Where You Want To Be In CT

Joe Garzi

Southridge Technology Group

246 Federal Road, Suite B-12, Brookfield

(203) 788-tech

www.southridgetechnology.com

Growth, innovation and change are what keeps Joe Garzi motivated and ahead of his competition. Unlike most of us, Joe loves learning new systems and about new technology whether reading the Sharp Catalog, or browsing the aisles of Best Buy.  One of his favorite past times is exploring new products.  He labels himself a true techno geek.

Far from beginning in technology, Joe majored in Business, Finance and Accounting and found himself working in those departments at Cartus Relocation.  His affinity to efficiency, communication and systems found him creating software program connecting multiple departments and became known as the in-house systems efficiency specialist, eventually becoming the head of the IT Department..  When downsizing and a move to Maryland seemed imminent, Joe was hired away and landed eventually at Southridge Capital who became his partner in the offshoot venture of the IT Company Southridge Technology.  The sole owner since 2010,  Joe has grown the company to include 15 technicians and 5 administrative people and has been honored multiple times by INC5000 which tracks the fastest growing companies in the US. He plans to open a third location in White Plains this coming year.

Labeling himself a computer detective, he does free technology assessments for companies in order to find potential security breaches along with efficiency improvements of current systems. He prides himself as not just selling and installing technology but also counseling and advising his clients with honesty and integrity so that they have the right tools.  One of his many niche markets are health care providers as he is HIPAA certified.  The combination of technology and a business background enables Joe to always be concerned with the bottom line investment for the client.  He is able to listen to his client’s needs and to wrap the technology around their business model..

Joe and his wife, Brenda, enjoy leisurely scenic bike rides with their grown children.  They are anticipating a wedding next month and also spend time following the professional soccer career of their son who plays for the Rochester Rhinos.

What is Thought Leadership?

            Thought Leadership is sharing information of value to your Target Audience. Instead of SELLING your company or your services you are positioning yourself as an expert in your field and the “go to” person for information.

Why is Thought Leadership Effective?

• Builds your reputation.
• Establishes your expertise.
• Answers questions from your Target Market
• It is virtually FREE.
• You Learn By Doing.
• Starts a conversation with your Target market.
• It ATTRACTS your ideal client to you.
• It positions you as top of mind in your industry

What Can You Share?

• Industry Trends
• Industry Statistics or Fun Fact
• Ask a Questions
• Answer a Question.
• Indentify or Recommend a Resource Person.
• Information from a Related Professional.
• Book Review
• Seminar Recap
• Valuable Link
• Article of Interest

How Can You Share It?

• Speaking Engagements
• Hand Outs
• Blog and Post where your Target will see in
• Articles for publication
• Enewsletters- Constant Contact
• Email Distribution Lists
• Videos and Webinars
• Snail Mail

SHARE OF MIND= SHARE OF MARKET

Eighteen Members of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce meet at Jesters for the twice monthly meeting of the Business Before Breakfast Group. Meeting the First and Third Friday of each month at 8:00 AM, the group is open to all and averages 12-25 attendees.  Today’s TABLE TOPIC was, how do you sooth your sole when you are sad?  It was evident from the discussion that people fell into one of 4 categories:

1. Needing solitude to think sleep, reflect and meditate
2. Needing to surround themselves with close family and friends
3. Doing exhausting physical work or exercise
4. Spending time with nature. Taking a walk or going out on the lake.

We questioned why each of us needed such different stimulation to reset our moods. We wondered if it had to do with our zoological signs, our blood types or maybe the cause of our sadness.  It was agreed that just a change or tempo and scenery will get you “out of your own head”, and change your outlook.  Some can do it by mentally detaching while others need physicality.  What was apparent each reached this reset differently.

It is always an eye opener that we face the same issues but also interesting the differences in how we cope with them. No one mentioned mindless eating which is this author’s chosen method. One thing is for certain, everyone always leaves the group inspired and upbeat to face another business day.  What do you think?

Kristy Gentile

Community Engagement Director

Doctors Express

(203) 525-6924

2 Main Street, Danbury

Health Care is changing daily and Doctors Express offers a new model for a needed niche in this industry. Doctors Express is an urgent care center providing care for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries such as, broken bones, fractures, cuts, flu, allergies and ear infections.  They’re open every day; Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm and Sat. & Sun. from 8am – 5pm.  Most insurance is accepted and no appointments are needed.

Not intended to replace the family doctor, the vision of the company is to provide service for the segment who either cannot get in to see their regular doctor fast enough or does not have a primary care doctor.  They’ll treat and send a full report to the patient’s primary care doctor or refer the patient to a primary care doctor or specialist, if needed. Also for those traveling, moving to the area without a doctor, or anyone needing assistance after regular office hours, it is the perfect alternative.  Kristy also points out that Doctors Express also provides Occupational Health for employers; pre-employment physicals, drug screens, vaccinations, care for Workers’ Comp Cases,  and DOT physicals and drug screens as well as vaccinations and many other tests.

The marketing of this new concept falls on Kristy Gentile. Although Kristy and her 16 year old daughter are residents of Oxford, she is an active member of our Brookfield Chamber of Commerce.  Kristy is a lesson in persistence and focus on a goal.  A young, single mom found Kristy supporting her daughter as a phlebotomist at Danbury Hospital while attending Southern and graduating with a B.S.degree in Public Health.  After graduating and an extensive job search, Kristy found her first job as the marketing director for a nursing home in Derby.  As luck would have it,  the home went on strike shortly after Kristy joining the staff.  She was challenged to sell “rooms” for a nursing home with minimal staff and picketers outside.  Keeping her options open she was recruited by a Danbury Nursing Home, which also ended up going on strike.  Soon afterwards, she was fortunate to find a HOME with Doctors Express and has loved every minute of her employment there.  Her job is twofold: to raise awareness about the services offered through community outreach, networking, creating ads and social media and to develop relationships with local doctors and specialists to whom to refer patients.

Besides being involved in the activities of her daughter, Kristy has recently found more time for herself and has been playing on an adult Kickball League. She also spends most of her spare time with her furry child, a very large Bull Mastiff.

 

73 Players participated in the 2014 McCaffrey Friday Night Networking League.  Playing 14 weeks throughout the summer, the league culminated today with its end of the year tournament and awards.  On a gorgeous fall like da,y good friends and new acquaintances took to the course.  Playing a scramble format, tournament winners scoring a respectable 8 under par were Kevin McCaffrey, John Scanlon andJay Fiebich.   Second placed went to the team of Ray and Ryan Kish, Mike Malone and Bob Schindhelm, with the third place finish going to league regulars, Vin Racqula, Jodi Racqula, Maura Keenan and Nick Kroot. Long Drive winners were Ryan Kish and Marie Miszewski.  Closest to the pin were John Scanlon and Maura Keenan.  Organizers Kevin and Linda McCaffrey congratulate all of our winners.

Accumulating points each week for wins as well as for weekly contests, this year saw 2 first time league winners.  Nick Kroot and Paige O’Brien were recognized as the 2014 League Champions joining the elite group which include two time winner, Brian Callahan, Marie Miszewski and Michele Varno.

Major contributors to the success of this year’s league included Michele Varno who was responsible for all of the scheduling and parings as well as for running the Webster Bank  50/50 Tee Raffle.  Unfortunately, due to a back injury, Michele was unable to participate in the last weeks of the league and her absence was felt.  Sharon Gialo filled in with the staging and 50/50 raffle and also produced our end of the year video montage.  Brian Callahan of Schoff Darby Insurance, Devon/John Scanlon- new owners of Chick-fil-A and Marie Miszewski of the Regional YMCA donated major raffle prizes.  Other contributors were Jim Bixby of Godfather Promotions, Judy Wilson of Minuteman Printing, Helen Curtin of Edward Jones, Paul Peloquin from Ridgefield Overhead Door,  Shayne Newman of Yardapes and of course, Linda and Kevin McCaffrey or McCaffrey Professionals of Coldwell Banker.

Because there had been no winners of the weekly Webster Banker Tee 50/50 the pot had grown and the $560 winners share was finally won today by Susie Cammett.

It was a great year.  Thank you to all of our enthusiastic participants.

 

 

Entering week nine of the summer McCaffrey Golf League, the team of Nick Kroot, Michael DeCosta, Maura Keenan and Jody Rajcula took the honors with a one stoke lead over the next two closest teams.  The league that meets Friday afternoons at Candlewood Valley Golf Club is a social, networking league that plays nine holes with varying contests leading up to the end of year tournament.  This week, points were awarded not only to the top foursome but also for hitting the greens in regulation, one putting and chipping in from the fairway.  Points are accumulated during the 12 week season for yearend prizes.

 League leaders going in to the final three weeks include Brian Callahan, Mike Decosta, Nick Kroot,  Maura Keenan, Jodi Racjula, Kevin McCaffrey, Marie Miszewski, Mitch Miszewski,  and Vin Racjula.

 

There is still time to play in this fun group.  The first 40 golfers who sign up to play each week get the sought after spots.  So far this year 66 different players have participated in the league.  The last three weeks of play will include 9 hole this coming Friday starting at 4:00, 18 holes on Saturday August 16^th starting at 9:00 AM and a shotgun tournament on Saturday 23^rd starting at 9:00.  To play contact Michele Varno at mvarno@websterbank.com. Cost of play is $33 for 9 holes including the cart.

text

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!