MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

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Issue 7 • April/May/June 2015

Monadnock The region’s voice of small business & entrepreneurship

Monadnock

MONADNOCK The region’s voice of small business & entrepreneurship

PeoplesVC: People-powered Venture Capital

PLUS: - Economic Gardening - Art & Business - Office Space to Rent/Buy

& More!

April/May/June 2015

1

New mortgage? Refinancing?

We want what’s best for you.

Lots of mortgage lenders claim they offer the most

competitive rates. But often times, hidden fees are lurking

For starters, here’s $250 off closing costs.

behind a low interest rate—and that could end up costing you more money in the long run.

How do you know which home loan is right for you?

As a local bank committed to giving back to our community, Savings Bank of Walpole believes it’s the customer who

should benefit from a mortgage product, not just the lender.

So come talk with us. Bring us other lending options you

might be considering. We’ll give you our best advice—even if it means you go with a different lender.

And if you do end up with a mortgage from SBW, we’ll sweeten the deal by taking $250 off our already low closing costs.

For 140 years, SBW has been the savings bank of our

community. So stop by and let’s talk, or call one of our mortgage specialists at (603) 355-1670.

of

The savings bank of you.

since 1875 Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC | Walpole and Keene, New Hampshire | (877) WALPOLE | (877) 925-7653 | walpolebank.com Get $250 off our already low closing costs when you apply for an SBW mortgage by 7/31/15. For current rates or more info, visit: walpolebank.com/mortgages

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Monadnock Small Business Journal

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3/2/15 11:14 AM

C O N T E N T S FEATURES MONADNOCK

Economic Gardening & Placemaking Business Profile: PeoplesVC

20 24

EDITOR’S NOTE

4

THE JOURNAL’S CONTRIBUTORS

5

TALK OF THE TOWN

6

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

32

COLUMNS HINTS FROM HELAINE

12

ACCIDENTAL ENTREPRENEUR : Deb Johnson

13

EXPERT TIPS: You Are Not Alone

14

IN YOUR BUSINESS: Play is Serious Business

16

BEFORE & AFTER: Hannah Grimes Center

18

THE GREEN SCENE: SISR Architecture

26

THE BUSINESS NEXT DOOR: Tony Morrison

30

Office Space to Buy/Rent

34

Business Directory

36

LISTINGS

ON THE COVER...

Akhil Garland, CEO, PeoplesVC, standing in front of the company’s web-based TV studio. Read more about PeoplesVC and their approach to people-powered venture capital on page 24.

Photo: Ed Thomas Photos: (top to bottom): Mt. Monadnock in spring by Dreamstime; economic gardening courtesy Edward Lowe Foundation; Deb Johnson courtesy PrintFUSION; office by Dreamstime; green home courtesy SISR Architecture; PeoplesVC by Ed Thomas.

April/May/June 2015

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Editor’s Note ...

I

t is an exciting time to be a small business owner or entrepreneur. Just think of the freedom most of us have to work from almost anyplace in the world, particularly if your business lends itself to online management.

I thought of how easy it was to work on my business remotely on a recent trip to visit my extended family in Brazil. All I needed was my laptop and a WiFi connection, and I was in business ... even as I traveled to the most remote corners of South America. And more opportunities await us: New ways of funding and growing small businesses are on the horizon.

In this quarter’s issue of Monadnock Small Business Journal we take a look at some innovative ways business owners can grow their business through “economic gardening” and “placemaking” (see page 20 for story) and crowd-powered venture capital (see page 24). These are certainly exciting times for small business owners. Stay tuned! — Marcia ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE AD IN THIS MAGAZINE! Enter our quarterly drawing for an 1/8 page ad (value: $120) in an issue of your choice. Also includes a free listing in our Business Directory for one year (value: $75). 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 June 30, 2015. Good luck!

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Monadnock Small Business Journal

MONADNOCK Issue 7 • April/May/June 2015 PUBLISHER

Backporch Publishing, LLC

EDITORIAL

EDITOR: Marcia Passos Duffy CALENDAR: Jillian Miner CONTRIBUTORS: Helaine Iris, Deb Byrne Johnson, Katrina Maloney, Jen Risley, Nancy Salwen, Bob Vecchioti, C S Wurzberger

PHOTOGRAPHY Ed Thomas

DESIGN

Salwen Graphic Design

ADVERTISING SALES

Bill & Sue Hay, 603-357-0046 sales@MonadnockSJB.com

CONTACT US

Monadnock Small Business Journal 16 Russell Street, Keene, NH 03431 603-369-2525, info@MonadnockSBJ.com www.MonadnockSBJ.com Monadnock Small Business Journal is published quarterly by Keene, N.H.-based Backporch Publishing, LLC. It is distributed throughout the Monadnock Region the first two weeks of January, April, July and October. Monadnock Small Business Journal is a business-to-business publication that highlights news about the Monadnock Region’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 Monadnock 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 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 Katrina Maloney, poet and author, owns KM Research & Writing, a freelance writing business. She is a former college professor, having taught in natural sciences and education. She lives in view of Mt. Monadnock, and when not mucking out the horse barn, she plays violin and ukulele in local orchestras. www.katrinamaloney.net Jen Risley is the executive director of Monadnock Buy Local. Jen, who moved to Keene to attend Antioch University New England in 2002, is passionate about cultivating a strong local living economy in the Monadnock Region. www.MonadnockLocal.org

Nancy Salwen is the owner of Music All Around, a local business devoted to community music making. She also teaches early childhood music, singing to “non-singers” and is part of Music for People’s Musicianship and Leadership program, which facilitates music improvisation experience settings. www.MusicAllAround.net 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 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

April/May/June 2015

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TALK OF THE TOWN

Business News From Greater Keene, Peterborough & Brattleboro pLocal Magazine Wins Award KEENE — Monadnock Table magazine has won second place in the Niche Publication category of the New England Newspaper and Press Association’s annual New England Better Newspaper Competition.

Monadnock Table, co-founded by Marcia Passos Duffy in 2010, is owned

by The Keene Sentinel and edited by Duffy (who is also the publisher and editor of Monadnock Small Business Journal). The judges remarked: “Good, quality content highlighting the best of rural life. Simple, yet sophisticated. As a magazine, it serves this community with a greater shelf life. Well done with relevant advertisers.” Learn more: www.MonadnockTable.com.

pNew Managing Partner at Crockett Log & Timber Homes TUFTONBORO — Steven L. Brinser was recently appointed managing partner of the New England regional office of Crockett Log & Timber Homes.

Crockett New England is the successor to Crockett Timber Homes, which Brinser founded in the Chesapeake Bay area of Virginia in 2006 to market log, timber frame, post and beam and SIP (structural insulated panel) home packages. As an exclusive dealer for Crockett Log & Timber Homes, Brinser brings more than 40 years of diverse experience as an entrepreneur and businessman to Crockett Log & Timber Homes, a national brand that has built more than 5,000 homes. Brinser will be providing sales and product support, as well as responding to questions and ensuring home package orders are

processed properly and delivered on time. Interested builders can contact Steve at 603-759-5285 or sbrinser@ crockettloghomes.com. Learn more: www.crockettloghomes.com. pLocal IT Company Launches New Cyber Crime Prevention Service KEENE — True North Networks, a leading provider of Managed IT services for more than 12 years has announced a new managed security service offering, “SecureWorkplace.”

According to a press release issued by the company, this proactive, affordable and comprehensive solution helps firms with reporting, monitoring, auditing, network scanning and even remediation should a security event happen. This coverage extends to all of a company’s locations, employees and even mobile users. “Oftentimes, even organizations with a technology person on staff find it difficult to handle the additional responsibility of protecting and monitoring the network while tak-

The Cobbs

A.

K.

Auctioneers—Appraisers Peterborough, NH

www.theCobbs.Com

G. H.

D.

I.

E. B. C.

F. Noone Falls Mill 50 Jaffrey Rd. Peterborough, NH 603.924.6361 NH Lic#:2366

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Monadnock Small Business Journal

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Consignments invited July 4th AmeriCAnA, Art & Antiques Recent Auction Results g. tiffAny & co. mARquise Ring A. chinese celAdon chARgeR sold foR $22,800 B. impeRiAl JAde necklAces sold foR $132,000 c. chAmpney, mt. chocoRuA sold foR $38,400 d. 1861 civil WAR oRdnAnce sold foR $37,200 e. A. thieme, oil on cAnvAs sold foR $27,000 f. louis vuitton tRunk sold foR $6,500

sold foR $58,800 h. pAiR of spAnish shotguns sold foR $16,800 i. chARlestoWn stoneWARe WAteRcooleR sold foR $12,000 J. f.h. shApleigh, oil on cAnvAs sold foR $11,400 k. nh pAinted BlAnket chest sold foR $5,700 l. step doWn WindsoR chAiRs sold foR $8,400

ing care of routine technology needs for employees,” says Steven Ryder, president and owner of True North Networks.

“We have staff dedicated specifically to the security service team who will work closely with you to best protect your network and stay on top of the latest trends in cyber crime prevention.” Learn more: www.TrueNorthNetworks.com. pNew Edward Jones in Keene KEENE – Edward Jones Financial Advisor, Josh Houle, has opened a new office at 108 Main Street in Keene. Houle’s office was previously located in Rindge; he will continue to work with current clients and new clients from the Keene area.

A large community room is central to Houle’s new Main Street office which he says will accommodate educational events. Houle will welcome area professionals to speak on issues that are

important to the community. Houle will also conduct monthly seminars on a wide range of financial strategy topics.

All events in the community room will be free. A former professional soccer player, Houle has shared his love of the game with Keene youth for more than 15 years. He was the director of coaching for the Cheshire United Soccer Club and an assistant coach for the Keene State College men’s soccer program. He has coached young athletes in the Keene Recreation Soccer League, and recently agreed to be the youth soccer coordinator for the Keene Recreation Department. A long-time resident of Keene and a graduate of Keene State College, Houle says he looks forward to having his office in the same town where he lives with his wife, Heather Prieto Houle.

The couple recently married; they each have two children. For more information contact Houle at 603-352-5135.

pCheetah Design Studio Celebrates 10 Years MILFORD — Cheetah Design Studio, a full-service family owned photography, website design and development studio, is celebrating 10 years in business. The company has recently redesigned its corporate identity to better reflect the photography and design services they now offer clients across the Northeast, says co-owner Lindsey Masterson, who owns the business with her mother Jan Burkhardt. Recently, Cheetah Design Studio hired Katie Luba to oversee the day-to-day operations and to better serve clients. Cheetah Design Studio offers full photographic services for weddings, babies and children, family portraits, business portraits and product photography.

Design services include website design, corporate identity, logos, sales collateral and brochures. Learn more: www.cheetahdesignstudio.com.

Continued on next page.

Travel wise.

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Quick and easy reservations.

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Location near you!

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603-352-7900

April/May/June 2015

7

TALK OF THE TOWN

Business News From Greater Keene, Peterborough & Brattleboro

pGemini Screenprint Moves KEENE — Gemini Screenprint has completed its move to 149 Emerald St. Suite N (at The Center at Colony Mill). “It was a great move for us,” says Stacey Trombley, owner; the company was previously on Kingsbury Street in Keene. “We have a fabulous new storefront and a cozy atmosphere for ordering products, working with customer service, sales or our graphic designer.” The business has also purchased new equipment for low volume work (such as individual items such as a customized sweatshirt, sticker, label, banner, etc.) that can be made on site. “We no longer have minimums for anything,” notes Trombley. Learn more: www.geminiscreenprint.com.

pLocal Business Mentors and Sponsors Help Young Entrepreneurs KEENE — The Young Entrepreneurs Academy, or YEA!, a program that guides students through the process of starting their own real business, has lined up local business mentors and sponsors for the YEA! class at Keene State College.

YEA! pairs up each young entrepreneur with an appropriate business mentor. This person helps the students to better understand their concepts, write business plans, identify their target audiences and provide support.

The group of mentors will be paired one-on-one with each of the ten student businesses as they navigate through the planning process leading up to the Investor Panel, which will take place on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 6 p.m. at

Bensonwood in Walpole. Local businesses people involved in YEA! include Tim Pipp of BeezeTees, Wink Faulkner from AdviCoach, leaders from C&S Wholesale Grocers, retired business executives and property management professionals. “The students are so excited to welcome the mentors into the classroom,” says Meredith Speranza, YEA! program manager. “They can really see and appreciate the value that the mentors will bring.” During the course of the six-month program, more than 50 local businesses and individuals become involved with YEA! at various levels. 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 much more. By the end of the class, students own and operate fully-formed and functioning

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Monadnock Small Business Journal

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businesses, which they can carry out after their graduation from the program. Learn more: www.keene.edu/ campus/outreach/yea.

pSmall Business Raises Big Change for Local United Way KEENE — Deep Roots Massage in Keene raised $5,000 for the Monadnock United Way by donating a portion of their holiday gift certificate sales. “This was a double win,” says Mark Rebillard, Deep Roots owner

and massage therapist. “By aligning our effort behind a great local nonprofit, we offered a unique gift that communicated a sense of our company values and culture. Our customers responded in kind and the campaign was a financial success.” Deep Roots has a tradition of combining sales promotions with charitable giving to local nonprofits and presenting “tiny checks” (see photo, left) to local groups as a playful way of celebrating small successes. Past campaigns have supported The Community Kitchen, The Cedar Crest Center and the Keene Music Festival. Learn more: www.deeprootsmb.com.

workshop at the Chamber of Commerce Business to Business Lunch on April 10 from noon to 1 p.m. to introduce the benefits of creative collaborative arts activities in general, and music workshops in particular, for businesses and organizations. “Percussion and music workshops offer a unique opportunity to engage a staff ’s creative side, as well as to discover more about their own group’s dynamics, strengths and weaknesses,” says Salwen. “These activities give participants an unusual and effective way to experience working creatively together to solve problems that is both fun and educational.”

pLearn About Using Music for Team Building and Staff Development KEENE — Nancy Salwen of Music All Around will be leading a hands-on

Continued on next page.

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clarkmortenson.com 102 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431 4 603-352-2121 Offices in Claremont, Keene & Walpole, NH; Brattleboro & Woodstock, VT

April/May/June 2015

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TALK OF THE TOWN

Business News From Greater Keene, Peterborough & Brattleboro

pCore Consciousness Participates in Mt. Sinai Intensive Program KEENE — Paula M. Aarons, owner of Core Consciousness (pictured, right), a Pilates studio on Roxbury Street, recently participated in a four-day intensive at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. As a specialist in injury recovery and prevention, Aarons says she was thrilled to have participated in such an in-depth and inspired course. “From the first five minutes to the last I was immersed in the world of functional anatomy from a myriad of perspectives … I came back to Keene re-inspired, not only by the information provided but, by the generous spirit of teaching all of the instructors had,” says Aarons who learned during the intensive program

Advanced, reliable and scalable technology solutions tailored to the needs and budgets of small businesses.

about injury recovery and prevention from comparative anatomists, surgical specialists, neurologists, physical therapists and Pilates specialists. Learn more about Core Consciousness at: www. coreconsciousnesskeene.com or call Aarons at 603-358-5146. pThe Masiello Group Celebrates 50 Years in Business KEENE — Family owned and operated The Masiello Group, is celebrating the 50th year of its founding by Jim Masiello. The Masiello Group family of companies includes: Better Homes and Gardens Residential and Commercial Real Estate, personal and business insurance, relocation services, and GreatEast Mortgage, Title and Home Warranty Services. The Masiello Group is nationally recognized and has received numerous awards over the years including: “Top 100 Family Owned & Operated Business” in N.H. by New Hampshire Magazine, nationally recognized as a real estate “Top 100” compa-

ny, ranked the 37th most successful real estate company platform for the delivery of insurance, mortgage, home title and warranty products. Masiello Insurance is the founding member of the largest independent insurance agent distribution network in the country, and its relocation services were just recognized for achieving industry best standards. “The real story isn’t about longevity or national recognition for a job well done, but the special relationship this organization continues to share with its customers, associates and employees,” says Christopher J. Masiello, CEO, who earned his real estate license when he was just 19, joined his father’s company in 1981, and took the reins of the family company in 1991. “It’s all about people — without strong relationships, nothing of any consequence is possible,” he adds.

The Masiello Group is headquartered in Keene with offices in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

Learn more: www.masiello.com or www.masielloinsurance.com.

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Monadnock Small Business Journal

pWinner of KSC Online Course KEENE — Ranger Curran, host of a recent Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event at RE/MAX Town & Country (pictured below, on left), congratulates Mike Acerno on winning a Keene State

College $99 Ed2Go course. Acerno, who is the transportation manager at Home Healthcare Hospice & Community Services in Keene, had his pick of hundreds of online courses. He chose to use his $99 online Ed2Go course to learn to play the guitar. “I’ve always wanted to learn to play the guitar, and winning this online course gave me

the push I needed to get started. I can learn at my own pace in the privacy of my own home,” says Acerno. For more information about KSC online courses, visit www.ed2go.com/keene for a complete listing. pMonadnock Food Co-op Adopts Livable Wage Policy

KEENE — The Monadnock Food Co-op has adopted a “Cooperative Livable Wage” policy for all full-time staff at its community-owned Keene store.

After one year of employment, all fulltime staff will earn at least $11.55/hour.

The Co-op also raised its minimum wage for all staff to $10/hour, after completion of new employee training sessions. “We recognize the importance of offering our employees a wage that allows them to meet their basic needs,” says Michael Faber, general manager, Monadnock Food Co-op. “It not only betters the

health and quality of life for our employees but their families, as well.” In addition to health benefits, studies show that livable wages have reduced staff turnover, resulting in lower recruitment and training costs for businesses. “There is a strong correlation between wages and the health outcomes of our family members, friends and neighbors,” says Linda Rubin, director of Healthy Monadnock, a community engagement initiative designed to foster a positive culture of health throughout Cheshire County and the Monadnock Region. “Employers such as the Monadnock Food Co-op and others are leading the way on this issue, proving that investing in their employees is good for business and good for the health of our community.” Learn more: www.HealthyMonadnock.org and www.MonadnockFood.coop.

Send your news to editor@MonadnockSJB.com

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April/May/June 2015

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HINTS FROM HELAINE Answers to your vexing business problems, by Helaine Iris

Helaine Iris is a life and business coach with Path of Purpose Coaching. Do you have a vexing business problem?

Email Helaine at helaine@ pathofpurpose.com. Your name will be kept confidential.

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Monadnock Small Business Journal

Dear Helaine, I have been laid off from my job. I am weighing the options of either looking for a new job with a company or starting my own consulting business. I have never been in business for myself. How do I know if I’m cut out for running my own small business? WEIGHING THE OPTIONS Dear Options, When life hands you a transition like this it’s likely to be extremely stressful. At the same time, it’s also an opportunity for a new exciting chapter. The first question to address should be your immediate financial stability. If you are considering starting a business of your own, you’ll need to be able to carry yourself through the initial start-up phase. Second, make an honest assessment of your ability to generate revenue. Do you already have an established network to market yourself to, or are you starting from scratch? Next, connect with local business advisors, the Hannah Grimes Center, or experienced friends or family to get help assessing readiness and reality. Remember the answer doesn’t necessarily need to be black or white — start a business or get a new job. Many people do get a job in the short run to shore up immediate financial needs while crafting a solid plan to launch a business.

Dear Helaine, What does “customer service” really mean? I read that it is simply a way of handling customer complaints. But is it more than that? SEEKING A DEFINITION Dear Seeking, Customer service is a way of being, a philosophy and culture that starts with the values of the business owner and flows into every aspect of running a business. Customer service is ultimately a declaration of why you’re in business in the first place. Whether you sell widgets or provide a service, hopefully it’s because it’s your passion for providing your customers with solutions through what you sell. So, whether your customer has a complaint, or you simply have an opportunity to delight the person who does business with you, look at customer service as a way to fulfill your mission every day. Customers are key but remember your employees are your customers too. If they’re treated well, they treat your customers well. Making customer service the heart of your business model makes good sense for everyone. p

ACCIDENTAL ENTREPRENEUR

How I Became an “Accidental Entrepreneur”

By Deb Byrne Johnson, owner, PrintFUSION, Keene The one thing I’d do differently if I had to do it all over again is hire an assistant sooner. I’ve had my business since 1994, and for 14 years I did everything myself. Hiring an administrative assistant finally freed me to focus on increasing sales and diversifying our offerings. Because of that, now we offer complete marketing services, including creative and brand management, along with our core expertise in print, promotional products and apparel. p

Town & Country

R

ight out of college, I joined Standard Register, a Fortune 500 company that provides print products and services. One of my fellow sales reps always talked about leaving to start his own business, so one day I asked, “How would you do it?” He said the first thing he’d do is find a printer to partner with.

One day I drove by a pay phone ... if that conversation had gone differently I probably would have found a new employer.

Instead I started PrintFUSION. I don’t know why I asked him. I wasn’t planning to leave Standard Register at the time. I wanted to climb the corporate ladder.

But then I kept losing bids to the competition. I realized it was more advantageous to be on my own and offer better pricing to my client base.

When I did decide to leave, there was no straw that broke the camel’s back. It was just a feeling. One day I was out making calls, when I drove by a pay phone. I stopped and called a print shop I knew. They said they would work with me if I went on my own. If that conversation had gone differently, I probably would have found a new employer. Instead, I started PrintFUSION. For three years, I worked part-time for a dentist and ran PrintFUSION at the same time. It wasn’t easy, but I wanted a steady paycheck while growing the business. I’ve always had a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. I think both are good qualities for entrepreneurs, along with persistence.

(603) 357-4100 117 West St. Keene, NH Strengthening New Hampshire’s Workforce WorkReadyNH graduates have what it takes to help your business succeed with documented skills in applied math, critical thinking, locating information, and professional skills like teamwork and communications.

WorkReadyNH is offered at New Hampshire’s Community Colleges “ …an individual who graduates from WorkReadyNH is well prepared for success in the workplace.”

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To interview a WorkReadyNH graduate or learn more, visit cosnh.edu/wrnh or call 603-230-3530

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April/May/June 2015

13

EXPERT TIPS

Advice you can trust from the people you know

Solo Entrepreneurs: You are Not Alone

By Bob Vecchiotti

1. Teachers and mentors, who know you best.

2. Your close friends, who can be a rich source of support.

3. Your parents and spouse, if they are likely to support a convincing plan.

4. The Small Business Administration and its local representatives for help in uncovering the best approach.

5. A local banker who you know and trust.

Stage Two: The Early Months So you’re incorporated and have some initial capital. You may even have software for your bookkeeping. You have three months of business activity under your belt. Now who do you turn for guidance?

Common sense would dictate that you seek advice in your areas of vulnerability whether marketing, finance or planning ahead. For this phase, you can rely on some professional support: 1. A part-time bookkeeper or a local small business accountant.

2. An administrative assistant to help you organize the business and yourself.

3. Local business association speakers and workshops for best practices, pitfalls to avoid, and how to maximize cash flow and to provide a network to engage.

I

t is important to remember that just because there is the word “solo” in solo entrepreneurship does not mean you have to go at everything alone.

Did you know there many resources you can rely on for every step of your business journey? Here are a few from best practices and what I’ve learned on my own journey as a business owner, advisor and professional coach.

Let’s look at whom you can rely on at different stages of business development.

Stage One: The Plan If you plan to enter a business as a solo owner — be it in retail, manufacturing or professional services — do a quick personal assessment of your strong points and note skills where you know you need help. Then rely on your instincts to build on strengths and minimize the effects of “skill gaps.”

Perhaps you’re a numbers person, or maybe you are a people person. You can’t do it all yourself so you seek advice and answers where you need the most assistance. These answers are important in deciding to move forward. Who can you rely on to get the right answers to sort out at this important stage?

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Monadnock Small Business Journal

Stage Three: Sustainability You continue to grow after three years. You’ve reached a mini plateau. Any one of your trusted resources can provide assistance here. But it may now be time to seek those who will challenge you and stretch your thinking and courage to continue to move forward.

1. Hire your first employee to fill an important gap or provide in-depth abilities.

2. Start a small advisory group of specialists or customers to bounce ideas off of and get answers to some of your tough questions.

3. Engage an experienced coach with solo business rates to provide candid discussions and practical recommendations.

These are a few of the right choices to consider that can sustain your business from inception to an agile future with considerable success.

It’s common sense to have a list of people to rely on when building your business. You are never really alone in sustaining your business venture if you use them appropriately. p Bob Vecchiotti is an experienced business advisor and professional coach who works with small to mid-size companies in their early stages of development.

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IN YOUR BUSINESS

Opinions from local business leaders

Play is Serious Business!

How Businesses & Organizations Can Benefit from the Arts

By Nancy Salwen

T

he business environment and the creative arts are often perceived as completely separate. Businesses are thought to exist primarily to make a profit, while making art is often seen as an optional luxury.

But many businesses — including Google, GE, Intel, Toms of Maine, as well as the U.S. Navy — have discovered that bringing creative arts into the workplace is more than a fun distraction or office party exercise. Art-making — be it music, visual or performing arts — helps workers “think outside of the box” and become more innovative, motivated and cooperative at work. This much-needed engagement is invaluable in today’s competitive and ever-changing business environment.

Dissatisfaction in the workplace According to a recent Gallup Poll of the “State of the American Workplace Report,” 70 percent of U.S. workers say they are dissatisfied with their jobs and don’t feel emotionally connected to their workplace. Studies have shown that disengaged employees are less productive and reliable, spread an atmosphere of discontent, and are bad for an organization’s PR. Can art-making help?

In an article in Fortune Magazine, “What Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Artists,” author Tim Leberecht, CMO of global design and innovation firm, Frog, writes that the “art” of business has become more important as the “science” of business has grown.

“Like artists, innovators must cultivate creative habits to see the world afresh and create something new,” he notes.

In very much the same way that children learn through play, the creative arts teach adults how to learn and open their minds.

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Monadnock Small Business Journal

does d just how n a ‘… , sk a ho would r, ‘If your “For those w I would offe ’, ? ss e n si u do, my b ng work to ri e e art benefit n io p t, n ssociates s importa business ha ies in your a it il b a p a c l at p artfu e you’ll work ls e , then develo ls il sk l a as technic the benejust as well sk losing all ri d n a , st e b tion at is a connec re half-strength e th , w o assion. N line.” fit of their p the bottom d n a rt a n anager, betwee son, R&D M – Albert Gib

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The creative process reminds us of what it feels like to be human, and to reconnect with our sense of creativity, exploration, inspiration and mastery. When we access a business team’s creative side we tap into the whole person. This helps to bring a wider range of the employees’ talents to the table, and even help them better realize the company’s mission.

Arts activities bring insight, skills and solutions As a music workshop leader who has worked with businesses and organizations, I have seen people make important connections when they are involved in the act of creating music together, both on individual and group levels.

Creative arts activities also offer a platform for communication among members of a group that is like no other; engaging in collaborative arts activities opens a window into preexisting group dynamics while offering alternative solutions to problems.

For example, I sometimes lead an activity where participants create rhythm patterns using sticks. We first create a pattern as individuals, then in pairs, and finally in larger groups. Throughout this process we ask questions of participants, such as: Were you surprised by who emerged as leaders? Were you a leader or follower? Did you feel that your suggestions were heard and welcomed by the group? What tools did your group use to come together to solve any problems in the short time frame you were given?

The answers to these, and other, questions reveal a wealth of information about a group’s dynamics, individuals’ work styles, and how the group solves problems together. This insight is invaluable for managers to learn about their team, and for teams to learn about themselves.

Most importantly, what emerges from these creative exercises has power because what is discovered is concrete and real, rather than abstract or theoretical. What is learned can be immediately applied to how the team functions when at work. Plus, the artsbased learning process is incredibly fun!

So be it music, visual arts or theater experiences ... choose art.

Because creative play can transform the culture of your business. p Nancy Salwen is the owner of Music All Around, a local business devoted to community music making. She also teaches early childhood music, singing to non-singers through her program “Fear of Singing,” and is part of Music for People’s Musicianship and Leadership program, which facilitates music improvisation experiences for musicians and non-musicians together.

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BEFORE & AFTER

Local business office renovations

Hannah Grimes Center, 25 Roxbury Street, Keene

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he Hannah Grimes Center is wrapping up its second phase of renovation that has added a 70-person conference room and seven offices to its upper level.

Since its lower level renovation in 2011, the Center’s business incubator occupancy grew to full capacity, but the facility lacked an interior stairwell and adequate windows to be able to expand usable space to the second floor.

Now the Center offers the largest conference room in the downtown area and is able to accommodate additional businesses and nonprofits with programming and office space.

“Thanks to the generosity of our funders, we now es have more space to educate, support and assist rim el) G v the successful development of entrepreneurs and comnah r le Han (uppe munity builders throughout the Monadnock Region,” ter Cen says Mary Ann Kristiansen, executive director. Learn more at www.hannahgrimes.com. p

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Economic Gardenin

Growing Our Local E

By Jen R

T

raditionally, the term “economic development” has meant wooing large businesses from the outside to move into a region.

But to get a large company to relocate often requires the right balance of appropriate labor, infrastructure improvements, and often, heavy tax incentives.

While there may always be room for this kind of traditional economic development in communities, a new vision of economic development has emerged.

Two ideas that are gaining traction nationally — and closer to home — are “Economic Gardening” and “placemaking.”

These are different ideas that have one simple thing in common. Instead of focusing exclusively on attracting larger businesses from outside of a region to create new jobs and economic prosperity, leaders also support businesses and entrepreneurs already existing in the community.

It’s about cultivating our local economy from the inside.

Economic Gardening: A focus on growing businesses

The idea of Economic Gardening was developed in 1989 by Chris Gibbons in Littleton, Colorado after the downsizing of a major company wreaked havoc on the local economy.

During a 20-year period when the City of Littleton practiced Economic Gardening, jobs grew from 15,000 to 30,000, and sales tax revenue more than Art by: Stephen Ravenscraft. Image courtesy of the Edward Lowe Foundation. tripled from $6 million to $21 million. This growth happened without any recruiting, incentives or tax rebates, according to the Edward Lowe Foundation, which partnered with Gibbons (director of Littleton’s According to the NCEG, Economic Gardening is an effective way business and industry affairs) in 2010 to create the National Center for states and regions to “grow their own” companies. But, make no for Economic Gardening (NCEG). Today, the organization helps get mistake: Economic Gardening is not simply about connecting entrestate and regional Economic Gardening programs off the ground. preneurs with support institutions, or Economic Gardening calls for supporting local entrepreneurhelping them with their operations or ship, with a laser focus on second-stage businesses with 10-99 workforce development or obtaining employees and revenues in the $500,000 to $50 million range. The tax credits. model is a way to help a community’s established businesses grow According to the Edward Lowe larger by using an entrepreneurial approach to regional prosperity.

Foundation, it is much more. It is In contrast to traditional business assistance, Economic Gardening about “leveraging research using sofocuses on strategic growth challenges. Challenges such as develphisticated business intelligence tools oping new markets, refining business models and gaining access to and databases that growth companies competitive intelligence. either aren’t aware of or cannot afford.”

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Monadnock Small Business Journal

ing & Placemaking

Economy From Within

n Risley

young professionals move to the place they want to live first, and then seek out employment.

One example of a successful placemaking model is Philadelphia’s “Percent for Art Program.” The program requires that any development project using land through the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority must contribute one percent of the construction costs to the commission of public art.

This program has supported the installation of more than 400 murals, sculptures, and other art projects throughout the city.

Michael Ryan from Smart Growth America writes: “Public art humanizes the built environment and provides a chance for a neighborhood to express its character through unique design elements while providing cultural, social and economic value.”

Monadnock Region: Appreciating what is already here

Placemaking: Attracts talent

“Placemaking” emerged as an economic development tool in the 1960s from the writings of Jane Jacobs and William H. Whyte, urban activists who advocated designing cities for people, rather than cars.

Placemaking is a simple concept that works: It is about making a community special and memorable. This is important because research shows that memorable places attract and retain talent and investment.

Today’s placemaking projects focus on housing, transportation, green spaces, entrepreneurship, historic preservation and the arts.

This strategy is particularly effective with younger workers. The Millennial generation, for example, considers quality of life first when deciding where to live. One survey found that 66 percent of

Whether it is the ideas of Economic Gardening, placemaking, or another form of development, the Monadnock Region’s economic development leaders are collectively working to create a balanced landscape of businesses, entrepreneurs, workers and citizens — and are striving to cultivate our local economy from within.

“We are concentrating on the people who are already here,” says Jack Dugan, president at Monadnock Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

“There is a lot of talent here. We want to help that talent get their ideas to market or help their existing business grow.”

Rebeckah Bullock, community development specialist at Southwest Region Planning Commission (SWRPC), agrees: “Supporting and retaining local businesses helps us create a more balanced and strong regional economy.”

But in order for these ideas to work, there needs to be some basics elements within our community. Both Bullock and Dugan name three “seeds” for cultivating our business talent from within: Incubators, high-speed Internet and community engagement.

SEED #1: Business incubators

Business incubators, such as the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship in Keene, provide space, technical assistance and shared resources to companies, helping them achieve greater success.

Continued on next page.

April/May/June 2015

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“We are concentrating on the people who are already here,” says Jack Dugan, president at Monadnock Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

“There is a lot of talent here. We want to help that talent get their ideas to market or help their existing business grow.”

The Hannah Grimes Center has served more 1,000 members through Hannah Grimes Marketplace (a retail incubator) and has graduated 39 businesses and nonprofits from its incubator at the Hannah Grimes Center on Roxbury Street, notes Mary Ann Kristiansen, executive director of the Hannah Grimes Center.

“More than 86 percent of these are still in business and have a strong cumulative impact on the community over time,” says Kristiansen.

The newest incubator project in Keene, the 310 Marlboro Business Center for Innovation and Technology, looks to attract and support advance manufacturing, technology and innovation-based businesses. Building owner, Don Brehm, is working with Kristiansen to turn this vision into reality.

“Building on the work that Don Brehm has accomplished at 310 Marlboro, we believe that the innovation, technology and advanced manufacturing that have been an important part of our diverse local economy will continue to be so,” says Kristiansen.

SEED #2: High speed Internet

Beyond using incubators to jump start and grow individual businesses, Dugan and Bullock recognize the importance of addressing the collective needs of existing businesses, such as providing reliable high-speed Internet.

“Since we’re geographically isolated, broadband is critical,” says

Dugan. “We have to help businesses and individuals have access to the rest of the world.”

In 2012, MEDC collaborated with SWRPC and others on the New Hampshire FastRoads project to bring greater access to high-speed Internet to our region. The project includes laying a 250-mile fiber network that runs from Orford to Rindge through 235 schools, municipal buildings and other community hubs.

SEED #3: Engaging the community

In addition to attending to business owners and their needs, leaders like Dugan and Bullock also engage with the community to identify and vet new economic development projects.

“There needs to be community support for a project,” says Bullock.

“We look for that connection to the community when assessing a project.”

“Years ago, I was invited to a meeting with a group of passionate and concerned people about forming a food co-op in downtown Keene,” says Dugan. “While they didn’t have the money, they had the dedication. That caught my attention.”

Fast-forward five years later, and the Monadnock Food Co-op opened with the help of MEDC and many others.

“We ask the community what they need, whether it’s a co-op, housing or a skating rink,” adds Dugan. “It’s what attracts and retains people.” p Jen Risley is the executive director of Monadnock Buy Local.

Learn more about Economic Gardening at www.edwardlowe.org.

For case studies on ways Economic Gardening has worked see www.edwardlowe.org/eg/pilot-programs.

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Monadnock Small Business Journal

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PROFILE: PeoplesVC

Crowd-powered Venture Capital

By Marcia Passos Duffy with additional reporting by Katrina Maloney / Photos by Ed Thomas

T

created through a marketplace funded by the people.”

While PeoplesVC waits for the SEC to finalize user regulations for the JOBS Act law (the federal agency has been sitting on the law since it was signed by the President in 2012), Garland is busy putting into place how the company will be part of a nationwide movement to change the traditional ways venture capital is raised.

And New Hampshire may not have to wait for the SEC’s stamp of approval.

Some states, such as Massachusetts*, have already created their own set of rules for equity crowdfunding.

“The SEC has been dragging their feet,” says Garland. “So a lot of states are blasting ahead anyway. New Hampshire has a bill under discussion … wheels are in motion all over the place.”

he number one challenge for new business owners is raising capital to start up and grow. Traditional methods of accessing money (i.e., a bank or an investor) are often not available to small local start-up companies. What ends up happening? Various methods of “bootstrapping” are used to get a business off the ground; new business owners rely on family members, personal loans, credit cards.

In the past few years, new avenues of capital have opened up: Crowdsourcing (or crowd funding) gives individuals the opportunity to give money to start-ups in exchange for benefits or perks such as discounts on goods or services.

This method of raising money — pioneered by web-based services such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo — helps raise money, but does not give investors any stake (in the form of stock or promissory notes) in the company.

That entire investing landscape is about to change with a new way of raising money called equity crowdsourcing. This type of securities-based crowdfunding has been signed into federal law and has been waiting for a stamp of approval from the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). But the moment the SEC gives 24

the green light — or even before then if New Hampshire creates its own rules for equity crowdfunding — a new company in Peterborough is poised to hit the ground running.

Leading the crowd in the Monadnock Region

Akhil Garland, CEO of PeoplesVC (Peoples Venture Capital) started the Peterborough-based company several years ago with one goal in mind: to become an equity crowdfunding company for local start-ups and established small businesses.

Garland, a serial entrepreneur who fully understands the challenges of finding capital to start a business, tells the story of applying for hundreds of credit cards to finance one of his early companies. He founded and still owns an international real estate company, Utopia Living, and has owned various successful businesses including a recording studio in Boston and a multimedia company in Massachusetts.

“I’m determined to be part of this game changer for small business owners,” says Garland. “I want see a new world where any American can fund a business. Where the process of raising money is crowd-powered. And where jobs are

Monadnock Small Business Journal

A hyper-focus on local businesses

PeoplesVC, which is located on the entire fifth floor of the Guernsey Building on Main Street in Peterborough, has 12 employees working in business development, marketing, graphic design and technology; there a fully-equipped web television studio on site. The company will operate as a “mini investment bank” says Garland, which will charge a success fee to the company raising the capital for its services.

PeoplesVC is in the process of finalizing its broker/dealer license. “We have been preparing and building a platform for a few years,” says Garland.

The business model for PeoplesVC is “hyper-local.” That is, the funds raised will be from local investors, and the companies will also be local. Businesses asking for funds will be carefully vetted by PeoplesVC before going public. Garland says that the unique PeoplesVC business model blends hyper-local crowdfunding with world wide access and interactivity, to address fraud issues the company expects will become common and problematic in other crowdfunding business models.

“As you can imagine, equity crowdfunding has the potential for fraud,” says Garland. “We are putting many steps into place that have a lot of disclosures.”

“… for start-ups and small businesses, this bill is a potential game changer.

Right now, you can only turn to a limited group of investors — including banks and wealthy individuals — to get funding.

Laws that are nearly eight decades old make it impossible for others to invest.

But a lot has changed in 80 years, and it’s time our laws did as well.

Because of this bill, start-ups and small business will now have access to a big, new pool of potential investors — namely, the American people.

For the first time, ordinary Americans will be able to go online and invest in entrepreneurs that they believe in.”

– President Barack Obama’s remarks at the White House at the signing of the JOBS (Jumpstart Our Business Startups) Act Bill, April 5, 2012.

Clients will go through a process with PeoplesVC staff that includes a presentation of their ideas, business plans and financial statements, potential partners, and other vital plans for their business.

Garland and his staff will review the information, carefully vetting the potential for success of the proposed company. If the entrepreneur’s ideas and plans are sound, PeoplesVC will design a plan to raise the needed cash. The financial team at PeoplesVC will help determine the amount of capital needed, the types of securities to offer and the terms of the offering.

A proving ground, on live TV

The technology platform (including, but not limited to, the live streaming TV program events) PeoplesVC has developed in the past two years is the centerpiece of the marketing portion of a client’s package.

A video editing studio and staff, a TV production kit for clients to make their own marketing videos, and a virtual data room for live deal presentations are the multi-media resources available.

Central to the PeoplesVC business model is a “Shark Tank” like show, called PeoplesVC-TV, a live broadcast that will allow the public (both studio audience and online) to ask specific questions of the business owner before making a decision to invest.

“Video is a powerful medium for communicating ideas,” says Garland. “This is the advantage of being hyper-local … a business is surrounded by the community.

The idea behind our business model is that it is all about super high disclosure, and a safe environment to kick the tires.”

Peterborough is the proving ground for this model. One that Garland plans to cut and paste and develop from coast to coast. “We are looking to roll this out na-

Pictured, at left, Akhil Garland. Above, from left to right: Eddie Gomez, tech team member; Akhil Garland, CEO; Rory Hurley, tech team member.

tionwide, still keeping a hyper-local focus in whichever community we land,” says Garland. The hope is to eventually create a PeoplesVC franchise.

The company also can handle the crowdfunding payment process, create a branding kit, and design a social media campaign for clients. Another innovative aspect of working with PeoplesVC is the Stakeholders Portal. This on-line, cloudbased management system allows businesses and their interested stakeholders (these might be customers, clients, and/ or investors) to share information, stay up-to-date with changes and facilitates communication among the parties.

Garland emphasizes that establishing and nurturing a positive relationship with investors is key to continued success for the small business owner.

“Enthusiastic investors are a precious resource,” says Garland. p

Learn more about PeoplesVC at www.

PeoplesVC.com. A sneak preview of PeoplesVC-TV can be viewed online at www.PeoplesVC.tv. PeoplesVC also hosts a “First Friday Fiesta” each month at 7 p.m. with free live music and a live crowdfunding show. *On February, 1, 2015, Massachusetts passed emergency regulations in response to the perceived foot-dragging of the SEC to finalize user regulations for Title III of the JOBS bill. Massachusetts residents may now participate in equity crowdfunding. Up to $2 million may be raised. Massachusetts joins 19 other states that have taken it upon themselves to issue regulations tied to federal law allowing interstate equity crowdfunding. See the North American Securities Administrators Association website for more information about what states are doing: www.nasaa.org. Get the latest news at www.crowdfundinsider.com.

April/May/June 2015

25

THE GREEN SCENE

How local businesses are greening up

by C S Wurzberger

SISR Architecture LLC: Green Dream Homes

A

rchitects Christina O’Brien and Douglas Stewart started SISR Architecture in 2007 with the dream of providing sustainable building solutions, innovative design ideas, and advice to their clients. Their firm is located in Marlow, and their business name, SISR (pronounced scissor) is an acronym for Sustainable, Innovative and Socially Responsive design.

In addition to offering the traditional architectural services, such as new construction, additions, and renovations for commercial and residential clients, they also help folks build energy efficient, sustainable homes. I spoke with Christina O’Brien about the inspiration for starting SISR, and the green design services they offer to clients.

Christina, have you always wanted to be an architect?

Ever since I was 10 years old, I thought it would be cool to design buildings and see them built in front of my eyes.

At the time, I didn’t think it would be sustainable architecture. I was really into historic preservation and restoring old

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Monadnock Small Business Journal

buildings to how they once were. However, I found that there was a lot of political red tape and many people believe a building needs to be brought back to that exact time period. I didn’t necessarily agree with that, but I loved the idea of reusing materials from old buildings. It’s a type of recycling and another form of sustainable architecture. When an old building needs to be torn down, there is no need to haul it away to the landfill. Many parts can be recycled and turned into new buildings.

What inspired you to start a sustainable architectural firm?

Doug and I wanted to do things differently. We are very passionate about the environment, and we wanted bring these sustainable building options to our clients. We wanted to show our clients how easy it could be to save money while building green.

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What is your favorite sustainable building project?

I have two: First is a straw bale garage and studio in Marlow (pictured, left). We were approached by a young art teacher and she wanted to build a straw bale building. We had not been involved in building one before, but we were up for the challenge.

It was fun visiting other straw bale houses, doing all the research, drawings, and helping her design it. The studio turned out to be a really beautiful, organic, calming type of building. Almost spiritual in fact. The walls were made out of bales of straw and will last up to 100 years. The construction is quite simple: A foundation is poured, a post and beam structure built, bales stacked like bricks, reinforced with vertical bars, then the bales are covered with a clay plaster mix, and a traditional roof was added.

Continued on next page.

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My second favorite project is an earth sheltered home with passive solar elements we designed in South Acworth (pictured, right). The north side of the home is buried in the ground and insulated concrete formed walls are set.

The front of the home faces south so it is easily exposed to the sun. It includes big windows and sliding glass doors, plus a flat roof to accommodate a green living roof with 3 to 4 inches of soil. The performance of the home is amazing. On a sunny winter day without any other heat source the inside of the home can reach 75 degrees. For those gray winter days, there is a backup wood stove, but the homeowners rarely use it. p Learn more about SISR Architecture at: www.SISR.us. In addition, you can listen to this interview in its entirety via a podcast at GreenerbyChoice.com or on iTunes.

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.

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THE BUSINESS NEXT DOOR A snapshot of a local home business

Tony Morrison 417 Washington St., Keene Distant Echo Design www.distantechodesign.com Exclusive Organics www.exclusiveorganics.com Jarondie Farm Institute 603-465-8488 Tony Morrison is a serial entrepreneur who runs three businesses from his home office in Keene: Distant Echo Design, Jarondie Farm Institute of Richmond, and Exclusive Organics. Morrison spoke to us about how he juggles family life and running three businesses from home.

Why did you start your home businesses?

I grew up in Keene and joined the Army following 9/11. After spending three years in the service I received an honorable discharge and remained in Colorado Springs with my wife (who I met in the Army but is from Michigan) and two boys. I worked for Homeland Security until our second child was born which then led to me being a stay-at-home dad on account of my wife and I both doing shift-work. It was at that time I knew a career change was in order. I decided to pursue a career helping small businesses with web and graphic design. We stayed in Colorado for a few more years and then made the move back to Keene to be closer to my family. So here I am back in beautiful New Hampshire to seek out this new endeavor and hopefully make a sustainable business from my passion and help grow as many local, small businesses along the way.

Tell us more about the design businesses your run from your home office. My design company has been an ongoing project since 2010 after my family and I made the decision I would be a stay-at-home dad for our two boys (now five and nine). On account of my veteran status I qualified for paid training from the Veterans Administration, so I took the opportunity to learn a new craft and make a dramatic career change. I have taken web design, graphic design and Internet marketing courses at DeVry University and Pikes Peak Community College. I have done projects for companies in Colorado, Texas, and now New Hampshire. My portfolio includes websites, business cards, employee handbooks, labels and displays for job fairs.

Tell us about your other two projects, Jarondie Farm Institute and Exclusive Organics. The Jarondie Farm Institute exists due to the knowledge of Addie Tolman and her husband, who have been living a lifestyle that I have grown fond of in the past few years. Their life on the farm is difficult but simple, labor intensive and rewarding. Their knowledge of concepts related to

homesteading and sustainability are inspiring and their willingness to share it is commendable. I just happen to have a conversation with Addie about my desire to learn more of what she knows, and we suddenly realized there were many more like me with a craving for this information. After a bit more research, we realized that educational formats such as this were in demand but there isn’t much out there for people to attend, especially on a per-topic basis. We started advertising our workshops at the beginning of 2015 and concluded our second one at the beginning of February. The topics we’ve offered have been soap making and domestic animal maintenance. As spring approaches, we expect to be going full-tilt right through autumn with a curriculum centered on outdoor activities. My newest business creation is Exclusive Organics, website tailored to meeting the increasing demand of the organic/natural product industry.

The website will offer organic and natural products in a plethora of categories including food, pets, health and beauty and outdoor living.

How do you juggle being a stay-at-home dad and your businesses? It can be very difficult at times. Snow days are a killer! Needless to say, entertaining two excitable children and maintaining multiple stay-at-home businesses can be overbearing at times. The idea I always keep in the back of my mind is “one thing at a time.” I could never get anything accomplished if it weren’t for my wife though. She goes above and beyond to support me, even getting the kids out of the house when she can to give me a quiet house free from distractions.

Do you have any plans for expanding outside your home? My youngest starts Kindergarten this coming August and my goal is to have multiple businesses performing well enough to afford an office space. For my design business, my five year plan includes having a portfolio of 50 websites by that time and at least 10 monthly maintenance clients. For my organic retail business, I expect to be wholesaling products by then. I will have enough space to begin the process of buying, storing and distributing from my own facility. For the Institute, we are seeking to attain a nonprofit status and conduct classes every weekend for all 12 months of the year. We also hope to have a structure in place on the farm to conduct our workshops.

What do you do for fun when not working? After spending a good deal of my time in front of a screen during the week I make a point to go outdoors whenever I can. There is no greater muse for creativity than nature. I thoroughly enjoy hiking, and as my children get a little older, I want them to start experiencing skiing, the way I did when I was growing up. I absolutely love being back in Keene and find the sense of community so refreshing after living in a city of 400,000 transients in Colorado.

The way this region comes together for each other is an amazing trait that should make everyone here very proud. p

Do you know of an interesting home-based business for this column? Tell us! Email editor@MonadnockSBJ.com.

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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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We’re here to help your business thrive!

Learn more at

www.MonadnockSBJ.com for ALL your insurance needs!

10 main street peterborough, nH 603-924-7155

Bellows-Nichols has been rooted in the Monadnock Region since 1836. We are locally owned and our employees are all local residents who have a strong commitment to the local community with an emphasis on personal service and excellence!

www.bellowsnichols.com Hancock 525-3342 | antrim 588-3600 | Jaffrey 532-5600 | new ipswicH 878-4860

April/May/June 2015

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS April/May/June 2015 April Apr. 7 (Tues. 8-9:30 a.m.)

HR Compliance 101: Forklifts. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. jillian@hannahgrimes.com Apr. 7 (Tues. 6:30-8:30 p.m.)

Social Media Marketing with Christine Halvorson: Twitter. Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce. chris@halvorsonnewmedia.com Apr. 9 (Thurs. 5-6:30 p.m.)

YEA! CEO Roundtable. Alumni Center, KSC, Keene. meredith.speranza@keene.edu Apr. 10 (Fri. 10-11 a.m.)

Facebook Strategies for Your Nonprofit.

Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. jillian@hannahgrimes.com Apr. 10 (Fri. noon-2:30 p.m.)

Stop Guessing and Master Facebook: Part 1. $67. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. jillian@hannahgrimes.com Apr. 10 (Fri. 6:30-10 p.m.)

Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce Social & Raffle. $125 for two. Keene Country Club. chadlow@keenechamber.com Apr. 10 (Fri. noon - 1:00 p.m.)

Using Music for Staff Development and Teambuilding; Hands-on Info Session.

Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce Business to Business Lunch chadlow@keenechamber.com Apr. 14 (Tues. 8:30-9:30 a.m.)

Development Professionals Roundtable.

Dublin School, Dublin. lshonk@mfs.org Apr. 15 (Wed. 5:30-7 p.m.)

Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. Antioch University-New England, Keene. chadlow@keenechamber.com Apr. 15-18 (Thurs., Fri., Sat.) Monadnock International Film Festival.

The Colonial Theatre., Keene. $95 VIP pass, $60 film pass. www.moniff.org Apr. 17 (Fri. 8:30-10 a.m.)

Prosper Fundraising & Your Nonprofit.

Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. jillian@hannahgrimes.com Apr. 21 (Tues. 6:30-8:30 p.m.)

Social Media Marketing with Christine Halvorson: LinkedIn. Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce. chris@halvorsonnewmedia.com Apr. 22 (Wed. 5:30-7 p.m.)

Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce After Hours.

Monadnock Adult Day Care, Jaffrey. info@jaffreychamber.com

May

June

May 7 (Tues. 8-9:30 a.m.)

YEA! Investor Panel. Bensonwood, Walpole. meredith.speranza@keene.edu

June 2 (Tues. 8-9:30 a.m.)

Basic Principals of Respectful Workplaces.

Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. jillian@hannahgrimes.com

May 12 (Tues. 8-9:30 a.m.)

Time Management. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. jillian@hannahgrimes.com May 12 (Tues. 8:30-9:30 p.m.)

Development Professionals Roundtable.

Dublin School, Dublin. lshonk@mfs.org May 15 (Fri. 8:30-10 a.m.)

Shape Your Board for a Bright Future: Governance. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. jillian@hannahgrimes.com May 15 (Fri. 10-11 a.m.)

Hootsuite Lite. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. jillian@hannahgrimes.com May 15 (Fri. noon-2:30 p.m.)

Hootsuite: Walk Out a Professional. Hannah Grimes Center. $67. jillian@hannahgrimes.com May 18 (Mon.) Summer Session at Keene State College Begins. To register: 603-358-2290.

May 20 (Wed. 5:30-7 p.m.)

Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. jillian@hannahgrimes.com May 27 (Wed. 4-5:30 p.m.)

Technology 101 & Photos of Art. Keene location TBD. jillilan@hannahgrimes.com May 30 (Sat. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.)

YEA! Trade Show. Railroad Square, Keene. meredith.speranza@keene.edu

Apr. 29 (Wed. 4-5:30 p.m.)

Telling Your Story That Accompanies Your Art. Harrisville location TBD. jillian@hannahgrimes.com.

This list was compiled by Jillian Miner of the Hannah Grimes Center.

Please send your calendar items jillian@hannahgrimes.com.

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Monadnock Small Business Journal

June 9 (Tues. 8:30-9:30 a.m.)

Development Professionals Roundtable.

Dublin School, Dublin. lshonk@mfs.org June 12 (Fri. noon-2:30 p.m.)

Stop Guessing and Master Facebook: Part 2.

Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. jillian@hannahgrimes.com June 17 (Wed. 5:30-7 p.m.)

Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce After Hours. All State Insurance, Keene. chadlow@keenechamber.com June 24 (4-5:30 p.m.)

How to Organize an Open Studio Tour. Keene location TBD. jillian@hannahgrimes.com

Ongoing 3-month Entrepreneur Project with Ann Connor.

Ongoing, new class every four months. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. Accepting applications, $600 fee with 50% scholarship funding available to those who qualify. Contact: jillian@hannahgrimes.com 603-352-5063 6-month Start-Up Program with Rich Grogan.

Ongoing, new class beginning every 6 months Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. Accepting applications, $600 fee with 50% scholarship funding available to those who qualify.

Contact: jillian@hannahgrimes.com 603-352-5063 3-month Mastering Social Media Course with Emily Susan. Ongoing, new class beginning every 4 months Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. Accepting applications, $600 fee with 50% scholarship funding available to those who qualify.

Contact: jillian@hannahgrimes.com 603-352-5063

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Whether you are a start up, 5th generation th Whether you are anon-profit, start up, 5or generation company, a DBA, locally-based company, a DBA, non-profit, or corporation, we are here to help!locally-based corporation, we are here to help!

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April/May/June 2015

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OFFICE SPACE: RENT/BUY Spring is a time for changes. And one change you may be contemplating is moving to a new office space. Maybe you are outgrowing the one you are in now, or you need to move out of your home office. Perhaps you wish to be in a better location. Or you want to save money and downsize your square footage. Whatever the reason, there are many real estate professional in the Greater Monadnock Region who can help you find the perfect spot for your business.

Bean, Seaver, Smith & Associates Milford NH | 603-673-0005 www.beaverseaversmith.com Bellville Realty Brattleboro VT | 802-257-7979 www.bellvillerealty.com Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate/The Masiello Group Keene NH | 603-352-5433, Peterborough NH | 603-924-8373 www.masiello.com Brattleboro Area Realty Brattleboro VT | 802-257-1335 www.realtyvermont.com Business Center for Innovation + Technology 310 Marlborough St., Keene NH Don Brehm | 603-363-4988

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Monadnock Small Business Journal

SChedule a Tour Today!

603.672.0300 x127

rjfinlay.com

Greenwald Realty Keene, NH | 603-357-3035 www.greenwaldrealty.com

R.H. Thackson & Company Keene NH | 603-357-2121 www.thackston.com

Hannah Grimes Center Keene NH | 603-352-5063 www.hannagrimes.com/incubator

R.J. Finlay & Co./ The Guernsey Building Peterborough NH 603-672-0300, x127 www.RJFinley.com

Make it So: Monadnock Makerspace Keene NH | 603-352-2812 www.facebook.com/ MakeItSoMakerspace Monadnock Economic Development Corporation Keene NH | 603-352-4939 www.monadnock-development.org RE/MAX Town & Country Keene NH | 603-357-4100 www.mykeenehome.com

Tousley Property Management LLC Keene NH | 603-352-9071 www.tousleyproperty.com The Petersons Inc. Real Estate Peterborough NH 603-924-3321 www.petersonsrealestate.com Tieger Realty Jaffrey NH | 603-532-8765 www.tiegerrealty.com

Did we miss a real estate company or organization?

Let us know! This listing appears in each year’s Apr/May/Jun issue.

Email: editor@MonadnockSBJ.com

✔ 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

April/May/June 2015

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B U S I N E S S D I R E C T O R Y Note: Telephone numbers are 603 area code unless otherwise noted.

ACCOUNTING Anderson & Gilbert Keene NH A Full Service Accounting Firm 357-1928, anderson@taxfolks.com www.taxfolks.net Hogancamp PC Keene NH Accountants and Business Advisors 352-2233, www.hogancamp-pc.com Lynn C. Rust, CPA PC Swanzey NH Helping You Solve Your Financial Puzzle 358-6565, info@lcrcpa.com www.lcrcpa.com ADVERTISING/MARKETING/ COMMUNICATIONS/DESIGN Aimee LaBrake Consulting Peterborough NH The Small Business Marketing Solution 784-5560 aimee@aimeelabrakeconsulting.com www.aimeelabrakeconsulting.com Annie Card Creative Services Peterborough NH Creative Marketing Strategies and Solutions 924-6605, annie@anniecard.com www.anniecard.com Halvorson New Media, LLC Hancock NH Social Media Strategies, Training and Content Creation for Small Businesses 525-3391 chris@halvorsonnewmedia.com www.halvorsonnewmedia.com Salwen Graphic Design Keene NH Full Service Website & Graphic Design for Marketing & Communication, 357-4693, nancy@salwen.net, www.salwen.net ARCHITECTS/HOME/BUILDING Catlin & Petrovick Architects, PC Keene NH A Local Firm with a National Presence 352-2255, mpetrovick@c-parchitects.com www.c-parchitects.com

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

Crockett Homes of Central New England Spofford & Westmoreland, NH Always and Forever Local 363-4606, jscott@crocketthomes.net www.crocketthomes.net Crockett Log & Timber Homes Keene NH Green Living Since 1973 800-566-7714 jdodson@crockettloghomes.com www.crockettloghomes.com Scully Architects Keene NH Extraordinary Architecture and Planning for Our Community 357-4544, dvs@scully-architects.com www.scullyarchitects.com SISR Architecture, LLC Marlow NH Sustainable, Innovative & Socially Responsible Building Design 446-7024, christina@sisr.us www.sisr.us Weller & Michal Architects Harrisville NH We Strive For Excellence Within Real-World Limitations ...

Because Design Matters 827-3840, info@wapm.com www.wapm.com ARTS & CULTURAL Arts Alive!

Keene NH Advancing Arts and Culture in the Monadnock Region 283-0944 info@monadnockartsalive.org www.monadnockartsalive.org AUCTIONEERS The Cobbs Auctioneers Peterborough NH Fine Antiques and Art Auctions 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

Monadnock Small Business Journal

GFA Federal Credit Union Peterborough NH Better Value. Better Service.

Better Banking.

924-9654, www.gfafcu.com NBT Bank Keene NH For Everything That Counts 352-0674 www.NBTBank.com Savings Bank of Walpole Keene and Walpole NH The Savings Bank of You 352-1822 or 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 BUSINESS INTERNET Time Warner Cable Business Class Guy Mitchell, Account Executive 207-253-7360 CAR RENTAL U-Save Car & Truck Rental Keene NH Where The Road Leads, U-Save 352-7900 , keenenh@rentusave.com www.usave.com CARPENTRY/WOODWORKING Thomas James Woodworks Keene NH 465-8882, tom.woodworks@gmail.com www.thomasjameswoodworks.com CATERING/RESTAURANTS La Mia Casa Peterborough, NH Made By Hands, Not Pans 924-6262 lamiacasanh@outlook.com www.facebook.com/lamiacasanh Mayfair Farm Harrisville NH A Small Scale, Diversified Family Farm 827-3925, info@mayfairfarmnh.com www.mayfairfarmnh.com

The Pub Restaurant & Caterers Keene, NH Home of the $1.19 Breakfast 352-3135, mhowe@ne.rr.com www.thepubrestaurant.com The Works Bakery Cafe Keene NH Delicious Sandwiches Made With Humanely-Raised, Hormone-Free Meats 357-9787, www.worksbakerycafe.com CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce Keene NH Your Friendly Source for Information About the Monadnock Region 352-1303, keenechamber@comcast.net www.keenechamber.com Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Improving Quality of Life for All Citizens of the Greater Peterborough Region 924-7234 info@peterboroughchamber.com www.greater-peterborough-chamber.com Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce Bridging Commerce and Community 464-5858 www.hillsboroughnhchamber.org CLEANING SERVICES Cheshire Cleaning, Inc. Keene NH Commercial Cleaning Services in the Monadnock Region 209-9735, info@cheshirecleaning.com www.cheshirecleaning.com COACHING/CONSULTING AdviCoach Richmond NH Making Your Success a Reality 239-3693 michelle@connorcoachingteam.com www.connorteam.advicoach.com LaunchingU Keene NH Career Coaching for College Students & New Graduates 357-6111, sue@launchingu.com www.launchingu.com

Path of Purpose Coaching Spofford NH Inspiring Entrepreneurs to Success in Life and Business 363-4252 helaine@pathofpurpose.com www.pathofpurpose.com PeopleSense Consulting LLC Jaffrey NH Improve Hiring, Job-Fit, Performance and Leadership 532-5888 robin@PeopleSenseConsulting.com www.peoplesenseconsulting.com SCORE Keene NH For the Life of Your Business 352-0320 www.MonadnockScore.org Solutions for Today Keene NH Solving Your Quickbooks Challenges 903-1047 pam@solutionsfortoday.net www.solutionsfortoday.net Sterling Business Corp.

Peterborough NH Small Business Breakthroughs, Individual Solutions 924-9401, sbc@sbcnh.com www.sterlingprintmail.com COMMUNITY BROADBAND WiValley, Inc. Keene NH Your Local Provider For Fiber, Hybrid and Wireless Broadband Solutions 546-7200, brianf@wivalley.net www.wivalley.net COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSAs) Tracie’s Community Farm Fitzwilliam NH Growing Local Food and Community Since 1999 209-1851 www.traciesfarm.com CONSUMER ELECTRONICS iCracked Keene NH I Can Fix That!

734-5320, www.icracked.com

CUSTOM DISPLAYS/ SPECIALTY CASES J.H. Dunning Corp/Dunning Displays North Walpole NH We Make Your Product POP! 445-5591, www.jhdunning.com DOG TRAINING/RETAIL Everything Dog Keene NH Got Dog? Get Solutions.

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

588-2030, www.underonewoof.info Wicked Good Dog Training Peterborough NH Positive Training with Positive Results 732-7214 wickedgooddogtraining@gmail.com www.wickedgooddogtraining.com ECOLOGICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING Poole Ecological Consultancy Hillsborough NH Helping Protect Natural Assets Since 1996 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 Explore. Empower. Transform.

877-595-9873, www.antiochne.edu Keene State College Continuing Education Keene NH Wisdom to Make a Difference 358-2290, www.keene.edu/conted River Valley Community College Keene/Claremont NH Envisioning the Future – Our Future by Design 542-7744, www.rivervalley.edu

The Monadnock Waldorf School Keene NH Enrolling Nursery Through High School 357-4442 www.MonadnockWaldorfSchool.org WorkReadyNH at River Valley Community College Strengthen Your Workforce With WorkReadyNH 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 Compass Financial Group Harrisville, NH Helping You Navigate the Financial World 827-3022, dean@cfg3.com www.cfg3.com Edward Jones/Allen Mendelson Keene NH Making Sense of Investing 357-7023 allen.mendelson@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com Edward Jones/Scott Trendell Keene NH Making Sense of Investing 352-1921 scott.trendell@edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com MetLife Keene NH Retirement, Life Insurance, Disability, Long Term Care 352-2246, asoney@metlife.com www.newengland.metlife.com Northwestern Mutual Manchester NH Matthew J. Toepfer, Financial Advisor 206-6093, matthew.toepfer@nm.com www.nm.com/matthewtoepfer

Primerica / Matthew Snow Keene NH Helping Families Become Debt Free and Financially Independent 237-1344 matthew.snow@primerica.com www.primerica.com/matthewsnow FITNESS CENTERS Links Fitness Golf Keene NH 24 Hour Gym Access and Golf Simulators 499-8016, www.linksfitnessgolf.com FLOORING Abel Hardwood Flooring Peterborough NH 15 Years Experience 325-7109 HEALTH & PERSONAL CARE Cindy Knipe, RDN, LD Keene NH Nutrition Counseling and Medical Nutrition Therapy ...

What Nourishes You? 738-5791, cynthiaknipe@gmail.com www.whatnourishesyou-nh.com Core Consciousness Keene NH Specializing in Pre- and PostRehabilitation 358-5146, pmaarons@gmail.com www.coreconsciousnesskeene.com Deep Roots Massage & Bodywork Keene NH Professional and Affordable Massage for Every Body 352-0734, mark@deeprootsmb.com www.deeprootsmassagemb.com European Esthetics Peterborough NH Offering Organic Skin, Nail and Body Care to the Monadnock Region 924-9123 ellen@european-esthetics.com www.european-esthetics.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.

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Preparing students for success in life  

Because life is not a standardized test.

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  April/May/June 2015

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Five Element Acupuncture Keene NH Promoting Health, Preventing Disease 369-7965, pamelabys@gmail.com www.acupuncture5e.com Sapient Wellness Keene NH Improve Your Clarity & Focus for Work and for Life 903-3758, www.sapientwellness.org Young Living Essential Oils Swanzey NH Rose Karluk, Independent Distributor 209-4010, garskarluk@yahoo.com www.RoseKarluk.marketingscents.com HUMAN RESOURCES HR Compliance 101, LLC Fitzwilliam NH Creating Workplaces That Work for Everyone 585-3139 paula@hrcompliance101.com www.hrcompliance101.com INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY True North Networks Keene NH Straight Answers. Bright Solutions.

624-6777 www.truenorthnetworks.com Worldwide Computer Solutions Keene NH 358-6776, info@wwcs.com www.wwcs.com INSURANCE Bellows-Nichols Insurance Peterborough NH Personal Service for Over 175 Years!

924-7155, www.bellowsnichols.com Clark Mortenson Insurance and Financial Services Keene NH Be Ready for Anything 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 352-1810, donnac@masiello.com www.masielloinsurance.com The Insurance Source, Inc. Keene NH The Source for All of Your Insurance Needs 357-2219, www.insurancesource.com LOCKSMITH Goodwin’s Locksmithing Walpole NH Service You Can Trust 252-5625 wgoodwin603@gmail.com MEETING SPACE/GOLF COURSE Keene Country Club Keene NH 352-0135, diane@keenecc.com www.keenecc.com

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MEETING SPACE/LODGING Days Inn Keene NH Best Value Under the Sun 352-9780 jim.narkiewicz@gmail.com www.daysinn.com

At the Top Pictured, John and Jackie Stetser. Jackie is a volunteer blogger/publicist for Rabbit Ear Films, a local film company that is creating a feature length documentary, “Monadnock, the Mountain that Stands Alone,” slated to premiere this fall. Climbing to the summit of Mt. Monadnock is not much different than making the film about it, says Jackie. “We work as a team, and stick together!” Learn more at: www.monadnockfilm.com.

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Repco Development Technologies Greenfield NH New Product Development and Commercialization 397-3005, info@RepcoDT.com www.RepcoDT.com

Would you like your climb to the top of Mt. Monadnock immortalized on this page? Send your digital photo to editor@MonadnockSBJ.com.

We look forward to seeing your “At the Top” photos!

NONPROFIT Monadnock Buy Local Keene NH Helping Our Local Economy Grow www.monadnocklocal.org Monadnock United Way Keene NH There for All of Us 352-4209 kathy@muw.org www.muw.org OFFICE FURNISHINGS Budget Blinds Keene NH A Style for Every Point of View 354-7801, www.budgetblinds.com/keene Carbone’s Window & Awning LLC Keene NH Your Window, Awning & Flooring Specialist 352-1932 www.carboneswindowandawning.com PHOTOGRAPHY Cheetah Design Studio Peterborough NH We are a Photography, Photo Booth Rental and Web Design Company Servicing New England 673-6431 info@cheetahdesignstudio.com www.cheetahdesignstudio.com Edward Thomas Photography Marlow NH Professional Photography for Business; 30+ Years Experience 357-5939 ed@edthomasphotography.com www.edthomasphotography.com PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES (Embroidery, Mailing, Printing, Screen Printing, Signs) Beeze Tees Screen Printing Keene NH The Best Way to Print Today!

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

369-7171, joe@bulldog-design.com www.getbulldog.com

Monadnock Small Business Journal

Gem Graphics Keene NH Your Image is Everything 352-7112, steve@gem-graphics.com www.gem-graphics.com Gemini Screenprint, LLC Keene NH Your Identity is Our Business 357-3847, stacey@geminiscreenprint.com www.geminiscreenprint.com Hilltop Flags LLC Antrim NH Your Online Flag Store 494-1912, www.hilltopflags.com Moonstruck Press Keene NH Several Technologies Behind 357-7993 moonstruckpress@gmail.com www.moonstruckpress.com PrintFUSION Keene NH Built on Service, Focused on Solutions 283-0007, info@printfusion.biz www.printfusion.biz Signworx Swanzey NH Small Town Service World Class Results 358-1003, info@signworx.com www.signworx.com The Shipping Shack Keene & Peterborough, NH Packing, Shipping, Mailboxes & More!

352-4249, 784-5564 www.shippingshack.com PROJECT MANAGEMENT Applied Agility, LLC Weare NH Your Project Management Edge 660-6953, info@appliedagility.com www.appliedagility.com

REAL ESTATE/OFFICE SPACE Hannah Grimes Center Keene NH Weaving Together Business, Local Economy and Community.

352-5063, www.hannahgrimes.com Make it So: Monadnock Makerspace Keene NH Imagine Where We Can Go 852-2812 monadnockmakerspace@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/ MakeItSoMakerspace RE/MAX Town & Country Keene NH Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results 357-4100, info@remax-keene-nh.com www.mykeenehome.com R.J. Finlay & Co. Nashua NH A Full Service Real Estate, Construction and Building Materials Firm 672-0300, www.rjfinlaycom Tousley Property Management LLC Keene NH Big or Small, Space for All! 352-9071, info@tousleyproperty.com www.tousleyproperty.com RESOURCE CENTERS The River Center A Family & Community Resource Center Peterborough NH 924-6800, www.rivercenter.us SEPTIC SITE WORK Septic Manager Sullivan NH Septic Site Work From Start to Finish 847-9158, septicmanager@yahoo.com www.septicmanager.com STAFFING The TPI Staffing Group Keene NH The People You Want, with the Skills You Need and the Service You Deserve 352-4155, www.tpistaffing.net

TEAM BUILDING Monadnock Art Parties Kristina Wentzell Keene NH Uncork Your Creativity 903-5902, Kristina.wentzell@gmail.com www.monadnockart.com

VIOLENCE PREVENTION Blue-U Corporate Resources Hancock NH Corporate Training in Response to Violence 759-7803, www.blue-u.com

Music All Around Keene NH Music and Percussion Workshops for Team Building & Staff Development 357-4692, nancy@salwen.net www.musicallaround.net

WEB DESIGN/DEVELOPMENT/ CONSULTING/HOSTING 4Web Inc. Keene, NH Joomla & WordPress Development 903-0793, heidi@4webinc.com www.4webinc.com

VIDEO PRODUCTION SERVICES Home and Business Services Unlimited Tewksbury MA HBSU ... Our Success is Your Success!

978-640-1900 michael@kcvisualsunlimited.com www.kcvisualsunlimited.com

CharlesWorks Peterborough, NH Doing Our Best to Provide Your Web Development Needs Since 1998 924-9867, robin@charlesworks.com www.charlesworks.com

Steadman Media Group Troy NH Web Strategist & New Media Solutions 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 603-924-0935 write@twriteplus.com www.twriteplus.com

Monadnock Small Business Journal is a proud supporter of the following nonprofit local organizations:

If you are a local business, please support a local nonprofit or two this year! Our community will thank you!

Committed to Your Success & Keeping NH Strong S I N C E 1 8 31

Save Your Valuable Time With Treasury Management Services for Your Business Bank of New Hampshire will help make your money work harder for your business. Use our Treasury Management Services to eliminate time-consuming manual procedures and speed up collection times.

We’re proud to offer your business: Collection Services

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Contact us for more details by visiting BankNH.com/Treasury or calling 1.800.832.0912.

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April/May/June 2015

39

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

Like us on Facebook (YEA Keene State College)

Follow us on Twitter (@YEAKeeneState)

Students from area middle and high schools are ready to unveil their products and services.

Please join us at the following events. All are open to the public!

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Saturday, May 30, 2015

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

Come watch the students pitch to real funders for start-up capital to launch their businesses! Panelists evaluate, judge and allocate funding based on the quality of the student pitches and presentations.

Centennial Hall, Alumni Center, KSC 5:00-6:30pm

Bensonwood, Walpole, NH 6:00-8:00pm

This is where the rubber hits the road! Student businesses have the opportunity to market and sell their products and services to YOU – the consumer! This is the culmination of the 22-week program and students will see everything come together in this capstone event.

CEO Roundtable

Investor Panel

Want more info on the YEA! program at KSC?

40Program Monadnock Small Business Journal Contact Manager Meredith Speranza at Meredith.Speranza@keene.edu

Trade Show

Railroad Square, Downtown Keene (Rain Plan: KSC Student Center Atrium)

10:00am-1:00pm