guests that include immigrants, artists, government officials, Priests, community advocates and entrepreneurs.
The only criteria for guests: Speak with both mind and heart.
Hayman’s Entrepreneurial Journey Spans Decades
Hayman’s story is one of range and reinvention. Over the years, Brion has served as a teacher and coach in the North Rockland Central School District, built multiple businesses, worked in environmental services for Letchworth Village, operated in real estate, and led Gateway Building Services, a commercial janitorial and maintenance company serving clients across the tri-state region.
In a recent one-hour conversation with Tom Ossa from Rockland News, Hayman made clear that one theme ties those experiences together: a commitment to constant learning, steady self-improvement and a willingness to take on new challenges.
That mindset is what led him into podcasting. Hayman said Bare Wires grew out of a moment that challenged his assumptions about another person – who was unassumingly an award-winning author. “I was in awe, because I had already made a decision as to who this person was, which many people do – especially these days. And I come to find out that he’s not only an author, but he’s an award-winning author in the Dominican Republic. And I decided then and there, that I’m going to do this podcast.”
Brian’s epiphany pushed him to create an entire studio where people could tell deeper, more human stories. Rather than simply launching a show, he immersed himself in the process — learning production, researching guests, refining format, and assembling a professional studio setup to support long-form conversations.
The result is a podcast centered on resilience, reinvention and lived experience. Hayman’s guests have included business leaders, public officials, musicians, young changemakers and people whose lives have been shaped by hardship, recovery or personal transformation.
His newest release with US Congressman Mike Lawler continued that approach, shifting attention to one of the region’s most visible political figures, while keeping the focus on story and perspective rather than pure politics.
Currently, there are over a dozen episodes available, via, YouTube, Spotify and Apple. For TV viewers of podcasts, the YouTube version is noted to be useful for watching the repartee’ between host and guest.
The Letchworth Village Project: Rear View Mirror
Setbacks seem to have not stopped Brion, merely return to his instinct to learn and try new things in life.
In 2021, Hayman – alongside several notable business partners – famously pursued a proposal to purchase and redevelop the Letchworth Village site in Stony Point, with the goal of creating what he described as an “anchor” project for the community—one that would generate local jobs, attract visitors, and provide a stable economic foundation for the town’s future.
Despite years of research, inspections of the site, and presentations to Town residents and officials, the plan was met with derision and contempt by a small group of local environmental advocates, who unapologetically shouted down Brion and his partners at a public presentation, while his team attempted to provide PowerPoint and Excel overviews, and human answers.
Listen to Brion Hayman’s story on Rockland News – Spotify or Apple
Despite the referendum that was ultimately declined by townsfolk, Brion held no hard feelings. When asked during Brion’s interview with Rockland News last week (31 minute mark), he reflected his original purpose for the Letchworth plan. “I felt that that would be an anchor for the community — not only for revenues but for identity. It would basically say, ‘This is Stony Point and Tompkins Cove’s identity. We have it, and we don’t need anything else.’”
Brion added that thoughtful redevelopment of a long-vacant property would replace deteriorating structures with a destination that would expand its tax base, and encourage complementary businesses to grow around it. Hayman said he still believes that carefully planned future investment at the site will help shape Stony Point’s long-term economic stability and community character.
Hayman then turned the topic to another lifelong passion: Reading and audiobooks. “Every book that I read, and I read a lot – I enjoy. I don’t randomly choose books. I do a little research on it. I just finished Team of Rivals, which was a great book by Doris Kearns.”
Next Chapter: Quality Interviews
Throughout his career, Hayman has filled many roles, including educator, athletic coach, entrepreneur, environmental business operator, commercial cleaning and maintenance executive, real estate investor. He has also been a mentor to younger business owners, nonprofit supporter, volunteer snowboard instructor (on weekends) – and is now a podcast host and producer.
With Bare Wires, Hayman has added yet another chapter to that record.
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