Located at 51 Austin Street in Danbury CT, the proceeds of this Thrift Store benefits Habitat for Humanity.  Several of the Realtors from McCaffrey Realty Professionals recently visited this large warehouse to see how it could benefit their Buyers and Seller.  The organization provides new houses, built through the efforts of volunteers for moderate income families who have an income of between $50,000-$75,000 annually.  The organization is currently taking applications for a New Milford residence that is nearing completion.  The home will be “sold” to the accepted candidate for about 70% of market value..about $220,000 with no money down and zero percent financing.Continue Reading

MYTH: Working harder will get you to the next level in your business. 

It is NOT about the number of hours you work but what you accomplish during that time. The expression work smart not harder indicates that more time should be spent on developing strategies and being introspective regarding goals and priorities. More time needs to be spent on strategic thinking and planning.

 At a recent meeting of local business people of various professionals, the questions was asked, “What one thing will you do to move that needle of success for your business..” This is an extensive list but it will give you some ideas how to identify your one focus that will help you “move the needle” to improve your business.   

BE MORE VISIBLE:

• On Line: The importance of being able to be found online was discussedwith an emphasis on more effective websites, keywords and the importance of a strong social media platform for your business
• Thought Leadership: Highlight you expertise through seminars, blogs and handouts.
• Events and Tradeshows: Several upcoming opportunities were highlighted including sponsoring Chamber Events, nonprofit festivals and fund raising efforts of different organizations.

BE MORE ORGANIZED:

• Manage Your Datebases: Keeping track of and “touching” past and present clients through an up to date database is key to a successful business. A regular email enewsletter, drip campaign or mailings help keep clients. As much time should be spent on keeping current and past clients as on developing new businessStaff Up: Hiring and training needs to be done before an increase in business volume to insure continual top service.
• Create Job Descriptions: Multiple people in the same organization duplicating responsibilities causes confusion and potentially conflict. Clearly defined roles and expectations helps relieve stress and realizes efficiencies.
• Improve Processes: Every task needs a process: from answering the phone to how to “onboard” a new client. The process should be in writing so everyone in the organization is clear. Processes should be reviewed periodically for efficiency.

LEVERAGING CONNECTIONS:

• Co-marketing: Finding those symbiotic industries with whom you do not compete but who you have the same client base and then referring back and forth or doing events together will increase the results of your individual efforts
• Testimonials: Getting testimonials to use in brochures or to put on line from satisfied clients adds credibility which will help build trust with potential clients.
• Find Resources: Spend time searching for people that will help you in your business or will be of value for your clients.
• Build Your Team: Developing people in your organization through training and mentoring takes time away from “selling or prospecting” but will grow your bottom line through their increased competence. The more proficient your team becomes, the fewer problems will occur and the less time you will need to spend answering questions and overseeing work.

ADD CLIENTS:

• Add Equipment:   Adding a new piece of equipment might help you to be able to service a new type of client.
• Define a Niche: Identify and pursue a new type of client.
• Identify Your Key Clients: By understanding who your best clients are, continually providing value to them, being continually visible will result in more orders and referrals from them.
• Stay Relevant: You need to provide value to your clients. You need to be continually aware that the industry, market conditions and client expectations change.

GROW PERSONALLY:

• Learn: Spend time every day reading, listening to webinars, going to seminars or interviewing and meeting with business owners who you admire
• Say NO: Whenever you say YES to something, you are saying NO to something else. Stay focused on your priorities and which activities feed your success.
• Let Go: The ultimate goal is to delegate or to outsource anything that keeps you from being with your clients. Also reflect periodically about efforts, activities and marketing and decide if they are worth the expense or time.
• Take Time Off: Working too hard “in the weeds” causes burnout, loss of productivity and leaves no time to plan or to think strategically.
• Practice Self Discipline: Define and establish new habits. Managing time means managing yourself and your habits based on your goals and priorities.

 

The definition of insanity is expecting different results but continuing to do the same activities. What habits do you need to focus on to change so that you can move the needle of your business??

The market is not what it was in 2005-2006 but in 2016 we had a pretty “normal’’ market. It is a statistical fact that 25% of homes listed in our area sell within 30 days. It is also true that about as many homes fail to sell during the listing period. Why is that? Here are some possibilities which may, or may not, apply to you and your property.Continue Reading

I know that you go to many networking events, hand out business cards and collect dozens  The question comes to mind- WHY and WHAT do you do with them when you get back to the office?  This question was raised as the “Table Topic” at the most recent meeting of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce, Business Before Breakfast.  According to Michael Goldstein of Unlimited Signs and Designs, he makes bricks out of them and has enough to build a house.  Michael, it turns out, is one of the few people at the table who has a process to deal with these cards.

We always start with THE END IN MIND, to quote Steven Covey.  Why do we collect business cards?  Here are some of the reasons that I heard…Continue Reading

With the seasonal rush of business that is typical to most businesses in the Spring, Summer and early Fall most of us are looking at a little more “free” time coming into the colder months. The question was raised at a meeting of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce Business Before Breakfast, “How are you preparing your business for the winter?” What seemed like a simple question raised some very helpful and insightful answers.

• RELAX- Some use this time just to recharge, take vacations and spend time with neglected family members. Others noted eating differently, taking more vitamins and using different products for skin and hair. It is time to use that gym membership to overcome seasonal blues. It might also be a good time to get some of those PERSONAL projects completed like renewing a passport, revising your will, or painting a room.

 

• LEARN- Taking classes to improve knowledge and skills was discussed. Reading those important trade journals and the latest business book are a great use of a little extra time. Getting a new designation or learning a new computer program, contact management system or IPhone app were suggested 

 

• EDUCATE- An informed customer is the best customer. Developing materials to explain your industry with statistics or helpful tips was mentioned. Other ideas included writing a series of blogs or designing a class or seminar to be pulled out when needed. A good use of this time might include becoming a Though Leader and developing a resource library to use later when opportunities present themselves but when your time might be tight to prepare. Some industries had seasonal products or services that they needed to communicate to their target markets….gym memberships, heat tape for roofs, snow plow offers. 

 

• ORGANIZE- Updating data bases, ordering depleted supplies, redoing marketing materials, updating websites, cleaning out files were thought to be good use of the slower time of year.

 

• CONNECT- From contacting past clients to client appreciation, thank you gifts and holiday cards, the consensus was that it is not the best time to hibernate. It is the time to cement and foster existing relationships with clients and referral partners as well as with staff and co-workers. 

 

• PRIORITIZE- Most people think of this time of business planning and that this is a crucial but laborious activity. Think of it instead as a time to decide which activities, organizations, products, and habits you are going to STOP doing so that you can concentrate on what is IMPORTANT to you and the growth of your company. 

 

• PLAN FOR GROWTH- The slow part of the year is the time to hire and train staff. This is the time to prepare for expansion to investigate a new business model or try out a new computer system or product. During the rest of the year you will not have the time or energy.

In summary, don’t waste this time of year by lamenting how slow your business is. Be prepared to work remotely when roads are treacherous but how you use these next 4 months…November, December, January and February will set the foundation for your business for the rest of the year. Think of this as your opportunity to work ON yourself and your business while the rest of the year is working predominantly IN your business. It is only through growing yourself, your ideas and your skills that you will you grow your business and this time of year provides you the space you need to do just that. 

 

“Those we can, Do…Those who can do MORE, Volunteer”

Those Members of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce who have donated their time and talent were honored at an Awards Breakfast generously provided by the Village at Brookfield Commons. Giving support to enable the Chamber to pursue its vision of providing Education, Visibility, Connection and Service over 40 Members were noted for their contributions.   From Venue Hosts to Board of Directors, Speakers, Newsletter Contributors, Committee Members, it truly takes a core of dedicated Members to provide the Brookfield Chamber Experience.

Mistress of Ceremonies, Linda McCaffrey, noted that last year over 62.6 million people in the United States volunteered which accounted for 27% of the total population. This accounted for 7.7 Billon hours of service with a value to the economy of $173 Billion. She noted that volunteerism among Church and Educational group are increasing while involvement in civic, political and professional organization are declining thus making the Chamber Volunteers especially appreciated.

Benefits of Volunteering were noted and include personal benefits such as improved health, stress reduction, learning opportunities, increased self esteem, development of empathy, discovering hidden talents, and finding resources. In the community, volunteering saves resources, improves schools, supports families, beautifies the community and supports local initiatives and causes. Volunteering encourages civic responsibility and is an investment in our community and in the people who live in it.

 

Our 2015 Volunteers represent business professionals as well as school administrators, and government officials. Thank you to Lisa Allaby, Scott Benjamin, Judy Brackenrig, Candee Caldwell, Chase Caldwell, Ellen Cavallo, Helen Curtin, Jon Duree, Marie Dupree, David Fernandez, Mark Gerber, Dipak Ghosh, Sharon Giallo, Matthew Gioglio, Michale Goldstein, Susan Hallmann, Mark Jewett, Patty Kane, Hal Kurfehs, Marty Landgrebe, Carlos Lara, Joan Locke, Rebecca Lollie, Kevin McCaffrey, Linda McCaffrey, Susa Merlo, Kurt Miller, Marie Miszewski, Jon Monro, Karl Noivadhana, Patty Passarelllu, Judith Pennington, Jacqueline Salame,, Devon Scanlon, Leigh Schltz, Richard Starkins, Chris Taylor, Lauren Texiera, Melanie Turnner, Marcie Tweedy, Linda Wagner, Drew Wagner, Lori Zezza.

Abigail Adams

Landscape Architect

A2 Land Consulting, LLC

(845) 531-1504

246 Federal Road, Suite B-23, Brookfield

Upon entering Law School, Abigail knew immediately that it was not her passion. Having majored in English Literature and thus having a creative nature, she went back to her childhood, remembering the joy of seeing the big equipment of the landscapers and the tranquility found in a well designed outdoor space. Moving to Maine she took a horticulture class at the University of Maine and proceeded to get her Masters in Landscape Architecture. She had found her purpose and passion.

Abigail still owns a vacation home on 30 acres in Maine and started her career in Yarmouth. Better opportunities landed her first with a firm in New Canaan, CT and then with CCA, LLC here in Brookfield. While at CCA she learned the technical side of the industry so she could take the testing to go from landscape designer to landscape architect. While at CCA, she was able to learn from and partner with engineers, land use attorneys, wetland scientists and other professionals which provide her with a wide base of resources. Recently she opened her own firm, A2 Land Consulting which will give her the flexibility to work with a wider variety of clients. 

What Abigail loves about her career is that no two days are the same. To take a concept and a vision of one of her clients and see the plan come together and take on a life and energy of its own is what inspires her. She creates a SENSE OF PLACE, designing inspirational spaces that connect the “built” environment to the natural environment. Her best clients include not only homeowners but also the owners of commercial spaces and land developers.  

Her key to success is to always be connecting with people, growing, and as she put it, “finding new ways to blossom”. She also credits her success to hiring a business coach early on who has made her focus on who she needs to connect with and also how to have meaningful sales conversations with a variety of people.

Abigail currently lives in Carmel NY with her husband, Jason, and seven year old daughter, Chloe. Chloe, she noted, is very theatrical, and is one of 3 cousins on Abigail’s side who are all the same age. Jason works for Lexus of Mt. Kisco. She enjoys Yoga, spending time in Maine and doing anything outside.

 

Carlos R. Lara

Assistant Treasurer, Branch Manager

Newtown Savings Bank

(203) 364-2918

99 Federal Road, Brookfield  

We would like to Welcome Carlos Lara as the new Brookfield Branch Manager of Newtown Savings Bank.  He has over nine years of customer service experience, as well as an extensive background in sales and the financial services industry.  He strives to provide excellent customer service to new and returning customers alike and is truly embracing his management role. He builds relationships by asking questions to get to know the needs of his clients – he has your best interest in mind.   

Carlos recently received his Bachelor of Science from Albertus Magnus College with a Major in Marketing.  He looks forward to pursuing his MBA in the near future. 

Carlos has been with Newtown Savings Bank for 2 years and enjoys the culture of a community bank.  The Bank has offered him relevant and extensive training on both products and working with clients to provide the best customer experience.  He is excited about the Bank’s flexibility and range of products and services offered.  He is looking forward to the opportunities that await him in Brookfield; he is appreciative for the chance at professional growth and the ability to make a positive impact within the Bank.  

Carlos is bi-lingual, also being fluent in Spanish. He is energetic and embraces change and innovation. He feels his key to success is never being complacent. He is hungry for professional growth and seeks out those opportunities. 

Carlos lives in Shelton and is engaged. Their free time is spent hiking with their dog Luna, visiting breweries and wineries in the area. He is also an avid Football fan, following the Saints. Drop by the branch to speak with Carlos about the variety of programs that Newtown Saving Bank might offer to make your financial options more attractive. From Personal & Business Deposit accounts, credit lines, investment products, insurance or mortgages, they have products that will help you or your company move forward.

 

 

 

Rodanthi Manousakis

Chef Rody

My Chef to Go

(203) 522-9445

594 Federal Road, Brookfield

Meet Chef Rody. She is fairly new to the Greater Danbury Area, originally from Montreal Canada, now living in Ridgefield. She ended up here when met and fell for Tim, a charismatic gentleman living in Connecticut. The long distance relationship blossomed and Rody joined Tim in the USA.

Rody is a Chef who put herself through Culinary School while raising two, now grown boys. Her training is in the French Culinary Cuisine. The focus is on techniques that bring out the most flavors in food naturally 

After graduating, Chef Rody worked in various restaurants, including Universel Desjeuners, a popular restaurant in Downtown Montreal. Here she got her first experience as an executive Chef, setting up the kitchen, ordering supplies, cooking, creating new menu items and managing the kitchen staff.  A couple of years later, Rody left the restaurant business to pursue her passions, which led her to become a Personal Chef. 

Rody founded My Chef To Go, and set up shop here in Brookfield in 2014.  Services include a Personal Chef Service which aims to “Make Your Dinner Simple”. Cooking is done in the client’s home. Chefs and their kitchen helper grocery shop, cook, portion dinners in single serving containers, and clean up the kitchen. All you need to do is heat and eat. A company philosophy is cooking from scratch. They use original recipes and fresh ingredients purchased by the Chef that morning. 

Personal Chefs are not like Private Chefs. Rather than working with one client, Personal Chefs work with many clients making the cost more affordable. Preparations of five complete meals for 4 people, including shopping and clean up take approximately 6 hours. The company charges 60$/ hour. Chefs and their kitchen helpers travel and work as a team. The Chefs must be certified. The company is bonded, insured and all employees go through a background check.

The process begins with a FREE consultation to assess needs, allergies and food preferences.   

Her vision for her new enterprise is to give people back much needed time. “By letting    My Chef To Go do the shopping and cooking you will have more time, approximately 7-10 hours a week to do more important things“.  

Just like busy people outsource landscaping, house cleaning and other time consuming but necessary tasks, she believes that it is cost effective and healthier to outsource food shopping and meal preparation instead of wasting food or eating processed food from a box or a quick serve restaurant.

To introduce you to the Chef and the menu items My Chef To Go is offering 6 hours for the price of 3, definitely a treat for a busy or stressful time. Call Chef Rody for pricing and details or visit her website at www.mycheftogo.com 

They also cook for Special Events, and offer personalized Private Cooking Lessons in your home. The services are especially popular as gifts for birthdays, for a new Mom and Dad, a client appreciation, or new graduates heading off on their own, new brides, employee reward, Mother’s Day gifts. The list does go on!!

Her key to success and her advice is to, “be good and take care of yourself FIRST! Nourish your body, mind and soul. Then you will be able to take care of the people and things you love.”  Rody makes time to enjoy canoeing and working out at the gym.  On her “Bucket List” is to visit every Baseball Park in the country.

 

 

 

Dr. Steven Reiss

Annamarie Faubel

The Dental Team

(203) 775-1771

109 Federal Road, Brookfield

 Dr. Reiss has become a household name in Brookfield as he has been practicing dentistry for 36 years, 29 years at his present location on Federal Road in Brookfield. He has served three and sometimes 4 generations within a family.Continue Reading