Issue 10 - Small Business Journal - 1st quarter 2016

Greater Monadnock & Southeastern Vermont

Small Business

Journal Issue 10 • 1st Quarter 2016 (January/February/March) COMPLIMENTARY COPY

Robin Eichert is the owner of PeopleSense Consulting and a volunteer at the Monadnock Humane Society.

Volunteering It’s Good for Business!

PLUS: Genuine Networking Business Couples Restaurants That Deliver January/February/March 2016

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Yo u r l o c a l b u s i n e s s a dva n tag e

“savings bank of Walpole helps keep my business on a roll.”

since opening The bread shed, owner brittany Migneault has made quite a stir with her artisanal breads.

“With the support of the community and our loyal customers, my business has grown very quickly from day one,” says Migneault. “savings bank of Walpole is committed to helping entrepreneurs and their companies thrive. Their loans and great rates have been instrumental in helping the bread shed ramp up and get to the next level.”

at sbW, we understand that with success, new challenges often arise. That’s why we take the time to understand our customers’ businesses and financial goals. “savings bank of Walpole has a genuine commitment to the community and their customers and that’s why we bank with them.” great customer service from a bank that invests in the local community. need some bread? give stephen bianco, vice President/senior lender a call at (603) 352-1822 or email him at sbianco@walpolebank.com.

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of since 1875

equal Housing lender | Member Fdic | Walpole and Keene, nH | (877) WalPole | (877) 925-7653 | walpolebank.com

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C O N T E N T S Greater Monadnock & Southern Vermont

Small Business

Journal

FEATURES Volunteering: It’s Good for Business!

Paragon: Putting Main Street on the Map

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EDITOR’S NOTE 4 THE JOURNAL’S CONTRIBUTORS

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TALK OF THE TOWN 6 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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COLUMNS THE BUSINESS NEXT DOOR: Refurniture LLC

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EXPERT TIPS: Business Couples, for Better or for Worse

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IN YOUR BUSINESS: Genuine Networking That Works

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HINTS FROM HELAINE

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YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR: Lee Germeroth

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THE GREEN SCENE: The Mountain Company

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LISTINGS Restaurants That Deliver (and Cater)

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Business Directory

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ON THE COVER...

Robin Eichert, owner of PeopleSense Consulting LLC of Jaffrey, volunteers during her off-duty hours at the Monadnock Humane Society in Swanzey. She is holding one of the shelter’s many cats available for adoption, Dutchess. To the right in the cubby is Baby, and behind Eichert is Princess (who was adopted shortly after this photo was taken).

See story on page 20.

Photo by Ed Thomas Photos: (top to bottom): Mt. Monadnock by Keith McKane; networking and heart illustration by Dreamstime; woman modeling T-shirt courtesy The Mountain Company.

January/February/March 2016

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Editor’s Note ...

New Hampshire residents rank above the national average in their willingness to help others. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, 27.8 percent of New Hampshire residents volunteer (compared to 25.3 percent nationwide); and 67 percent of New Hampshire residents do “informal volunteering” such as favors for neighbors in need (again, above the national average).

These statistics come as no surprise to those of us who live here — we love to help out, and there is no shortage of organizations in our region that need help from volunteers.

Volunteering has an enormous positive impact on a community.

What we may not know is that volunteering not only helps the organizations, people and animals we reach out to. Research has shown the act of volunteering — helping others — leads to better health. People who volunteer feel more socially connected, which helps to ward off depression and loneliness. It also has shown to lower blood pressure and lead to a longer life.

And volunteering helps the business community. A recent Forbes article points out: “More engaged employees make for more profits ... companies with highly engaged employees have three times the operating margin ... and four times the earnings per share ... of companies with low engagement.” But the best part of volunteering, in my opinion, is how we feel when we do it. As Winston Churchill, in his wisdom, once said: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Greater Monadnock & Southern Vermont

Small Business

Journal

Issue 10 • January/February/March 2016 PUBLISHER

Backporch Publishing, LLC

EDITORIAL

EDITOR: Marcia Passos Duffy CONTRIBUTORS: Sharon Bailly, Nicole S. Colson, Helaine Iris, Bob Vecchiotti, C S Wurzberger PROOFREADER: Lauré Mackey

PHOTOGRAPHY Ed Thomas

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The Small Business Journal of Greater Monadnock and Southeastern Vermont 16 Russell Street, Keene, NH 03431

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No purchase necessary to enter ... simply subscribe to the Journal’s monthly e-newsletter!

To enter and subscribe to our e-newsletter, visit: www.monadnockSBJ.com/subscribe. Winner must provide a fully-designed ad to spec to claim the prize. The next drawing will be held on March 31, 2015. Good luck!

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603-369-2525, info@monadnockSBJ.com www.monadnockSBJ.com The Small Business Journal of Greater Monadnock and Southeastern Vermont is published quarterly by Keene, N.H.-based Backporch Publishing, LLC. It is distributed throughout the Monadnock Region and Southern Vermont the first two weeks of January, April, July and October. The Small Business Journal is a business-to-business publication that highlights news about the Greater Monadnock and Southern Vermont’s small business community including start-ups, business success stories, local expert advice and features about emerging trends. This publication is copyrighted. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. The views expressed in the Small Business Journal do not necessarily reflect the views of its advertisers, publisher or editor. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, Backporch Publishing, LLC assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions.

CONTRIBUTORS Sharon Bailly founded her business, TWP Marketing & Technical Communications in Peterborough in 1999 to provide website, blog, newsletter, success story and other content for all types of businesses. www.nhbusinessblog.com www.linkedin/in/sharonbailly

Nicole S. Colson is a contributing writer for The Keene Sentinel, where she was on staff as a feature writer for more than 12 years.

She also writes for Keene State College and Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene. Colson lives in Swanzey with her husband, Dana.

Helaine Iris is a life and business coach who has been featured in numerous publications including “O” The Oprah Magazine. She’s helped many entrepreneurs make a difference in the world, accelerate their professional success and achieve more complete and fulfilling personal lives. www.pathofpurpose.com

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Ed Thomas has been a professional photographer for more than 30 years. He produces photography for clients throughout New England for the advertising, architectural, industrial and editorial markets. He is also an avid nature and historical photographer. www.edthomasphotography.com

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Bob Vecchiotti is an experienced business advisor and professional coach who works with small to mid-size companies in their early stages of development. Vecchiotti honed his business skills in the aerospace industry and in his years as a consultant to major corporations such as Anheuser-Busch, Chiquita Brands, H.J. Heinz, and Monsanto. He lives and works in Peterborough.

C S Wurzberger, a.k.a. “The Green Up Girl,” is on a mission to provide people with inspiration, motivation, resources and simple action steps so they can enjoy living a greener lifestyle. Check out her podcast, Greener by Choice on iTunes where she looks at green issues and spotlights green movement leaders. www.TheGreenUpGirl.com

January/February/March 2016

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TALK OF THE TOWN

Business News from Greater Keene, Peterborough & Brattleboro pAmerican Red Cross Transfers Medical Transportation to CVTC KEENE, NH — For many years the American Red Cross has provided medical transportation in the Monadnock Region for people who have needed help getting to doctors appointments and treatments. As the Red Cross core mission is to focus on preparedness, response and recovery in a disaster, a transportation partner in the community has been identified to continue this valuable service. Contoocook Valley Transportation Company (CVTC) has been providing transportation in the region since 2009, and will absorb the client base of the current Red Cross transportation program. This shift will take place over the course of the next several months to ensure that all clients and medical centers have time to understand how the change will work and to make preparations for new processes.

“CVTC has a well-established medical transportation program that we feel is a logical extension of the current transportation program,” says Maria Devlin, CEO of the American Red Cross in New Hampshire and Vermont. “More clients will be served by transferring the program to an agency that can support its growth potential.” The American Red Cross has been providing medical transportation to residents of the Monadnock Region because there was a need that was not being met. With this shift, the Red Cross will continue to support the program by making referrals to CVTC. Last year, the Red Cross assisted 440 people with 8,000 medical rides. CVTC, based in Peterborough, operates a medical transportation program that serves the 13 towns in the eastern Monadnock Region. The organization currently relies on 35 volunteers who use their own vehicles to provide this service. People interested in volunteering or who need assistance with medical transportation should contact CVTC at 1-877-428-2882 ext. 5.

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pScott Gordon-Macey Celebrates 10 Years of Service With MetLife BRATTLEBORO, VT — Scott Gordon-Macey of Baystate Financial, an office of MetLife and a part of the MetLife Premier Client Group, recently celebrated 10 years of service with the company. Gordon-Macey started at MetLife in 2005; he has devoted his career to helping clients in the Southern Vermont and Southern New Hampshire areas achieve their financial goals. GordonMacey, MBA, is a Certified Financial Planner with Baystate Financial and recently was awarded the Charter Advisor for Senior Living (CASL) designation from the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Babson College, and the University of Massachusetts, and a member of the Brattleboro Sunrise Rotary, and on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Brattleboro, Vermont. He resides in Brattleboro with wife Dana, daughter Sarah, and son Matthew. For more information on MetLife products and services, please contact Gordon-Macey at 802-254-7756, sgordonmacey@ baystatefinancial.com, Learn more at www.sdgmacey.metlife.com. pHannah Grimes Names Entrepreneur of the Year KEENE, NH — The Hannah Grimes Center recently announced its 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year: Marcia Passos Duffy, founder and owner of Backporch Publishing LLC based in Keene.

Backporch Publishing produces The Heart of New England, an online New England travel publication; the Small Business Journal, a business-to-business publication serving the Monadnock Region; and the recently-launched atHome Magazine, celebrating the everyday homes and gardens of the

Small Business Journal • www.monadnockSBJ.com

Monadnock Region and Southeastern Vermont. Duffy is also co-founder and editor of the Monadnock Table magazine (now published by the Keene Sentinel), highlighting local food and farms in our region. “The mission of Hannah Grimes is to help business and the community innovate, connect, thrive and give back,” says Mary Ann Kristiansen, executive director of the Hannah Grimes Center. “Marcia, to us, demonstrates all of those. She is very innovative and is on the leading edge of the Buy Local movement. She is a connector — I see her at every event.

Her way of honing ideas is a publication ... and she does each one beautifully in a way that supports the world she wants to see: a world with more local food and farms, more small businesses and entrepreneurs, and more beautiful homes.”

Visit www.backporchpublishing.com and www.hannahgrimes.com. pNew Ipswich Book Publisher Receives Prestigious National Award

NEW IPSWICH, NH — The Armarium Press is pleased to announce that Learning Is Cool … It’s the First Day of School! has received the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award. The Mom’s Choice Award program is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products, and services. Learning Is Cool is the first title in the Chaucer in the Classroom series from Canterbury Tails Books, the children’s book division of The Armarium Press.

The books combine illustrations and original photographs shot on location in classrooms around the country.

“Written for early readers, the Chaucer in the Classroom series aims to present useful information about special days

in the school calendar in a dynamic, kid-appealing format,” says editorial director Robyn Larson McCarthy. “We are thrilled the Mom’s Choice Awards evaluators honored the first book in the series.” The series’ second title, Stand Up and Cheer … Make it a Drug-Free Year! is in production. It covers the “respect your friends, respect yourself ” message of the anti-drug campaigns so many school districts and communities observe annually. Additional titles in the series address the 100th Day of School, President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and Career Day. Learn more: www.thearmariumpress.com. pRound-Up Program for the Community Kitchen Launched at Monadnock Food Co-op KEENE, NH — The Monadnock Food Co-op launched a December “RoundUp” program to benefit the Community Kitchen of Keene. Customers rounded up their purchases and donated small amounts to the Community

families with children in the Monadnock Region: www.thecommunitykitchen.org.

Kitchen throughout the month. Shoppers donated $425 during the first day of the Co-op’s Round-Up program on Giving Tuesday (December 1, 2015).

“Donations to the Community Kitchen are down this year, while the number of families using their services are increasing — four percent compared to last year,” says Emerald Levick, marketing and membership manager at the Monadnock Food Co-op. “Programs like the Co-op’s Round-Up Program can help close these funding gaps.” The Community Kitchen of Keene provides healthy and nutritious hot meals, takehome food boxes and advocacy to low and moderate income men, women and

pParagon Partners with Google KEENE, NH — Paragon Digital Marketing has partnered with Google and is offering virtual tours (Street View 360) at no cost to Main Street businesses in Keene. Also, the New England Web & Tech Collective (NEWT) is working with Main Street businesses to get them verified/trusted on Google (see profile on page 24). Paragon employees and volunteers from NEWT are using a Street View 360-Degree Camera to photograph storefronts and business interiors and work with each business to claim, update and optimize their Google listings. To learn more about this project call 603-399-6400, extension 406.

Talk of the Town continued on next page

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TALK OF THE TOWN

Business News from Greater Keene, Peterborough & Brattleboro pCedar Hill Wins Multiple Vermont State Awards WINDSOR, VT — Cedar Hill Continuing Care Community, founded in 1988, was the recipient of three awards presented by the Vermont Health Care Association at this year’s VHCA Conference & Trade Show. The awards banquet honored Cedar Hill with three awards: Lifetime Achievement Award, Nursing Home Activity Director of the Year and Nursing Home Volunteer of the Year. Cedar Hill founder and co-owner Mary Louise Sayles (pictured) was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her tireless efforts to develop a community that would offer more than nursing home care. She and her original business partner, Judith Brogren, envisioned a continuum of care for older adults who wanted to live in their own home-like space but also have the availability of support services when and if they needed it.

Together, they transformed a derelict

one-building nursing home into a continuing care community that enables seniors to age comfortably in place and offers a range of work and career

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opportunities to Windsor community members. “My mother and Judy felt that they could provide a better quality of life and more personal attention to family and residents by having a smaller nursing home and different options for senior housing care besides a nursing home,” says Sayles’ daughter and current co-owner Patricia Horn.

“They wanted their own place to not feel like an institution and, instead, feel like a comfortable home.” After Judith Brogren retired in 2005, Patricia left a career in journalism to join her mother as a licensed nursing home administrator. Together, Mary Louise and Patricia expanded the vision further, building a $10.4 million addition to their independent and assisted living neighborhood with a secure state-of-the-art memory care center, which opened in early 2015. They dedicated the project to Mary Louise’s daughter Maria, who lost her life to cancer in 2004. The Judith Brogren Memory Care Center was dedicated to co-founder Judith Brogren,

who passed away in 2013. To her staff at the Cedar Hill Continuing Care Community, Mary Louise is known as a powerhouse. “To me, she is a pioneer.

A visionary,” says Sue Spadaro, who has worked at Cedar Hill since 1998 and currently holds the position of executive director at The Village at Cedar Hill. “This is not a business about making money,” she says. “Mary Louise really cares about the residents, and she wants to make sure the elderly are taken care of properly.” Earlier this year, Cedar Hill was also the recipient of the DAIL (Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living) Quality Incentive Award, which recognizes outstanding nursing homes that have met high standards of quality care for their residents. The award is granted based on results of health and life safety surveys, cost effectiveness, a lack of substantiated complaints and resident satisfaction survey results.

In addition to these awards, Cedar Hill has been awarded 5 stars on the

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services “Nursing Home Compare” site (medicare.gov), and 5 stars “Best Nursing Home” in Vermont by U.S. News and World Report for the second year in a row. Visit www.cedarhillccc.com.

With headquarters in Keene, New Hampshire — and 32 offices total in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate/The Masiello Group is the only real estate company in northern New England to offer complementary home services, including mortgage, title, home warranty, homeowners insurance, relocation, and land planning. www.masiello.com.

pMasiello’s Nancy Proctor Named One of Top Real Estate Professionals in US KEENE, NH — Nancy Proctor of The Masiello Group was named one of America’s top real estate professionals by REAL Trends for closed transactions, as advertised in The Wall Street Journal. She is now a member of the “The Thousand Top Real Estate Professionals,” a prestigious national awards ranking sponsored annually by the two respected publications. Proctor ranked in the top one half of one percent of the more than 1,100,000 REALTORS® nationwide.

pKeene State College & JobWISE KEENE, NH — Keene State College encourages business owners to utilize JobWISE, its free online job and internship resource, for recruitment needs. Part-time and full-time employment opportunities as well as internships can be posted on JobWISE by using the following link: www. myinterfase.com/keene/employer. For more information contact Mary Ann Gaschnig at mgaschnig@keene.edu.

Talk of the Town continued on next page.

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January/February/March 2016

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TALK OF THE TOWN

Business News from Greater Keene, Peterborough & Brattleboro

pLaunchingU Keynote Presenters at Greek Leadership Conference KEENE, NH — Sue Hay (top photo) and Emily Porschitz, LaunchingU business partners, were the keynote presenters at the recent Northeast Greek Leadership Association Conference held at Kean University in New Jersey. Hay’s and Porschitz’s presentation topic was titled “Your Career Starts Now: Leveraging Your Greek Experience.” During the day-long conference, Hay and Porschitz worked with Greek life students from all over the Northeast, teaching them how to communicate their Greek life roles as experiences that allowed them to develop skills relevant to the job market. “Students in Greek life gain highly marketable leadership and service experience, however, they are often unclear of how to present these experiences on their resume or in job interviews,” notes Hay, who is the founder of LaunchingU. “We help students use these experiences to demonstrate key qualities employers are looking for.” LaunchingU is a career coaching business that focuses on helping college students, new graduates, and early career professionals make the transition from college into their careers with focus and passion. Hay and Porschitz founded LaunchingU in 2013 to help students navigate this transition Learn more: www.LaunchingU.com. pLocal Business Mentors and Sponsors Step Up for Young Entrepreneurs KEENE, NH — The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) an innovative program that guides students through the process of starting their own, real business, announces local business mentors and sponsors for this year’s

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YEA! Class at Keene State. Once the students identify their business idea, YEA! pairs each student business with an appropriate mentor. This industry expert helps the students to fine tune their concept, write a business plan and identify their target audience. This year’s mentors range from Tim Pipp, Beeze Tees to Jake Kundert, C&S Wholesale Grocers and includes all listed below: • Tim Pipp/Beeze Tees • Tracy Keating/Life Is Sweet • Emily Pelletier/C&S Wholesale Grocers • Ann Henderson/Ann Henderson Interiors • Brian Foucher/WiValley • Jacob Bedard/Keene State College • Ken Abbott/ABTech • Ed Guyot/John G Burk and Associates • Dan Papaleo/C&S Wholesale Grocers • Randy Morse/Refurniture LLC • Jake Kundert/C&S Wholesale Grocers As a nonprofit organization, YEA! relies on the generosity of the community and of sponsors; people who identify with entrepreneurship and want to help pave the way for future entrepreneurs.

Some help the student businesses get off the ground while others provide in-kind support or volunteer their time and services. During the course of the 30-week program, more than 10 of our local businesses become involved with YEA! at various levels. From helping teach the basics of business to inviting students to tour their companies, volunteers participate in a variety of capacities. Students work in close cooperation with local business leaders, community leaders and educators who use their personal experiences to demonstrate how to develop ideas and objectives, pitch potential investors, obtain funding, register with governmental agencies, establish e-commerce and a web presence and more. By the end of the class, students own and operate fully-formed and functioning businesses, which they can carry on after their graduation from the program.

Small Business Journal • www.monadnockSBJ.com

pSusannah Batchelder of Franklin Pierce University Joins Board of Windy Row Learning Center PETERBOROUGH, NH — Susannah Batchelder has joined the board of the Windy Row Learning Center, a Peterborough nonprofit that tutors children with reading and math challenges such as dyslexia. A New Jersey native, Susannah received both her B.S. in business management and MBA in leadership from Franklin Pierce University, where she is now employed as the assistant director of advancement services.

Batchelder brings to Windy Row her long-time involvement with nonprofits and expertise in social media, newsletters and event management; she has become the administrator of Windy Row’s Facebook site and is actively engaged in outreach to parents, educators and community leaders. Since 2003, the Windy Row Learning Center has provided oneon-one after-school tutoring in reading and math to children throughout the Monadnock Region. For more information about Windy Row’s services, please visit the Windy Row website at www. windyrow.org or phone 603-924-7198. pLinks Fitness Celebrates One Year Anniversary and Welcomes PGA-Certified Professionals to Staff KEENE, NH — Links Fitness, a 24-hour gym on Marlboro Street owned and operated by certified personal trainer Julie McNamee (pictured), is celebrating one year of helping people meet their fitness needs and goals. PGA professionals Barry (“Pudge”) Pearson and Jeff Day are now managing golf operations at Links’ 3D full size golf simulators

(89 Courses), which are available to play or for practice. The center is available for leagues, lessons, parties, business events and tournaments. The fitness center also offers group classes including SPIN and yoga, personal training and integrative health coaching. Learn more at www.linksfitness.com. pBryan Russell Takes the Helm of Keene Yoga Center KEENE, NH — The Keene Yoga Center, located at 80 Roxbury Street, opened in September of last year under the co-ownership of Josephine Russell and her son, Bryan Russell (both pictured).

“Like most mothers hope to be able to do, I supported my son’s dream (of opening a yoga center),” says Josephine, who has practiced yoga around the region since 1976, and had many ideas to add to the new business. Mother and son spent a year creating the yoga center; Josephine donated money and ideas and Bryan donated “sweat and hard work,” says Josephine. “I feel good that we took an old downtown building laying dormant and re-purposed it with great new energy,” she says. Josephine has now backed down as co-owner and now holds the position of co-founder. She will continue to teach yoga at the Center. “Now I can go back to my true love: teaching yoga,” she says, adding that she dreams of following the inspiration of her teacher Tao who is 97 and still sharing her love of yoga with many. “Bryan taking over sole ownership of the yoga center fulfills his dream of owning a yoga center,” says Josephine.

Bryan welcomes ideas and comments about the Keene Yoga Center; email him at bryan@keeneyogacenter.com. The first class is free. www.keeneyogacenter.com.

pBusiness Fundamentals Bootcamp Features Fitzwilliam Business FITZWILLIAM, NH — Paula Mathews, founder and president of HR Compliance 101, LLC (pictured), was a featured breakout speaker at a Business Fundamentals Bootcamp, presented by Supporting Strategies at Crowne Plaza in Nashua this past fall with more than 100 attendees.

The theme of the event was “Financing: How to Match the Right Source to the Right Need.” Mathews presented a breakout session on “The Cost of Non-Compliance with State, Federal, and OSHA Regulations.” Mathews is well qualified to instruct businesses on these regulations; she reports that none of her clients over the last 14 years has ever received any fines from the Department of Labor or OSHA. “HR Compliance’s clients have a clean record,” she says. Learn more: www.hrcompliance101.com.

pNancy Salwen of Music All Around Receives Music Improvisation Leadership Certificate KEENE, NH — Nancy Salwen (pictured) has completed Music for People’s fouryear certificate training program for musicianship and leadership. Her training is in the facilitation of music improvisation experiences for both musicians and non-musicians in group settings. She brings her work to business and organizational settings focusing on fostering collaboration, problem solving and community-building through music making.

“Working with music and percussion is full of tangible metaphors for any group of people whose goal it is to work well and find solutions together as a group,” says Salwen. Learn more by contacting Salwen at nancy@salwen.net or visiting www.musicallaround.net.

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THE BUSINESS NEXT DOOR A snapshot of a local home business Randall Morse Refurniture LLC 54 Harkness Road Jaffrey, NH 03452 603-532-7422 refurniture@comcast.net The Refurniture LLC workshop is located in the large, walk-in basement of Randall (Randy) Morse’s home in Jaffrey. Morse repairs, refinishes and restores antiques, vintage and fine furniture, paneling and architectural elements. Morse specializes in the application of clear finishes such as shellac, lacquer, varnish and oils.

What did you do before you started Refurniture LLC? Before I started this business I was a business consultant in the biotech and clinical diagnostics space. Mostly I helped companies commercialize the technologies they developed or acquired from other inventors. Before that I worked for several companies that developed and sold software, computer hardware, instruments, devices and consumables used by biomedical researchers such as those at medical schools and the National Institutes of Health. And before that I was a high school biology teacher.

So this is a second career for you, a retirement career?

Why did you decide to start the business?

This is actually my third career which I began as I was winding down my consulting business. I have always had a reverence for wood and built and repaired boats, repaired and refinished antiques I inherited from my folks.

My wife and I always knew I would continue working after retirement doing something with wood.

I love to fix things and I love to keep old things serviceable and attractive.

I felt I had enough experience to start a business.

I wanted to work out of my home since a commute to my basement was far easier than the commute to the Boston area, which I did for over 10 years.

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Small Business Journal • www.monadnockSBJ.com

What are the advantages of having your workshop at home?

The first advantage is the commute, which is only one flight of stairs. But, more importantly, it is the convenience of working on the refinishing of furniture pieces.

Oftentimes I have to wait for glue or a clear coat to dry before I can take the process to the next step. As I wait I can now go about my private business, then go back to continue the process, let it dry, then resume my private life. It would be much less efficient if I had to commute to a separate shop.

Who are your customers?

Most of my customers reside in the Monadnock Region, however I do have some customers who live in Massachusetts.

There are a sufficient number of older folks who have antiques or vintage furniture with great intrinsic value and who value the history and sentimentality of the furniture pieces they have. The reality is that I fix their treasures. My business plan is to only do business within an hour’s drive of my home, and there are a sufficient number of customers so that I am as busy as I want to be.

What has been the proudest moment in your business?

My proudest moment is when I have essentially mastered a new technique on a very special piece of furniture and I feel good when I stand back viewing it under perfect lighting and say to myself, “not bad.” I have worked on some stunning pieces and feel good when the customer tells me how much

they like the work. Actually what I do is sort of like creating an art piece. There is the emotional attachment to the wood from which the piece was crafted, the art of creating just the right color, sheen and “feel” to the piece.

How do you promote your business?

Because I had done a lot of advertising and promotion in my former career, and because I was “older” starting a new business, I developed a brochure to quickly get out “the word.”

It describes what I do and why someone should feel confident entrusting their cherished treasure to Refurniture. I did do some very targeted customer and geographic advertising during the first few years, but not very much. Also my prior sales experience told me that I needed to “pound the pavement” and call on any business dealing with furniture — hotels, restaurants, moving companies, other companies doing what I was doing. My wife told her friends what I was now doing, and through those efforts I got my first customers. Now my business promotes itself by word-of-mouth.

Do you have any tips for people looking to start a new business at retirement?

Two tips: You need to be very good at what you do and tell people what you can do for them. They need to know why they need to go to you and not someone else. You must achieve a level of financial savvy to be able to “feel” the numbers so you can use this information to better manage your business.

Remember, the number one reason businesses fail is that they run out of money. I was fortunate to have been a business consultant before I started Refurniture, had been a volunteer for SCORE advising others about the pitfalls of starting their own business and had written and executed many business and marketing plans. So the “business” side of starting the business was very straightforward for me. What I needed to work on was the “technical” side of the business, which I did through workshops, seminars, watching YouTube videos, reading, but mostly being self-taught and lots of trial and error.

What inspires you in your business?

What inspires me most is the opportunity to work on beautiful, old and well-made pieces that mean so much to my client.

This arena is so replete with new techniques and products that I am always learning.

What do you do for fun when not working?

I work on my own schedule, not someone else’s so I have more time to spend with my wife, kids and grandkids. I also volunteer with the Jaffrey-Rindge Rotary Club, the local village improvement society, drive for CVTC (Contoocook Valley Transportation Company) and will soon work with kids to help them develop their entrepreneurial talents. p

Do you know of an interesting home business for this column? Let us know! Email Marcia Passos Duffy, editor, at marcia@monadnocksbj.com.

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EXPERT TIPS Advice you can trust from the people you know

Business Couples: For Better or for Worse

By Bob Vecchiotti

T

he car pulls into the driveway and then into the garage.

“Dad’s home!” shouts one of the kids. Mom takes a hot meal out of the oven to cool and takes off her apron. She waits for her husband at the side door. As it opens she says, “Welcome home dear, dinner will be ready in a few minutes.”

They have a quick embrace. This sounds like a description from a TV show of the 50s and early 60s, but there is some truth to it: In that era, typically men either worked a corporate job or started a business and women either stayed at home with the kids or was an “assistant” in his business. But all that, of course, has changed.

Women today account for more than 30 percent of all enterprises, according to a survey done by American Express.

And business partnerships between married couples have also increased over the years: According to Business Families Foundation, 13.6 percent of U.S. small businesses are couple-owned, representing nearly a million privately-held businesses.

And not all couple-run businesses are small momand-pop operations. Some more well-known husbandand wife-run businesses include Cisco Systems, CLIF Bar, Flickr, Fiji Natural Artisan Water and Eventbrite.

The advantages

When it works, a husband and wife business partnership can be a beautiful thing. The advantages are clear. Business and family discussions can occur at any time. There’s more flexibility in managing business and personal lives. It allows spouses with different and complementary skills to come together toward a common goal whether in business or child rearing.

Children benefit from this flexibility, especially in their early and school years. Business couples can lead a seamless life between business and family. Employees also appreciate the dedication to the business and the high sense of loyalty to them.

Bob Vecchiotti is a business and advisor and coach.

He lives and works in Peterborough.

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Small Business Journal • www.monadnockSBJ.com

The downside

When a husband-wife partnership doesn’t work, however, it can be a horrible train wreck. Power dynamics and tensions in the marriage can transfer over into the work environment, making decision making and leadership difficult. It can also cause not only the business to fail, but the marriage as well. Running a business is hard work and few couples have the emotional stability to get through the challenges they can face on a daily basis.

Local couples weigh in

So, what do real couples married and in business for long times have to say?

I sat down with Diane and Dale LaCasse, who own and operate Marlborough Gardens and Living Gardens online in Marlborough, and Marie and Chris Drake who owned and operated the Fresh Salad restaurant in Keene. Both couples spoke enthusiastically about their businesses. Both couples identified the first five years as very difficult. In fact most businesses of married couples fail in the first few years.

Both couples relied on their mutual support to get through. Mutual support came up a lot as an important part of making the business a success.

Both described a couples-run business as a “lifestyle,” a way of living to make both the business and marriage succeed.

“We both had our complementary responsibilities and covered for each other,” adds Marie Drake.

If conflicts developed, “we worked hard to figure it out and make it work; other times it worked itself out,” says Chris Drake.

Diane LaCasse says that in their business, when her and her husband disagreed, “we got through the situation as best we could and didn’t feel it needed to be resolved unless we were ready to resolve it.”

Despite the obstacles, the Drakes and LaCasses have managed to make their work-life merger successful, for better or for worse.

“You make a 24/7 relationship work,” says Chris Drake. p

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15

IN YOUR BUSINESS

By Marcia Passos Duffy

Genuine Networking That Works

Do networking events feel unnatural?

Do you feel that everyone tries to move the conversation to a sales pitch?

Do you have to do the same to “fit in”?

Ask questions

While business networking events can feel awkward, you don’t have to jump on the hard-sell bandwagon to make the event a networking success. You’ll get better results — and bring a breath of fresh air to those you interact with — by being a “genuine net-worker.”

That is, someone more interested in building connections and relationships than gathering the most business cards. Here’s how:

Be a giver

Listen more than you talk

Don’t expect too much

While the usual advice for networking events is to prepare your “elevator speech” about your business until it sounds natural, genuine networking is actually about listening. When you focus on the other person, it helps ease any social jitters. And you’ll learn something!

Approach new people

Being drawn to people you may know at an event is natural. But go outside your comfort zone: Strike up conversations with people you don’t know, or from different industries. You may be surprised how much you actually have in common.

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Small Business Journal • www.monadnockSBJ.com

Keep an open mind when chatting with people from business fields different from your own. Stay curious and ask questions: What is interesting about their line of work? Why did they choose that field? What do they do for fun when you are “off duty”?

Part of listening to what the other person is saying is to hear what they need. If you can connect the person to a resource — be it a great plumber you use, or a friend who is a fabulous web designer — do it. The idea is to be helpful to people. People won’t forget your kindness.

Not everyone you meet will be on your wavelength — or will want to talk to you. If you sense that the person doesn’t see you as a “worthy” enough person to talk to (the big tip-off is that they usually keep looking around the room for someone “better” to talk to), move on. Exit gracefully by saying you need to refresh your drink or get a snack.

Stay in touch

Don’t offer your business card; wait until the person asks you for it. And don’t ask for a business card just to be polite. Instead, make the ask significant: Suggest you both stay in touch via social media, or continue the conversation over coffee or lunch.

Follow through

Don’t just stuff the business card in your pocket.

Take notes about the conversation after the event ... this will help jog your memory when you follow up later.

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Join your local Chamber of Commerce or business networking group. Look for interesting non-business or social events in your community. The more you get out there and practice your skills the better you’ll get at networking — in a way that is genuine and natural.

Marcia Passos Duffy is the owner of Backporch Publishing LLC, which publishes the Small Business Journal, atHome magazine and The Heart of New England online magazine. Duffy is also the recipient of the Hannah Grimes “Entrepreneur of the Year” award for 2015.

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HINTS FROM HELAINE Answers to your vexing business problems

Dear Helaine, I want to start a business but don’t want to go at it alone. What are the pros and cons of having a business partner?

— CONSIDERING PARTNERSHIP Dear Considering, The wisdom of your question indicates a correct hunch that owning and running your own small business is no small undertaking. It’s always smart to get all the help you can. And, as you surmise, there are pros and cons to having a business partner. The pros are fairly obvious, suffice it to say, two heads are better than one. Multiplying resources always a win. The cons, however, boil down to two main critical questions: first, is there enough potential revenue to support two owners?

Clearly, a well-researched business plan with detailed financial projections should answer this question. Often, the reality of just how much profit is available to split becomes the bucket of cold water to douse any excitement about a new collaboration. Second, having a business partner is like having a spouse.

There will be a honeymoon and then the realities of shared leadership will emerge. Essential to any successful partnership is good communication and clarity of agreements — possible when both parties are committed to both and go in with their eyes open.

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Small Business Journal • www.monadnockSBJ.com

Dear Helaine, I’m running into cash flow issues because my customers don’t pay me on time. What can I do to get my payments faster?

— CUSTOMERS IN ARREARS Dear Arrears, Ugh, stress about low cash is probably one of the biggest challenges when you own your own business. The problem of lagging receivables is usually a result of one of two challenges. First, your systems may not be working for you. Either you’re delaying billing (probably because you don’t like to do office work), or you haven’t automated your billing process. Ask yourself this: How can I remove any potential barriers and make it easy for my customer to pay me? Think credit card payments online, or, outfitting your smartphone with a payment app. The other challenge might have to do with equating customer service with over generous payment terms. Clearly, you have to find a balance between knowing the expectations of your market and making sure you stay in business to serve that market. Bottom line: If you improve both your systems and your clarity of communication, you should improve your cash flow. p

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Volunteering Good for the Community, Good for Business

By Sharon Bailly 20

Small Business Journal • www.monadnockSBJ.com

K

eene has more than 300, Peterborough more than 100, Jaffrey 65, Rindge 35 and nearly every town in the Monadnock Region boasts at least one: Nonprofits are everywhere.

Nonprofits help those who need help, keep small problems from escalating into big community crises, provide local employment opportunities — and directly benefit small business owners who volunteer on their boards.

Recently, five business owners detailed the many returns on their nonprofit service, including: • • • • • • • •

Networking opportunities Referrals Increased sales Team building Peer learning Socializing Personal satisfaction Increased quality of life in the communities where they live and work.

Business owners connect with the community

“I like the people I meet on boards,” says John Kaufhold, owner of Peterborough Marble & Granite Works and member of the Windy Row Learning Center’s Board of Directors. “It’s important for all business owners to get involved with the community because we have to support each other. In a small community, word of mouth is a big part of referrals. But even if that’s why you start volunteering, it becomes educational, you learn a lot, and you make new friends.”

Kaufhold also encourages his employees to volunteer with him on projects such as roadside cleanup. “It’s up to them, but it helps to build camaraderie. It’s not all ‘here’s the next order to work on.’ You have a chance to joke around.”

Peter Harris, the owner of Brand Fundamentals in Keene, is an example of someone who first became interested in volunteering out of gratitude to a nonprofit that helped him with a health issue.

According to BoardSource, a nonprofit that focuses on board development, “The most effective board members are individuals who are truly passionate about what an organization does.”

Harris, who now serves on the Board of Directors for MAPS Counseling Services as well as serving as a hospice volunteer for HCS, confirms that assessment. “Board membership,” he says, “should bring you personal and professional satisfaction. Boards should be congenial environments.” He adds, “I’ve always offered some pro bono work to nonprofits but there’s a qualitative difference between pro bono work and serving on a board. On a board, relationships are formed and confidence is built.”

Unexpected benefits of volunteering

Some of the benefits from volunteering can be unexpected as Robin Eichert, owner of PeopleSense Consulting LLC, discovered.

“My role as a professional is to advise businesses on people-related situations,” she explains, “and volunteering provides valuable opportunities for me to observe situations and discover how people handle them.” She even finds inspiration during her

Robin Eichert of PeopleSense Consulting is a longtime volunteer at the Monadnock Humane Society. She is pictured here spending some quality time with kitties Baby, Molly and Dutchess. volunteer work at the Monadnock Humane Society; stories about animal interactions help people to understand her suggestions for resolving work issues.

As chair of the board of Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge, owner of Monadnock Sugar House, and a former CEO of an agricultural cooperative, Donald Upton has volunteered throughout his career. Both as a small business owner and an executive, he found that “making connections on the board made my company more successful.” And besides, he jokes, “all my Rotary Club friends buy my syrup.”

Jim Banghart serves as Treasurer of the Cathedral of the Pines Board. He is retired from for-profit work but not from nonprofit work.

For business owners looking to join a nonprofit, Banghart suggests joining a service organization such as the Rotary first; once you are known there, you are likely to be asked to join other boards.

After that, he says, “If you want to get involved, you say ‘yes.’”

Continued on next page.

January/February/March 2016

21

How much time will the board expect?

Upton: “Our board meets 12 times a year for 1½ hours each meeting — that’s 18 hours a year. You can choose your level of commitment. It’s a misconception to think everyone puts in yeoman hours.”

The Monadnock Humane Society has plenty of opportunities for volunteering with animals. Pictured here, Princess, who was adopted shortly after this photo was taken.

“It’s important for all business owners to get involved with the community because we have to support each other.

In a small community, word of mouth is a big part of referrals. But even if that’s why you start volunteering, it becomes educational, you learn a lot, and you make new friends.”

Volunteering Q&A What organization would want me?

Banghart: “If a board is going to work, it needs a litany of skills, just like a business. There are plenty of opportunities.”

Eichert: “First, find an organization that does exceptional work or is involved in activities that interest you, and then ask, ‘What can I do to help you?’ They will find ways to get you engaged!”

Being on a board means raising and giving loads of money, right?

Upton: “We have 15 board members and about five or six are uncomfortable with fundraising. I wouldn’t ask those people to be on a fundraising committee. My maple syrup business also gives me a product I can contribute to fundraising events, instead of cash.”

Banghart: “Another way to be a donor is to give time.

Time is valuable as well.”

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Small Business Journal • www.monadnockSBJ.com

Kaufhold: “I know people are stretched thin. I’m a hands-on owner; I do the cutting and carving [of monuments] myself.

I ask, ‘Am I going to be able to help the organization and commit enough time to it?’ But I enjoy being on a board and it keeps life interesting.”

Will the board expect me to give free professional services?

Eichert: “It’s fair for an organization to ask but it’s your responsibility to be clear about what you can do, donating either talent or time. You should be free to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ because it doesn’t help anyone if you over-commit.”

How do I pick an organization?

Eichert: “When I’m deciding where to volunteer I take into account my personal interest or belief in the mission. That’s my top criteria. The second criterion is how good a fit it is with my skills and what I want to learn. It’s an important way to show the community you care about them.”

Harris: “I was approached by someone at MAPS, I went to the website to check the organization out, I thought it looked like a good fit, and I was interviewed by three or four people, including the executive director. They expect potential board members to have questions.”

How can I find a nonprofit to help?

The nonprofits mentioned in this article would appreciate a call: • Cathedral of the Pines (www.cathedralpines.com) • HCS (www.hcsservices.org) • MAPS Counseling Services (www.mapsnh.org) • Monadnock Humane Society (www.monadnockhumanesociety.org) • Windy Row Learning Center (www.windyrow.org) You can find many other worthwhile organizations through your local Chamber of Commerce and at New Hampshire Volunteer Match (www.volunteermatch.org). p Sharon Bailly is a freelance writer and owner of TWP Marketing & Technical Communications in Peterborough.

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JOURNAL PROFILE:

Paragon Digital Marketing: Putting Main Street on the Map

By Katherine P. Cox / Photos by Lee Germeroth

The “Street View” program involves taking detailed photographs of store interiors and “stitching” them together to form a 360-degree view and adding the results to Google Maps

P

aragon Digital Marketing in Keene has put the city’s downtown businesses on the map in a unique way, bringing online consumers to their doorsteps and taking them inside.

“You can tour all of Main Street without leaving home,” says Zach Luse, founder of Paragon Digital Marketing on Roxbury Street.

Combining two Google programs — “Get Your Cities on the Map” and Street View — Luse believes he and his team are the first in the U.S. to map and photograph an entire city’s Main Street.

Take a virtual tour of a Main Street business When you go to a Keene Main Street business’s website, you can tap on the Google Map Street View and take a detailed, 360-degree tour inside that business. You can then exit the store and continue down Main Street, stop at each storefront, tap on your device to go through the door, and keep tapping to go deeper inside.

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Small Business Journal • www.monadnockSBJ.com

At Your Kitchen Store, you can go down each aisle and check out the products on the shelves. Similarly, you can closely peruse the delectable candies at Life Is Sweet, the sneaker selection at Ted’s Shoe and Sport, the gifts at Hannah Grimes Marketplace.

While it may not affect businesses regarding the local market, business owners see huge potential with visitors to Keene and online customers.

“The more presence you can have, the better,” says Dean Eaton, owner of Your Kitchen Store. “It was fun to do, and it’s fun to look at. We’ll see where it goes.”

“I’m thrilled about this. It’s so cool,” says Ted McGreer, owner of Ted’s Shoe and Sport. “This is the era we’re living in now. We have to be accessible. Consumers can see what we have online.”

This gives him another tool to stay competitive, he says. He also hopes the project will bring increased marketing exposure to Keene. “We’re the first. That’s pretty special.”

Keene the first in U.S. to map out entire Main Street The idea came about after several conversations among Luse, search engine optimization specialist Lee Germeroth and others at Paragon.

“We were already doing ‘Get Your City on the Map,’” says Luse. With that program, Google has enlisted agencies to reach out and verify information about businesses listed on Google Maps such as the type of business, products, website, address, phone number and hours of operation.

Paragon decided to take that a step further with the Street View program, which involves taking detailed photographs of store interiors and “stitching” them together to form a 360-degree view and adding the results on Google Maps. Through Google Maps Street View, you can “enter” and browse the entire store and its contents. The 360-degree views can also be embedded on businesses’ websites.

Paragon Digital Marketing reached out to every business on Main Street and is doing this at no charge. Their investment in the project — aside from considerable time spent photographing businesses, stitching the photos together and verifying listings — was a camera with a special lens and mount required for the photos.

Downtown businesses have been enthusiastic and grateful, says Luse. “It’s good for Keene and good for the businesses.”

Benefits to local businesses Luse is hoping it will be good for his company, too. Paragon is doing the project as a Google Partner, with volunteers from New England Web & Tech Collective helping with the effort. The New England Web & Tech Collective (NEWT) is a group of Internet marketers, web developers, designers and app developers working together to develop their skills, innovate and inspire each other, Luse said. The purpose of NEWT is to establish our region as a hub for web technology, digital media and related services.

Photos: Left, camera used to take 360-degree pictures of downtown Keene businesses. Above, a screenshot of The Kitchen Store to be used in the Google Maps project. Below: The Put Keene on the Map team from Paragon Digital (PD), New England Web & Tech Collective (NEWT), and Hannah Grimes (HG).

The Street View program is another way to window shop. So many people are checking things out first on their mobile phones and using Street View gives them a chance to see some of the items in the store before they go in.

From left to right, Lee Germeroth (PD/NEWT), Jake Nonweiler (HG), Christine Houston (PD/NEWT), Greg Elizondo (PD/NEWT), and Zach Luse (PD/NEWT).

“We’ve (Paragon) been growing fast, and we need people with web and tech skills,” says Luse. NEWT is a nonprofit partnership between Paragon and the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship.

Luse wrapped up the project — with more than 60 Main Street businesses online — by the holiday season. Now “we’re going to Google and tell them what we’ve done; see if they’ll do a case study on the impact on businesses downtown. We’re hoping to get some attention from Google,” notes Luse.

Perhaps down the road, businesses will pay to have their stores added and photos updated as inventory changes. “I would pay to seasonally update,” says McGreer. “I want the images to be relevant to the time of year and with updated product.”

Search engine optimization is another part of the feature, and that, says Denise Meadows, manager of Hannah Grimes Marketplace, “should have an impact in terms of pulling us all up in search engines.”

The Street View program is “another way to window shop,” she says. “So many people are checking things out on their mobile phones and this gives them a chance to see some of the items in the store.”

For visitors to Keene, walking down Main Street online may give them some ideas of things to do and places to eat. Or, if the store is closed, they can check it out online and come back when it’s open, she notes.

Meadows sees the potential to bring more attention to the greater Monadnock Region by adding more businesses down the line, such as lodging facilities and museums. “We may end up getting folks to this area because of our increased presence online.”

Information on the project and the links to all the Main St. businesses and their street views at www.webtechcollective.com/ projects. p

January/February/March 2016

25

YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR Our Goal is to Exceed Customer Expectations!

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This column, sponsored by the Keene Young Professionals Network, is a look at young business owners in the region.

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Lee Germeroth Age: 23 Founder of Lee Germeroth Photography, Keene

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The son of a stone sculptor, Lee Germeroth, a Nelson native, inherited his father’s artistic streak and began taking photos for fun when he was a student at Keene High School. It wasn’t until four years ago a family friend and fan of his work asked him to shoot his wedding. It went so well, Germeroth decided to start his own event and portrait photography business that year.

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Did you need any professional training in photography to start your business?

No, I’m completely self-taught with the help of YouTube videos, articles and blog posts. I did learn how to run my business by earning my degree in management at Keene State College — I graduated last year. My degree helped propel my business and I maintain a great relationship with my marketing professor — in fact I’ll be teaching a course with him in the spring semester. I enjoy the business aspect of what I do as much as the photography.

Is operating Lee Germeroth Photography your primary job?

• Inspection and Tolerances

I also work a full-time job at Paragon Digital Marketing in Keene as an SEO (search engine optimization) specialist.

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How do your clients find you?

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Seventy percent of my business comes from my website, which I built myself. I’m in the midst of re-doing it.

How much have you invested in your business?

Between $30,000 and $40,000.

Are you making a profit?

Roughly 25 percent of my earnings for 2014 were gross profit.

Do you have any employees?

I do sometimes hire sub-contractors who work as second shooters for events.

Are you looking to expand your services as a photographer?

I want to do more senior and family portraits. I also want to do commercial work for businesses, whether it’s employee head shots or product photography. I can set up a makeshift studio on

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Small Business Journal • www.monadnockSBJ.com

location if needed and my digital marketing background will help determine what kind of commercial shots would work well in a digital space.

There are a lot of event photographers out there. How do you gain an edge in your business?

Right now there are more weddings than photographers. I’m overbooked right now, and I refer clients to another photographer if needed.

What is your voice as a photographer?

I have a natural editing style that mimics what our eyes see. If I’m looking through my lens at a beautiful sunset and there is a bridal couple in front of me, for instance, I’ll meld the exposures together to make a realistic visual experience.

Your website shows you also enjoy fine art photography?

Yes, I enjoy my personal work, and I’ve shown it in galleries. I completed a project called the 365 Project for which I took a different photo every day for a year. For my personal work, I strive to make the ordinary extraordinary; I focus on something that’s overlooked and make it compelling. I try to bring some of that into my work with clients. I want to show them the value of professional photography and that they shouldn’t get a friend to take their wedding photos — they should hire me. p

Interview by Nicole Colson.

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rjfinlay.com January/February/March 2016

27

THE GREEN SCENE Profile of a local green business • by C S Wurzberger

The Greenest T-Shirt Company in U.S.A. ... is located in our own backyard

T

hat’s right, located in Keene, New Hampshire is The Mountain Company, a key player domestically and globally in the T-shirt printing and design world. The company’s mission is to create wearable art while having a positive impact on the world.

If you’re not already familiar with their eclectic designs, then I highly recommend you take a moment to check them out. The designs are so lifelike you’ll think you really saw a human-sized gorilla, dog, or chicken walk by. The work of the artists is amazing, and the collections include wild animals, dogs, farm animals and more.

In addition to its incredible T-shirt designs, The Mountain Company has been taking steps to be an environmentally responsible company for more than 30 years. Being green to The Mountain Company means being mindful of their choices that have a direct impact on the environment and future generations. This company is Oekotx 100 percent certified (one of the highest qualifications worldwide).

Model wearing “Luke In Snowfall” T-shirt on a summer day.

ANTIOCH UNIVERSITY NEW ENGLAND

MBA in

SUSTAINABILITY Sustainable Business Certificate

MBA for

Working Professionals

admissions.ane@antioch.edu Keene, New Hampshire 800.552.8380 antiochne.edu/mba-sustainability

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Small Business Journal • www.monadnockSBJ.com

This simply means their shirts are free of chemicals harmful to your body.

“We have a green philosophy,” notes Jeff Grosner, director of manufacturing at The Mountain Company. “And every day we strive to run our company and produce our products in a way that protects the environment, gives value to our customers and supports our employees and the artists.”

I spoke further with Grosner about the company’s green mission and endeavors:

and have perfected its use to create photo-realistic imagery that is not attainable by other printers. Next, more than 50 percent of our facility lighting has been converted to LED technology that uses 30 percent less electricity and eliminates the environmental hazards associated with fluorescent lighting. And several years ago, we added our Dye Oxidations System (DOS).

Tell us more about the Dye Oxidations System.

Production process waste water, before and after.

It purifies our manufacturing process What key steps does the mountain wastewater by removing color and take to reduce waste and protect additives without the addition of chemicals. It’s a chemical-free the environment? way to remove the dyes before they reach the Keene wastewater The Mountain Company uses only environmentally-friendly treatment plant. We make the ozone gas on site by “electrifywater-based inks and dyes. It’s our way of ensuring all of our ing” oxygen that changes the oxygen from O2 to O3. The O3 is manufacturing processes fully protect the earth, air and water.

Most screen printers (99.5 percent) use solvent-based inks made injected into the wastewater and after it removes the color from the water it converts back to oxygen. Magic, right? primarily of plastic (petroleum) that have a rough feel and contain toxic phthalates. We are pioneers of using water-based ink Continued on next page.

POOLE ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANCY Helping Protect Natural Assets Since 1996

PO Box 890, 741 Beard Road Hillsborough, NH 03244 vox/fax: (603)478-1178 www.eannpoole.com E. Ann Poole, CWS, Principal eann@gsinet.net

January/February/March 2016

29

But wait, there’s more!

After processing, the water is so clean that we can recycle it in our production process.

We are currently re-using about 20 percent of our total daily water use. This equals about one million gallons of water recycled annually. A little-known fact about ozone is that it is the strongest oxidizer on earth.

It is a naturally occurring gas, which it that fresh scent that you sometimes smell after a thunder and lightning storm. One of the coolest things about using ozone is that it starts as oxygen and converts very quickly back to oxygen. p You can listen to this interview in its entirety via a podcast at GreenerbyChoice.com or on iTunes.

Learn more about The Mountain Company at www.TheMountain.com.

The Mounta in Comp All photos co any’s line of “mottled d ye” urtesy The M ountain Com T-shirts. pany.

C S Wurzberger, The Green Up Girl, is on a mission to provide people with inspiration, motivation, resources and simple action steps so they can enjoy living a greener lifestyle.

Your degree is closer than you think.

Are you ready to get started on your degree?

Are you ready to finish?

Even if you’re not ready to come back full-time, Keene State offers: • Day, evening, and weekend classes • Classroom and online learning • Academic advising to guide your process Visit keene.edu/conted or call 603-358-2290.

Think Keene State.

Keene State College | 229 Main St. | Keene, NH 03435 | keene.edu/conted

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Small Business Journal • www.monadnockSBJ.com

DeepTissue anD Relaxation Massage

[603] 313-8675 Ruthellen Davison, LMT

✔ Office space rentals start at $350/month and include: • heat/hot water • snow/trash removal • high-speed Internet Keene’s • ample free best Kept secret on-site parking in affordable business office space!

• loading dock • ADA compliant elevator to second floor ✔ Perfect for start-ups or as incubator space ✔ Spaces range from 300 to 7,000 square feet ✔ Walking distance to downtown Keene ✔ Common area maintenance charges are FREE for the life of your lease

Big or small, space for all!

160 Emerald Street , Keene, NH 03431 • 603-352-9071 info@tousleyproperty.com

January/February/March 2016

31

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

1st Quarter 2016 (January/February/March) Calendar of events listings are free. Highlighted listings are $25 per issue. Send your listing to: editor@monadnockSBJ.com.

Please indicate if you would like a basic (free) listing or highlighted listing.

JANUARY Jan. 6 (Wed., 7:30-9 a.m.)

Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Breakfast.

Location: TBD. Guest speaker: Alice Pierce, director, NH Made. www.peterboroughchamber.com Jan. 6 (Wed., 5:30-9 p.m.)

Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala. This event has been sold out. To get on waiting list please call Chamber at 603-352-1303.

Jan. 8-Feb.1 (Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.)

WorkReadyNH. River Valley Community College, Keene. Tuition-free to NH residents 18 and older. www.ccnh.edu/workreadynh Jan. 12 (Tues., 4-5 p.m.)

Executive Director’s Group Kickoff.

Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. www.HannahGrimes.com/calendar

Jan. 12 (Tues., 1-2 p.m.)

SCORE Live Webinar: 12 Great Mobile Apps That Will Grow Your Business.

Free online webinar. Register at www.score.org/localworkshops Jan. 22 (Fri., noon-1 p.m.)

Business-to-Business Brown Bag Lunch: Music All Around – Learn about Music for Teambuilding . Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce. www.keenechamber.com Jan. 27 (Wed., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Co-working Day at Hannah Grimes Center.

Keene. www.HannahGrimes.com Jan. 20 (Wed., 5:30-7 p.m.)

Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. Location TBD. www.keenechamber.com

Jan. 21 (Thurs., 5:30-7 p.m.)

Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce After Hours.

Hosted by R.J. Finley at the Guernsey Building, Peterborough. www.peterboroughchamber.com Jan. 27 (Wed., 6-8:30 p.m.)

Greater Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce 2016 Annual Dinner Hillsboro-Deering Middle School. www.hillsboroughnhchamber.org

FEBRUARY Feb. 6 (Sat., 6-10:30 p.m.)

Monadnock Arts Auction Presented

by Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce.

Shattuck Golf Club, Jaffrey. www.jaffreychamber.com Feb. 12-21 (visit website for hours) 60th Annual Brattleboro Winter Carnival. Brattleboro, Vermont. www.brattleborowintercarnival.com Feb. 17 (Wed., noon-1:30 p.m.)

Financing Your Business.

Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. www.HannahGrimes.com/calendar Feb. 17 (Wed., 5:30-7 p.m.)

Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. Location TBD. www.keenechamber.com

Feb. 17 (Wed., 6-8 p.m.)

Impact Monadnock Presents Raising New Hampshire. Keene Middle School, Keene. www.ImpactMonadnock.org Feb. 18 (Thurs., 5:30-7 p.m.)

Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce After Hours.

Location: TBD. www.peterboroughchamber.com Feb. 26 (Fri., 5:30-11 p.m.)

Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation.

Shattuck Golf Club, Jaffrey. www.jaffreychamber.com

MARCH

Mar. 1 (Tues., 6-7:30 p.m.)

Young Entrepreneuer Academy CEO Roundtable.

Alumni Center, Keene State College. www.keene.edu/campus/outreach/yea Mar. 5 (Sat., 6:30-midnight) Keene Family YMCA Sneaker Ball.

Keene Family YMCA, Keene. www.keene-YMCA.org Mar. 11 (Fri., noon-1 p.m.)

Business-to-Business Brown Bag Lunch.

Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce. www.keenechamber.com

Learn social media marketing with Halvorson New Media

Hancock Town Library

Wednesday, April 13 6-8pm

Saturday, April 16 10am-Noon

Wednesday, April 20 6-8pm

Friday, April 22 11am-1pm

Wednesday, April 27 6-8pm

Friday, April 29 11am-1pm

Beginner Facebook

Beginner Blogging for Business

Advanced Facebook

Social Media Graphics for Dummies

Using LinkedIn Effectively

Pinterest

$35 each Register: HalvorsonNewMedia.com Call: 603-203-0593 Email: chris@HalvorsonNewMedia.com

32

Small Business Journal • www.monadnockSBJ.com

Greate r Mon

Journa l adnock

Small

Mar. 15 & 29 (Tues., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Project Management with Lisa Sieverts.

Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. www.HannahGrimes.com/calendar Mar. 16 (Wed., 5:30-7 p.m.)

Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.

Location TBD. www.keenechamber.com Mar. 17 (Thurs., 5:30-7 p.m.)

Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce After Hours.

Location: TBD. www.peterboroughchamber.com Mar. 31 (Thurs., 6-8 p.m.)

Young Entrepreneuer Academy Investor Panel Bensonwood, Walpole. www.keene.edu/ campus/outreach/yea

ONGOING

Mondays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Money Coaching The River Center, Peterborough.

603-924-6800 Tuesdays, noon-1 p.m.

Job Seekers Meet Up The River Center, Peterborough.

603-924-6800

4th Wednesday of Month, 8-10 a.m.

Leadership Circle.

Hannah Grimes Center, Keene.

3rd Thursday of Month, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Free Community Supper (Open to All) The United Church of Jaffrey. www.jaffreychamber.com

5 Reasons why your business belongs in the Small Business Journal

1

Readership is highly targeted to the Monadnock and So. Vermont regions’ small business and entrepreneur community.

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Your ad will reach 15,000+ business people who are looking to buy business products and services.

Your business events and news will be promoted on our news section and social media (Facebook and Twitter).

Rates are affordable! Ads start at $120 per insertion; $75 per listing in the Business Directory page. All display advertisers get a FREE Business Directory listing for an entire year plus a link (with the business tag line) on our website!

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The Small Business Journal is local. We understand the Monadnock and So. Vermont regions. We’re here to help your business thrive!

Learn more at

www.monadnockSBJ.com Aimee J. LaBrake

The Small Business Marketing Solution Over 15 Years Experience: • Writing Website & Brochure Content • Building Affordable Marketing & Advertising Plans • Blogging & Social Media Marketing • Advertising & Graphic Design • Event Planning & Management

Making Marketing Easy, Fun & Affordable

aimeelabrakeconsulting.com

(603).784.5560 aimee@aimeelabrakeconsulting.com

January/February/March 2016

33

Restaurants That Deliver There are plenty of restaurants in the Monadnock Region that will deliver lunch right to your place of business. We’ve also included places that will cater your event, and even a delivery service that will pick up/deliver your meals.

DELIVERY: Keene

Amicci’s Italian Pizza • 603-355-3535 Athen’s Pizza • 603-352-5370 Cherry Garden • 603-357-0543 Cheshire Village Pizza • 603-357-4604 China Wok • 603-352-2808 Elm City Bagels • 603-355-8255 Elm Street Market • 603-352-0430 Feng Tong Chinese • 603-352-8600 Fritz, The Place to Eat • 603-357-6393 King’s Garden • 603-357-0364 Kristin’s Bistro & Bakery • 603-352-5700 Local Burger • 603-355-3993 MacDougall’s Tavern • 603-355-3900 Marco Polo • 603-357-3464 Panera Bread •603-357-9100 Pizza Down Under • 603-355-1190 Pizza Pie, Keene • 603-357-2500 Park Avenue Deli • 603-352-5845 Ramunto’s • 603-357-3555 The Tokyo Express • 603-355-3888

DELIVERY: Peterborough

Bagel Mill • 603-924-0887 Grappelli’s Pizza Co. • 603-924-6776 La Mia Casa • 603-924-6262 Peterborough Pizza Barn • 603-924-7119

DELIVERY: Brattleboro

Brattleboro Village Pizza • 802-257-5065 Chun Yan Restaurant • 802-254-3388 Fu Chai Chinese Restaurant • 802-254-2990 Panda North • 802-257-4578 PanAsia! • 802-257-8188

Ramunto’s Brick Oven Pizza • 802-579-1226 Thai Bamboo • 802-251-1010 Vermont Inn Pizza • 802-254-6264 VT Asain Gourmet • 802-254-6888 West Brattleboro Pizza • 802-257-0008

DELIVERY: Other Towns

A-1 Pizza/Hinsdale NH • 603-256-3262 Ed’s Crossroads/Fitzwilliam NH • 603-585-7077 Hillsborough House of Pizza • 603-464-5339 Jaffrey Pizza Barn/Jaffrey NH • 603-532-8383 Lee & Mount Fuji/Marlborough NH • 603- 876-3388 Main Crust Pizzeria/Marlborough NH • 603-876-4500 Mediterrano Take Out & Dining/ Hillsborough NH • 603-680-4319 Pizza Haven/Rindge NH • 603-899-2828 Pizza Pie/Rindge NH • 603-899-2080 Putney Village Pizza & Turkish Restaurant/ Putney VT • (802) 387-2203 Sandwich & Salad Spot/Rindge NH • 603-899-2211 (Rindge/Jaffrey only) Spofford Pizza/Spofford NH • 603-363-9933 Sunflower’s Café/Jaffrey NH • 603-593-3303 Walpole Grocery, Walpole NH • 603-756-9098 Yanni Pizza/Hillsborough NH • 603-464-4700 Note: Some restaurants may charge a delivery fee, deliver to certain areas only, and/or have other requirements.

Keene’s Oldest Family Restaurant and Premier Caterers Since 1969

131 Winchester Street, Keene, NH

603-352-3135

www.thepubrestaurant.com

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Small Business Journal • www.monadnockSBJ.com

Full liquor license on & oFF site catering Fully insured Private Function room ————— • ————— sHoWers Weddings reHearsal dinners Family reunions

BUSINESS EVENT CATERING: New Hampshire

Aesop’s Table Café/Peterborough • 603-924-1612 Athen’s Pizza/Keene • 603-352-5370 Audrey’s Café/Marlborough • 603-876-3316 Bantam Grill/Peterborough • 603-924-6633 Brewbaker’s/Keene • 603-355-4844 Brown House Bakery/Harrisville • 603-827-3100 Burdick’s Grocery/Walpole • 603-756-9098 Country Life/Keene • 603-357-3975 Elm City Bagels/Keene • 603-355-8255 Elm Street Market/Keene • 603-352-0430 Enchanted Bakery & Café/Spofford • 603-363-8914 Fireworks Restaurant/Keene • 603-903-1410 Free Range Chick Catering/Keene • 603-209-4248 Golden Wok/Jaffrey • 603-593-5290 Grappelli’s Pizza Co/Peterborough • 603-924-6776 Jake’s 5-Star Convenience/Keene • 603-352-1731 Keung Gardens/Antrim • 603-588-5023 King’s Garden/Keene • 603-357-0364 Kristin’s Bistro & Bakery/Keene • 603-352-5700 Lee & Mount Fuji/Marlborough • 603-876-3388 Little Zoe’s/Keene • 603-358-6001 Luca’s Mediterranean Café/Keene • 603-358-3335 Margarita’s/Keene • 603-357-4492 Mayfair Farm/Harrisville • 603-827-3925 Mediterrano Take Out & Dining/Hillsborough • 603-680-4319 My Place Market & Deli/Keene • 603-357-5223 Pamela’s Pantry/Winchester • 603-762-0677

Park Avenue Deli/Keene • 603-352-5845 Peterborough Pizza Barn • 603-924-7119 Pizza Haven/Rindge • 603-899-2828 Pizza Pie/Keene • 603-357-2500 Prime Roast (coffee only)/Keene • 603-352-7874 Ramunto’s/Keene • 603-357-3555 Rick & Diane’s Restaurant/Antrim • 603-588-3388 Sandwich & Salad Spot/Rindge • 603-899-2211 Shree’s Kitchen LLC/Keene • 603-313-2974 Sunflower’s Café/Jaffrey • 603-593-3303 The Pub/Keene • 603-352-3135 The Works Bakery Café/Keene • 603-357-7751 Twelve Pine/Peterborough • 603-924-6140 Walpole Grocery/Walpole • 603-756-9098 Waxy O’Connors/Keene • 603-357-9299

Vermont

Monkey Moon Challah and Catering/Brattleboro • 802-579-1460 Sharon Myers Fine Catering/Brattleboro • 802-254-2480 Ziter’s Putney Inn Bakery/Brattleboro • 802-257-4994

FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE

Adventure Taxi (Keene area only) • 603-355-1484

Join us at the Journal!

Reserve your spot today! sales@monadnockSBJ.com Download our media kit: www.monadnockSBJ.com

Advertising deadlines for 2016: 2nd Quarter (Apr/May/Jun): March 11 3rd Quarter (Jul/Aug/Sep): June 10 4th Quarter (Oct/Nov/Dec): September 16

January/February/March 2016

35

B U S I N E S S D I R E C T O R Y ACCOUNTING Anderson & Gilbert Keene NH A Full Service Accounting Firm 603-357-1928, anderson@taxfolks.net www.taxfolks.net Hogancamp PC Keene NH Accountants and Business Advisors 603-352-2233 www.hogancamp-pc.com Lynn C. Rust, CPA PC Swanzey NH Helping You Solve Your Financial Puzzle 603-358-6565, info@lcrcpa.com www.lcrcpa.com ADVERTISING/MARKETING/ COMMUNICATIONS/DESIGN Aimee LaBrake Consulting Peterborough NH The Small Business Marketing Solution 603-784-5560 aimee@aimeelabrakeconsulting.com www.aimeelabrakeconsulting.com Halvorson New Media, LLC Hancock NH Social Media Strategies, Training and Content Creation for Small Businesses 603-525-3391 chris@halvorsonnewmedia.com www.halvorsonnewmedia.com Salwen Graphic Design Keene NH Full Service Website & Graphic Design for Marketing & Communication, 603-357-4693 nancy@salwen.net, www.salwen.net ARCHITECTS/HOME/BUILDING Catlin + Petrovick Architects, PC Keene NH A Local Firm with a National Presence 603-352-2255 mpetrovick@c-parchitects.com www.c-parchitects.com Crockett Log & Timber Homes Keene NH Green Living Since 1973 800-566-7714 jdodson@crockettloghomes.com www.crockettloghomes.com

36

Please support the small businesses that support the Small Business Journal!

Scully Architects Keene NH Extraordinary Architecture and Planning for Our Community 603-357-4544 dvs@scully-architects.com www.scullyarchitects.com SISR Architecture, LLC Marlow NH Sustainable, Innovative & Socially Responsive Building Design 603-446-7024, christina@sisr.us www.sisr.us

Savings Bank of Walpole Keene and Walpole NH The Savings Bank of You 603-352-1822 or 603-756-4771 www.walpolebank.com Service Credit Union 403 Winchester St., Keene NH No Dream is Too Big. No Idea is Too Small.

603-352-0475 or 800-936-7730 www.servicecu.org

Weller & Michal Architects Harrisville NH We Strive For Excellence Within Real-World Limitations ...

Because Design Matters 603-827-3840, info@wapm.com www.wapm.com

CAR RENTAL U-Save Car & Truck Rental Keene NH Where The Road Leads, U-Save 603-352-7900 keenenh@rentusave.com www.usave.com

ARTS & CULTURAL Arts Alive!

Keene NH Advancing Arts and Culture in the Monadnock Region 603-283-0944 info@monadnockartsalive.org www.monadnockartsalive.org

CARPENTRY/WOODWORKING Thomas James Woodworks Keene NH 603-465-8882 tom.woodworks@gmail.com www.thomasjameswoodworks.com

AUCTIONEERS The Cobbs Auctioneers Peterborough NH Fine Antiques and Art Auctions 603-924-6361 www.TheCobbs.com BANKS/CREDIT UNIONS Bank of New Hampshire Antrim, Keene, Hillsborough New Hampshire’s Local Bank 800-832-0912, www.banknh.com GFA Federal Credit Union Peterborough NH Better Value. Better Service.

Better Banking.

603-924-9654, www.gfafcu.com NBT Bank Keene NH For Everything That Counts 603-352-0674 www.NBTBank.com

Small Business Journal • www.monadnockSBJ.com

CATERING/RESTAURANTS La Mia Casa Peterborough, NH Made By Hands, Not Pans 603-924-6262 lamiacasanh@outlook.com www.facebook.com/lamiacasanh Mayfair Farm Harrisville NH A Small Scale, Diversified Family Farm 603-827-3925 info@mayfairfarmnh.com www.mayfairfarmnh.com The Pub Restaurant & Caterers Keene NH Keene’s Oldest Family-Owned Restaurant 603-352-3135 www.thepubrestaurant.com

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce Keene NH Your Friendly Source for Information About the Monadnock Region 603-352-1303 www.keenechamber.com Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Improving Quality of Life for All Citizens of the Greater Peterborough Region 603-924-7234 www.greater-peterborough-chamber.com Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce Bridging Commerce and Community 603-464-5858 www.hillsboroughnhchamber.org CLEANING SERVICES Cheshire Cleaning, Inc. Keene NH Commercial Cleaning Services in the Monadnock Region 603-209-9735 info@cheshirecleaning.com www.cheshirecleaning.com Service Master Commercial Building Services Keene NH Exceeding Customer Expectations 603-352-6101 www.keenejanitorial.com COACHING/CONSULTING LaunchingU Keene NH Career Coaching for College Students & New Graduates 603-357-6111, sue@launchingu.com www.launchingu.com Path of Purpose Coaching Spofford NH Inspiring Entrepreneurs to Success in Life and Business 603-363-4252 helaine@pathofpurpose.com www.pathofpurpose.com PeopleSense Consulting LLC Jaffrey NH Improve Hiring, Job-Fit, Performance and Leadership 603-532-5888 robin@PeopleSenseConsulting.com www.peoplesenseconsulting.com

SCORE Keene NH For the Life of Your Business 603-352-0320 www.Monadnock.Score.org COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSAs) Tracie’s Community Farm Fitzwilliam NH Growing Local Food and Community Since 1999 603-209-1851 www.traciesfarm.com CONFERENCES World of Women Keene NH www.worldofwomenconference.com DISPLAYS/CASES J.H. Dunning Corp/ Dunning Displays North Walpole NH We Make Your Product POP! 603-445-5591 www.jhdunning.com DOG TRAINING/RETAIL Everything Dog Keene NH Got Dog? Get Solutions.

603-499-6207 denise@denisemazzola.com www.everythingdognh.com Under One Woof Antrim NH Loving the Dogs of Antrim and Beyond Since 2006!

603-588-2030 www.underonewoof.info Wicked Good Dog Training Peterborough NH Positive Training with Positive Results 603-732-7214 wickedgooddogtraining@gmail.com www.wickedgooddogtraining.com ECOLOGICAL CONSULTING Green Home Solutions Peterborough NH Effective. Affordable. Responsible.

Natural. Safe.

603-924-3744 mary.brown@greenhomesolutions.com www.greenhomesolutions.com/ western-nh Poole Ecological Consultancy Hillsborough NH Helping Protect Natural Assets Since 1996 603-478-1178 eann@gsinet.net www.eannpoole.com The Green Up Girl Keene NH Reduce Waste, Reduce Cost, Rethink Events 802-258-8046 cs@thegreenupgirl.com www.thegreenupgirl.com

EDUCATION/TRAINING Antioch University New England Keene NH Because the World Needs You Now 877-595-9873, www.antiochne.edu Keene State College Continuing Education Keene NH Wisdom to Make a Difference 603-358-2290 www.keene.edu/conted River Valley Community College Keene/Claremont NH Envisioning the Future – Our Future by Design 603-542-774 www.rivervalley.edu The Monadnock Waldorf School Keene NH Enrolling Nursery Through High School 603-357-4442 www.MonadnockWaldorfSchool.org WorkReadyNH at River Valley Community College Strengthen Your Workforce With WorkReadyNH 603-542-7744 www.rivervalley.edu Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) Keene State College Keene NH Start as a Student, Graduate as a CEO! 585-429-0562 Meredith.Speranza@keene.edu FINANCIAL SERVICES Edward Jones/Allen Mendelson Keene NH Making Sense of Investing 603-357-7023 allen.mendelson@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com Edward Jones/Scott Trendell Keene NH Making Sense of Investing 603-352-1921 scott.trendell@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com MetLife Keene NH Retirement, Life Insurance, Disability, Long Term Care 603-352-2246, asoney@metlife.com www.newengland.metlife.com

SCH Financial Group Peterborough NH Advice, Exceptional Service, Making a Financial Difference 239-687-3600, tschnare@schfg.com www.SCHFG.com FITNESS Core Consciousness Keene NH Specializing in Pre- and PostRehabilitation 603-358-5146 pmaarons@gmail.com www.coreconsciousnesskeene.com Links Fitness Golf Keene NH 24 Hour Gym Access and Golf Simulators 603-499-8016 www.linksfitnessgolf.com

Sapient Wellness Keene NH Improve Your Clarity & Focus for Work and for Life 603-903-3758 www.sapientwellness.org HUMAN RESOURCES HR Compliance 101, LLC Fitzwilliam NH Creating Workplaces That Work for Everyone 603-585-3139 paula@hrcompliance101.com www.hrcompliance101.com INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY True North Networks Keene NH Straight Answers. Bright Solutions.

603-624-6777 www.truenorthnetworks.com

FLOORING Abel Hardwood Flooring Peterborough NH 15 Years Experience 603-325-7109 GIFT ITEMS Of Moose & Mountain Westmoreland NH Unique Designs from Nature & New England www.OfMooseAndMountain.com GOLF COURSES Keene Country Club Keene NH 603-352-0135 diane@keenecc.com www.keenecc.com HEALTH & PERSONAL CARE Cindy Knipe, RDN, LD Keene NH Nutrition Counseling and Medical Nutrition Therapy ...

What Nourishes You? 603-738-5791 cynthiaknipe@gmail.com www.whatnourishesyou-nh.com Deep Roots Massage & Bodywork Keene NH Professional and Affordable Massage for Every Body 603-352-0734 mark@deeprootsmb.com www.deeprootsmassagemb.com

Northwestern Mutual Manchester NH Matthew J. Toepfer, Financial Advisor 603-206-6093 matthew.toepfer@nm.com www.nm.com/matthewtoepfer

Essential Health / Nutrition and Wellness Counseling Sharon Rousmaniere, CHC Keene NH Helping People Get to the Bottom of Their Health, Weight and Mood Issues. 603-357-8928 www.essentialhealthcounseling.com

Primerica / Matthew Snow Keene NH Helping Families Become Debt Free and Financially Independent 603-237-1344 matthew.snow@primerica.com www.primerica.com/matthewsnow

Ruthellen Davison Deep Tissue Relaxation & Massage Therapy West Swanzey NH Healing Touch Matters 603-313-8675 davisonpratt@gmail.com

INSURANCE Bellows-Nichols Insurance Peterborough NH Personal Service for Over 175 Years!

603-924-7155 www.bellowsnichols.com Clark Mortenson Insurance and Financial Services Keene NH Be Ready for Anything 603-357-2219, info@clark-mortenson.com, www.clarkmortenson.com Masiello Insurance Agency, Inc. Keene NH Our Service Saves You Time and Our Choices Save You Money 603-352-1810, donnac@masiello.com www.masielloinsurance.com The Insurance Source, Inc. Keene NH The Source for All of Your Insurance Needs 603-357-2219 www.insurancesource.com LOCKSMITHS Goodwin’s Locksmithing Walpole NH Service You Can Trust 603-252-5625 wgoodwin603@gmail.com MEETING SPACES Chesterfield Inn Elegant Suites & Guest Rooms W. Chesterfield NH 603-256-3211 info@chesterfieldinn.com www.chesterfieldinn.com Stonewall Farm Land Here. Grow Roots.

Cultivate Community Keene NH 603-357-7278 www.stonewallfarm.org

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NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Repco Development Technologies Greenfield NH New Product Development and Commercialization 603-397-3005, info@RepcoDT.com www.RepcoDT.com NONPROFIT Monadnock Buy Local Keene NH Helping Our Local Economy Grow www.monadnocklocal.org Monadnock United Way Keene NH There for All of Us 603-352-4209, kathy@muw.org www.muw.org PHOTOGRAPHY Edward Thomas Photography Marlow NH Professional Photography for Business; 30+ Years Experience 603-357-5939 ed@edthomasphotography.com www.edthomasphotography.com PLUMBING & HEATING Pinney Plumbing & Heating West Swanzey NH Replacements, Repairs, Installations 603-357-0944 www.pinneyplumbing.com PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES (Embroidery, Mailing, Printing, Screen Printing, Signs) Beeze Tees Screen Printing Keene NH The Best Way to Print Today!

603-357-1400 info@beezetees.com www.beezetees.com Bulldog Design Keene NH Get it Local. GetBullDog.com.

603-369-7171 joe@bulldog-design.com www.getbulldog.com Gem Graphics Keene NH Your Image is Everything 603-352-7112 steve@gem-graphics.com www.gem-graphics.com

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PrintFUSION Keene NH Built on Service, Focused on Solutions 603-283-0007, info@printfusion.biz www.printfusion.biz The Shipping Shack KeeneNH Packing, Shipping, Mailboxes & More!

603-352-4249 www.shippingshack.com REAL ESTATE/OFFICE SPACE Hannah Grimes Center Keene NH Weaving Together Business, Local Economy and Community.

603-352-5063 www.hannahgrimes.com Make it So: Monadnock Makerspace Keene NH Imagine Where We Can Go 603-852-2812 monadnockmakerspace@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/ MakeItSoMakerspace New England Web and Tech Collective (NEWT) Keene NH Collaboration, Skill Development, Coworking & More 603-399-6400 www.webtechcollective.com RE/MAX Town & Country Keene NH Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results 603-357-4100 info@remax-keene-nh.com www.mykeenehome.com R.J. Finlay & Co.’s The Guernsey Building Peterborough NH Now Leasing: Newly Renovated Office Spaces With Historic Charm in Downtown Peterborough 603-672-0300, x127 www.rjfinlay.com Tousley Property Management LLC Keene NH Big or Small, Space for All! 603-352-9071 info@tousleyproperty.com www.tousleyproperty.com

Small Business Journal • www.monadnockSBJ.com

RESOURCE CENTERS The River Center Peterborough NH A Family & Community Resource Center 603-924-6800, www.rivercenter.us SCREEN PRINT & EMBROIDERY Gemini Screenprint, LLC Keene NH Your Identity is Our Business 603-357-3847 stacey@geminiscreenprint.com www.geminiscreenprint.com SEPTIC SITE WORK & EXCAVATION Septic Manager / Ed Csenge & Son Construction Services Sullivan NH Septic Site Work (and Construction Services) From Start to Finish 603-847-9158 (septic) 603-847-9150 (construction) septicmanager@yahoo.com www.septicmanager.com SIGNS/AWNINGS Metro Sign & Awnings (formerly Custom Designs)

Keene NH Design, Fabrication, Installation & Service Matthew Morgenson 603-352-2530 Adam Brodeur 617-830-4555 adamb@metrosign.net www.metrosignandawning.com Signworx Swanzey NH Small Town Service World Class Results 603-358-1003 info@signworx.com www.signworx.com TEAM BUILDING Monadnock Art Parties Kristina Wentzell Keene NH Uncork Your Creativity 603-903-5902 Kristina.wentzell@gmail.com www.monadnockart.com Music All Around Keene NH Music and Percussion Workshops for Team Building & Staff Development 603-357-4693, nancy@salwen.net www.musicallaround.net

UNIFORMS Keene Uniform Company Keene NH Firefighter Owned & Operated 603-801-4911 www.keeneuniform.com VIOLENCE PREVENTION Blue-U Corporate Resources Hancock NH Corporate Training in Response to Violence 603-759-7803 www.blue-u.com WEB DESIGN/DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING/HOSTING 4Web Inc. Keene, NH Joomla & WordPress Development 603-903-0793 heidi@4webinc.com www.4webinc.com CharlesWorks Peterborough, NH Doing Our Best to Provide Your Web Development Needs Since 1998 603-924-9867 robin@charlesworks.com www.charlesworks.com Steadman Media Group Troy NH Web Strategist & New Media Solutions 603-903-8168 mikel@steadmanmediagroup.com www.steadmanmediagroup.com WRITING TWP Marketing & Technical Communications Peterborough NH Our Words Mean Business ­— On the Web and in Print 603-924-3846 sbailly1234@myfairpoint.net www.nhbusinessblog.com

Business listings:

$75 per year, or FREE for one year with any purchase of a display ad. Book your display listing today!

Limit one category per listing. To book listing contact us at: sales@MonadnockSBJ.com

BUSINESS RESOURCES IN OUR REGION MONADNOCK REGION Hannah Grimes Center www.hannahgrimes.com Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce www.hillsboroughnhchamber.org Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce www.jaffreychamber.com Keene Chamber of Commerce www.keenechamber.com NH Department of Economic Development www.nheconomy.com

US Small Business Administration’s NH District Office www.sba.gov/offices/district/nh/concord Work Stay Play NH www.stayworkplay.org

SOUTHEASTERN VERMONT Brattleboro Chamber of Commerce www.brattleborochamber.org Town of Brattleboro Small Business Assistance Program (SBAP) grantmgr@brattleboro.org

NH Small Business Development Center www.nhsbdc.org

Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development www.accd.vermont.gov/business/

Monadnock Buy Local www.monadnocklocal.org

Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility www.vbsr.org

Monadnock SCORE www.monadnockscore.org

Vermont Small Business Development Center www.vtsbdc.org

Peterborough Chamber of Commerce www.peterboroughchamber.com

OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES (NATIONAL)

Rindge Chamber of Commerce www.rindgechamber.org

Database of County Government Offices www.countyoffice.org

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Show your support of the next generation of local CEOs Show your support of work theofnext generation of local CEOs and come see the hard the students from and come theEntrepreneurs hard work of the students from the see Young Academy the Young Entrepreneurs Academy at Keene State College! at Keene State College!

Like us on Facebook (YEA Keene State College) Like us on Facebook (YEA Keene State College) Follow us on Twitter (@YEAKeeneState) Follow us on Twitter (@YEAKeeneState)

Students from area middle and high schools are ready to unveil their products and services. join usand at the following All to areunveil opentheir to the public! and services.

Students fromPlease area middle high schoolsevents. are ready products Please join us at the following events. All are open to the public!

Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Saturday, May 14, 2016 Thursday, March 31, 2016 Tuesday, March 1, 2016 Saturday, May 14, 2016 Thursday, March 31, 2016 CEO Roundtable Trade Show

CEO Roundtable

This is an exciting event that features local CEOs discussing their roles, This is an exciting event that companies, backgrounds andfeatures they local CEOs discussing their will offer helpful business androles, companies,advice backgrounds and they networking to the students. will offer helpful business and Centennial Hall, Alumni Center networking advice to the students.

KSC • 6:00-7:30pm Centennial Hall, Alumni Center KSC • 6:00-7:30pm

Investor Panel This is where the rubber hits the road! Student Come watch the Panel students pitch to real Trade Show Investor businesses have the opportunity to market and funders for start-up capital to launch their Come watch the students pitch to real businesses! Panelists evaluate, judge and funders for start-up capital to launch their allocate funding based on the quality of businesses! Panelists evaluate, judge and the student pitches and presentations. allocate funding based on the quality of Bensonwood, Walpole, • 6:00-8:00pm the student pitches andNH presentations.

Bensonwood, Walpole, NH • 6:00-8:00pm

Thistheir is where the rubber hits thetoroad! sell products and services YOUStudent – the businesses have the opportunity to consumer! This is the culmination ofmarket the 29-and sell their products services YOU – the week program andand students willto see everything consumer!

This is the culmination of the come together in this capstone event. 29week program and students will see everything Railroad Square, Downtown Keene come together in this capstone event.

10:00am-1:00pm Railroad Square, Downtown Keene 10:00am-1:00pm

Want more info on the YEA! program at KSC?

Contact Program Manager Jake Nonweiler or Jake.Nonweiler@keene.edu Want more info on theat 918-430-5389 YEA! program at KSC?

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Contact Program Manager Jake Nonweiler at 918-430-5389 or Jake.Nonweiler@keene.edu Small Business Journal • www.monadnockSBJ.com