​Author: Ariss Maher, BSU Student

Question: So, let’s start with are you from this local area?
Answer: Always has been in the South Shore Area. Grew up in Quincy, Massachusetts and now lives in Weymouth, Massachusetts. 
 
Q: Tell me about your business.
A: It's a mobile raw bar service. Catering for weddings, parties, breweries, and other events big or small. The food on the menu consists of a variety of local, fresh seafood options for example Oysters, shrimp, clams, ceviches, lobster salads etc. Services are offered in the South shore area and greater Boston area.
 
Q: Why did you choose this line of business?
A: Has been in the Restaurant industry for years and had access to a restaurant to work out of. So the setup was minimal and an easy starting point to get right into.
 
Q: When did it start?  What Year?
A: It started at the end of the summer of 2017. In the spring of 2019 however is when it really started to take off.
 
Q: What was it that made you want to start this business?
A:  Was working in a restaurant for several years and wanted to branch off and do something for himself in the same industry.

​Q: What was the toughest thing you went through when opening? What inspired you to keep going as you were getting the business off the ground?
A: Opening was relatively easy due to the connections in the restaurant industry. It was a minimal investment overall. The inspiration to keep going is being around people, the love for food, and just having a good time.
 

Q: If you had to start over from day 1, what would you have done differently?
A:  Would have started the business sooner and not been hesitant to start. Also, purchased a smaller van with a lower payment.
 
​Q: What is the toughest part about having a business in 2020?
A: For a small business that only is part-time, the fees and taxes involved can be tough to compensate.
 
Q: What is the number 1 way you currently bring in new customers?
A: Social media, online, and connections in the Restaurant industry.
 
Q: Has Internet technology (website, online ads, social media, etc.) played a big part in your growth and making your company more successful?
A: Internet technology has been the main source for the growth in the company. So yes, It has played a very big part in making the company successful.
 
Q: If a customer was to choose between your business and 3 others just like it why would you suggest they at least give you a try first?  What makes you stand out?
A: In general this business is very unique and not very common. It is specialized and provides only but the freshest seafood and ingredients.
 
Q: If you had to look 6 months to a year into the future where would you like to see your business be?
A: Hopefully to be full-time and maybe a store front for the company.

Contact Lir Raw Bar Service via:
 
Website: www.lirrawbarservice.com
Email: Lirrawbarservice@gmail.com
Facebook: @Lirrawbarservice
Instagram: @lirrawbarservice

​Author: William Watts, BSU student

​I’ve seen what it takes to run a business up close and personal for about my whole life. My father, Robert Watts, has owned a gym floor refinishing business, Gymnasium floors Inc., since 2001. I remember going to work with him when I was younger but never understood what it really took until I started to get older and eventually end up working for him. I was lucky enough to sit down and ask him questions about the business and what is needed to be successful. He first explained how he ended up owning the business and the story behind it, “…I was in sales at the time when my uncle called me. He asked me what I wanted to do, and I explained that I wanted to own a business. And my uncle was telling me that his friend was selling a business. He got us in touch and a few months later I ended up purchasing the business.” Being a new business owner, my dad had to overcome difficulties, “It was a gymnasium floor business…I didn’t have any knowledge or expertise in the field, but my background was in sales, and I knew I could sell. But now I had to learn how to run a business.” He explained the new challenges that came along, “…I had to manage the business, there’s vans, employees, payroll. And I found that to be difficult.”
 
I then asked my dad what he would have done differently when he first started out, “I don’t know if I’d do anything differently, I look back on it and I think I’ve made a lot of good decisions. And that’s part of it, almost everyday you have to make a decision that’s going to impact the business.” When my dad said that it brought me back to the times, he would remind me about making decisions. This point is true with business and with life. After we talked about the difficulties he had starting out, I asked about the difficulties now in 2020. “because the economy is doing so well, everyone’s employed. And its hard to find employees. Also, everything is changing, there is a lot of rules and regulations to follow because you want to do everything right.”
 
When I started to work for my dad when I was 18, I’d spend every summer refinishing gym floors. I usually call him before I start working on every gym floor just to go over everything so there is no mistakes, my dad talks about what makes this company different than its competitors, “the previous owner was doing about 75-80 gyms a year, and now we are up to 300 if not more every year, my job is to sell and to prove to my customers that we are different. What makes us great is that we treat our customers like our friends. Before we start the gym floor process we go in and teach the customer about the job that is going to take place. Then we go in and do the job, we make sure it is done right. Then after, I go in and teach them how to clean the floor and maintain. We are full circle.” 

​One of the reasons why the company is so successful is because of the employees. I’ve become friends with almost all the employees and enjoy working with them. I have never been around a more hard-working group of people before and it pushes me to become a better worker. My dad also explains how him, and the employees interact about the floors, “I always tell my guys, I just want the floor to be perfect. But it is very difficult to make everything perfect. When I say perfect, I think they know what I mean. And that means doing the very best you can and strive for perfection. So, when I say make it perfect, we know that we are trying to make it as perfect as we can.”
 
I also asked if technology could play a bigger roll in the business. He answered, “of course, we have a great website, but we could definitely improve in that aspect. We are looking into doing YouTube videos and starting up an Instagram account. We should, we could, and we will in the upcoming future.” We always talk about incorporating social media and hopefully I will be able to help in that category.
 
I wrapped up the interview by asking how the company brings in new customers, “…right now its word of mouth, not advertising. We have a very good reputation. Everyone loves our guys and loves doing business with us. It sells itself.”
 
The company is looking forward to another successful summer and always trying to improve after every year and leaving the customer happy. 

Gymnasium Floors Inc. is located at 187 Page St #5 in Stoughton, MA.
​
Contact them via:
Email: rwatts@gymnasiumfloors.com
Phone: 617-293-3452  or  800-870-3577
Website: gymnasiumfloors.com

​Author: Derick DaCosta, BSU student

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of interviewing and speaking to a very intelligent, strong, and persistent owner. Her name is Elizabeth Leitao, and her business is event decor and design. Ms. Leitao and her team sets up and decorate events ranging from weddings, baby showers, bar mitzvah, sweet 16’s, and more.  Since she has always lived in Massachusetts, she can also help clients find venues and halls near them, if they needed.



Liz, as she prefers to be called, chose this business of design and décor based on her love for designing and turning nothing into something spectacular. She always loved designing parties, but what was holding her back was concerns about the profitability of such a business. She thanks her friends and family for plating the seed in her head that she can pursue this career and make money from it. Once she had her children she decided to leave her corporate job as a network engineer for an investment firm and take a chance on herself. Her first event was for her own child on April 3rd, 2010. At that event she received high praise from people attending and through that first event she was able to gain clients who would be interested. From that initial party she was able book a party for the next month. And from that point on Liz never looked back.
​
These times weren’t always easy for Liz though. She did not realize at first that she needed a good amount cash to start with so she could purchase the equipment for the events. She relied heavily on her late husband Tiki Leitao for financial support, along with financial support from her mother and cousin. Her persistence showed true during these times because she took steps to ask for help when she needed. She says before opening up a business it is mandatory to have some capital. Now, her inventory is huge and she does not have to worry about any big events.  The business she works in works on “Net 30’s” which mean she does not get paid for an event until 30 days after, which can be tough and inconvenient for payroll purposes. She admits to struggling in the beginning with this, but she has learned new ways to budget and adjust so that her employees are always paid and she has always has cash in cash something comes up. 

A client would choose Simplistic Charm over a competitor for many reasons. One reason is because it is a business, as opposed to people just doing it for a hobby, with all the requirements of having a business. Secondly, her business not only sets the event up, but once the event is over her team comes back and takes it all down and cleans up. Most other businesses like this will only set it up and leave the cleaning to the person throwing the party. She likes to describe it as a full-service company. Her best method of bringing up new clients is word of mouth. She thanks all her previous clients because they help her bring in new clients by spreading the word. She also thanks free advertising such as Instgram, Facebook, Linked in, Twitter for being an easy way to bring in new clients.
​
She currently employs 28 and takes pride in trusting all her employees to get the job done flawlessly when she cannot supervise. She believes that this method is a lot more effective than micromanaging, but at the same time still being responsible and organized when something isn’t perfect. She talks about building up her team’s confidence and gives all the props to her team. Liz is also prideful and being able to employ people and provide extra income if needed. She currently employs an entire family, and could not be happier to help them out. In my eyes, not a lot of employers care about their employees and for her to say that is honestly incredible. Liz Leiato is an incredibly strong and ambitious woman, whose business will only continue to grow. 

Simplistic Charm is located at 247 Washington St., Suite 21 in Stoughton, MA. Office consultations are by appointment only.
 
Contact them via:
Phone (office): 781-341-3600
Phone (direct): 508-967-5755
Email: info@SimplisticCharm.com
Website: www.simplisticcharm.com
Facebook: @simplisticcharm
Instagram: @simplisticcharm

​Author:  John Sherrick, BSU student

If you’re looking to spruce up your yard, look no further than Pungitore Irrigation & Fertilizer. Unlike many landscaping companies, you may be surprised who answers when you call for a quote. The owner of the company, Mike Pungitore, places special emphasis on customer care and personally responds to the majority of phone calls the business receives.

In 2008, Mike was working in finance after graduating from UNH and felt he was in the wrong field. After 3 years, he went to work for his father’s landscaping company in 2011. For 3 years he learned as much as he possibly could and began planning a new vision for the future. Pungitore Irrigation & Fertilizer was founded in 2014 after Mike left his father’s business. He saw a demand not being met in the market within the industry, namely the irrigation and fertilizer portion, and decided he was the best person to address it.
​
Mike and his wife Danielle have been working together to expand the company for the past 6 years and have found that embracing the challenges with each new chapter of business growth, has allowed them to chart their own course in the industry. When faced with an abundance of work and not enough workers, Mike had to take a step back and decide which direction he wanted to go. Get as many customers as possible and hope for the best, or consider reeling things back to make sure that each customer was getting the attention they deserved. Mike chose the latter and he feels as though his company is all the better for it.

That’s not to say that Pungitore Irrigaton & Fertilizer isn’t looking to grow and expand in the future. In fact, Mike has even hired an office manager to help field some of the calls to the company so he can focus more on meeting with his clients and getting out there to represent his company. Mike and Danielle have also been dipping their toes into the job fair and recruiting arena to help aquire more talent to help take care of their growing customer base.

When you talk to Mike you get a real sense that doing things the right way is a lifestyle not a hobby, and while many would find customer service to be just another part of running a company, he understands that it’s actually at the very core of  what makes a company great.
​
Also, the company is currently hiring both skilled and unskilled personel who are willing to undergo training, so feel free to apply, and join the company on their path of continued success.

If you would like to talk Pungitore Irrigation and see what they can do for your irrigation, fertilizer, and other needs you can contact them via:

Website: www.growyourgrass.com
Email: admin@GrowYourGrass.com   
Phone: 781-780-5912

​Author: Kerby Felix, BSU student

​Caribbean food has always been a favorite for many of us because of the culture that it brings to our lives, and to our taste buds. Family is something that we all value and cherish. My family, the Bernard’s, and the Bellanton’s came up with a solution to start their own small business.
 
Lakay Kreyol is a family owned and family operated business. The head chef is Nahomie Bellanton, and she is also the owner of the business. Nahomie started her business after she had a scare of being diagnosed with cancer, but God pulled through when she found out the test results. After she found out she was free of anything that could harm her, her kids motivated her to take her skills from the kitchen and let the community have a bite of her amazing food and talent. The owner mentions in an Instagram Post, “I have always been passionate about cooking and serving others, it brings me so much joy.” After Interviewing Nahomie, and being around her and her family, I can see why it brings her joy. Nahomie started her business this year in January 2020, and just by looking at social media and promotion, in just three months, they have managed to attack the small business industry in catering. Peter Bernard, Nahomie’s son, does the web developing for the business, and Mary Magdala Bernard, and Esther Bernard acts as the “Supervisor, and Secretary” of the business. Nahomie mentions that working from home is tough because of how many things she has to buy and store away for her small business. Her grandchildren stay with her at times, and they serve as great little helpers. She elaborates on how grateful she is to have the chance to do what she has dreamed of, and how she can show her kids, and grandkids that anything is possible with God. 

​Lakay Kreyol serves Caribbean food, in particular, Haitian special dishes. “Fritay” is a famous dish that many people look for when they want something crunchy, spicy, and tender meat. If you fly to Haiti, this is one of the dishes they try to make you buy when you first arrive to Haiti. This is because it serves as a signature dish, and it fills you up for a good portion of your day. Nahomie talks about living in Haiti before arriving here in the US. Her joy also comes from many businesses around her in Haiti, serving food and operating their own business to make enough money to make a living. As we know, in 3rd world countries, it is tough to do many of the things we find ourselves used to. Nahomie took what she knew and made it a reality. Lakay Kreyol also serves Dinner Plates; these plates range from many different selections, depending on what you want as a customer.
 
Moving forward, Nahomie talks about the beginning being the toughest part, because she felt tired, overwhelmed, and wondered if people would buy her food. But with God, and the help from her kids, she managed to put her business online on many platforms, such as Instagram, Twitter, Gmail, Facebook, and even appear on other food business pages. You can find them under “Lakay Kreyol”. Promotion and advertising are important, and her family makes sure that the business is well represented. In just three months, they have managed to reach almost 800 followers on Instagram! What makes Lakay Kreyol stand out is, it’s a family owned business, and being able to deliver food to customers. Lakay Kreyol is also planning to host events, and they really know how to throw an event! 

"We specialize in Caribbean cuisine, Popup Kitchen Open Saturday 2:00PM-8:00PM. Call to put in your orders! Venmo: Lakay-Kreyol, CashApp:LakayKreyol”

Contact Lakay Kreyol via:

Email: lakaykreyol2020@gmail.com
Phone: 781-510-9920
Facebook: @Lakay kreyol20
Instagram: @Lakay_Kreyol

​

​Author: LeShauna DeJesus, BSU student

​In 2010 Bridgewater native Kristine Machnig opened the doors of Salon Fusion in her hometown. Growing up she fell in love with the beauty industry, her childhood dream became to have her own salon one day. That day just happened to come a lot quicker than Kristine originally planned. She worked in the industry for 6 years for a previous salon before she became unhappy with the atmosphere and had to make a change. Kristine knew she wanted to have a salon where the stylist and clients felt like family.
 
Her first hurdles were finding a good location and building a team of stylist that she felt fit her vision. Kristine went to Bridgewater State for business and felt she had a strong enough background to be successful in her venture. She picked a great location near the center of the town she loved. The only thing she felt she would have done differently, is be a little more assertive as a boss that was just starting out. She has come a long way and learned a lot about herself because of the obstacles she’s had to overcome. After successfully running her business for 10 years she shared some of the challenges she faces running a successful salon in 2020.  Internet technology plays a huge part in bringing new clients to the salon but with it comes the unrealistic expectations from online posts and trending hair colors or styles. Social media shows the end results but a lot of the times there is a long process involved in achieving the desired look. Luckily Kristine and her team are very knowledgeable in their craft and are more than happy to take the time to explain the process and schedule sessions to ensure the clients’ hair remains healthy. Another aspect of the business that she has to pay close attention to is the prices of the services offered, they need to be appropriate according to her location and her competition so she can stay relevant in such a growing industry.

​Technology and social media have more of a positive impact on the business than negative. It is a great way for the stylists to showcase their work which gains more followers and clients for the salon. Salon fusion is active on all popular social media sites and they are the first salon to appear when you google salons in the area.  The number one way to bring in new clients which has remained tried and true for years is word of mouth. Happy clients spreading the word whether it’s on their social media or in person has always been the most effective for her team.
 
Kristine and her team offer a very calming clean full-service salon where you’re able to relax and be pampered. You can tell they are truly passionate for what they do, they love making their clients feel beautiful and boosting their self-esteem. Kristine has worked hard to create a salon where everyone feels welcomed and loves coming back. If you’re looking for a new salon in the area, I would highly recommend checking out the amazing team of stylist at Salon Fusion.

Visit Salon Fusion at: 12 Springvale Terrace, Bridgewater MA
 
Contact them via:
Phone: 508-697-6200
Website: www.salonfusionbridgewater.com
Facebook: @salonfusion508
Twitter: @salonfusion508
Instagram: @salonfusionbridgewater

​Author: Keila Diaz, BSU student

I decided to do my interview with Michele Wein-Crelly, the owner of Michele’s Massage Studio, because she is an amazing massage therapist and deserves the attention. Michele has been a massage therapist since 2006 and she is great at what she does. I know this because I am one of her clients. Michele’s Massage Studio is located in a very quiet and chic room in Brockton, MA. She offers many different types of services such as Swedish massage, Deep tissue, Hot Stone, Reflexology, Body Polish, etc.
 
Q: Tell me about your business and why did you choose this line of business?
 
A: I’m a massage therapist and I like instant gratification, like being able to help people. So that was kind of the end result of it. Before that, I was doing manicures and pedicures and it evolved into massage. And then I started learning Reiki and Reflexology and it just turned into Massage Therapy which seemed like the perfect fit for me.
 
Q: When did it start and what year?
 
A: I became a manicurist in 1994. That’s pretty much when it started. I did that for several years. Then I moved up here from Florida. I worked in a couple of salons, then I got sick. I started learning reflexology and it helped. And that’s when the instant gratification started. And then I realized that this stuff helps people and people need to know about this. So I did reflexology for about 8 years and Reiki before I became a Massage therapist. I became a massage therapist in 2006.
 
Q: What was it that made you start this business?
A: I was working with Chiropractors doing reflexology and they kept on telling me that I need to become a massage therapist. So finally I said you’re right this is what I need to do.
 
Q: What was the toughest thing you went through when opening?
A: I think the toughest thing was having the confidence to say I can do this.
 
Q: What inspired you to keep going as you were getting the business off the ground?
A: I think the people appreciated what I was doing and it was helping them and it just kept
growing and I kept meeting people and working with people and of course getting massages.
 
Q: If you had to start over from day 1 what would you have done differently? Or what was your most difficult challenge?
A: I think I would’ve invited more people in. It would’ve been nice to have more of a team, it’s
nice working alone but it would’ve been nice having other people working with me.
 
Q: What is the toughest part about having a business in 2020?
A: There’s a lot of competition out there. You just have to have a niche and you just have to keep on plugging away and don’t be disappointed about the down days because you’re going to have up days and that’s going to make up for the down days.
 
Q: If a customer was to choose between your business and 3 others just like it, why would you suggest they at least give you a try first? 
A: I’ve been in business for many years and I’ve learned all types of different techniques and when they call me they’re going to get me. They’re not going to get different people like at other places. 

Q: What makes you stand out?
A: I’m happy. I like what I do. When people come here they’re going to have a good laugh. I like people to be relaxed. I realized that in order to get a massage you have to learn how to relax. And sometimes laughing is a good thing.
 
Q: What is the number 1 way you currently bring in new customers?
A: I have a lot of referrals. So because I’ve been in business since 2006, a lot of people refer people. I have Facebook and Google, I also do a lot of internet things and some networking. Sometimes I pass out business cards wherever I go.
 
Q: Has internet technology (website, online ads, social media, etc.) played a big part in your growth and making your company more successful?
A: Oh absolutely! Yes, from ordering cards online to websites and social media.
 
Q: Do you feel that internet technology could play a bigger role in your business if you had the
right tools?
A: I think I can probably do better with using more social media like Twitter and Instagram but sometimes I feel like I’m busy enough.
 
Q: On a regular day how many clients do you see?
A: Probably 3 or 4. 
 
Q: What’s your busiest season?
A: It’s hard to say because sometimes it’s right around tax season, sometimes around Valentine’s Day, but sometimes it’s November or December, people buying gift certificates, but I feel like I’ve stayed pretty steady during the year. I feel fortunate for that.
 
Q: If you had to look 6 months to a year into the future where would you like to see your business be?
A: Pretty steady. Meeting more people and keeping the people I have.
 
Q: Are you happy the way the business is now?
A: Yes. I feel like it’s comfortable. I would love to have another person come in and work so I can do a little bit less. I’m getting older so I figure at some point I’m going to retire. So it would be nice having another person in here.
 
Q: Do you feel like you’re overworked or underworked?
A: I don’t feel overworked right now because I had an injury so I’ve been pacing myself. This is a very physical job so you do have to pace yourself even when you’re at your peak. You really have to be considerate of your health, your sleep and how you eat. When you have an injury, you realize how important it is to have all those factors in place.

Visit  Michele’s Massage Studio at: 244 Liberty Street Brockton, MA
 
Contact her via:
Email: solegood01@yahoo.com
Phone: 781-504-3443
Website: www.michelesmassagestudio.com
Facebook page: @michelesmassagestudioma
Twitter: @michelesmassage

​Author: Joshua Flaherty, BSU student

Last February, I took the opportunity to sit down with one of our local business owners. Our short conversation roamed across many topics, including the current market conditions for the home improvement industry, the concerns of small business owners, pricing strategies and the intriguing topic of veteran-owned business.
 
Thomas and I met at his business, located in Plymouth, Massachusetts for a short interview concerning his business NewCoast Painting. NewCoast painting offers services in southeastern Massachusetts and was started by Thomas in 2019. NewCoast Painting focuses on interior and exterior painting. However, these are not the only services NewCoast Painting offers. Thomas also focuses his business on home improvement jobs such as siding, Garage door installation and carpentry.
 
Thomas is not just focused on doing the job, but is committed to excellence in everything that his company provides. According to Thomas “the most important thing is a well served customer”.  A customer who liked what you did is likely to come back for more business, or spread the word about how great of an experience it was to be able to have their job done right the first time.
 
Also key to NewCoast Painting’s business strategy is to price the service right.  Understanding the budget of the customer is important, but also critical is to be well versed in the availability of a wide range of different materials, their costs, and applications.  Linked into the pricing concerns are supply chain considerations.  Forging and maintaining relationships with suppliers and other vendors is indispensible in the home improvement industry.

NewCoast Painting is made up of a professional, friendly staff that is vetted by Thomas himself. Without such a reliable staff, Thomas doubts he would ever be able to service clients as efficiently.
​
Thomas attributes his company’s success to a loyal base of clientele, word of mouth and, the internet. After opening NewCoast Painting, Thomas created social media accounts on twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Thomas would eventually observe an uptick in his businesses’ acquired projects. 
 


​Leading into concerns moving forward with his business Thomas is happily optimistic. “When looking ahead to the future, it is best to keep an open mind, take things one step at a time and enjoy the journey.” Thomas is hopeful that his business will continue to grow as it has the past year but in the mean time there is plenty of work to be done.

You can contact NewCoast Painting via:

Phone: 774-454-3409
Email: tom@newcoastpainting.com
Website: newcoastpainting.com
Facebook: NewCoast Painting
Twitter: @Coast_new

​Author: Alexandra Powers, BSU student

​Q: Tell me about your business. Why did you choose this line of business? 
A: I run a children’s gym where we teach beginner level gymnastics, as well as offer birthday parties, open gym times, vacation camp programs and a monthly movie night.  I was a competitive gymnast and coach when I was young and have always had a great love for both the sport and for kids.  
 
Q: Are you from this local area? 
A: I am originally from Long Island, NY. I have lived in Bridgewater, MA for 23 years where I raised my daughter with my husband.  
 
Q: When did you start your business? 
A: I opened Stardust Gym in October, 2008.
 
Q: What was it that made you want to start this business?  
A: I walked away from my love for gymnastics to pursue a professional career as a real estate paralegal.  I had always wanted to open my own gym and when my daughter was a teenager, I decided it was time to take the leap and do this for myself.  It was scary but the best career decision I ever made!
 
Q: What was the toughest thing you went through when opening?
A: Self-doubt was the toughest thing I went through. I didn’t know if people would come. I stuck to my beliefs of what kids and parents would want in a children’s gym and did extensive marketing in the beginning. The grand opening was a huge success and the parties took off right from the beginning but the gymnastics enrollment took a few years of perseverance and building a reputation. 
 
Q: What inspired you to keep going as you were getting the business off the ground?
A: The positive feedback from parents and smiling faces from the children kept me going.  
 
Q: If you had to start over from day one what would you have done differently? Or what was your most difficult challenge? 
A: I don’t think I would have done anything different. The mistakes I made were only minor and made me a better business owner.
 
Q: What is the toughest part about having a business in 2020? 
A: I think the toughest part about having a business in 2020 is continuing to grow the customer base to cover the constant rising costs and maintaining quality staff. Also keeping up to date with the latest marketing trends thru social media.  
 

​Q: If a customer was to choose between your business and three others just like it why would you suggest they at least give you a try first?  What makes you stand out? 
A: We specialize on beginner level gymnastics and the size of the gym isn’t overwhelming for children. It’s easy for parents to see their child at all times and the gym is clean and safe. The parties are memorable for the children and easy for the parents. The staff is well trained and love working with the children. We get a lot of positive feedback about the gym and the staff and great reviews can be found on the internet.
 
Q: What is the number one way you currently bring in new customers? 
A: Word of mouth has always been our number one marketing tool. But we also have a good social media presence on Facebook and Instagram as well as an informative website and newsletter.
  
Q: If you had to look 6 months to a year into the future where would you like to see your business be? 
A: I would like to see it continue to grow as is has in the past. I have no plans for any major changes in the business model because of my age as I plan to retire in 4 years.
 
Q: Would you increase or decrease the amount you personally tend to within the business? 
A: I have gradually decreased my hours at the gym recently doing just the behind the scenes work like marketing, accounting, supplies and payroll. I currently have a great staff to run the gymnastics program and only work a few hours during the week with most of my hours over the weekend. Most of my hours are now from home.  
 
Q: Finally, what is the best way for the readers to connect with your business and to take advantage of what your company has to offer? 
A: They can see what we have to offer and get a good feel for our business on our website, Facebook and Instagram. They can also sign up to receive our newsletters by email to keep up to date on what’s going on at our gym.  

​Visit Stardust Gym at:
​612 Plymouth St., Unit 3R, East Bridgewater, MA
 
Phone: 508-378-2223
Email: info@stardustgym.com
Website: www.stardustgym.com
Facebook:  @StardustGym
Instagram: @stardustgym1 

​Author: Luke Botsolis, BSU student

​Everyone needs clean clothes. In a fast-paced, business-oriented world, there is a need for professionally cleaned and tailored clothes, yet many professionals lack the time to run back and forth to a dry-cleaner multiple times a week. This is where Tom Fay and his business The Cleanist bridge the divide.
 
Tom has over 30 years in the dry-cleaning business, which started with Danny’s Cleaners in Braintree and Quincy. Tom helped run these stores as a family business with his father and his brother. Currently, both Danny’s Cleaners and The Cleanist are operated by Tom Fay.
 
The Cleanist got its start as a tailor shop in 1925 in Plymouth founded by Amedeo Ceccarelli. Soon after, Amedeo’s son also joined in the business and they added in full dry-cleaning service. As this clearly began as a family business, it was taken over by Amedeo’s grandson, Paul, who began a Uniform Rental Service and moved the business to its current location in the Old North Plymouth Theatre building. Between 1982 and 2006 the business expanded to five locations in Plymouth, Kingston, and Duxbury. In 2013 entrepreneur Thomas Fay purchased The Cleanist from Paul Ceccarelli. The uniform rental business was sold separately in 1994 to Aramark. Under Tom’s ownership the business has prospered and remained successful.
 
It has been almost 100 years since The Cleanist was founded, and seven years since Tom acquired the business. Running a business in the 21st century comes with distinct benefits and drawbacks, which Tom has managed successfully.
 
The two most significant challenges in operating The Cleanist are staffing costs and expenses. As the business grows it is important to balance rising costs and customer retention while keeping a watchful eye on profit margin. Two of the reasons The Cleanist remains successful and should be considered superior to its competitors are because of their superior quality and excellent customer service. A huge part of the reason The Cleanist remains superior is that they offer home pickup and delivery of dry-cleaned clothes, free of any additional charge. This solves the major issue of professionals who want to look their best but may be too busy to take time out of their day to go back and forth to a dry cleaner. 

​Although successful, The Cleanist is always searching for ways to attract new customers and increase their business. The Cleanist takes advantage of two major marketing tools in order to reach a broad audience. The Cleanist regularly mails out advertisements and fliers that contain offers and information about their services. This allows The Cleanist to reach out to almost every household in the area that they serve. Another interesting tool is Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO allows The Cleanist to appear as a top search result on internet search engines when someone searches for dry cleaners. This is a massive benefit to any business as it draws more hits to websites and an increase in the customer base. The internet and technology are extremely important to anyone operating a business in the 21st century, and Tom has taken full advantage of the tools available to him.
 
In the short term, Tom would like to see a 10% increase in sales through The Cleanist. For the business to remain successful and increase its success, it will require Tom’s personal attention. Tom is a very hands-on owner and it is common to see him at any one of the store’s several locations speaking with staff and customers. As mentioned previously, Tom started in the dry-cleaning business with his family, and that tradition carries on today as his wife and children also help out in various ways in his stores. For now, Tom will stay involved in the decision making and everyday operations of his company. When and if the time comes for Tom to take a step back, he will have planned an exit strategy that will leave the business running smoothly.
 
For customers seeking professional and reliable dry-cleaning services, The Cleanist offers competitive prices and superior quality, along with dry cleaning pick-up at no additional charge.  ​Visit The Cleanist at one of the following locations:
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​Website: www.TheCleanist.com
Facebook: @TheCleanist