​Author: Casey Connor, BSU student

​I interviewed Brian Conroy, one of the owners of Bridgewater Fitness Center. Brian had been a member at Bridgewater Fitness Center for around 20 years before he took it over January 15th, 2020. Prior to Brian’s ownership, Bridgewater Fitness had been struggling financially. Knowing he always wanted to own a gym, it was a no brainer to buy the gym he was a member of considering he knew so much about it already. He thought this was a good investment for him due to his knowledge as a personal trainer and from his experience in body building. Brian had to repair and replace several machines and since then, he has been listening to his members requests and adding machines in popular demand. They are not done transforming this place yet, but so far, they have added the booty builder machine, deadlift platform with rubber weights, and a Jacobs latter just to name a few.
 
Another way Brian improved the gym was creating more value for members through new additions such as: boxing, nutrition counseling, tanning, pump sculpt class, and selling shakes and supplements. All these services are very important, he explains that the more services you have to offer, the more appealing the facility will be to potential and existing customers. There is a discounted rate for students, military, law enforcement and senior citizens, and even the regular membership rate is lower than the average gym membership rate in the U.S. The reason their rates are lower than the average is due to the large size of the facility, as well as fact that the additional services that the gym offers are not included in the monthly fee.

​Additionally, Brian is not finished upgrading the gym as he plans to renovate the locker room, add different machines, and resume classes that were canceled or limited due to the pandemic. Just two months after taking ownership, coronavirus became serious enough to shut his gym down for over three months. After reopening, the gym was only allowed a fraction of their normal capacity. On top of possibly one of the worst years for a gym, Brian got deployed in July and left his business partner Keith to run it. After his return months later, he went straight to work trying to adjust his business so that members would feel safe during the pandemic. He explained the importance of working 50-60 hours at the gym making sure every machine is wiped down, sanitized, that certain machines have dividers, as well as any additional requirements and/or safety measures. He has trained his staff to make sure everyone is wearing a mask and being safe. When things change as fast as they have it is important for businesses to adapt and Bridgewater Fitness members agree that they have done just that. Not everything to come out of coronavirus was bad. Bridgewater Fitness saw a large influx of BSU students due to the amount of space this gym has compared to the campus gym, as well as the availability of appointments at Brian’s gym. One of the biggest reasons why Brian knows that his gym is better than other gyms is how they listen to customers. Every decision is based off demand, something that big gym chains lack.
 
Overall, I think it is impressive how member focused this gym is. From making customers feel save during a pandemic to the purchases of new equipment this gym really does value its members and their opinions. 

Visit Bridgewater Fitness Center at:
620 Bedford Street in Bridgewater, MA.

​Contact them via:
Email: bridgewaterfitness@verizon.net
Phone: 508-697-0374
Website: https://www.bridgewaterfitness.com/
Instagram: @bridgewater_fitness
Facebook: @Bridgewaterfitness 

​Author: Amanda Ransom, BSU student

In a time where everyone is always on the go, trying to accomplish a balance between work life, home life and personal life, somehow more often than not, our wellbeing gets placed on the back burner. At Relaxation Works Spa, Owner and Creative Director Kristen Sparks, and her talented team will create a personalized wellness path that will make prioritizing yourself and getting you feeling your best as easy as 1-2-3.


Kristen a native of Canton, MA first became intrigued by Massage Therapy while receiving her first massage treatment. “It was then that I realized I wanted to make others feel as transcendent as my therapist made me feel. I enjoyed everything about the ambiance, from the music to the aromas, and the all-around positive vibes the therapist had created. I knew I wanted to be a part of something like that.”  She then enrolled into a program to become a licensed massage therapist and quickly recognized her natural ability as she quickly rose to the top of her class. In 2006, after graduation, Kristen began as an independent contractor who would travel to her client’s homes for their appointments.

In 2010, Kristen opened the doors to Relaxation Works as a sole proprietor. “It was about six months into it that I realized I would need to find a way to generate a new income stream if I wanted to be successful, and so I began to interview other massage therapists looking to sublet the space. At that moment, I also recognized my uncanny ability to acknowledge ways to create income from untapped sources.” Since opening the doors as a first-time business owner, Kristen has faced many unknowns and some very tough decisions. “It’s scary, but on the flip side, it is also blissful in a sense, because had I known all the things I would have been faced with throughout my journey, I may never have taken that first step.” To get her through, Kristen gives credit to her determination to be a successful business owner, while doing what she loves and is phenomenal at. “It is my ‘purpose’, I am making a difference in the lives of thousands of people, and by giving up I would be robbing them of the translucent feeling they deserve.”
​
Massage therapy is a broad category that is widely available, but Relaxation Works knows just what their clients need. As an educational based spa, Kristen and her team utilize their skills and personal talents to cater to the individual. Accepting the First Place Award for Best Day Spa and Massage, in the Best of the Best 2020 program organized by the Enterprise and the Taunton Daily Gazette. Through their signature intake process, up-to-date knowledge and amazing customer service Relaxation Works is topnotch. Give Relaxation Works a call and a friendly and knowledgeable team member will be available during the reception hours listed on their website to guide you with making appointments or to answer any questions you may have. No worries if you call outside of the provided reception hours, the team makes it their priority to ensure that any missed calls are returned, providing each client or potential new client with only the best. 

Technology has played a huge role for Relaxation Works in many ways. Through use of current social platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, clientele is quickly and efficiently informed of current happenings, while also giving access to her online retail shop. In search of an improved way to fill last minute available appointments and increase revenue, Kristen has incorporated a new AI technology that identifies returning clients and can book appointments according to their appointment history. This change goes hand in hand with their most recent move of converting more robust scheduling system that comes equipped with a marketing and reporting system.
​
With their wide variety of services, Relaxation Works will surely be able to fulfill your needs. Whether a relaxing therapeutic massage is just what you need, or maybe some R&R in their infrared Sauna. They offer amazing facials that include Kristen’s own all-natural facial care products, that are also available for purchase in her boutique. Or maybe you would like to try out some sugaring hair removal, who doesn’t want to get rid of some hair? For the full list of services please visit Relaxation Work Spa online and give yourself the TLC you have been looking for! 

Relaxation Works Spa is located at 1253 Broadway in Raynham, MA.
​
Contact them via:
Phone: 774-226-8946
Website: https://relaxation-works.com/
Facebook: @RelaxationWorks
Instagram: relaxationworks

​Author: Derick Dacosta, BSU student

​When faced with head lice from not only one, but all three of your children at once how would you respond? In 2010, Camille Merian was traveling to a business meeting in Manhattan when she received a phone call from the school nurse informing her that her three children all have head lice. She was not aware that this was the introduction to a complete life change. The children were ordered to stay home until the lice were completely gone and in a month’s time, she completely eradicated the lice from her household. Once friends and family discovered she handled this task so diligently, she became the person to call when others had this problem and was always selflessly there to assist. A friend informed her that there was a high demand for this work, and since she was already taking care of her friend’s children, it made sense that she pursue sharing her talents with a larger clientele. Camille, always determined to learn and improve, decided to attend a week-long lice treatment seminar in Florida. After that week she obtained all required certifications for the treatment of head lice. The entire investment of the schooling, travel, and hotel fees averaged $3,500.
 
That investment has proven itself to be worth it for Camille. However, there have been some challenges she did not anticipate. Employees do not work a set schedule, due to the irregular flow of business resulting in limited possible candidates. In any on-call industry, you cannot be certain when the next job will come. It is crucial to find employees who can provide a strong sense of loyalty despite the uncertain schedule. The intrusion of head lice is never planned so it is rare that parents, especially new ones, are prepared when the time comes. Head lice impose harm to a child’s health and hygiene, due to the fact they reside on the scalp and feed off of human blood. If lice exposure is prolonged, the child will experience extreme itchiness and the uncontrollable scratching can increase risk of infection. With the responsibility of a parent placing their trust in you to spare their child’s suffering, it is imperative that all business employees are fully committed to this work and make themselves fully available to every client. This necessity is actually the biggest challenge that burdens her business.

​The pandemic has brought another trying business challenge for Camille. Since head lice are transmitted from in-person interaction, the pandemic is making it difficult for lice to find their next victim. With remote learning, strong guidelines to stay home as much as possible, and socially distance when not possible, cases have dropped significantly. Pre-pandemic summers traffic over 100 patients monthly and winter months are the slowest reflecting the decreased social activity during those months. When business is slow, Camille is not afraid to seek opportunity from advertisements online or in printed press. Camille also finds that posting frequently on her business’s social media accounts (mainly Facebook) has provided her increased awareness.
 
Camille is highly confident in her business values and says CloseNitFamily should be chosen over any other option. Her reasoning includes a brand promise of a 100% guaranteed, all-natural hair lice removal service while prioritizing family needs and a comforting environment. Competitors typically recommend additional topicals to be applied days after treatment to avoid resurgence, CloseNitFamily does not. After your visit you will not have to worry about the lice again. CloseNitFamily is the most trusted and referred head lice removal service on the South Shore. Recommended by all who work with children ranging from doctors and nurses to education professionals.
 
With affordable rates and success with every case, CloseNitFamily goes above and beyond by providing options for in-home appointments that still follow pandemic guidelines closely. They have helped over 12,000 families and are expanding their services by opening their newest location at 168 Court Street in Plymouth, MA. 

CloseNitFamily is located at 148 Washington Street in Norwell, MA.

Contact them via:
Phone: 781-741-LICE (5423)
Email: info@closenitfamily.com
Website: closenitfamily.com
Facebook: CloseNitFamily – Plymouth & Norwell Head Lice Treatment/Education Centers
Instagram: @closenitfamily

Breath of Life Chiropractic & Wellness, is located at 92 Torrey Street in Brockton, MA.

Contact them via:
Phone: (508) 510-4668
​Website: www.bolchiropracticandwellness.com
Facebook: Breath of Life Chiropractic and Wellness

​Author: Shelby Crosby, BSU student

​I had the pleasure of interviewing Tim Gleason, who is a personal trainer for his own business TRG Performance Training. Tim’s business is located in the U at Starland in Hanover, MA, where he helps his clients reach their goals towards fitness and health. At TRG Performance Training, Tim offers a 1300+ foot studio, as well as use of the turf and the cage during training sessions. TRG offers other services, such as group training with a max of 8 people, private one on one training sessions, and recovery and rehab programs. In our interview, I learned a lot about Tim’s business as well as his personal life.
 
So, let’s start with are you from this local area?
Yes, I grew up in the South Shore area and went to Bridgewater State University.
 
Tell me about your business. Why did you choose this line of business?
Growing up I always loved sports and fitness and pursued that interest through college. I fell in love with Dr. Robinson, who teaches physical education and health science at BSU. My passion for health science grew, as well as my interest in learning about the human body, and I ended up getting my masters in this field. As far as how my business started, I have always wanted my own. I started as a trainer at the Kingsbury Club training college athletes and wanted to go out on my own.
 
When did you start your business?
I started my business 10 years ago in 2010.

​What was it that made you want to start this business?
I have always loved helping people reach their fitness goals or become a better athlete. I used to work at a gym as a trainer and loved it so much that I decided to pursue my passion for it and create my own business.
 
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?
One of my biggest obstacles was when I opened this one location in Marshfield. I put a lot of money and work into rebuilding the floor and area to make it great quality, and out of nowhere they told me that they sold the building and I needed to leave. I ended up having to find a new location, and it actually turned out to be better. I relocated to the U at Starland, which brought in more clients and other athletes. I have an amazing wife and family that have always inspired me to keep going when I started and still to this day.
 
If you had to start over from day 1 what would you have done differently? Or what was your most difficult challenge?
If I could change anything, I would have hired more consistent trainers to train with. Many clients would like to work with me, as it is my own business, and it can be difficult to attend to all clients by myself.
 
What is the toughest part about having a business in 2020?
At first, the toughest part was the unknown because gyms were closed due to COVID-19, and even when they opened it wasn’t until the 3rd phase. This actually attracted even more business because people were home and gyms weren’t open, leading to more clients trying to do virtual training. I ended up doing virtual training from home and I felt like I didn’t have enough time in the day. I had to change my business model from clients coming to me at my gym to going to their homes and doing it that way.
 
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?
The truth- I take the approach to my clients with the knowledge that everyone is different. No one is treated the same. I take what my clients need to work on or improve and specialize it to that specific person. I use their body type and other factors to figure out what isn’t working and make it more personal. I listen attentively to how my clients are feeling and use it to my advantage so that I am able to help them.
 
What is the number 1 way you currently bring in new customers?
I attract new clients through word of mouth and referrals from current clients. I am also next door to a physical therapist, so I refer clients to him and he does the same for me. Working in the U at Starland brings in business as well.
 
Has internet technology (website, online ads, social media, etc) played a big part in your growth and making your company more successful?
To be honest, social media has not had a huge impact on growing my business. Word of mouth is key for my business and the way I operate it. I could do more online but I am not tech savvy and my business is always growing. I now sell apparel and it sells quick.
 
Do you feel that internet technology could play a bigger role in your business if you had the right tools?
I think internet technology could play a bigger role in any business. Social media platforms definitely play a huge part in helping businesses bring in new clients; however, where my business is small, word of mouth is how I would like to continue growing the business. I think if I were to expand I would definitely look into utilizing internet technology to help bring business in.
 
If you had to look 6 months to a year into the future where would you like to see your business be?
I have been looking to expand and get other trainers as well as group training. I would also like to incorporate a rehab cardio section and offer some classes, such as Zumba, Pilates, yoga, etc.
 
If you could, would you increase or decrease your workload, step away and be more a manager, passive owner? Why?
I would say that overall, yes, I do feel overworked. I am currently happier than I have ever been because I am to spend more time with my family. I train a lot of students after school and usually do late clinics, but since sports in school are not an option right now, I get to go home and spend time with my kids. It is nice to be able to put them to bed instead of coming home late. I don’t get many breaks and haven’t since I started my business 10 years ago, but now I am able to make my own schedule. This has also helped a few other trainers that can rent my space while I’m not there.
 
 Is there anything else that you would like to add or share with potential new clients?
I have a business alliance with Peak Physical Therapy, where new clients at TRG will receive a 30 minute injury prevention evaluation to screen for potential issues that may hinder their training. Additionally, if a TRG athlete encounters a potential injury during their training Peak Physical Therapy will perform free injury screenings to determine the issue and initiate therapy if needed. I think that this is a helpful tool that all new clients should take advantage of.

Visit TRG Performance Training at:
645 Washington Street, Unit C in Hanover, MA.
 
Contact them via:
Phone: 781-974-5242
Email: timothy.gleason@gmail.com
Website: www.trgperformancetraining.com
Facebook: @TRGPerformanceTraining

​Author: Patrick Callanan, BSU student

​I interviewed the manager Tim Flaherty at Pilgrim Skating Arena (PSA). The owner of the company is Tim’s brother, and Tim was kind enough to answer the questions in his brother’s absence. It is also worth mentioning that Tim and his brother did not start this business. It was founded in 1974. The current management has taken it over in recent years and the rink is running more smoothly and professional than ever before.
 
 I began by asking why he chose this line of business. He instantly points out that he did not choose this line of work; he is helping his brother by providing his management expertise. According to Tim, “This organization was set up as a nonprofit to give the youth in the area a place to play hockey”.
 
As I mentioned in the preface, the company was founded in 1974, but recently taken under new management. He then goes on to discuss the problems the company has endured while operating during 2020. He attributes the difficulties to the restrictive guidelines, which limits the amount of people in the building at a time, and the added cleaning efforts. 

I then asked why a customer would choose this skating rink over any of the competitors. Tim said that there are two main reasons why a customer would choose Pilgrim Skating Arena. The first is the location, because it is located directly off the highway and next to the Derby Street Shops in Hingham. The second is the product, which the arena provides ice rentals, skate sharpening, and select items in the pro shop. Many customers will come to Pilgrim Skating Arena to check for the products they are looking for before driving to a shop that is further away. The number one way the skating arena brings in new customers is word of mouth. I then asked Tim about the influence that technology has on the business, and he admitted that currently, the arena does not capitalize on the potential of social media. Going forward he discussed the potential of doing ice rental booking online, rather than over the phone. I finished the interview by asking Tim where he saw the business in 6 months and he gave me an answer that rang true to most people reading this article, “Operating without any COVID-19 restrictions”. 

Visit Pilgrim Skating Arena at 75 Recreation Park Drive in Hingham, MA.

Contact them via:
Phone: 781-749-6660
Email: info@skatepilgrim.com
Website: www.skatepilgrim.com
Instagram: @pilgrimskatingarena
Facebook: @pilgrimarenainc

​Author: Kloe Joseph, BSU student

In a time where “almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction,”[1] but only 10% of these people with a substance abuse disorder seek professional help, the need for a shift in the therapeutic industry proves dire. There is no denying the intrinsic link between mental health and the presence of a person with a substance disorder as many as “20% of Americans who have depression or an anxiety disorder” are also afflicted by a substance abuse disorder. Yleis Engerman, a licensed mental health counselor and alcohol and drug counselor, is fully aware of these statistics and the real-world repercussions they pose. Engerman began her journey with mental health at the age of sixteen after the passing of her childhood best friend, seeking therapy as a means to cope. Now in her adulthood, armed with an education and years of experience, Engerman is establishing herself as a facet of change slowly revolutionizing the idea of therapy within the scope of addiction and what it means to seek help. 
 
Engerman is the private practice owner of My Self Oath (www.myselfoath.org) located in Brockton, Massachusetts. During the height of the pandemic she, like most others, found herself with a large amount of free time. However, like many Americans during this time, she was worried about her job security, so she took the initiative to not only create a contingency plan but to do so with an issue that she is truly passionate about. Making no waste of this new free time, she began work on creating her business. In its nascency, Engerman had expected the business to amass a small number of clients, hoping for around five of them. Her expectations were met and surpassed by threefold, when she started off with more than fifteen clients. While the prospect of having many clients interested in her service was a positive, it also proved to be one of the toughest challenges as well. This is due to her innate desire to help others through her practice, which can be difficult as she is only able to see a certain number of clients at any given time, while others make their way onto a waiting list. Though Engerman does utilize methods of advertisement such as social media and her website, the main contributor to her success has been word of mouth, a testament to her ability to connect with clients and provide a truly enjoyable therapy experience.

[1]  “Addiction Statistics - Facts on Drug and Alcohol Use.” Addiction Center, 18 Sept. 2020, www.addictioncenter.com/addiction/addiction-statistics/.

​My Self Oath stands out amongst other therapy private practices because of Engerman’s unique approach with her clients. Breaking free from the common experience of simply telling a therapist “how you feel” at any given moment, Engerman strives to foster a personal connection with her clients through her personable demeanor. After reflecting on the journey of creating her business, one of the only things Engerman would want to do differently would be choosing to create her website herself, rather than contracting someone to do it for her. Looking towards the future of her practice, she hopes to make her business sustainable as well as profitable within the next year. Finally, for those who wish to follow a similar path as Engerman, she offers the following advice: “stay focused, stay consistent, and don’t take everybody’s word as absolute.”
​

​My Self Oath is located at 33 Dover Street, Suite 317, in Brockton, MA.
 
Contact them via:
Phone 508-521-9044
Email: admin@myselfoath.org
Website: www.myselfoath.org
Facebook: @MySelfOath

​Author:  Molly Farrell, BSU student

​Have you ever wanted to find a local place to walk in and truly feel like family? REVD Indoor Cycling strives on their mission to help you achieve your best self, both mentally and physically. REVD provides many different opportunities including their 45 minute ride that focuses around the rhythm of the music.
 
Co-owner Meaghan St. Marc grew up in Connecticut and received her undergrad degree at Northeastern University in broadcasting. Although St. Marc did not play college athletics, she enjoyed working out and getting involved around campus. Cycling has always been a passion of St Marc’s. After getting used to the Monday through Friday nine-to-five routine, St. Marc noticed she enjoyed her time in the gym the most. St. Marc was reconnected with a mutual friend, Clyde Simms, former player on the New England Revolution, when they decided it was time to go forward with their dream. Fast forward over six years later and REVD Indoor Cycling now has six locations one located in Hingham, MA in the Derby Street Shoppes.
 
REVD Indoor Cycling was founded in 2014 in Dedham, MA. St. Marc and Simms decided on a boutique spin class that went off the rhythm of the music. Simms has a background in music allowing for them to really connect and understand how the beat of the music matches with the movement on the bike. With the dark lights and loud music, their studios allow you to forget what is going on outside of the class and truly take time for yourself to unwind and challenge yourself both physically and mentally. It is an immersive experience that allows the riders to connect with the rhythm, while simultaneously working on their fitness levels. 

​They operate as one of most popular boutique spin studios in Massachusetts. REVD is an inclusive environment allowing individuals to create the best version of themselves. The studio is comfortable, encouraging, and forms a community. The experience that one endures at REVD is unlike any other, which explains why it is a popular scene for individuals seeking physical activity in a unique and enjoyable delivery.
 
One of the hardest parts of opening the studio for St. Marc was understanding and realizing that she was taking a leap with quitting her full time job to follow her dreams.
 
Six years later and just all small businesses, REVD is battling through the COVID-19 pandemic. Owners and staff have done a tremendous job of finding ways to still provide their service to the community in all ways possible. Since the studios have closed, REVD has rented out bikes to the community and have provided different forms of rides for people to ride at home. REVD has also formed “REVD training camp” a high intensity group training program.
 
REVD stands out over other cycling studios because it is formatted to be athletically challenging. REVD allows people to challenge yourself in a safe way and allows the rider will get lost in the rhythm. While REVD offers a physically challenging class, their classes are open to all cycling abilities. All instructors go through a developmental program and each instructor is all taught how to create this welcoming environment. This welcoming environment is what helps them bring in new riders. It is no wonder why their business has been so successful; they welcome new riders with open arms and create a community that encourages individuals to improve in both a physical and mental aspect. By word of mouth and their friendly atmosphere, new riders are always coming to try out REVD Indoor Cycling. REVD also has different forms of social media that allows them to create a platform of displaying their product.
 
So next time you are in the South Shore area, make sure you stop by REVD Indoor Cycling and allow yourself to get lost in the music. 
​

Rev’d is located at 94 Derby Street, Suite 235 Hingham, MA.
 
Contact them via:
E-Mail: hingham@revdindoorcycling.com
Phone: 781-556-5757
Website: revdindoorcycling.com
Facebook: @RevdCycling
Instagram: @RevdCycling

​Author: Lindsey Shone, BSU student

Over the past decade, Alyse Baker-Boncaldo, founder and owner of one of the most popular spas in the Quincy area – The Spa at Boncaldo’s, has been reinventing the Spa experience for both women and men!
 
It all started roughly 10 years ago, when Philip Boncaldo (founder and owner of Boncaldo’s Gentleman’s Barbershop and loving husband to Alyse), came home after a long day’s work at the Barbershop. As they were reflecting amongst themselves how each of their days went, Philip voiced how a lot of his clients were frustrated that they could not have the “Day in the Spa” experience (as most Spas are marketed toward females only, not gender neutral). From that conversation, Alyse had a vision. A vision to create a neighborly, fair priced, experience for both men and women. And it has been all history from there.
 
I met with Alyse to learn more about her story and the evolution of The Spa at Boncaldo’s.
 
So tell me about the evolution of your career and business. Specifically, how did you choose Aesthetics?
I started my career at Harvard Pilgrim working in Sales for roughly 25 years. Although, I loved working in Sales, I knew deep down that I didn’t want to stay in this profession forever. My husband owns a Barbershop in Quincy – Boncaldo’s Gentleman’s Barbershop, which is the main reason for choosing this line of business. After talking and listening to a lot of my husband’s clients – I felt there was a market for a Gender-Neutral Day Spas – hence, my vision was born.  My vision was to start a spa that would accommodate both men and women. A vision of creating a business where customers feel comfortable, welcome, relaxed, regardless of gender.
 
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?
By far, the biggest obstacle I faced when opening The Spa at Boncaldo was getting a Building and Business Permit. As the building is 110 years old, there were a lot of renovations/ housekeeping that needed to take place in order to get everything up to code. It was challenging, but we overcame those challenges. What kept me going was my dream – The Spa at Boncaldo. I believed in my vision, and I was not going to let a few bumps in the road get in the way of that.  

​What is the toughest part about having a business during 2020 (The Coronavirus Pandemic)?
The toughest part about having a business in 2020 is the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). Due of COVID-19, we had to close our doors for a few months. However, we recently reopened on June 23. Business has slowed down due of Covid-19 because we had to change treatment protocols. Though, we are hopeful that things will slowly get back to normal once people feel comfortable returning to their regular daily schedules prior to the pandemic.
 
I had the opportunity to personally speak with one of Alyse clients, Debra Meade. Debra said that her experience at the Spa was excellent! She highly recommends The Spa at Boncaldo’s to anyone looking for a relaxing Spa day. When I ask Debra how her experience went, she mentioned Boncaldo’s having excellent service!
Debra Meade: “Alyse was an excellent host/owner. Totally focused on the customer experience. She made sure I was happy and relaxed. It was a wonderful experience and I would recommend it wholeheartedly.”
 
I know I am not speaking only for myself when I say I cannot wait to go to The Spa at Boncaldo’s for a day at the Spa. 
​

​The Spa at Boncaldo’s is located at 76 Beale Street in Quincy, MA.
 
You can contact them via:
Phone: 617-471-9515
Email: spaboncaldos@gmail.com
Website: www.boncaldos.com
Facebook @spa.boncaldos

​Author: Kayla Hodge, BSU student

Mold Spotters owner, Dave Jensen, is one of the most reliable and knowledgeable people in the mold inspection business. Mold Spotters is an independent, unbiased mold inspection and testing company that will help determine if your home or business had an indoor mold problem. Dave goes to the customer's households and gives them a full inspection to identify if there’s any mold, the severity, and where the customer should go from there. I had the pleasure of interviewing Dave about his business and was amazed by his dedication to his company.

Dave used to only do mold inspection as a side job. However, he grew to have more interest, and liked the work more, in the mold inspection industry than the profession he was in at the time. Dave decided to start his own mold inspection business in 2015 as he was extremely knowledgeable in the field and wanted to focus on something he enjoyed. He said the only real struggles faced when starting his business was trying to find customers and make his business known. He had no contacts to get referrals from and there were no reviews of his business which may make someone skeptical when looking for a company to go to.
​
The mold inspecting industry is one people typically only go to if they come across mold or a weird odor that they are concerned about so the company’s website has definitely played a big part in the company’s growth. When someone has a mold problem, they usually will go to google and search for a mold inspection company as people who have never had problems with mold would not know of a company to help. Now you know if you have a problem with mold you can call Mold Spotters and they will be happy to help!

Mold Spotters stands out from the other companies in their industry as they are not involved in mold remediation. They will come to your house to give you a full inspection and will tell you if you have a problem and if they recommend remediation or not. If they do, they will give you suggestions for mold remediation companies in your area. This means that Mold Spotters do not gain from telling an individual that they have an issue as they do not do any work that may follow after the inspection. There have been incidents where companies would be dishonest to the customers and tell them they had a mold problem just to make them go the further step and get the remediation as they would be getting paid for it. You can feel confident if you go to Mold Spotters that their recommendations will be accurate, honest, and unbiased.
​
Dave is working now on achieving his goal of expanding the country nationwide so there will be inspectors in every major city in every state. He would like to have more people start delegating different areas of his business so he can focus on expansion. If you are going to need an inspection I would make sure you call Mold Spotters. You will not be disappointed!

Mold Spotters is based in Braintree, MA. You can contact them via:
Phone: 781-664-9511
Website: www.moldtestinspections.com
Facebook: @moldspotters