RISBJ V9 No9

volume nine issue nine

How to Develop a Successful

Marketing Strategy

PLUS Little Rhody Is Page 13

So Awesome

Buying and Shopping Local For Your Business Needs

The Personnel People Page 22

Expertise Put To Work

Retro Blast Page 25

The Towers1

BUY LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL

•EAT •DRINK •PARTY •BOWL

REPEAT AS NECESSARY!

225 Niantic Ave. • Cranston, RI 401•944•0500 www.LangsBowlarama.com 2

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Whether you’re moving across the street or across the state.

CALL 401-942-0200 TODAY For more information visit www.williamsandstuart.com BUY LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL

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We Are Now Accepting New Patients We take pride in being the dentist that your children can’t wait to visit.

Make Pediatric Dental Care Of RI Your Child`s Dental Home What sets Pediatric Dental Care of Rhode Island apart from the rest?

Meet Dr. Jason Hencler

• We are focused on preventative care: oral hygiene, sealants and nutrition

Did you know?

Kids should come in by their first birthday?

• We specialize in treating children ages 0-18 years old, including those with special healthcare needs • We accept most insurance, including Rite Smiles

Pediatric Dental Care of Rhode Island 1775 Bald Hill Rd #4 Warwick, RI 02886

Dr. Jason Hencler was born and raised in RI. He earned his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. After which, Dr. Hencler completed a 2 year residency at St. Joseph Hospital in Providence, RI where he earned an Advance Education in Pediatric Dentistry certificate.

Sé Habla Español Contact Us: (401) 825-6062 PediatricDentalCareRI@gmail.com

Visit Our Website! www.PedoDentalCareofRI.com

641 Armistice Blvd, Pawtucket, RI 02861

MercurioGroup.com

401-383-8873

themercuriogroup@gmail.com

Looking to move up to your dream home? Now is the time, the market is on fire!

Tiverton Step into this gorgeous townhouse with upgrades galore.This water view unit has an excellent open floor plan perfect for entertaining.The chefs kitchen features white cabinetry, stunning blue pearl granite counter tops,center island with seating for 4, dry bar with wine refrigerator, and stainless steal appliances. Full sized living room with a gas fireplace, crown molding and gorgeous views from an oversized upper deck. The hall, living room,dining room and kitchen are adorned with hardwood floors. $549,900

East Providence Adorable 3 bedroom 1 bath home in desired East Providence. This house has privacy galore. As you enter the front door you have a large fire placed living room with nice hardwood floors. The living room opens up to a formal dining room and your kitchen area. The kitchen is big enough for an island if wanted. This open floor plan allows for a great flow of people when your entertaining. There are 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom on the 2nd floor. All 3 bedrooms have nice hardwood floors. $229,900

North Kingstown Beautiful Colonial located in Heritage Estates at the end of the cul-de-sac. With 2,661 sq ft. this home features gleaming hardwood floors throughout, Granite Eat-In Kitchen, w/stainless steel appliances, Formal LR and Dining room, First floor laundry, home office and relaxing FOUR-season sun room. Enjoy relaxing nights with the family in the large family room with cathedral ceilings. 3 bedrooms 2 ½ baths, the Master has full bath with soaking tub.

Lots of storage and 2 car garage. Backyard completely fence in. $425,000

Attention Real Estate Agents! Looking for a change? We are hiring new agents. Call today for more info!

The Mercurio Group is all about personalized service to fit your real estate needs. We are a boutique style small business real estate office offering one-on-one customized service.

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Integrated Media Group Publications:

Founders Gil Lantini Ralph Coppolino Senior Design Manager Mike Casale Design Team Jamieson Bernard Kristin Darcy Kayla Falk Social Media/Shop Local TV Sarah Day Cover Images Provided By: Michelle Lee Photography RI (Glanville Farm) 3622 Main Rd. Tiverton, RI Facebook.com/ MichelleLeePhotographyRI Call 401-451-9916 Cover Location Flood Ford East Greenwich For Advertising Info: Call 401-831-7779 x102 ralph@growwithimg.com

facebook.com/growwithimg twitter.com/growwithimg 401 831 7779 www.growwithimg.com

• • • • •

Full Bar for Both The Public & Members Largest Walk-in Humidor in the State Fresh Air Cycles 14x Per Hour Card Tournaments and Events Cigar Nights, Scotch Tastings and Much More Memberships Available. Ask For Details!

1145 Reservoir Ave #300 Cranston, RI 02920 ©2019 Integrated Media Group D/B/A Rhode Island Small Business Journal D/B/A Shop Local Rhody ©MMXIII Rhode Island Small Business Journal ©MMXIII Shop Local Rhody

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Taking a Step Forward

VIBCO Expanding Exporting Capabilities Article by Ryan Brissette VIBCO began manufacturing vibration solutions in 1962. A leader in their field, VIBCO continues to strive towards enhancing their customer’s capabilities through innovative products and efficient service. Today, using lean principles of eliminating waste, VIBCO holds more than 46 U.S. design patents and has developed more than 1800 different pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical vibratory units for use in the construction, food, chemical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and transportation sectors.

VIBCO’s CEO and President, Karl Wadensten, is steadfast in his commitment to ensure that VIBCO continues to stand by the qualities it was built on from the beginning – quality, trust, reliability. As time has progressed, Karl has added another element to that foundation, something he calls “True North”. For VIBCO, their “True North” translates to “Same Day, Next Day”; which incorporated their goal of 100% Employee Engagement, Innovation, Throughput, and Quality.

“We get the order today, we ship it tomorrow; to anybody,” said Wadensten.

“The ocean is just a body of water in between another time zone; you can move products so fast in this world. If we don’t look at the way we transport product in the U.S. – ‘Today at VIBCO, tomorrow in the truck, the next day at the customer’ – and if we don’t share that same thinking with our overseas companies, they’re going to go somewhere else,” he added. VIBCO has always striven to be the first in the development of new products using new techniques and materials. VIBCO holds the patent for the Original Silent Turbine Vibrator.

As VIBCO focused on optimizing their exporting service they turned to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grantee, the John H. Chafee Center for International Business. The Chafee Center was awarded the STEP grant to help Rhode Island small businesses export their product or service around the world and thus, grow their reach and opportunities, as well as benefitting the national economy, while making Rhode Island Stronger.

In an effort to improve their exporting standards, communications, and processes, VIBCO would send its Office Manager Teri Fossa MBA, as well as its Accounts Receivable Clerk Sabrina Perez to the Chafee Center for courses covering global logistics, cargo insurance, planning a global supply chain, and freight forwarding. Finding success with their first venture into the STEP program, VIBCO recently returned and applied for The State Trade Expansion Program Grant to help supplement the cost for translations of international marketing media for their website and sales literature. The professional translations will help VIBCO reach markets that had previously shown limited prospects due to language barriers.

As VIBCO expands into international markets, they continue to focus on LEAN manufacturing principals to ensure operational excellence, quick and efficient product delivery, and exceptional customer service; holding onto the foundation they laid back in 1962.

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Voted Rhode Island’s “Best Place For Pool” EST. | 1982

The Only Real Billiard & Pool Hall Left in RI • Full Lunch and Dinner Menu • Large Variety of Beer and Spirits • Pool Leagues and Mini Tournaments • Book Parties, Charity Events & More!

Upcoming Event:

Real Estate Professionals Night November 14, 2019 | 7PM-9PM Are you a Real Estate Professional?

Join us for an exciting evening of fun activities and networking!

• FREE pool for all attendees • Complimentary pizza & antipasto CHANCE TO WIN: A Pool Stick Will Be Raffled Off

Games and Activities: 16 Pool Tables, Dart Boards, Card Table, Bubble Hockey, Foosball, Pinball, PacMan and More!

RSVP to (401) 232-1331 or BilliardMan1@aol.com

2026 Smith St., North Providence, RI 02911 | Mon-Sat: 10AM-1AM Sun: 6PM-1AM | (401) 232-1331 | www.ribbb.com

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BUY LOCAL, SHOP| LOCAL Mustang Passion SMALL BUSINESS Need To| Raise Capital

Mustang Passion 2 LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

The Story of

|

2 BEST FRIENDS

Ronnie Morency and Steve Filippou

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Mustang Passion | BUY LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL

From going camping with their wives and kids to spending their weekends together, they are lucky to have each other as a support system throughout all their milestones in life.

Article by Sarah Day

From first grade to now, Ronnie Morency and Steve Filippou have shared everything, from holiday meals to tips & secrets on how to run a small business in Rhode Island. Although their businesses are in different industries, Ronnie owning Ronnie’s Professional Services and Steve owning Twisted Pizza, these two entrepreneurs continue to share the same love for friendships, family, hobbies and cars.

On their unusual time off from running their businesses you can find Ronnie in his 2006 Mustang GT Convertible and Steve in his 2005 Mustang GT Convertible going out for a cruise with their families. Ronnie’s 2006 Mustang has been completely customized, including methanol injection, a Saleen supercharger, performance cams, coil packs and more. The car is pushing about 675 HP at the crank and about 460 HP at the rear wheels. This Mustang has about 13,000 original miles from when Ronnie bought the car from Flood Ford. Steve’s 2005 Mustang has a Vortech Supercharger, a water intercooler, ported heads, headers, methanol injection, GT500 suspension and more. The engine is actually a 5.0 liter stroker. For power, this Mustang is making about 800 HP from the motor, and about 675 to the rear wheels. Steve bought the car pre-owned with about 14,000 miles, and the car only has 19,000 miles on it now. This car was also originally from Flood Ford. While our team was interviewing both Steve and Ronnie, it was easy to hear and see their passion for these two cars. Their dedication to their sport translates into running a successful business in a small state.

The smaller the market the bigger the competition... and with Rhode Island being the smallest state, both

businesses have faced individual growing pains that not many other states have to face. Like their cars, they put every piece of what they’ve got into making sure their customers are satisfied. Aside from keeping their current customers happy, they gain new ones mostly by word-ofmouth and recommendations. “Your business succeeds based on who you know.” Fortunately, since Ronnie and Steve are such good friends and not in competition, they are able to share a network of loyal Rhode Island customers.

Running an entire business is not your typical 9-5 job, but somehow they make it work, and they do it while juggling their busy lives back at home. They have formed a friendship over the years that you don’t see often. From going camping with their wives and kids to spending their weekends together, they are lucky to have each other as a support system throughout all their milestones in life. They are also lucky to count on one another when they want to go for a ride in their Mustang’s!

To learn more about Twisted Pizza, visit https://gettwistedpizza.com/.

To learn more about Ronnie’s Professional Services, visit https://www.pumpitoutri.com/.

We would also like to say a special thank you to Flood Ford in East Greenwich for letting us use their facility while performing the front cover shoot and gathering the article information. Flood Ford is a strong supporter of small business in the Ocean State, as well as a strong supporter of incredible, custom cars like these two Mustangs.

Photography provided by Michelle Lee Photography

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Michelle Lee Photography RI

Make a statement without saying a word!

Downtown’s Only Real Bar. The night doesn’t have to be over. Stop by after an evening out on the town or after a long day at work!

Drinks | Quick Eats | Music & Entertainment | Best Bartenders Around

121 Empire Street Providence, RI 02903 Open Daily at Noon!

Sun-Thu: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am | Fri-Sat: 12:00 pm – 2:00 am

Call Us Today! 401-615-1351 |

[401] 451-9916

COME DO YOUR LAUNDRY WITH US!

MichelleLeePhotographyRI

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Tumbletown 2 is a clean, friendly, professional environment that will treat you well.

$3

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when you do a wash with us 1 Per Visit Per Customer | Must Have Coupon

Wash Dry Fold Service • Walk-ins welcome • Kids section Machines as large as 100lbs • Clean, neat, family environment Hours - 6:30am-10pm EVERYDAY | 1705 Main Street, West Warwick, RI 02893 10

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Italian Fine Dining Wine | Espresso | Pasta Dinners | Chicken Entrees | Seafood & Meat Entrees | Desserts

Come and experience A LITTLE PIECE OF ITALY “Farm to table” is a way of life in the Old Country, In the villages of Italy a meal starts at the local butcher shop for the freshest meat, a stroll to the garden to pick up the vegetables, and hopefully a stop at the local enoteca to grab a bottle of locally made wine. At Anthony’s Italian Restaurant we continue the tradition because “farm to table” offers the best quality for our customers. So, enjoy a little piece of Italy with every made to order meal at Anthony’s Italian Restaurant.

(401) 273-5900

|

441 Atwells Ave. Providence, RI 02909

|

BUY LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL 11 AnthonysOnFederalHill.com

A. OLAES ADJUSTING, ESTIMATING & CONSULTING i n de p e n de nt i nsu r ance adj u st er

WHEN A DISASTER HAPPENS, GET THE SUPPORT YOU DESERVE Homeowner Services | Condo & Realty Services Business & Commercial Services

We Are Your Experts in the Industry!

No-Bake Hershey Pie No baking and just three simple ingredients. This super creamy chocolate Hershey Pie is so simple to make and a recipe you will love.

If you are a chocolate lover like I am you may not be able to resist this pie, or eating the entire thing by yourself!

Call us at 1.401.347.3910 or visit www.aolaesadjusting.com

Ingredients: 1 crust graham cracker or cookie crust (6 oz)

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS SMALL BUSINESS SPECIALISTS

LUCIER

CPA INC

We Guarantee Success Tax Services

Bookkeeping | Payroll Service Business Consulting 1308 Atwood Avenue, Johnston RI 02919 401 946 1900 david@luciercpa.com

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8 oz cool whip 13-14 oz Hershey Bars (I used two 6.8 oz bars) Milk or Dark

Servings 8 slices Calories 262 kcal Prep Time 10 minutes Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes

Cooking Instructions: Break up large 1 and 1/2 Hershey bar and place in a large microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds at a time and stir until chocolate is melted. Remove and set aside.

Add cool whip to melted chocolate and mix until well combined.

Spoon chocolate cool whip into your graham cracker crust, and garnish with remaining 1/2 milk chocolate bar.

Place pie in the refrigerator. Allow to chill for 1-3 hours.

Cooking Tips: I used Hersey with almonds because i love the taste and texture that the crunchy almonds give to this pie. You can use any chocolate bar you like and the recipe will work great. Some readers have used half milk chocolate and half a special dark.

All you need is a pre-made graham cracker crust, a tub of cool whip, and the chocolate bar. Some readers even used a cookie crust!

Place the chocolate bar in a microwave safe bowl and cook for 30 seconds at a time stirring in between until your bar is melted.

I saved 1/2 of a bar to use as garnish. I used a grater to grate some pieces and sprinkled them on top.

! e m RH o s e w A e l t t i l

Y D O

o s IS

by Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro Ann Wiard, owner of Taste Buds Kitchen (TBK) in East Greenwich, Rhode Island is all about having fun with people from ages 2 to 99 as they make delicious food and learn a valuable life skill. People enjoy her cooking classes, celebrations (such as birthdays, showers, bachelorette parties, anniversaries and reunions) and corporate events.

•

•

Some of Ann’s favorite events included a: • • •

Chef’s challenge as part of a corporate meeting in which teams competed to make the best Handmade Ravioli.

Birthday cooking and dance party for 6- and 7-year-old children which made Pizza and Unicorn Cupcakes.

A sushi party for adults.

Originally from Ohio, Ann spent a year in AmeriCorps in the DC area prior to moving to Rhode Island to manage a soup kitchen in Bristol, RI. While managing the kitchen she earned her MBA at Providence College. After earning her MBA she chose combine her degree with her love of working with children, adults and cooking. Purchasing a TBK franchise provided her with the opportunity to get started working with children and adults almost immediately, rather than needing to spend excessive amounts of time organizing the business.

Ann offers the following recommendations: • •

Parents (and spouses) of picky eaters: Have the picky eaters find a new vegetable at the

• • •

Taste Buds Kitchen

grocery store. Once you return home have them help you prepare it.

If the picky eaters don’t like something ask them why.

Was it the texture, the smell, the color, the sweetness or the spiciness?

Be sure to offer positive reinforcement and thank them for trying something new. Ann reports that after she uses positive reinforcement in her cooking classes parents have said “I can’t believe you got my kid to eat butternut squash. They even ask for it at home now.”

Try to get one picky eater (in a group) to try something new. If they like it others will follow.

When planning events don’t overthink the details. Don’t stress out over the small details. Focus on having fun.

Do things together as a family. Experiences may provide better opportunities than buying gifts to create lifelong memories.

Please check out Ann’s website at https://tastebudskitchen. com/east-greenwich/. For further information and recommendations please contact Ann by email (eastgreenwich@tastebudskitchen.com) or by telephone (401.885.0535). Ann will be pleased to speak with you about food, cooking classes and special events.

I would like to thank Industrial Consultant Dr. Margarita Posada Cossuto for helpful comments.

Dr. Ronald G. Shapiro Independent Consultant in Human Factors, Learning and Human Resources

BUY LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL

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&

FEATUREDEVENT

C A L E N D A R

O F

E V E N T S

2019

N O V E M B E R

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BUY LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL

NOV 15 – DEC 22 Blackstone Valley Polar Express Train Ride Experience the magic of the Polar Express right here in RI! Enjoy a reading of the classic story while you sip rich hot chocolate out of a souvenir mug and eat delicious cookies. View the wonder of Christmas thought your little ones eye’s as Santa hand delivers a gift to every child on the train! Get on your festive PJs and meet us at the train depot in Woonsocketarrive early for photo opportunities featuring character themed backdrops and Santa’s sleigh!

Visit blackstonevalleypolarexpress.com for tickets.

D E

E C E M B E R

OCT 29 - NOV 10

NOV 8 –10

Aladdin at Providence Performing Arts Center

Art Providence Show

Discover a whole new world at Disney’s Aladdin, the hit Broadway musical! Meet us at PPAC to experience this thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. Showtimes vary.

Tickets available at ppacri.org.

Study and shop a variety of disciplines including jewelry, ceramics, furniture, apparel and more! With 150 artists, makers and designers from throughout the US, including but not limited to RISD alumni. For more details, go to artprovidenceshow.com.

5PM - 8PM

NOV 1 –3

NOV 11

Rhode Island Comic Con

Taste of RI - Winter Menu Showcase

The only place where you can see superheroes, villains, princesses and more! Show off your costume or just take in all the sights and sounds Comic Con has to offer.

This is your chance to meet your favorite actors, artists, wrestlers and more all in one place! Tickets available at ricomiccon.com.

More than 30 of RI’s best restaurants, bakeries, caterers, wineries and breweries will tempt your taste-buds with their delicious Winter Menu items. The venue - reminiscent of a warm summer night, will have you strolling through the tropical Botanical Garden Center at Roger Williams Park, Providence. Find ticket info & more on Facebook!

6PM - 9PM

NOV 2

NOV 3 & DEC 1

Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market

Drag Brunch at Massimo

The Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market is the largest of its kind in New England — featuring over 85 local farmers, fishers, and food producers.

Shop while enjoying live music from local artists and eating foods from our vendors and local food trucks. Join us for free at the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket.

Yas queen! On the first Sunday of each month, join us for a great time and a few laughs at our monthly Drag Brunch. Massimo in Providence is known for their savory favorites like Pork Cheek Carbonara, Short Rib and more. Of course no brunch is complete without boozy beverages like Blood Orange Mimosas and Dirty Bloody Marys.

Saturdays 9AM - 1PM

10:30AM - 3PM BUY LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL

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M EET T HE LO CALS

A LEX ZANNI REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Some Details About Alex: Business Name and Info: Keller Williams Realty Alex Zanni, Real Estate Salesperson Direct Line: 401-419-8406 Email: azanni@kw.com Address: 1170 Pontiac Ave, Cranston, RI 02920

About Alex: Alex began her career in real estate several years ago. She is an extremely knowledgable and professional real estate agent who is committed to helping her clients through the buying or selling of their home. She provides the highest level of service and forms great relationships with everyone she meets. Alex is efficient in communicating with her clients and has negotiating skills that will help achieve exceptional outcomes.

Alex’s Favorites: What is your favorite place to eat in RI: Matunuck Oyster Bar What is your favorite vacation destination: Marthas Vineyard What is your favorite time of the year: Summer/Fall

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without: The Beach Favorite Movie: Good Fellas Favorite Celebrity: Adam Sandler

If you would like to be featured in our “Meet the Locals” section, please email info@shoplocalrhody.com.

Your Local Jewelry Experts Featuring the desired brands Sarah Yo, Dora Rings and BlackJack.

We are here for all of your Jewelry and Watch needs including repairs.

Also featuring an Expert Watchmaker on site.

Open Tuesday thru Friday 10am to 5pm. Open Saturday 9am-1pm.

Stop in to see our inventory.

1395 Atwood Avenue Suite 101, Johnston, RI Call (401) 751-8105 16

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BUY LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL

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Your Local FIVE-STAR Realtor your help you enough for all k an th t n’ ca e w x, Ale short tle home with such lit t ec rf pe r ou us in finding us, time you met with ks ee w a st ju in notice! With actly what ts, and found us ex an w s/ ed ne r ou to listened e home u made our first tim Yo r. fo g in ok lo e we wer a breeze! buying experience er Wheeler - From Heath

Alex Zanni | Realtor® facebook.com/alexzannisells linkedin.com/in/alexandra-zanni-750284140

Contact me today and let’s get started! 401-419-8406 azanni@kw.com

RONNIE’S PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Taking Care of All Your Septic Needs Since 1980!

Complete Septic Services SEPTIC SYSTEMS DESIGNED, INSTALLED & MAINTAINED

BOOK TODAY! Schedule an appointment with us!

401-294-9487

SAVE SOME TIME, BOOK ONLINE! Visit PumpItOutRI.com to get started today!

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Meet The Envoy Team!

Susan Males

Loan Originator | NMLS ID #24320

Doug Iannuccilli Branch Manager | NMLS ID #19741

Sara Bagwell

Loan Originator | NMLS ID #1492601

Jim Delprete

Loan Originator | NMLS ID #4361

Jamieson S. Toulan

Phone: (401) 243-5758

Phone: (401) 499-3684

Phone: (401) 301-9640

Phone: (401) 932-1878

Phone: (401) 474-4760

susan.males@envoymortgage.com

diannuccilli@envoymortgage.com

sara.bagwell@envoymortgage.com

Operations Manager | NMLS ID #1624089

jdelprete@envoymortgage.com

jtoulan@envoymortgage.com

100% FINANCING AVAILABLE FOR USDA AND VA LOANS RHODE ISLAND HOUSING

Building Customers For Life

• Purchases and Refinance • Conventional Loans • Rhode Island Housing

• First Time Home Buyer • Renovations Loans & More Copyright © 2018. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Information, rates, & programs are subject to change without prior notice and may not be available in all states. All products are subject to credit & property approval. Envoy Mortgage, L.P. – Rhode Island Licensed Lender – License # 20092627LL; Rhode Island Licensed Loan Broker – License # 20122861LB; Third Party Loan Servicer License# 20163198LS

Visit our location at 535 Centerville Road, Suite 204-B, Warwick, RI

Call Today to Get Started! (401) 499-3684 | envoymortgage.com

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Koteshin-Ryu

KOTESHIN-RYU

MARTIAL ARTS

“Train for a better you” MARTIAL ARTS

• Kenpo Kids

• Kali

• Kenpo Adults

• Self Defense

• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu First time students get the first 4 classes for FREE 50 Minnesota Ave, Suite 2 Warwick, RI 02888 | 401-738-0750 | www.ksrwarwick.com

Experienced Staffing & Recruiting Specialists The Personnel People is an owner operated, Rhode Island-based staffing and recruiting firm. Since 1981, we have been successfully matching candidates with clients.

We Specialize In The Following Staffing Areas: •

Legal

•

Finance

•

Human Resources

•

Accounting

•

Administrative

•

Management

Take The Next Step Today!

Visit www.thepersonnelpeople.com to learn more and search job openings.

(401) 273-2500 | joyce@thepersonnelpeople.com | One Turks Head Place, Suite 322, Providence, RI 02903

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A Peak Inside Lil’ Rhody’s Best Bakeries Make it easy this holiday season and grab your treats & sweets from some of the best bakeries in town!

LaSalle Bakery 993 Smith St, Providence 401-831-9563

685 Admiral St, Providence 401-228-0081

www.lasallebakery.net Your traditional bakery featuring delicious breads, pastries, pies, custom cakes & so much more!

Scialo Brothers Bakery 257 Atwells Ave, Providence, RI (401) 421-0986 | www.scialobakery.com This Italian bakery has been open since 1916 and offers traditional cookies, pastries & special-occasion desserts.

Wrights Dairy Farm & Bakery 200 Woonsocket Hill Rd, North Smithfield, RI 02896 (401) 767-3014 | www.wrightsdairyfarm.com Cakes, bread & sweets are sold alongside dairy-fresh milk at this airy bakery set on a farm. Couldn’t get fresher than that!

Silver Spoon Bakery 58 Main St, East Greenwich, RI 02818 (401) 384-0078 | www.silverspoonbakery.com A modern style bakery serving the best of the best in a pretty, blue box! Enjoy cupcakes, French macarons, cookies & more!

DeLuise Bakery 701 Oaklawn Ave, Cranston, RI 02920 (401) 943-4567 Quaint, family-run shop offering donuts, muffins, desserts cookies & special-occasion cakes since 1938.

Scrumptions 5600 Post Rd #118, East Greenwich, RI 02818 (401) 884-0844 | www.scrumptions.com Famous bakery that sells custom cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pies, pastries & other sweet treats!

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Put Our Expertise To Work For Your Business!

Article by Joyce Fastino

Joyce Fastino, President

People are the greatest asset behind every business. Finding quality staff takes a lot of time, patience and valuable resources. Many businesses do not have the time to recruit candidates for positions with their companies as they are often focused on business operations.

When time is limited, and qualified candidates are difficult to find during a strong economy, companies often reach out to staffing and recruiting firms to assist with the search process. That’s where the Personnel People come in.

The Personnel People is an owner-operated, Rhode-Island based staffing and recruiting firm that has been operating in Rhode Island since 1981. The recruiting division is made up of individuals who are dedicated to sourcing qualified candidates for clients. They hire for a variety of professional positions and industries. The Personnel People placement areas include legal, accounting, administrative, human resources, marketing, and management. Whether you need a CFO, an Executive Assistant, Office Manager, or an Attorney, The Personnel People has the experience required to guide you through the process of finding a candidate that is the “perfect fit.”

The Personnel People has the experience required to guide you through the process of finding a candidate that is the “perfect fit.”

The recruiting team works with you to thoroughly understand your business and staffing needs. They provide direct-hire, temporary-to-hire and temporary staffing and recruiting services for businesses. If you are looking to learn more about the Personnel People, contact them at 401-273-2500 or email them at joyce@thepersonnelpeople.com, and they will put their staffing expertise to work for your business!

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White Dog Distilling A

P A S S I O N .

A

S P I R I T .

Article by Amit Basnet

A full-time science teacher at Scituate High School, Carlo Catucci found himself performing some tasty experiments at home. Crafting spirits in a 10-gallon pot, Carlo discovered he had a knack for distilling. As he developed his skills, family and friends encouraged him to turn his hobby into a business.

Making the leap a few years later, Catucci invested in a 50-gallon commercial distiller to make small-batch gin and whiskey. But he soon discovered that launching an official distillery in Rhode Island (while keeping up with teaching) was no small task. He turned to the RISBDC for critical support navigating the tasks and regulations required to bring White Dog Distilling to the wider audience it deserved.

RISBDC Director Amit Basnet helped Catucci and his White Dog co-owners--wife Alecia Catucci and friends Vincent Greene and Eric Sylvestre--throughout the business development process. Over an exhaustive two years of collaboration, Basnet and other counselors provided support for business planning, permitting, code compliance, financial counseling, marketing, and more.

In April of 2018, White Dog Distilling opened in Pawtucket as the first distillery in northern Rhode Island, and the only one (of three) in the Ocean State to manufacture rum, whiskey, gin, and bourbon at the time. The RISBDC helped Catucci plan a media blitz and grand opening event with local business leaders. The ribbon-cutting and public

A

J O U R N E Y

relations campaign helped White Dog earn major buzz and press in top local outlets including Rhode Island Monthly, Providence Journal, and the Valley Breeze.

Just over a year after their ribbon-cutting, White Dog had grown enough to expand into a larger tasting room. The owners renovated the room and added a rustic flair to give it a cozy ambiance for guests. They have since expanded their hours to three days a week and broadened their spirits line. The tasting room now serves whiskey, Puppy Bourbon, Lella’s Limoncello, gin, Howlin’ Moonshine, and different varieties of rum.

White Dog Distilling is located at 560 Mineral Spring Avenue, Unit 2-143 in Pawtucket, RI. Don’t miss a chance to say hi and sample the fruits of Catucci’s hard labor--and science!--next time you’re in the neighborhood.

Learn more about White Dog Distilling by visiting their website at WhiteDogDistilling.com.

If you’re ready to start writing your business success story, attend one of our upcoming workshops or set up a free one-on-one counseling session today. Register at RISBDC. org today.

The Rhode Island Small Business Development Center at URI is part of a national network of nearly 1,000 business assistance centers that provide counseling and training to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Partially funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, we help businesses to succeed from start-up to maturity.

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The Towers

35 Ocean Road, Narraganset t, Rhode Island The Towers is a historic structure located in Narragansett, Rhode Island. It is the only remnant of the Narragansett Pier Casino built in the 1880s. This casino was the center of social life in Narragansett during the late 19th century. The Casino rivaled the Newport Casino’s popularity as a resort for the social elite until it burned down in 1900.

The Narragansett Casino was a great example of Victorian Shingle style architecture, designed by McKim, Mead, and

White. The Casino offered a variety of sports, including boating, tennis, billiards, bowling, cards, and shooting, restaurants, stores, reading rooms a theatre, a bandstand, a ballroom, and of course a beautiful beach.

The Casino burned down during the Great Fire of September 12, 1900. That horrible day, a fire broke out in the neighboring Rockingham Hotel. The flames spread quickly to the Casino, leaving only the granite walls of The Towers standing. More recently, Hurricane Sandy has uncovered the foundation and part of the old boardwalk belonging to the old casino that had been buried by sand.

Today, these famous Towers have survived numerous fires, nor’easters and hurricanes, yet they still remain standing.They symbolize an almost magical reputation for indestructibility, Narragansett’s good luck symbol. The Towers currently host weddings, dances, dinners, plays, and fashion showers. It is an incredible venue for any social event! There are events happening all year long, check out whats coming up: https://www.thetowersri.com/events/

To view additional Retro Blast articles visit our website,

shoplocalrhody.com/retro-blast

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Products Local Rhode Island TO

Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowderhouse If you’ve spent a fair amount of time in The Ocean State, you likely know about Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowderhouse. They’re a casual, family friendly restaurant serving sandwiches, chowder, fried clams, and fish platters. Iggy’s doughboys are best described as a fritter and they’re a very popular side dish. They can be served plain or sprinkled with powdered sugar or sugar and cinnamon for dessert. As for the chowder, it’s available in both red and white varieties, as well as Rhode Island style (clear). Everything on the menu is inexpensive and served promptly – a great place for a fun meal! If you can’t get to Iggy’s, they’ve just instituted an online store where you can order gift baskets, novelty items, clam cake mix, Iggy’s chopped clams, doughboys, and more. www.iggysri.com | (401) 737-2895

Poblano Farm Salsa and Sauce South Kingstown is home to Poblano Farm, a family run operation that has been making quite a name for themselves for their line of salsas and pasta sauce. Poblano Farm is best known for their three salsas – Roasted, Chipotle, and Mild, which have been featured on the Cooking Channel along with their signature pasta sauce. The pasta sauce features farm grown tomatoes and no added sugar. Taste the delicious sweetness of Rhode Island grown tomatoes and see why they’re sought out all over New England! You can find Poblano Farm products at select markets in The Ocean State as well as online at their website’s store. www.poblanofarm.com | (401) 261-5716

FurrFighters Anyone who owns a pet knows excess shedding pet hair is part of the bargain. That’s why we were so pleased to discover a Rhode Island made product called FurrFighters. Developed by local firefighters, FurrFighters are excess pet hair removal products that work by simply swiping over a targeted area.

FurrFighters are available in gloves and furniture brushes and a clever pocket sized. They clean the pet hair off any hard surface, and work like a charm not only on cats and dogs, but car seats, blankets, and more and a firm tap allows for quick and easy disposal. Check out their website for details and more! www.furrfighters.com | (401) 440-7371

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Marketing Strategy H O W

T O

D E V E L O P

Article by Bryan B Mason

The first step in developing a successful marketing strategy is to validate that you have a very solid business strategy.

Business Strategy

A business strategy defines how a company is going to create and deliver a valuable product or service to the marketplace. It is based on providing the product(s) or services that you identified as a need not being met in the marketplace for what you do. Getting the right combination of price, quality and service is critical. Your product or service must be differentiated in some key way from the competition.

Marketing Strategy

Now you are ready to develop your marketing strategy which is a document that describes your customer characteristics, personas and segments.

Customer Characteristics

The marketing strategy itself starts with identifying the characteristics of your ideal customer. This is done in terms of demographic (e.g. age, location, incomes, specific needs) and psychographic characteristics (e.g. subconscious or conscious beliefs, motivations, and priorities). These taken together are used to try to identify the customer and explain and predict consumer behavior.

A

S U C C E S S F U L

Marketing Personas

The next step is to create a set of marketing personas that represent the different user types within the ideal customer set (targeted demographic) that are expected to use the product in a similar way (one type of persona).

Customer Segmentation

Typically, you will find that there is more than one profile and persona combination for your customers. So you want to break down your target customers into addressable segments. By addressable, I mean that you have ways of finding and reaching those customers defined by the profile and persona. This segmentation is then used to develop specific messaging and to deliver that messaging through specific marketing channels.

Marketing Plan

The marketing plan takes these addressable segments, develops the messaging, identifies the channels and combines them with specific actions to take such as running ads in social media, or advertising in a magazine that specifically addresses the target audience (Road and Track or Backpacker for example) etc.

Though I have tried to simplify it, developing a marketing strategy is a complicated topic. Feel free to reach out if you need some advice or help.

Bryan B Mason | Principal | (401) 862-6339 | The Apollo Consulting Group LLC BUY LOCAL, SHOP LOCAL

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