Fair 061316 by Westfair Business Journal

FAIRFIELD COUNTY

BUSINESS JOURNAL

19 | FAST TALK

17 | DRIVING AT 60

June 13, 2016 | VOL. 52, No. 24

YOUR ONLY SOURCE FOR REGIONAL BUSINESS NEWS

westfaironline.com

Danbury mayor launches business advocacy oﬃce BOUGHTON EYES RUN FOR GOVERNOR BY KEVIN ZIMMERMAN kzimmerman@westfairinc.com

D FRANCHISES TO GO

Stamford residents Diana Hall, left, and Darlene Anderson at their Melt Mobile gourmet food truck in Stamford. Photo by Reece Alvarez

▶ SEE PAGE 2

anbury Mayor Mark D. Boughton, like many politicos and business people in Connecticut, isn’t happy about the state’s economy. Unlike most, however, he’s taking action on both fronts: creating a new business advocacy group in the city and mulling over a third run for governor. “We’re definitely looking at the ’18 race,” Boughton said from his office at Danbury’s City Hall. The city’s eight-term Republican mayor — first elected in 2001 and running unopposed in the most recent election in 2015 — has renewed the domain name

teamboughton.com and said he expects to make a decision on running for governor in the fall. Other potential GOP candidates seeking to unseat Gov. Dannel Malloy, who presumably will run for a third term in 2018, include Thomas C. Foley, the Republican standard-bearer in 2012 and 2008; former state Sen. John P. McKinney, who ran in 2014; and even Joe Scarborough, the MSNBC talk-show host and former U.S. representative from Florida, who lives in New Canaan. Scarborough’s contract with the cable network expires in 2018. As for Boughton, the son of former Danbury Mayor Don » MAYOR, page 6

Benay Enterprises shines in back-of�ice space BY KEVIN ZIMMERMAN kzimmerman@westfairinc.com “IF YOU DON’T ASK FOR IT, YOU DON’T GET IT.” That’s something of a mantra for Dawn Reshen-Doty, president of Benay Enterprises, which provides back-office administrative management and bookkeeping

services for companies seeking to focus on their core business and reduce their administrative costs. It’s a saying that has served her and her Danbury company well over more than a quarter-century, as she said most of Benay’s business is garnered through personal meetings and word-of-mouth.

“Our clients are our best sales force,” said Reshen-Doty. She said Benay has grown 5 to 10 percent each year for the past five years, since she has taken sole charge of the company following the retirement of her father and company founder Neil Reshen. Benay currently has nine full-time workers and three part-timers, including one who recently got married and relocated to North Carolina, where he telecommutes. She expects to add another two employees over the next year. Benay and its president are riding a wave of momentum, having recently won the U.S. Small Business Administration’s

award for best minority-owned small business in Connecticut. That honor followed the company’s award from the Connecticut Law Tribune for best general and administrative outsourcing for 2015. “Anything the client needs, we handle remotely,” said ReshenDoty, noting that clients are based in Newtown, New Canaan, New York, New Jersey — even Chicago, Los Angeles and London. “It doesn’t matter where you are — if you don’t want to ramp up with a huge office and deal with taxes, different laws in each state, we handle that for you. We figure out the rules and regulations and

make sure that our clients are fully compliant.” At Rucci Law Firm in Darien, “We retained them when we first started the firm in December 2011,” Amy S. Zabetakis, a founding member of the firm, said of Benay Enterprises. “They’ve been extremely helpful in terms of setting up our bookkeeping, business management and other services that otherwise we would have had to hire multiple different people to handle.” Initially aiming to be a diplomat, Reshen-Doty spent several years in Japan, working for that country’s government and at IT » BENAY, page 6

Gourmet food truck owners venture beyond Stamford with franchises BY REECE ALVAREZ ralvarez@westfairinc.com

aving broken new ground in the Stamford food truck business as the first upscale mobile vendor, Melt Mobile, a gourmet grilled cheese company, is again a pioneer in the local industry as the first food truck in the city to offer franchising opportunities. “Six months into the first year, I knew I wanted to franchise because I knew that we had something very special and it was very different,” said Darlene Andersen, co-owner of the 4-year-old business. A profitable venture since its first year, the business brought in $50,000 in revenue in May, she said. Andersen and her longtime friend Diana Hall, both Stamford residents, launched the business in March 2012 after realizing the combination of Andersen’s business acumen and Hall’s culinary prowess could be a recipe for success. Andersen worked in the restaurant industry for several years before switching careers to the recruiting industry, where she worked for five years before starting her own recruiting firm, Andersen Advantage, which she later sold. A graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York City, Hall brought extensive restaurant industry experience to the venture. That culinary background has helped inspire the rotating selection of Melt sandwiches, from homemade pulled pork and brisket grilled cheese sandwiches to Hall’s meatball grilled cheese sandwiches featuring her Sicilian grandmother’s recipe. Hall spent much of her working life in Stamford restaurants owned by her father, Anthony Zezima. Zezima formerly owned The 19th Hole and The Fairway at Sterling restaurants and was a co-owner of Bennett’s Steak and Fish House, all of which are now either closed or operating under new ownership or names. The partners started the business with a $60,000 equity line of credit that Andersen took out, with which they invested $10,000 in a used paddy wagon from the Westchester County Police Department. Their startup venture got a big boost when Hall and Andersen were selected by the Food Network to appear on a program featuring celebrity chef Bobby Flay, who joined the two for their opening day in 2012. Despite brisk business and Flay’s brief mentorship, the road to success hasn’t been easy, said Andersen. Through business mishaps and learning on the go, the partners

Darlene Andersen, left, and Diana Hall outside the Westchester County police van they bought for their gourmet street vending and catering business in Stamford.

said a mutual respect built on their long friendship has allowed them to persevere. Future Melt Mobile franchise owners “don’t need to worry, we have gotten all the kinks out,” Andersen said. “We have blown engines and gone through different grills, blown our eyelashes off, broken a foot; we have figured out the hard way what works and what doesn’t.” It has worked well enough for the two women, who drove into an industry dominated by men, to have Melt Mobile three times voted the number-one food truck in Connecticut in the annual Best of the Gold Coast survey. “It felt good when a lot of then men with food trucks were asking me and Darlene for advice,” said Hall. “I always have a bunch of guys who are getting involved in the food truck business calling and asking me questions.” “We started it,” Andersen said of Stamford’s now well-established food truck scene. “Everybody saw us and said if these girls can do it why can’t we? I was raised by a father who was very pro-women and taught me that women can do anything a man can

2 Week of June 13, 2016 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

do. You just have to always work hard, be articulate and not let your emotions take over, and I have always believed in that.” Despite their popularity with the curbside lunch crowd, the most profitable side of their business has not come from foot traffic in Stamford. “Instead of becoming a mobile vending truck, we became a mobile catering company,” said Andersen. “We didn’t expect this to happen.” The catering business has been a key to their success and profitable enough that the pair have reduced their street vending to only a few days a week in order to devote time and labor for larger catered events. “The money is not in vending because there is not enough street traffic in any of these towns or cities,” said Andersen. “The money is in corporate catering; it’s in going to people’s homes, doing festivals and carnivals.” With 25 to 30 percent revenue growth over the last four years, business has been steady enough to warrant an expansion into franchising, she said. The company is offering applicants turnkey franchises for $250,000. Andersen

said the competition will be fierce with dozens of interested parties having already approached her. “To become a Melt Mobile franchisee you have to give us a presentation as to how you are going to be successful,” she said. “You have to do your market research, know your city, what’s going on. ... We aren’t just going to give it to anybody. We are going to be incredibly selective.” While franchises are available nationally, Andersen said she would first like to see the brand expand organically throughout the region, starting with bustling markets with ample foot traffic in places like New Haven, Brooklyn and Manhattan. “It’s like any other business, whether you are a woman or a man, you have to work your butt off to be successful and put in your heart and soul,” said Andersen. “This has been a labor of love for me and Diana. We have never worked harder in our lives. Failure is just not an option for us. We know we have a phenomenal product, we know we have a proven concept, we have figured out what works and what doesn’t, and we just want others to be able to enjoy it.”

Hurricane storm-surge damage in county could cost billions BY REECE ALVAREZ ralvarez@westfairinc.com

given us an even clearer picture of which homes are at risk of storm-surge damage,” said Tom Jeffery, senior hazard risk scientist for CoreLogic. “Despite the overall increases in risk, we were glad to see that the number and value of homes in the most extreme and dangerous, category actually declined. It just goes to show the power of how advanced data can improve risk assessment at the property level.”

extreme storm-surge risk areas alone would generate more reconstruction costs ($27.1 billion) than all of the potential damage to Connecticut’s at risk homes. Nationwide the reports noted positive indicators that may suggest homeowners and developers might be getting the postHurricane Sandy message that the shoreline is a risky real estate investment. “Using more granular-level data has

19 Newtown Turnpike Westport, Connecticut

T OR E TP BL ES LA W AI AV

FOR LEASE

E AC SP

ore than 27,000 homes on the Fairfield County shorelines of Bridgeport, Norwalk and Stamford are at potential risk of damage from a hurricane storm surge with a total reconstruction cost value of more than $11.4 billion, according to a recent report by California-based real estate data analytics company CoreLogic. “Of those homes, 2,460 are designated in the ‘extreme’ risk zone, meaning that they would be affected by all hurricane category levels,” said CoreLogic’s 2016 Storm Surge Report. The company estimates the cost of reconstructing the homes in extreme risk zones along major country metro areas area would be $1.1 billion alone. Another 8,800-plus homes are designated in “very high surge-risk” areas and could total an estimated $3.8 billion in reconstruction costs. However, the report ranked the risk posed by hurricane storm surges to Connecticut sig-

nificantly lower than any neighboring states. Statewide, 67,602 homes in Connecticut are at risk of damage from a storm surge, with the majority in the high to extreme risk area with a potential reconstruction cost of $22.4 billion. The report ranked Connecticut 14th, well behind Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey, which rank 9th, 5th and 4th respectively. New York State’s 74,654 homes within

GE leads Fair�ield County entries in Fortune 500 LED BY FAIRFIELD-BASED GENERAL ELECTRIC, 13 companies based in Fairfield County have made the annual Fortune 500 list. GE fell from eighth place on the list in 2015 to 11th, with revenues down 5.3 percent to $140.3 billion and profits falling by $6.1 billion. Xerox, headquartered in Norwalk, placed 150th, down from 143rd. Danbury-based Praxair is at 262nd, down from 249th. The other Fairfield County-based companies were: Charter Communications (Stamford) at 292nd, up from 317th; Priceline Group (Norwalk) at 308th, up from 339th; XPO Logistics (Greenwich) at 353rd, up from 909th; W.R. Berkley (Greenwich) at 368th, up from 385th; Emcor (Norwalk) at 381st, up from 421st; Terex (Westport) at 396th, down from 358th; Harman International (Stamford) at 419th, up from 486th; United Rentals (Stamford) at 440th, up from 461st; Starwood Resorts & Hotels (Stamford) at 444th, down from 442nd; and Frontier Communications (Norwalk) at 461st, up from 540th. Walmart topped the Fortune 500 with $482.1 billion in revenue, followed by Exxon Mobil ($246.2 billion) and Apple ($233.7 billion). — Kevin Zimmerman

5,000 - 32,000 SQUARE FEET AVAILABLE 3 MILES TO DOWNTOWN WESTPORT NEW INSTALLATION FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED

110 PARKING SPACES EXIT 41 /MERRITT PKWY. 500 KVA 3-PHASE POWER OVERHEAD DOORS AVAILABLE

Located in Westport, CT One of the nation’s most affluent communities

Andrew Greenspan andy@ghpoffice.com

IDEAL FOR: TECHNOLOGY ONE-STORY OFFICE CAMPUS SETTING LIGHT MANUFACTURING

914.642.9300 ghpoffice.com

Jamie Schwartz jschwartz@ghpoffice.com

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of June 13, 2016

Buyers snapping up inventory as CT home sales increase

ales of single-family homes in Connecticut increased by 16.2 percent in April, according to the latest report from real estate sales and ownership data firm The Warren Group. A total of 2,340 single-family homes sold in Connecticut during the month, compared with 2,014 sold in April 2015 — the highest number of sales in the month of April since 2007, when there were 2,674 homes sold. Year-to-date, sales were up 22.7 percent with 7,992 transactions compared with 6,515 during the same period in 2015.

The median price of a single-family home rose by 0.8 percent in April to $240,000 compared with $238,200 a year ago — the first percentage gain in median price after 12 consecutive months of price drops year-overyear. Year-to-date, prices have decreased by 0.3 percent to $230,000 compared with $230,625 during the same period a year ago. “Single-family home sales have hit doubledigit percentage increases for six consecutive months, the first time since 2010,” remarked Warren Group CEO Timothy M. Warren Jr. “Home buyers are taking advantage, as prices

remain below their peak values.” Condominium sales in the state posted a double-digit increase in April, rising 18.7 percent to 659 condos sold, up from 555 in April 2015. Year-to-date, condo sales were up 16.0 percent with 2,152 condos sold compared with 1,855 during the same period last year. The median sale price for condos in April posted a decrease of 3.9 percent, from $163,450 last year to $157,000. Year-to-date, median condo sale prices fell by 4.4 percent to $150,079 compared with $157,000. — Kevin Zimmerman

Sono Collection development clears a major hurdle

BY REECE ALVAREZ ralvarez@westfairinc.com

he Sono Collection, a more than 1 million-square-foot proposed retail shopping center to be built in South Norwalk, has received a critical approval from the city’s zoning commission and may soon have the final permits necessary to break ground on the commercial hub. The project received unanimous approval from the zoning commission at its June 1 meeting. The approval is the last local government requirement the project will need in advance of receiving city building permits. Only a traffic permit from the Office of State Traffic Authority remains, said Douglas T. Adams, senior director for development for the Chicago-based development agency responsible for the project, General Growth Properties (GGP). Plans for the project include more than 700,000 square feet of retail, comprising 80 to 100 small shops and restaurants supported by two major anchor tenants, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom department stores. Plans also include a 150-room boutique hotel as well as significant public spaces and aesthetic additions such as rooftop and

sculpture gardens and talk of a seasonal ice rink. The shopping center is would be built on a 12-acre site off of West Avenue and Interstate 95. Pending receipt of the final permits, Adams expects construction to begin later this year. A grand opening could occur as soon 2018 “at the earliest,” according to Robert Jakubik, an associate developer with GGP. “We thank City Zoning Department staff and the commissioners that devoted many hours to comprehensively review the project,” Adams said in a statement. “GGP also appreciates the valuable observations and recommendations provided by Norwalk community members, which allowed us to create a project that will work for all of Norwalk.” Predominant among the concerns voiced by members of the zoning commission were issues regarding traffic. As part of receiving the zoning commission’s approval GGP has agreed to a future traffic study in addition to a previous analysis and has made modifications to traffic signage. In previous public forums, more than a dozen city residents have spoken highly of

CONNECT WITH westfair communications

westfaironline.com • wagmag.com 4 Week of June 13, 2016 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

the anticipated economic impact the project is expected to have on the area. The Manhattan urban development consulting firm HR&A Advisors estimates spending during construction would generate a one-time economic output of $801 million in the city and $1.002 billion in the state. Additionally, the project could support 1,900 construction jobs in the first three years at an average salary of $74,000 with an additional 2,500 permanent full-time jobs at an average salary of $41,000. Ongoing operations could also generate $108 million in labor income each year in addition to benefits. The project is estimated to generate $274 million in spending each year from retail and hotel operations. Through permitting fees alone the city is expected to reap more than $5 million out of a total $41.2 million in one-time tax revenue to be shared between the city and state. HR&A estimates ongoing tax revenue generated through state sales tax, state personal income tax from direct and multiplier employment, state room occupancy tax, and city real estate and business/personal property tax will amount to $327 million for the city and state over 15 years.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY

BUSINESS JOURNAL • • • • •

Main office telephone . . . . . . . 914-694-3600 Newsroom fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 914-694-3680 Sales fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 914-694-3699 Research fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .914-694-3682 Editorial e-mail jgolden@westfairinc.com

Or write to: Fairfield County Business Journal 3 Westchester Park Drive, Suite G7 White Plains, N.Y. 10604-3407 westfaironline.com PUBLISHER | Dee DelBello ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER | Anne Jordan MANAGING EDITOR | John Golden SENIOR EDITOR | Bob Rozycki

News REPORTERS | Reece Alvarez, Danielle Brody, Ryan Deffenbaugh, Aleesia Forni, Georgette Gouveia, Bill Heltzel, Mary Shustack, Kevin Zimmerman DIGITAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR | Danielle Renda WEB EDITOR | Melissa Hebert

Advertising Sales MANAGER | Anne Jordan METRO SALES AND CUSTOM PUBLISHING DIRECTOR | Barbara Hanlon ACCOUNT MANAGERS | Lisa Cash, Marcia Pflug, Patrice Sullivan

Production ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR | Dan Viteri ART DIRECTOR + FCBJ DESIGN MANAGER | Michaela Zalko ART DIRECTOR | Alison Kattleman

Events EVENTS MANAGER | Danielle Brody

Audience Development and Circulation TELEMARKETING DIRECTOR | Marcia Rudy CIRCULATION REPRESENTATIVES | Jamisha Gill, Dwayne Hodges RESEARCH REPORTER | Peter Rubino

Administration OFFICE AND SALES COORDINATOR | Robin Costello CIRCULATION AND OFFICE MANAGER | Sylvia Sikoutris CONTRACTED CFO SERVICES | Adornetto & Company L.L.C. HUMAN RESOURCES & PAYROLL SERVICES | APS PAYROLL

Fair�ield County Business Journal (USPS# 5830) is published Weekly, 52 times a year by Westfair Communications, Inc., 3 Westchester Park Drive, White Plains, NY 10604. Periodicals Postage rates paid at White Plains, NY 10610. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Fair�ield County Business Journal: Westfair Communications, Inc., 3 Westchester Park Drive, White Plains, NY 10604. More than 40 percent of the Business Journal is printed on recycled newsprint. © 2016 Westfair Communications Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited

HAVE YOUR SAY We want to hear from you! Have an opinion column, letter to the editor or story idea? SEND IT TO US! Please include your name, home or business address, email and phone number. We reserve the right to edit all submissions and publish them in print or online. EMAIL SUBMISSIONS TO JGOLDEN@WESTFAIRINC.COM

Blue Nile brings ‘bricks and clicks’ jewelry store to Westchester BY ALEESIA FORNI aforni@westfairinc.com

new store has opened in The Westchester mall, though it may be one of the few where customers shouldn’t expect to walk out the door with their new purchases in hand. Blue Nile, the largest online retailer of diamonds and fine jewelry, opened a brickand-mortar “webroom” at the mall in White Plains on May 27. A hybrid of online and instore shopping, the store allows customers to browse more than 400 styles of jewelry in-person. “Customers want to see what it looks like in real life,” webroom manager Candice Liu said. “It’s hard to tell on an image.” But all orders will still need to be placed online, which can be done in the store. Purchases will then be shipped to a customer’s home or to the store for pick-up. The brightly lit interior of the store, which Josh Holland, senior manager of brand and marketing communications, said is a stark contrast to the “dark, cavernous” feel other jewelry stores, features video screens linked with Blue Nile’s social media accounts to show customers displaying their purchases in real time. Along with jewelry displayed in the more traditional glass cases, each store

also features open tables with rings tethered to fixtures, allowing customers to try on rings without needing to ask an employee for assistance. “People have fun trying on rings free of the pressure of a salesperson,” Holland said, adding that all associates working at the webrooms are noncommissioned. “It’s very different from what you usually see from a jewelry store.” In the center of the display cases are iPads, allowing customers to purchase their desired pieces in what Holland calls “our version of the Apple Genius Bar.” Like Apple, the Blue Nile webroom joins the “bricks and clicks” trend, a model that combines the retailer’s robust online presence with a physical storefront. “Consumers are evolving,” he said. “Retailers must evolve with them.” The White Plains store is the second physical location for the Seattle-based retailer. The first opened at Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City last year. Blue Nile began experimenting with the concept in 2013 by placing small kiosks inside the bridal section at two Nordstrom stores, one at a mall in downtown Seattle and another at Roosevelt Field. Holland said that 91 percent of those who visit-

ed the displays came to Nordstrom for the sole purpose of trying on rings, even though they would need to make any purchases online. Those kiosks provided “significant sales per square foot” for Blue Nile, a fact the company found compelling enough to expand its physical presence. Though he would not divulge specific figures, Holland said the webrooms have also provided a lift to Blue Nile’s online sales in the New York area, and of the Roosevelt Field location, “broadly, we consider it a success.” “It’s kind of a fun paradox,” Holland said of the store’s ability to sell more items with less inventory and a smaller overhead footprint. Holland believes Blue Nile’s webroom is the first online-controlled display room in the industry. While this business model allows Blue Nile to keep costs low, Holland said it’s also a way to get consumers “more comfortable with buying online.” The Westchester’s webroom opening comes following Blue Nile’s first-quarter earnings announcement on May 5. The company reported that net sales, though falling within forecasts, were down 3.2 percent year-over-year at $103.1 million. Earnings per

share fell about 10 percent on the year to 9 cents per share. During a conference call following the earnings announcement, Blue Nile CEO Harvey Kanter said he sees these webrooms as “a catalyst for future growth” in a challenging environment for diamond prices. “The webrooms are still what we would consider to be conceptual, and we’re trying to understand how they extend into different markets,” CFO David Binder said during the call. The webrooms are set to expand to two new locations later this summer: Tyson’s Corner Center mall in Virginia and the Washington Square mall in Portland. Holland said the stores' locations are based on a number of factors, including demographic, traffic in the malls and finding the right space. “I think it’s very much a learning period for us, and we’re very optimistic,” Binder said. “But we’re also cautious in what a different market may do relative to the success that we’ve had at Roosevelt Field.” Holland said Blue Nile is in talks to continue expanding the webrooms nationwide, though it’s “too soon to tell” what an ideal future would look like. “We’re still in a testing phase,” he said.

Local professionals Global experience Deloitte has local professionals, right here in Fairfield County that bring global experience and ideas to the table. With more than 1,100 professionals in the neighborhood, you don’t have to go far to get the knowledge you need.

DON’T JUST EARN MORE, BE MORE.

www.deloitte.com

DOLAN SCHOOL OF BUSINESS NATIONALLY RANKED GRADUATE PROGRAMS MBA • FINANCE • ACCOUNTING • ANALYTICS

fairfield.edu/gradbiz

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of June 13, 2016 5

Mayor — » » From page 1

Boughton, he stood as the Republicans’ lieutenant governor candidate in 2010 after ending his own bid for the top spot, and ran again in 2014 before eventually dropping out to back Foley. “Everybody’s thinking about it,” Boughton said of the 2018 race. “Obviously with the state of Connecticut such a disaster, we need someone with the right skills set to get the state back on its feet.” Clearly Boughton believes he has those skills. In December he announced

pulling together as a community to impact others,” Boughton said in making the announcement. “It only takes one person, or one nonprofit, or one company to raise a hand and say they want to do something amazing and touch lives in a meaningful way. That creates critical mass — and Jericho is leading the way.” Designed to be more far-reaching is the city’s newly created Office of Business Advocacy, headed by Boughton’s former assistant Roger Palanzo. “Everyone has an office of economic development, but the idea that you’re going to go out and lasso a huge corporation to move to Connecticut that way is not really practical,” Boughton said.

We’re here to help businesses move procedurally through the city, to get in touch with the right people to get their issues addressed. We want them to feel they have someone on their side.

— Roger Palanzo

“Clean Start,” a joint initiative with Jericho Partnership, an altruistic ministry that rewards homeless people who spend the day collecting litter with gift cards for food and services. The program formally started in late May. “This is all about inspiring people and

Benay — » » From page 1

services behemoth Fujitsu before returning stateside, where she worked with New York City real estate titan Julien Studley at what is now Savills Studley and at GE Capital. Of African-American descent, ReshenDoty said she has never been aware of bias directed at her in a professional setting, although her time in Japan posed some challenges. “There were very few women, never mind women of color, in senior positions in the Asian countries then. But times change,” she said. In her professional life, the clarion call of her father ultimately proved too much to ignore. A colorful figure in the entertainment business, he started Benay in 1986, taking Reshen-Doty’s sister’s middle name as the company’s name. Reshen, who died in December 2014, had served as business manager for a diverse mix of artists and entertainers, including Miles Davis, Frank Zappa, the Velvet Underground and Peter Max. Perhaps most famously, he helped Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson segue into their

The new department, he added, exists “to support and assist the small- to midsized businesses that are looking to hire more employees or open new locations. It’s a concierge approach to permitting and tax programs, providing the expertise that they need.”

“outlaw country” phase and multiplatinum record sales in the 1970s. Though he was “like a mad dog on a leash,” as Jennings recalled his business manager from Connecticut, Reshen was pretty easily swayed by his daughter to shift Benay’s focus to back-office services when she joined in 1989. “We were partners from the start,” she said, noting that one client who insisted upon calling her Neil’s daughter rather than co-equal was soon gone from Benay’s roster. Initially operating out of Reshen’s seven-bedroom, five-bathroom home, Benay’s business soon grew so large that it moved out. Now headquartered at 155 Main St. in Danbury, the company expects to relocate to an even larger space in downtown Danbury later this year. Benay has also hired interns for the past 17 years, mostly through Western Connecticut and other universities in the tristate area; current interns are residents of Ghana and Uzbekistan. “I like to give people their first experience in business, to learn the etiquette,” said Reshen-Doty. “It’s a little like boot camp. They learn how to dress and act and are always encouraged to ask questions.” All

6 Week of June 13, 2016 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

“We’re designed to be a more handson office” than the Office of Economic Development, Palanzo said. “We’re here to help businesses move procedurally through the city, to get in touch with the right people to get their issues addressed. We want them to feel they have someone on their side.” Boughton said the creation of the business advocacy office will free him up to personally speak to larger businesses. “A corporate CEO who wants to talk to Danbury wants to talk to the mayor, not the economic division director. This provides the opportunity for everyone else to accomplish what they want and need,” Boughton said. “If you want to open a pizza restaurant, that’s nice and everything, but if you’re spending all your time with that then you may not be available to a corporate CEO.” Palanzo, who had served with the mayor since 2012, has since 2005 owned Vivré LLC, a professional business management consulting service at 45 Briarwood Drive in Danbury. “Roger has run his own business and has vast experience in working with small- and mid-sized businesses,” Boughton said. “He knows Danbury and City Hall and is sensitive to both our needs and those of businesses. He’s the right fit.” Palanzo said he and the mayor began discussing the business advocacy office in January. “I was born and raised here and have a unique affection for Danbury,” he said. “I’ve seen what it was, know what it is and what it wants to be.”

Vivré, he said, will be “taking quite a hit” in terms of his attention for now, “but that’s going to be my problem.” “It’s a very, very busy office,” Palanzo said of the city’s new initiative. “We’ve had a tremendous amount of inquiries since the announcement was made. The mayor’s office has been tremendous and the business community has been very welcoming.” A particular focus for the business advocate is the revitalization of Main Street, recently highlighted by the $80 million development of luxury apartments at the long-vacant 9.5-acre site now known as 1 Kennedy Flats. For the foreseeable future, the office will remain a one-man operation. Palanzo said he has had all his phone lines rerouted to his cell phone to maximize efficiency. “We hope to have the ability to add staff,” he said, “but that’s something for the future.”

Dawn Reshen-Doty at Benay Enterprises, named Connecticut’s best minority-owned small business for 2016 by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Photo by Kevin Zimmerman

interns are required to compose an email at day’s end listing what they completed, what they didn’t complete and why. “You can’t afford to not give people chances,” she said. “Interns and new hires bring in new ideas and methodologies” — one turned them on to Periscope, the livestreaming app — “which makes it a win-win.” One former intern, Merrilee Warholak, was hired by Benay 18 years ago and is now editorial director and managing editor of For Beginners, a book publisher that Benay acquired and re-launched in 2007. For Beginners publishes a documentary, graphic nonfiction book series aimed at young readers and others looking to learn about challenging, complicated subjects — as evidenced by titles like “Proust For Beginners,” “Arabs and Israel For Beginners” and “Prison Industrial Complex For Beginners.” Meanwhile, Benay opened a satellite office in Portland, Maine, last year, where it works with Opticliff Law, a startup law firm. Reshen-Doty visits that office every 10 days or so to learn the local business environment and make connections. Why Portland? “It’s such a beautiful place. I’m going to retire there.”

Mark D. Boughton. Photo courtesy Mayor Mark Boughton Facebook page

Kenneth Woods PRESIDENT AND CEO SYLVIA’S RESTAURANT

Adding flavor to the community. Understanding what’s important. Sylvia’s Restaurant is a true Harlem institution. If you’ve ever had their special brand of soul food, you know exactly why. Owner Kenneth Woods also prides himself on treating customers like family. And Kenneth sees that same quality in M&T Bank. He began his M&T relationship with a personal loan, but quickly became aware of what we could do for his business and family. The relationship has grown stronger, with Sylvia’s and M&T teaming up as active members of the neighborhood and community at large. To learn how M&T can help your business, visit mtb.com/commercial.

DEPOSITORY AND LENDING SOLUTIONS | TREASURY MANAGEMENT | MERCHANT SERVICES | COMMERCIAL CARD

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of June 13, 2016 12798 Hudson City Success Stories – Sylvia’s 10”w x 11.5”h

DEALS & DEEDS OMEGA ENGINEERING RELOCATES HQ FROM STAMFORD TO NORWALK OMEGA ENGINEERING HAS RELOCATED ITS STAMFORD headquarters to 800 Connecticut Ave. in Norwalk, a five-story, 412,000-squarefoot office building that is home to such high-profile companies as travel deals giant Priceline and the athletic talent agency Octagon. Omega, an industrial equipment supplier, inked the multiyear deal this week for 26,995 square feet of space in the property owned by CBRE Strategic Partners U.S. Value 7, a fund sponsored by CBRE Global Investors. The CBRE Group team of David Block, Steven Greenbush and Joseph Weaver represented the building ownership in the lease negotiations. Steve Baker of Cushman & Wakefield brokered the deal for Omega Engineering. “800 Connecticut Ave. is one of the very few office buildings in the market that caters to TAMI (technology, advertising, media and information) tenants and millennial employees, offering co-working and collaborative spaces as well as full Wi-Fi connectivity,” said Block. “Omega Engineering’s commitment to relocate its corporate operations from

Stamford speaks directly to the allure of the property and the entire Norwalk submarket to global companies.” The CBRE fund acquired the property last fall and plans to launch a $7 million capital improvement project including a new conference and collaboration center accommodating more than 100 people in a classroom setting, an upgraded café, outdoor green spaces, a new atrium lobby featuring a glass canopy and enhanced tenant amenities.

INSPIRA MARKETING GROUP DOUBLES ITS SPACE IN SOUTH NORWALK INSPIRA MARKETING GROUP HAS SIGNED A long-term lease for 13,650 square feet of office space on the first and second floors at 50 Washington St. in South Norwalk, more than doubling its space. “We were looking to remain in South Norwalk,” said Inspira’s Chief Inspirational Officer Jeff Snyder. The company, which is relocating from 18 Ann St., found 50 Washington St. “was able to provide the vibe we were looking for along with the location we wanted,” he said. Representing the tenant was Brett A. Sherman, senior vice president of Southportbased Angel Commercial LLC. David Block, along with colleagues Steven Greenbush and Joseph Weaver of CBRE, represented the landlord Inspira, which also has offices in Chicago, San Francisco and New York City, has developed campaigns for clients such as Microsoft,

Diageo and Life Is Good. It also devotes a portion of its profits to pediatric cancer research.

MILLER JOINS COLLIERS INTL. AS SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR

ROBERT C. MILLER HAS JOINED the Stamford operations at global real estate services company Colliers International as a senior managing director, where he will focus on tenant and landlord representation and deliver professional development services in support of the regional brokerage team. Previously, Miller served as executive director at the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties Commercial Group. During his 30-year career in the Stamford and tristate commercial real estate industry, Miller has represented many of the southern New England region’s most prominent office and industrial tenants and owners; his clients and assignments have included International Paper’s corporate headquarters, Sotheby’s, Hertz Corp., General Reinsurance Corp., Dannon Companies, Champion Energy and Hitachi Chemical. Kim Brennan, chief operating officer of Colliers’ tristate region, lauded Miller as “a luminary in the world of commercial real estate in the southern New England area.”

COMMERCIAL BUILDING IN FAIRFIELD SELLS FOR $1.45 MILLION

Fischer Real Estate Inc. has sold 2060 Black Rock Turnpike, a fully-occupied 4,440-square-foot commercial building with

retail and medical-office tenants in Fairfield, to an undisclosed investor for $1.45 million. The seller was TPSJ LLC. Alan M. Fischer of the Orange-based realty company represented both the seller and the buyer. “Investment property in Fairfield, especially along this stretch of Black Rock Turnpike, hardly ever becomes available for purchase” noted Fischer. “The property needed a little bit of work but there was never a question of its salability.

SALE OF 116 SHERMAN ST. IN FAIRFIELD FINALIZED HK GROUP EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Franco Fellah finalized the sale of the property at 116 Sherman St. in Fairfield for $800,000. The property, which includes two structures — a two-story office building of approximately 2,116 square feet and a garage of approximately 408 square feet — is on 0.21 acres of land zoned CDD (Central Design District), with about 50 feet of frontage on Sherman Street. Both buildings were vacant at the time of the sale. The buyer, represented by Fellah, was 116 Sherman LLC, while seller Darlene M. Knight was represented by Tommy Febbraio and Vince Byrne of Coldwell Banker Commercial Fairfield. Handling legal duties were attorney Rita Steinberger in Westport for the buyer and attorney Peter Ambrose in Fairfield for the seller. — Reece Alvarez and Kevin Zimmerman

the sound of opportunity! There’s never been a better time to

bring your business

to Norwalk.

• Major employers, diversified housing and excellent educational opportunities abound! • Convenience for commuters • Affordable Class A & B office space • Diverse & highly skilled workforce • Growth potential for all sizes of retail and entrepreneurial businesses

To kick off your success please contact: Elizabeth Stocker, AICP Norwalk Economic Development Office 203-854-7948 EStocker@NorwalkCT.org For more information go to: NorwalkCT.org/EDev

8 Week of June 13, 2016 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

BRIEFLY

Cabot pleads guilty to $17M securities fraud

CARLTON CABOT OF STAMFORD, FORMER owner and CEO of Cabot Investment Properties LLC in Boston, has pleaded guilty to a $17 million securities fraud scheme that occurred over several years. According to a statement from Preet Bharara, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Cabot admitted to taking more than $17 million in investor funds and spending it on himself, including for private school tuition for his family and a luxury vacation apartment, and camouflaged his fraud by doctoring financial statements and lying to his investors. According to Bharara’s office: From 2003 through 2012, Cabot Investment Properties (CIP) – which was controlled by Cabot – sponsored and oversaw approximately 18 tenants-in-common (TIC) securities offerings, a real estate investment

PRICELINE LOSES ANOTHER CEO

JUST A FEW WEEKS AFTER Priceline Group Inc. CEO Darren Huston resigned after news broke of an inappropriate relationship he had with an employee, Priceline.com CEO Paul Hennessy is leaving to take a job at an unspecified, non-travel industry e-commerce company. Replacing Hennessy as interim CEO is Chief Operating Officer Brett Keller, who as the Norwalk-based company’s chief marketing officer is credited with helping to bring William Shatner aboard as its longtime celebrity spokesman. Meanwhile, the search for a replacement for Huston at the parent company is continuing. Former Priceline chairman Jeffrey Boyd, who served as its CEO from 2002 to 2013, has acted as Priceline Group interim CEO since Huston’s exit in April.

in which investors collectively own a piece of commercial real estate and receive a portion of the rental income. From 2008 through 2012, Cabot engaged in a scheme to defraud the investors by misappropriating investment funds and concealing his misappropriations by knowingly providing false and misleading financial reports and other information to the investors. As part of the deal, Cabot’s firm was only allowed to collect “excess” rental income from the TIC investments – for example, any additional money left over after operating expenses for the properties and disbursements due to the TIC investors. Instead, Cabot repeatedly transferred money out of bank accounts belonging to the TIC invest-

investors that intentionally hid the fact that the firm owed large sums of money to the TIC investments. By the end of 2012, when CIP ceased its day-to-day operations, the firm and its principals, Cabot and Kroll, owed approximately $17 million to the TIC investments, which has never been repaid. Cabot pleaded guilty on May 31 to one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and three years of supervised release. As part of his plea agreement, he owes $17 million in restitution and forfeiture. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 15. Kroll pleaded guilty in October 2015 for his role in the scheme and is scheduled to be sentenced on July 19.

Bank where your business can do well.

“Our strategic alliance with Bankwell has been critical to the success of the Fairfield Theatre Company. Their support, both as a financial consultant and a season sponsor, has helped to make us a stronger organization and better able to serve our community.”

AFC DOCTORS EXPRESS REBRANDS AS AFC URGENT CARE AMERICAN FAMILY CARE URGENT CARE is rebranding with a new logo and name change from AFC Doctors Express to AFC Urgent Care. All of its 160-plus U.S. clinics will retain the same doctors, nurses and other staff, offer the same access and hours, accept the same insurance plans and maintain current co-pays and other fees. In addition, each facility will continue to operate under local ownership. AFC Urgent Care centers in lower Fairfield County are in Stamford, Norwalk, Fairfield and Bridgeport, in addition to sites in Danbury and West Hartford. New centers will be opening this year in Shelton, Bridgeport, Danbury and New Britain. — Reece Alvarez and Kevin Zimmerman

ments and into his firm’s bank accounts, which he controlled, and used the funds to pay for unauthorized purposes. They included to cover the operating expenses and investor distributions of other TIC investments that had no available funds; to pay for millions of dollars of personal expenses, including expensive cars, rental apartments, and private school tuition; and to pay for his firm’s business expenses, including an approximately $1,125,651 civil settlement to certain TIC investors who had sued Cabot and others. To conceal the misappropriation of the funds from the TIC investors, Cabot and his co-defendant, Timothy J. Kroll of New Hope, Pa., CIP’s chief operating officer, provided false and misleading financial reports to

— JOHN REID FAIRFIELD THEATRE COMPANY FAIRFIELD, CT

Joe Rog, Director of Development (left) with John Reid, Executive Director

Fairfield | New Canaan | Norwalk | Stamford | Wilton

mybankwell.com Bank smart. Bank local. Bank well.

Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of June 13, 2016 9

2016

40 40 FAIRFIELD COUNTY

UNDER

THEIR CAREERS HAVE TAKEN OFF!

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW! VISIT WESTFAIRONLINE.COM/40UNDER40

JUNE 21 | DOLCE NORWALK

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: NATE CHECKETTS

EMCEE: MATT SCOTT

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, RHONE 2015 40 UNDER 40 WINNER

METEOROLOGIST AT FOX 61

32 Weed Avenue, Norwalk AWARDS RECEPTION

5:30 P.M.

PRESENTED BY THE FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL EVENT TO BENEFIT:

BRONZE SPONSORS:

SUPPORTERS:

10 Week of June 13, 2016 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PARTNERS:

Bridgeport Regional Business Council • Business Council of Fairfield County • Darien Chamber of Commerce • Fairfield Chamber of Commerce • Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce • Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce • Greenwich Chamber of Commerce • Stamford Chamber of Commerce • Wilton Chamber of Commerce

COME MEET THE WINNERS

WHO ARE RISING STARS IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY. JOIN HONOREES AND ALUMNI AT OUR 12TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION. KAYLEIGH APICERNO | R.D. Scinto, Inc. HUNTER ARTON | Norwalk Redevelopment Agency KRIS BARKER | The Gardener’s Center & Florist ADAM BLANK | Wofsey, Rosen, Kweskin & Kuriansky LLP ALLISON CARBALLO | Family & Children’s Aid JASON CASTALDI | Charter Oak Insurance and Financial Services Co. BRIAN A. CLARKE, JR. | William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty MARISSA DONNELLY | The Center for Family Justice ALI FARSUN DEMBISHACK | Catapult Marketing STEVEN FERGUSON | First County Bank JAMES FROMMERT | People’s United Insurance Agency MEAGHAN GEORGE | Westport Weston Family YMCA ANDREW HERR | J.P. Morgan Private Bank MICHELLE JOHNSON | Beers, Hamerman, Cohen & Burger, P.C. NICK KHAMARJI, JR. | New England Insurance JACKIE KOSIBA | Delamar at Southport DYAN KOZACZKA | Rutkin, Oldham & Griffin, LLC ENOCH LENGE | Eversource VLADIMIR MARIANO | Fairfield County Maker’s Guild and CT Robotics Academy

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of June 13, 2016 11

BY AL ALPER

Don’t open that email!

A LOOK AT HOW AND WHY HACKERS ARE INFILTRATING YOUR BUSINESS

ackers are becoming more sophisticated all the time and are working hard to create ways to infiltrate your business. The myth that having an anti-malware program will protect you is really just a false sense of security. These programs are reactive and update the definition files to match the signatures of new malware in response to new attacks. Here are a few of the more common ploys hackers use and how you can stymie their efforts beyond just an anti-malware program. Email phishing is one of the oldest hacking techniques out there. It’s been around for a long time and for good reason — it works. Criminals send out mass emails that appear to be a genuine email from FedEx, PayPal, a bank, a subscription service, or

some other institution most people probably have done or will do business with, which immediately instills a level of trustworthiness. The email asks you to verify the account or delivery information by clicking on a special link. Once people click the link and enter their login information, the hackers get in and steal your money. For every 100,000 people targeted, 400 will fall victim to phishing. With criminals targeting tens of millions of people every year, it’s easy to see why it’s a compelling and lucrative criminal activity. Spinning off from traditional phishing, there has been a significant rise in personal phishing. This technique involves the hacker contacting a target and telling them they have been the victim of an attack. The criminal offers to help them and stop any further

theft, asking them for the confidential information they are saying has been stolen (for example, Social Security numbers or bank information). Something as simple as regular, ongoing training about these types of attacks goes a long way toward preventing the attacks. In fact, it’s the single best method for keeping employees from unintentionally giving out information that could put your business network at risk. Following up with regular reminders to be on the lookout for suspicious emails with attachments, pop-ups asking for personal information or criminals posing as the authorities helps to reinforce the effectiveness of this education. Another way to avoid hacking is by implementing a good password policy. Despite the

WHY WALLINGFORD? 56 New Businesses Opened in 2015 CHECK OUR WEBSITE TO SEE THE LIST

Affordable

Convenient Central Location

Qualified Workforce

Lowest Electric Rates in Connecticut Improve Your Bottom Line Today!

203-294-2062

edc@wallingfordct.gov

PlugIn2Wallingford.com 12 Week of June 13, 2016 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

warnings, password hacking is still one of the top ways criminals gain control of your network and steal data. Most of the time, they take advantage of the fact that people are still using simple passwords or have never changed the original password that came with the device. This is especially risky since websites exist that provide default usernames and passwords for almost every modem or router ever made, so with simple trial and error a motivated hacker can gain access to your network, your company data and anything else that is on your network. Changing all of the default passwords before you put new equipment or software to work on your network, enacting a password policy that requires regular changing and the use of letters, numbers and special characters, and training your team about the need for strong passwords are the least expensive and best methods for securing your network. For extra security, using a cloud-based data protection system to supplement the strong password policy is a great dual line of defense. These are typically subscriptionbased services that can provide you with worry-free cybersecurity protection for an affordable monthly price. Additionally, for a small monthly fee you can also add an email filtering service that will check every incoming email against a list of known attackers and then block any coming from those addresses before they get to you. A final word of caution: everybody loves to get free stuff. But if you’re a business owner, downloading free software is never a good idea. There are programmers who write freeware or shareware. Not all of them have malicious intent – in fact, the large majority don’t – but there are those who do and they write ransomware programs like Cryptolocker or embed viruses like Sasser in freeware and shareware. These programs cost American businesses hundreds of millions of dollars a year in real dollars and productivity loss. Even the noncriminal programmers don’t have quality assurance departments to test their software to make sure it won’t delete data or corrupt systems. Unless you can be certain that the freeware or shareware is absolutely safe, it’s best to spend the money because sometimes free costs a lot more. Al Alper is CEO and Founder of Absolute Logic, a technical support and technolo�y consulting company in Wilton for businesses of up to 250 employees, and a national speaker on IT and security issues. He can be contacted at al.alper@absolutelogic.com or 203-936-6680.

ASK ANDI

BY ANDI GRAY

Selling valuable things for what they’re worth Our salesperson likes to discount things, especially add-on services, which are a really big profit margin for us. He’s even told some clients we would do it at cost. We need to fix this now because he’s starting to make headway in sales. Bigger accounts are coming in and we could end up losing a lot of profits. THOUGHTS OF THE DAY: How much does your salesperson know about how your business makes a profit? Is your salesperson calling on the right class of customers? Equip your salesperson with an effective informationgathering approach. Check that everyone is clear on what the goals are. Use reporting to evaluate and learn from results. Make sure there’s a plan to get more referral business from the best customers. Make sure your salesperson understands what it is you do and how that benefits your customers. Take salespeople on calls to meet your best customers and hear their stories. Have them write up case studies of customers who are raving fans of your company. If you’re concerned about add-on products or services, find customers who will talk about how they have used those add-ons to: ■ save time, money, effort; ■ make a greater profit for themselves;

■ score a huge impact with their customers; or ■ otherwise significantly improve their business. Make your salespeople believers in the value and importance of what your company provides. Then start talking with them about how to appropriately price that value. Check that you and your salesperson have the right prospect list. Bottomfeeding prospects will have a harder time seeing the value over price-benefit of your add-ons. Go get more customers who place a high value on the help your business provides to them. Don’t let your salespeople get beat up by customers who all the time ask for just one more discount. After awhile, if all the salesperson hears is that they have to cut prices, it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Make sure that your prospect list includes buy-

ers who are highly motivated and have the wherewithal to afford what it is you’re charging for your services or product. It’s OK for a customer to ask you why things cost so much. A salesperson needs to make inquiries of their own: “Have you ever made a similar type of purchase?” “What’s ballpark for what you’re willing to pay?” “What other options are you considering and how would you compare those to what we’re offering?” “How do you plan to use this product or service? What happens if this solution doesn’t meet your needs? How would that make you feel?” (if they don’t say, “devastated” to the last question, watch out!) Set goals for more than just revenue. Make sure you and your salesperson are also clear about the number of accounts to be opened, amount of each product or service that is to be sold and the amount of gross profit to be earned. Be clear upfront as to what you expect. Review results continuously. Recap profitability by customer, by product and by service. Sometimes salespeople will use high profits on one item to subsidize the sale

of another item. Evaluate if you should be mandating pricing, rather than giving your salesperson so much leeway. If you’re counting on a particular class of sales to deliver unusually high profits, make sure that’s how it’s getting sold. Build a referral plan to help your salespeople get introduced to more potential “best” customers. Once satisfied, profitable customers will likely know others just like themselves and be happy to tell them about the experience if asked. It can to reference other customers’ satisfied experiences. LOOKING FOR A GOOD BOOK? Try “Selling Profitably in a Discounted World: 10 Reasons Why Your Business Is Not More Profitable and What To Do About It” by Jim Butler. Andi Gray is President of Strate�y Leaders Inc., Strate�yLeaders.com, a business-consulting firm that teaches companies how to double revenue and triple profits in repetitive growth cycles. Have a question for AskAndi? Wondering how Strate�y Leaders can help your business thrive? Call or email for a free consultation & diagnostics: 877-2383535, AskAndi@Strate�yLeaders.com. Check out our library of business advice articles: AskAndi.com.

Complete Tax, Accounting, Auditing, and Consulting Services For Businesses and Individuals Over 55 years of continuous service to our community and clients

It all adds up. ®

2228 Black Rock Turnpike, Suite 204 | Fairfield, Connecticut 06825 P/203.333.2228 | F/203.333.3520 234 Church Street | New Haven, Connecticut 06510 P/203.787.6527 | F/203.776.8745

Some might call Westchester a suburb. That makes us sound like a bunch of strip malls and cul-de-sacs. Westchester is way more than that. Westchester has history. And so does Marks Paneth. Our Westchester-based professionals work with businesses, individuals and families to meet their tax, audit and financial goals. It’s something we’ve been doing for more than a century. From Yonkers to Yorktown, we have Westchester covered. To find out more, call us at 914.524.9000 or visit markspaneth.com. For the solution, visit markspaneth.com/Westchester.

www.bhcbcpa.com FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of June 13, 2016 13

BY TRACY BENSON

This is not your father’s workforce anymore

rom small local businesses to global Fortune 500 companies, employers are confronting an evolving workforce that looks very different from those of the past in three key ways: ■ Companies are integrating a greater mix of full-time, part-time and contract employees. ■ The working population in the U.S. is growing younger. According to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, more than one in three American workers were millennials (adults ages 18 to 34 in 2015). And the same year, millennials surpassed Generation X to become the largest share of the American workforce. ■ Finally, workforces will continue to become more culturally diverse as well. In the past five years, more than half of newly arrived immigrant workers have been millennials, adding to an already growing mix, particularly in large metropolitan areas.

FACTORS SHAPING A NEW WORKFORCE PROFILE

Many factors are at play in shaping this new workforce profile, including unprec-

minimum wage increases and rising health care costs. Companies are also faced with an increasingly aggressive competitive landscape, which requires leaders to continually create greater value at lower cost — for the benefit of both customers and investors. Advances in technology and robotics are also replacing the need for large numbers of low-skilled employees in favor of smaller numbers of more highly trained and educated professionals.

INTRODUCING THE GIG ECONOMY

Tracy Benson

edented political and economic uncertainty around the world accompanied by stock price volatility and an unexpectedly sustained period of suppressed oil prices. In the U.S. in particular, there is, of course, the anxiety that precedes any presidential election cycle (this time perhaps on steroids),

BEWARE Outside companies are soliciting BUSINESS JOURNAL readers for plaques and other reproductions of newspaper content without our consent. If you or your firm is interested in framing an article or award from our newspaper or obtaining a reprint of a particular story Please contact

Marcia Rudy of Westfair Communications directly at (914) 694-3600 x3021.

14 Week of June 13, 2016 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

The Intuit 2020 Report shows that about 40 percent of Americans will be part of the gig economy by 2020. Although this shift means many are trading off the relative security of a single full-time income source, the freelance economy offers benefits to both employers (allowing them to lower overhead costs by hiring on-demand) and employees (enabling them to curb recession risks by providing access to “side-gigs” and flexibility). Whatever the reasons, technology is of course the great enabler of the gig economy, allowing millions to access work anytime,

anywhere. How can companies create and maintain a cohesive and compelling culture? The answer is by doing what we’ve always done — and then some. Here are four ways to maintain competitive advantage through a cohesive workforce culture. ■ KEEP THE ORGANIZATIONAL STORY FRONT AND CENTER. The company’s story is its north star: It provides context about its history and legacy, establishes priorities for the future and tells employees what is expected of them. To develop this story, we help clients to create a message platform — a sort of compass that identifies an organization’s strategic mission, critical priorities and supporting business actions. When any communication ties back to some element of this framework, over time a consistent sense of what we are trying to accomplish begins to form across the population, as well as the role each individual plays in the overall strategy. When all workers — regardless of their status — are anchored to the organizational story, they are able to see more clearly how their efforts lead to success for the customer » CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

» From page 14

and ultimately for the whole organization. A brand is only as strong as a customer’s experience. It doesn’t matter whether that experience is delivered by an Apple Genius or an Uber driver. In both cases, the customer will form or enhance an impression of the company based on their direct experience.

that are multipurpose, open, flexible and offer a variety of environments for both formal and informal meetings. Ultimately, humans are social animals. Companies that support people working together in a variety of ways will likely find both engagement and productivity gains. ■ ENCOURAGE OPEN AND HIERARCHYFREE DIALOGUE. Tools such as Yammer, Jive, Chatter, and Slack — as well as the

What most companies and employees are after is a workplace that is fair, productive and fulfilling. The onus is on managers to ensure that outcomes, expectations, accountabilities and values are clear across the board. ■ CREATE A COLLABORATIVE AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ENVIRONMENT (THINK CO-CREATE). Companies should allow for and encourage more flexible pathways for associates to work together and produce results — outside of the hierarchical structure. We have seen many companies redesign their workspaces to support more flexibility and the increasing entrepreneurial drive of its workers. Companies like ADP, PepsiCo and Novartis have invested in workspaces

external platforms of Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter — are presenting opportunities for employees and contractors at any level to interact with even senior executives. Serving as an interim communication leader for a Fortune 500 client who was on maternity leave, one of my colleagues noted that she received an instant reply to an IM chat with a business leader, after several emails requesting the same information went unanswered.

■ MINIMIZE THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN TYPES

OF WORKERS. If you’re on the team, you’re on the team. What most companies and employees are after is a workplace that is fair, productive and fulfilling. The onus is on managers to ensure that outcomes, expectations, accountabilities and values are clear across the board. According to The Millennial Generation Research Review, “The No. 1 reason that this age group leaves a job is directly related to a boss.” Moreover, “both millennials and their bosses see necessary growth in areas such as communications as well as the ability to give and receive criticism.” This places increased pressure on companies to train their managers and frontline supervisors in the skills required to communicate openly, effectively and frequently with their teams. Ultimately, this matters more to workers than whether a colleague is a full-timer, part-timer or contractor. As flexibility becomes an increasingly important value for employees, leading effectively comes right back to the basics: Start with a solid anchor on the mission, plan, implement, listen and adapt. Tracy Benson is the founder and CEO of On the Same Page, a business consultancy in Katonah, N.Y. founded in 2002. She can be reached at tracy@on-the-same-page.com.

BANK OF AMERICA BRINGS CARDLESS ATMS TO FAIRFIELD COUNTY IN BANKING AS IN OTHER areas of commerce, the trend is toward faster delivery of services to customers who are increasingly time-strapped and on the move. In the last few years, bank deposits via smartphone apps have been adopted by many of the largest banking companies. In the latest development in the industry, Bank of America has launched cardless ATMs. At the Google I/O conference in Mountain View, Calif., in May, Bank of America representatives announced plans to expand the cardless technology to 5,000 ATMs by year’s end. A national rollout of 2,400 ATMs last month included several machines in the Bridgeport, Norwalk and Stamford areas. The company claims to be the first bank to expand the use of digital wallets stored on customers' smartphones to let them withdraw cash, make transfers and check balances on the cardless ATM. The launch of the service, which allows customers to access their accounts by swiping their mobile phone in front of a scanning device, is a reflection of the ongoing shift to mobile services, according to Bank of America. The bank said that 20 million customers actively use its mobile banking app. During the first quarter of 2016, the number of new Bank of America accounts opened through mobile devices increased by 50 percent year-over-year. — Reece Alvarez

by the numbers

westfaironline.com Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY PROPOSAL! Save the environment while saving money on your electric bill Affordable financing and leasing options available • Increase the value of your property • Be your own energy producer • •

Call: 203-642-4105

Visit our website: www.purepointenergy.com

Premier Dealer

Solar Performance That Shines

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of June 13, 2016 15

BY LINDA KAVANAGH

“

Rumors and misinformation feast on the restaurant industry

They seemed to be doing well and I’m just very sorry to hear they’re closing,” read a quote in a local newspaper about a long-time restaurant in Westport closing. Prior to that, speculation of this fan fave closing was swirling around town. It was a shame, as the restaurant owners should have been enjoying their retirement stage and the public and media attention should have been focused on celebrating their success. Instead, it fell prey to a cynical and anticlimactic ending. Do people comprehend that a restaurant can close by design? Whether it’s due to a well-deserved retirement, a great offer to purchase or a change in career path, restaurants can, and do close for a myriad of positive reasons. But, I guess that’s no fun to talk about, is it? “What people seem to forget is that a restaurant is a business, like any other,” says Mark Moeller, a restaurant consultant and the owner of the Recipe of Success. “But unlike other industries, consumers in this day and age feel a certain closeness or personal connection to a restaurant. Or they

feel a strong sense of awareness through the numerous media outlets and public platforms that now seem to write about restaurants and the players involved, creating an inflated or false sense of knowledge.” Rumors about the restaurant industry aren’t anything new. In fact, we restaurant folks have learned to tolerate and laugh them off. I was recently told by a (reputable) food blogger a story about how a hugely successful restaurant owner in South Norwalk “couldn’t make it because the concept wasn’t a good fit for the area.” When I asked where she had acquired her information, she could only reply that “everyone knows about it.” Alas, she couldn’t have been more mistaken. This owner not only sold the restaurant for a profit, the deal included the rights to the concept and their active consulting role in maintaining the restaurant’s standards, menu integrity, and even the cocktail recipes. How on earth do these rumors get started? Is it from a resentful employee? Perhaps. Or does it stem from a consumer’s desire to

have information — juicy, negative, gossipspreading misinformation? Misconceptions and gossip about the restaurant industry are just as prevalent on a larger scale as they are on a local level. We’ve all heard the myth that 90 percent of all restaurants fail in the first year, as was so unintelligently spewed from the mouth of chef Rocco DiSpirito on his botched reality restaurant show. “There have been numerous studies done that say this is simply not true,” says David Sederholt, COO of New York’s Strategic Funding Source and a former chef and restaurant owner. “Not only has this statistic never been proven or backed up by any reputable industry source, if this had been true, it is unlikely that the restaurant industry would have been growing at double-digit rates prior to the current recession.” H.G. Parsa, associate professor of hospitality management at Ohio State University, debunked this myth in a longitudinal study of restaurants in Columbus, Ohio, which showed only a 57 percent to 61 percent fail-

CTrides can help with free resources for commuters. 1-877-CTrides | CTrides.com

16 Week of June 13, 2016 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

» RUMORS, page 20

REINVENT THE WAY YOU WORK

Give it a rest. Rest your car, relax your mind & save some money.

ure rate over a three-year period of time. In addition, there is no significant difference in the failure rate of restaurant startups and small business startups in general. According to the National Restaurant Association, 30 percent of new restaurants fail in the first year and of those that survive, another 30 percent close in the next two years. To that end, the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, as reported by Inc. magazine, found that the two-year failure rate for all small businesses is 31 percent and after five years the rate increases to 49 percent. “In fact, CNN Money reported the small biz loan failure rate hitting 12 percent this year, whereas SFS has funded thousands of restaurants and our default rate is a mere 6.25 percent over 10 years, “said Sederholt. Let’s not confuse these failure numbers with Trulia economist Jed Kolko’s research showing Fairfield County as having more restaurants per capita — 27.6 per 10,000 households — than anywhere else in the

Try a free day on us

call (203) 226 - 8701 stamfordicenter.com/cowork

SPECIAL REPORT

MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS

Spezzano family has drive to make limo business a success BY REECE ALVAREZ ralvarez@westfairinc.com

n 1956 Rudolph “Rudy” Spezzano purchased a Cadillac and began to build the foundation of what is today Rudy’s Executive Transportation, a 60-year-old, fourth-generation family business based in Stamford and Greenwich. The key to six decades of success has been a commitment to dependability and a level of service matching the expectations of the company’s executive level clientele, according to Rudy’s 71-year-old son Roy, currently the company’s chairman and CEO. “Our motto is, ‘On time means everything’,” said Roy. “Customers who have been with us for 30 years tell me in all that time, ‘You have never been late.’ Word of mouth is the best advertisement there is. They know we hire the best people, have the best cars and are going to get quality service. We kept our word for all these years, that’s how we did it.” Roy joined the company in 1964 as a chauffeur and has grown the company alongside his wife Sheila, executive vice president at Rudy’s. “We grew from eight cars when my father-in-law had the company and expanded to what we do now,” Sheila said. From a single Cadillac in the mid-'50s the company has grown to a fleet of more than 100 luxury vehicles and a staff of more than 200 drivers and 50 office personnel. The transportation company provides on-demand chauffer service for a luxuryclass clientele of residents and executives, often to regional airports, but also for trips as far away as Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago. “Anywhere they want to go — we take people to school, we have taken people to New Orleans and Florida because they didn’t want to fly or the airlines strike,” said Roy. “We have taken people to a funeral in Chicago and wait for them.” He estimates a typical trip from Greenwich to LaGuardia Airport in a sedan is about $115 plus tip — $132 to Kennedy international Airport. “We are maybe a little bit higher than anybody else,” said Roy. “You pay a little more because of the cars, the drivers, the insurance.” A central pillar of the company’s success

is its drivers, who are among the best since the company attracts top talent with high income potential and generous benefits, Roy said. “We have had many that have retired with millions of miles on the road without an accident,” said Sheila. The company offers its drivers and support staff benefit packages that include 401k accounts, paid vacation, medical insurance and bonuses. “It is not something that is done by any limousine service, but if you want to have good people and keep good people, you have to offer something,” said Sheila. “I do this because it is good business,” said Roy.

Rudy’s Executive Transportation in Stamford and Greenwich relies on luxury service to retain its high-end clientele. Photo courtesy of Rudy’s Executive Transportation.

The various generations of the Spezzano family at Rudy’s Executive Transportation were recently awarded the Harry Keleshian Small business Award by The Chamber of Commerce. From left, Rudy’s President Dan, Chairman and CEO Roy, Executive Vice President Sheila, Vice President Dona Carlin and Fleet Manager, Rob Marino. Photo courtesy of Rudy’s Executive Transportation

Average drivers can make up to $80,000 a year with one driver recently pulling in $140,000 working seven days a week, according to Roy. In addition to professional drivers and a luxury fleet of vehicles that are replaced yearly, a significant point of attraction for corporate clientele is the amount of insurance the company carries, said Roy. Connecticut and New York law require that transportation companies like his carry at least $1 million or $5 million worth of insurance, respectively. Sheila said the company carries an insurance policy of $15 million because, “What’s a million dollars when you have two execu-

tives in your car?” Reliant on high-end clientele, the company accordingly took a hit during the 2008 recession with business dropping between 25 to 35 percent, but has since rebounded and exceeded pre-2008 levels, according to Roy. Roy emphasizes that his company was able to weather the recession without laying off employees. The company’s recent purchase of Westchester competitor Dominick’s Limousine and DLS Worldwide Transportation of Peekskill, N.Y., serves as a signal that it is on an upward trajectory. As the company has grown so too has the Spezzano clan in it. Roy and Sheila’s children,

Dan Spezzano and Dona Carlin, joined in 1983. They have been followed recently by a member of the family’s fourth generation, Rudy’s great-grandson, Rob. The company has kept true to its modest roots as the third and fourth generations of Spezzanos have entered the family business in similar ways as Roy by working their way up as an employee. Dan began washing and waxing cars as a high school student before becoming a driver and subsequently the head dispatcher before taking on his current role as president. Dona started her career in the accounting department, rising through the ranks to her current position as vice president and treasurer. The founder’s great-grandson, Rob Marino, began by spending his summers working for the company and is now learning the various aspects of the business as the fleet manager. “Four generations later, the company remains committed to keeping our founder’s old-world standards alive and will continue to do so for as long as we are in business,” said Roy. “It is important to us and we know it is important to our customers. I think that is quite simply the key to Rudy’s success — both in the past and most definitely for the future.”

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of June 13, 2016 17

Convention businesses took a licking, and hope for an upticking BY REECE ALVAREZ

business and I think we had the most.” But the outlook is not all doom and gloom. Since the 2008 recession and its impact on the likes of financial institutions like RBS and UBS, Skidmore said there has been an ongoing effort to ramp up sales of group functions at Marriott. “I think it is maybe more relevant perhaps to the volume,” he said. “We have moved the needle tremendously on group revenue and business. It has been a slow recovery, but I think this is going to be the year where we get close to the numbers prior to the recession.” At the Hilton Stamford Hotel and Executive Meeting Center, the state’s largest hotel convention center outside of the Foxwoods Resort and Mohegan Sun casinos, director of sales Ann Marie Moayedi acknowledge there was worry at the start of the year over what she termed “the GE effect” and said there has been some softening of the market following the citywide fallout from shakeups at Stamford’s major financial institutions. Yet business has maintained, she said. “It has been a nice escalation in 2014, 2015 and in 2016 we are seeing group demand up

ralvarez@westfairinc.com

airfield County’s convention and meeting market is doing OK, according to directors of sales in some of Stamford’s largest convention and meeting venues, but growing the market won’t be easy as some of the largest companies in the area shed jobs and relocate. “The departure or downsizing of a number of large Fairfield County companies could present a challenge for the region’s hotel industry,” said H. Scott Phelps, president of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau. With General Electric’s ongoing departure from its headquarters in Fairfield, as well as thousands of lost jobs over the last few years at RBS and UBS in Stamford, demand for meeting and convention space in Stamford has not been as strong as it once was, said Bruce Skidmore, director of sales and marketing at the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa. “With GE leaving, that was our biggest transient business account,” he said. “The move has left a big vacancy in the marketplace. Most major hotels had a lot of their

as well,” she said. “The pipeline is up for summer into August and the fall. From where we sit today we are very optimistic for the balance of the year.” Thomas Madden, director of economic development for the city of Stamford, said there has been some growth in the city’s convention market. He cited the Hilton Stamford’s hosting of the Association of Children’s Museums InterActivity 2016 conference, a more than 1,200-person gathering in May, as well as the Connecticut Maritime Association’s Shipping 2016 conference in March, which drew more than 2,500 attendees. There is opportunity on the horizon with the city’s more than 300 restaurants, nightlife and developments like Harbor Point serving as assets for making Stamford an attractive location outside of New York, Madden said. But competing with New York City venues is a challenge, particularly when attracting large expositions, as Stamford is limited by space, he said. Madden, who is on the board of directors of the state convention and sports bureau, said he and the organization are holding bus tours this summer to expose meeting

planners to the regions venue options. In response to the potential loss of business from key convention market clients, Phelps said the organization has “intensified sales efforts directed toward influential New York City-based meeting planners who seek locations for small- and mid-sized convention, conference and sports events.” He too noted some positive indicators of growth in the industry, including the honoring of Fairfield University Athletic Director Eugene P. Doris in April with one of several 2016 Bring it Home Awards. Doris received the award for his involvement in bringing the 2016 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Regional to the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport in March in addition to other tournaments like NCAA hockey. Phelps pointed to Fairfield University’s newly completed lacrosse venue, Rafferty Stadium, as a possible draw for large sporting events to the region. Meanwhile, as UBS moves employees into RBS offices, Madden said he is eyeing its Guinness World Record-holdings 100,000-square-foot trading floor. “That would be a great place for a convention,” he said.

Spectacular at

SPACES

Stepping Stones

Museum for Children

Host an Event to Remember We know about inspiration. We know how to dazzle the senses. And with just a little bit of Stepping Stones magic, we’ll take your vision and make it a reality. • Mingle among festive galleries and hands-on exhibits • Open air tent for seated dinners, dancing or entertainment • Multimedia Gallery with 35 x 12 foot projection screen for a wide range of events, banquets and performances • Performance stage and seating for smaller gatherings • Outdoor garden for cocktail receptions For a personal tour and consultation, call 203 899 0606, ext. 227 or visit www.steppingstonesmuseum.org/events Mathews Park, 303 West Avenue • Norwalk, Connecticut • Exit 14N or 15S off I-95 • steppingstonesmuseum.org

18 Week of June 13, 2016 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Bring business cards: speed networking launches in region BY RYAN DEFFENBAUGH rdeffenbaugh@westfairinc.com

ere’s how it works: relative strangers sit across from each other along a wide table. A bell rings and participants have three minutes to describe who they are and what they do to the person seated across from them. When the bell rings again, it’s the other person’s turn to talk. One more ring, and they move down the table to start over with new partners. This may sound like a scene from a speed-dating event, but it’s not. It’s speed networking. Launched last month as a collaboration with the New Canaan-based Ladies Launch Club and The Luxury Marketing Council of Connecticut-Hudson Valley, the quarterly events are intended as a way for members of the two organizations to meet to create strategic partnerships with each other and other groups and individuals that will be invited to join. Kathy McShane, CEO of the Ladies Launch Club, said that while digital networking is good, it’s still necessary to get out and meet people face to face whenever possible. “So here they can get to meet a lot of people in a short period of time and then they can take a business card and say, ‘OK,

Women and a few men share their professional stories with rotating partners at a recent speed networking launch event in Norwalk. Photo by Kristen Jensen Productions

I’m going to follow up with you,’” McShane said. “So it’s a really cool way to meet a lot of people very quickly.” McShane’s club is focused on helping women 45 and older start their own businesses. The Luxury Marketing Council of Connecticut-Hudson Valley is a chapter of an invitation-only networking organization for senior sales and marketing executives. “There’s a very good synergy with Kathy’s group,” said Kathryn Minckler, founder and chairman of The Luxury Marketing Council

chapter. “Because in this area there are many people on second, third or fourth careers, so most of our members are founders and CEOs of their own companies.” The first event was held May 25 at Lillian August in Norwalk. McShane said about 50 people attended. Tickets were free for members of the organizations involved, while nonmembers paid $35. Minckler said that while she and McShane at first had to provide suggestions for topics to talk about, the noise level in the

    Fairfield County's premier meeting, wedding, and event destination. Situated  on 66 acres of beautiful New England countryside; an idyllic retreat setting.  203-852-7345  www.dolcenorwalk.com

room went up as the night went on. “People really got into it.” Minckler added that the rapid pace of the event meant that people had to be direct and concise in describing what they can do and what type of working partnerships they are looking for. “Sometimes with networking events you tend to stay in your comfort zone with your own groups,” she said. “This forces you to go out and perfect your elevator speech and literally walk away with 10 new business cards.” The next speed networking event is planned for Sept. 27 at Lillian August. The two organizers expect to grow the events, though not significantly. Minckler said the advice she gives to people before networking is to think beyond developing clients. “Some people go into these things with, the viewpoint of ‘I want to get my next client. I think it is probably more important to think in terms of collaborations and partnerships,” she said. That’s a view that McShane said fits with her own beliefs about business. “I don’t believe that there is any competition. I believe people can strategically align and help each other out,” McShane said. “Find those strategic alliances and you have double the power.”

10,500 Sq Ft of Newly Renovated Multi-Purpose Function Space Ballroom Seats up to 300 Guests 120 Spacious Guest Rooms Complimentary High Speed Wireless Internet Access Restaurant & Bar With Outdoor Terrace and Firepit Cutting Edge Fitness Center Indoor Lap Pool & Basketball Court

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of June 13, 2016 19

Rumors — » » From page 16

U.S. except San Francisco, which counts 39.3 restaurants per 10,000 households. Locally, this is a supply and demand issue and while it can certainly impact failure numbers, it can also produce a robust and competitive market. Yes, the industry is a narrow-profit, highrisk operation with frequent staff turnover — there’s no denying that. It’s prone to public scrutiny more than any other consumer product or service industry, and given the fact that its reputation is based upon perception and not the facts, no wonder we, as an industry, get torn apart limb by limb. A restaurateur, a chef and the service staff aim to please their customer. In a perfect world, the restaurant succeeds the majority of the time. But in today’s age of radical online persecution, whether it’s in the form of an emotional release on YELP, a jabbing tweet, or even a personal blog rant, a restaurant can no longer fall short — ever. “Unfortunately a lot people believe everything they read,” says Kate Schlientz of Intoxikate, a seasoned food writer and host of the “Fork This” radio show, “and any negative review can sting a bit as some of these review outlets have a substantial reach.

But ultimately, true food enthusiasts get out there and try places for themselves and are not influenced by these review forums.” “Everyone has a bad day,” says Moeller of both the restaurant and the customer, “but typically, instead of the customer notifying the restaurant of any negative issues with their food, service or the overall experience, they tend to react in a way that brings others into the mix before the restaurant even has a chance to address or rectify.” “The frontline is your bottom line,” says Paul Fetscher, president of Great American Brokerage Inc., a New York firm specializing in restaurant real estate, “Restaurants create illusions. A larger restaurant must adapt their space to feel just as inviting or busy, with 20 people as it would with 75 people, and their best bang for their space is to book larger parties. Smaller restaurants, while having it easier from a visual perspective of always looking busy, often have the challenge of turning the tables enough to reach profitability and can’t book these large parties, which is often why their price points tend to be higher — it’s cause and effect for both size restaurants.” While a consumer can’t typically be held accountable for spreading rumors or putting a restaurant on edge, a media outlet can, and should be. Thrilled with the removal of the number and star ratings from most of

Yes, the industry is a narrow-profit, high-risk operation with frequent staff turnover — there’s no denying that. It’s prone to public scrutiny more than any other consumer product or service industry, and given the fact that its reputation is based upon perception and not the facts, no wonder we, as an industry, get torn apart limb by limb.

EXIT 4 OFF 1-84 DANBURY, CT 06811 203-744-1776 • Newly Renovated Ballrooms and Conference Rooms Which Can Accommodate 10-500 People • Upgraded High-Speed WiFi Complimentary in All Guestrooms, Meeting and Public Spaces • 193 Newly Renovated Guestrooms Decorated in The Legendary Style of Ethan Allen • 24-Hour Business Center With Fax, Copy, Printing and Internet Capabilities • State of The Art Multimedia Capabilities • Day Meeting Packages or Custom Pricing • Dedicated, Professional Event Planner to Detail Event from Beginning To End

WWW.ETHANALLENHOTEL.COM 20 Week of June 13, 2016 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Connecticut media’s restaurant reviews, I love how the reader is now forced to actually read about the restaurant and not predicate their willingness to try a restaurant based upon a rating. “Really what it comes down to is context and personal taste,” says Schlientz. “Food is so subjective. You don’t know who the writer is or where they’re coming from when they give you their opinion. Why lower your expectations of a place because of what a writer wrote or worse, why get your hopes up only to be disappointed and clearly not have the same tastes as that particular reviewer?” The best resource for restaurant information is you, the consumer. You decide where you enjoy eating and where you are going to spend your money. Don’t let anyone else do that for you. Show your approval by patronizing a restaurant and demonstrate your disapproval by not showing up. Your actions will speak louder than your words — and this way you don’t have to worry about getting the facts right. Linda Kavanagh is a food and travel writer and the owner of MaxEx Public Relations in Stamford. A former chef, she co-founded the New England Culinary Group, a nonprofit organization comprised of hospitality industry professionals. She can be treached at 203323-4185 or linda@maxexposure.net.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL â&#x20AC;¢ Week of June 13, 2016 21

THE LIST

REGIONAL

HEDGE FUNDS

Hedge Funds

REGIONAL

Ranked by 1Q-16 gross AUM of funds. Name Address Area code Website

Millenium Management

Bridgewater Associates LP

1700 E. Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich, Conn. 06870 212-841-4100 • mlp.com

1 Glendinning Place, Westport, Conn. 06880 203-226-3030 • bwater.com

Goldman Sachs & Co.

200 West St., New York, N.Y. 10282 212-902-1000 • goldmansachs.com

2 Greenwich Plaza, Third floor, Greenwich, Conn. 06830 203-742-3600 • aqr.com

1166 Avenue of the Americas, Ninth floor, New York, N.Y. 10036 212-478-0000 • deshaw.com

AQR Capital Management LLC

The D.E. Shaw Group LLC

Two Sigma Investments LLP

Moore Capital Management LP

Field Street Capital Management LLC

9 10 11 12 13

100 Avenue of the Americas, 16th floor, New York, N.Y. 10013 212-625-5700 • twosigma.com

11 Times Square, New York, N.Y. 10036 212-782-7000 • NA

1140 Avenue of the Americas, New York, N.Y. 10036 212-768-0000 • NA

Elliott Management Corp.

40 W. 57 St., New York, N.Y. 10019 212-974-6000 • elliottmgmt.com

Viking Global Investors LP

55 Railroad Ave., Greenwich, Conn. 06830 203-863-5000 • vikingglobal.com

Cerberus Capital Management LP

875 Third Ave., New York, N.Y. 10022 212-891-2100 • cerberuscapital.com

Och-Ziff Capital

875 Third Ave., New York, N.Y. 10022 212-891-2100 • ozcap.com

Alphadyne Asset Management

17 State St., 30th floor, New York, N.Y. 10004 212-806-3700 • adyne.com

Fortress Investment Group LLC

Lone Pine Capital LLC

220 Elm St., Suite 201, New Canaan, Conn. 06840 203-442-2442 • fortress.com

2 Greenwich Plaza, Greenwich, Conn. 06830 203-618-1400 • lonepinefoundation.org

Percent of change Strategy (%)

1Q-15 gross AUM of funds

$ 207.9 billion

$181.5 billion

14.5

Diverse

Israel Englander Founder 1989

$188.3 billion

$173.5 billion

8.5

Diverse

Ray Dalio Founder 1975

$110.8 billion

$95.8 billion

15.6

Diverse

Lloyd C. Blankfein Chairman and CEO 1898

$90.64 billion

$79.8 billion

13.5

Diverse

Clifford Asness Managing and founding principal 1998

$90.57 billion

$89.7 billion

0.9

Diverse

David E. Shaw Founder 1988

$73.9 billion

$66.9 billion

10.4

Diverse

David Siegel, John Overdeck and Mark Pickard Co-founders 2001

$52.9 billion

$32.7 billion

62.1

Global macro

Louis Moore Bacon Founder 1989

$49.3 billion

$27.7 billion

78.1

Global macro

NA 2008

$46.2 billion

$45.2 billion

2.3

Diverse

Paul Singer Founder 1977

$45.7 billion

$43.4 billion

5.4

Equity

Ole Andreas Halvorsen Founder 1999

Debt

Stephen A. Feinberg; co-founder and CEO; and William L. Richter, co-founder and senior managing director 1992

Diverse

Daniel S. Och CEO and executive managing director 1994

Global macro

Philippe Khuong-Huu and Bart Broadman, co-founders; and Joseph Regan, CEO 2005

$42.8 billion

$37.8 billion

13.2

$42.28 billion

$49.9 billion

(-15.3)

$38.7 billion

$21.1 billion

83.9

$38.02 billion

$43.8 billion

(-13.2)

Diverse

Wesley R. Edens, co-founder and principal; and Randal A. Nardone, CEO, co-founder, principal and director 1998

$37.9 billion

$35.8 billion

5.9

Equity

Stephen Mandel Founder 1997

This list is a sampling of the largest hedge funds located in the region. If you want your hedge fund to be included in our next list, please contact Danielle Renda at drenda@westfairinc.com. Note:

NA AUM

This list is a sampling of the top 200 hedge fund managers as identified by Hedge Fund Alert (hfalert.com), a publisher of weekly hedge fund newsletters and annual hedge fund rankings. The data is ranked based on gross assets of hedge funds run by SEC-registered management firms. This list does not include hedge funds that are not located in the states of New York or Connecticut. . Not available Assets under management

22 Week of June 13, 2016 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Founders and/or key executives Title Year established

1Q-16 gross AUM of funds

FACTS & FIGURES on the record BANKRUPTCIES Harbor Point Restaurant RE LLC, H5 Harbor Point Road, Stamford. Chapter 11. Assets: $0 to $50,000. Liabilities: $1 million to $10 million. Creditors: Magna Construction Limited LLC, $590,742; Four Harbor Point Square LLC, $382,730; Dillon & Barr, $300,000; Five and One Inc., $150,000. Type of Business: Limited liability company. Debtor’s attorney: Charmoy & Charmoy, Fairfield. Case no. 5:16-cv-50687. Filed May 25.

BUILDING PERMITS

COMMERCIAL

Ceci Brothers Inc., Greenwich, contractor for Nicholas Vasileff and Todd G. Construct a new power room in an existing commercial space at 740 North St., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $4,000. Filed May 2016. CLS Planning & Construction Services, Guilford, contractor for Urstadt Biddle Properties. Replace the windows, roof and siding on an existing commercial space at 412 Main St., Ridgefield. Estimated cost: $84,400. Filed May 19. D & A Construction, Branford, contractor for Inwood Condo Association. Replace the antennas on the roof of an existing commercial space at 3200 Park Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $15,000. Filed May 24.

Abbey Tent, contractor for St. Augustine Church. Add temporary tents to the property of an existing commercial space for a special event at 399 Washington Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $1,500. Filed May 26.

D & A Construction, Branford, contractor for Embassy Towers. Add remote radio units to an existing commercial space at 2625 Park Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $15,000. Filed May 24.

Antonelli, John, Stamford, contractor for The Greenwich Library. Replace the roof on the library at 101 W. Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $225,000. Filed May 2016.

Danbury Hospitality, Danbury, contractor for self. Renovate the façade on an existing commercial space at 86 Newtown Road, Danbury. Estimated cost: $75,000. Filed May 25.

Bell Atlantic, East Hartford, contractor for Cell Tower Lease Acquisition. Replace the antennas on the roof of an existing commercial space at 1000 Trumbull Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $15,000. Filed May 24.

Ellis, Lew, Memphis, Tenn., contractor for Main Street Shopping Center. Perform an interior fit-up in an existing commercial space at 4198 Main St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $350,000. Filed May 27.

Bismark Construction, Milford, contractor for St. Vincent’s. Renovate the interior of an existing commercial space at 2800 Main St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $80,000. Filed May 24.

Paraco Gas, Stratford, contractor for Mobil. Add a propane cage to an existing commercial space at 1715 Park Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $1,000. Filed May 25.

Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, contractor for self. Add temporary tents to the property of an existing commercial space for a special event at 226 Mill Hill Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $1,200. Filed May 27.

Pavarini North East Construction, Stamford, contractor for 100 WP Property. Demolish the interior of an existing commercial space at 100 W. Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $21,750. Filed May 2016.

Items appearing in the Fairfield County Business Journal’s On The Record section are compiled from various sources, including public records made available to the media by federal, state and municipal agencies and the court system. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, no liability is assumed for errors or omissions. In the case of legal action, the records cited are open to public scrutiny and should be inspected before any action is taken. Questions and comments regarding this section should be directed to: John Golden c/o Westfair Communications Inc. 3 Westchester Park Drive, Suite G7 White Plains, N.Y. 10604-3407 Phone: (914)694-3600 Fax: (914)694-3680

Sector Site, Mendham, N.J, contractor for Landmark Dividend. Replace the antennas on the roof of an existing commercial space at 370 North Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $15,000. Filed May 24. Site Acquisitions Inc., contractor for 48 Newtown Road Corp. Replace the antennas on the roof of an existing commercial space at 48 Newtown Road, Danbury. Estimated cost: $40,000. Filed May 26. St. Peter’s Church, Bridgeport, contractor for self. Add temporary tents to the property of an existing commercial space for a special event at 695 Colorado Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $100. Filed May 26.

Stamford Tent, Stamford, contractor for the town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation. Add temporary tents, lights and outlets to the property of an existing commercial space for a special event at 100 Arch St., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $30,000. Filed May 2016. Stamford Tent, Stamford, contractor for the town of Greenwich Parks and Recreation. Add temporary tents, lights and outlets to the property of an existing commercial space for a special event at 100 Arch St., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $19,000. Filed May 2016. Stamford Tent, Stamford, contractor for The Greenwich Country Club. Add temporary tents, lights and outlets to the property of an existing commercial space for a special event at 19 Doubling Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $9,000. Filed May 2016.

Aiello Roofing, contractor for Robert Fisher. Repair the roof on an existing single-family residence at 10 Smoke Ridge, Sherman. Estimated cost: $13,975. Filed May 3.

Built Rite, Meriden, contractor for Chagill. Strip and reroof an existing single-family residence at 1035 Wood Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $7,000. Filed May 27.

Assisi Remodeling, Stamford, contractor for William C. Harnett. Add a dormer, porch, bathroom and remodel the kitchen in an existing single-family residence at 68 Northridge Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $88,000. Filed May 2016.

Carpanzano, Michael, Sherman, contractor for self. Perform an addition in an existing single-family residence at 9 Locust Lane, Sherman. Estimated cost: $50,000. Filed April 5.

Audo, New Fairfield, contractor for self. Finish the basement in an existing single-family residence at 4 Byebrook, New Fairfield. Estimated cost: $48,000. Filed April 21. Banton Construction, contractor for Amram Attias. Repair the interior of an existing single-family residence at 6 Echo Lane South, Sherman. Estimated cost: $60,000. Filed April 20.

THP, Trumbull, contractor for The Bridge Academy. Add science rooms to the interior of an existing commercial space at 401 Kossuth St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $358,292. Filed May 27.

Beatty Builders, contractor for Tim Beatty. Add to a barn on the property of an existing single-family residence at 50 Route 39 North, Sherman. Estimated cost: $16,000. Filed May 17.

Viking Construction, Bridgeport, contractor for Forestone. Construct a new mixed-use building at 149-189 State St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $7.2 million. Filed May 26.

Beatty Construction, contractor for Jay Marshall. Demolish an existing single-family residence at 10 Deer Hill, Sherman. Estimated cost: $15,000. Filed April 12.

Waszkiewick, Mark, Stratford, contractor for St. Michael Church. Add a handicapped bathroom to a church at 310 Pulaski St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $11,000. Filed May 26.

Beatty Construction, contractor for Robert Acosta. Add to the porch at an existing single-family residence at 9 Atchison Cove, Sherman. Estimated cost: $10,000. Filed May 5.

RESIDENTIAL

BG Construction, contractor for Mark Caraluzzo. Alter the basement in an existing single-family residence at 6 Sail Harbour, Sherman. Estimated cost: $15,000. Filed April 12.

213 Mimosa Circle LLC, Ridgefield, contractor for R. M. Hamil Enterprise Inc. Remodel the master bathroom and bedroom in an existing singlefamily residence at 213 Mimosa Circle, Ridgefield. Estimated cost: $30,000. Filed May 17. AB Construction Co LLC, Trumbull, contractor for Ruthann P. DeSantis. Remove the existing hardwood floors, renovate the kitchen and install new floors and kitchen cabinets in an existing single-family residence at 35 Copper Beech Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $150,000. Filed May 2016. Aca, Antonio, Bridgeport, contractor for self. Renovate the interior of an existing single-family residence at 178 Artic St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $1,800. Filed May 25. AF Contracting LLC, Stamford, contractor for William Bechtel. Renovate a kitchen in an existing single-family residence at 9 Shorelands Place, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $65,000. Filed May 2016.

Blackwatch Inc., Westport, contractor for William Silverman. Add a single story to an existing singlefamily residence at 197 Riverside Ave., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $245,000. Filed May 2016. Blansfield Builders, Danbury, contractor for homeowner. Tear down and rebuild house at 140 Lake Drive South, New Fairfield. Estimated cost: $504,000. Filed April 25. BMS Construction, contractor for Ryan Binette. Add siding and a deck to an existing single-family residence at 20 Ledgewood Drive, Sherman. Estimated cost: $50,000. Filed April 21. Bregaj, Berat, Bridgeport, contractor for self. Add a garage to the property of an existing single-family residence at 590 N. Summer Road, Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $8,500. Filed May 24.

Catanzaro, Elisabeth L., Greenwich, contractor for self. Finish a basement with a bathroom and laundry room in an existing single-family residence at 13 High St., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $3,000. Filed May 2016. Charter Group Partners of Ridgefield, Ridgefield, contractor for self. Add a bedroom and a bathroom to the attic at 77 Sunset Lane, Unit 6, Ridgefield. Estimated cost: $80,017. Filed May 18. Charter Group Partners of Ridgefield, Ridgefield, contractor for self. Finish the basement in a condominium at 77 Sunset Lane, Unit 4, Ridgefield. Estimated cost: $48,124. Filed May 18. Charter Group Partners of Ridgefield, Ridgefield, contractor for self. Finish the attic in a condominium at 77 Sunset Lane, Unit 2, Ridgefield. Estimated cost: $30,160. Filed May 18. Cheng, Hong and Zhao C. Cheng, Greenwich, contractor for self. Partition a basement in an existing singlefamily residence and renovate the laundry room at 44 Lockwood Lane, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $11,000. Filed May 2016. Clark Construction of Ridgefield Inc., Ridgefield, contractor for Peter Columbia and Deidre Columbia. Finish the basement in an existing single-family residence with a mudroom and powder room at 12 Pilgrim Hill Road, Ridgefield. Estimated cost: $63,645. Filed May 16. Class, Eric, Ridgefield, contractor for self. Add a sunroom to an existing single-family residence at 3 Rochambeau Ave., Ridgefield. Estimated cost: $90,000. Filed May 25.

See why we're Fairfield County's leading LOCAL job board! Visit our NEW and ENHANCED site! • Intuitive site design • 100,000+ job seekers per month • Resume database of over 46,000 • Mobile optimized

Couglin, Matthew, Ridgefield, contractor for self. Expand three decks at 67 Walnut Hill Road, Ridgefield. Estimated cost: $5,000. Filed May 16. Cricket Const., contractor for Ted Finkelstein. Add to a deck on the property of an existing single-family residence at 30 Skyline Drive, Sherman. Estimated cost: $8,000. Filed May 17. Davidoff, Lawrence, Stamford, contractor for Xanada Management LLC. Alter the interior of a mixeduse building at 1345 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $47,000. Filed May 2016.

Visit FairfieldCountyJobs.com or call (203) 595-4262 for more information

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of June 13, 2016 23

WWE WELCOMES JENSEN TO TEAM

KANTOR LEADS RMA MEETING The Retired Men’s Association (RMA) of Greenwich Inc. — the local branch of an organization that provides a venue for men who share an interest in volunteerism, fellowship and service — is hosting “Global Economic and Market Outlook,” a meeting led by Laurence Kantor, Wednesday, June 15 at the First Presbyterian Church, 1 W. Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Kantor will draw on his years as a senior leader

in the financial sector and his current role as an advanced leadership fellowship at Harvard University. He will discuss topics, including the direction of major international economies and the future of stocks, interest rates, oil prices and the dollar. The event begins 9:30 a.m. with coffee and socializing, followed by a business meeting at 10 a.m. and featured speakers at 11 a.m. For more, visit greenwichrma.org.

Stamford-based World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) appointed Julia Jensen as vice president, brand. Jensen, a global brands and communications executive with more than 20 years experience, will report directly to Stephanie McMahon, chief brand officer. As vice president, brand, Jensen will work across WWE’s business units to help drive revenue

and enhance the company’s brand reputation among key constituencies, including advertisers, business partners, media and investors. Prior to WWE, Jensen spent more than 15 years at Mattel, most recently serving as vice president of global brands communications. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University.

‘SHE NAILED IT’ TO SUPPORT WOMEN BUILD

SCHOLARSHIP CEREMONY AWARDS 23 STUDENTS

Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County (Habitat CFC), an organization that strives to eliminate substandard housing and create homeownership possibilities for low-income families, is hosting “She Nailed It,” its first ladies-only event to raise funds for Women Build, a program designed to empower women and build affordable housing in Fairfield County, Wednesday, June 15, 5 to 8 p.m.

Stamford Dollars for Scholars, an organization providing scholarships for students who reside or attend high school in Stamford, is holding its 2016 Scholarship Awards Ceremony, Thursday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Gen Re Auditorium at the University of ConnecticutStamford. This year, members of the community in the name of a company, organization or an individual are giving 23 sponsored scholarships to selected recipients.

at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center in Old Greenwich. The goal of this event is to raise $50,000. Habitat CFC builds 12-14 homes annually and has provided more than 1,000 family members with a safe, affordable place to live. The Women Build team recently completed its 11th home in Fairfield County and will break ground on a new home this summer. To register, visit habitatcfc.org.

In addition, five Stamford Dollars for Scholars scholarships are being awarded, including the Aspire Award financially supported through Scholarship America. The organization’s scholarships support students pursuing education full time or at a two- or four-year college, university or accredited school. The recipients were selected based on a combination of financial need, academic performance and/or community service.

GOOD THINGS HAPPENING GREENWICH HOSPITAL HONORS PRYCE Paul Pryce recently received Greenwich Hospital’s Marian Nowak Award, a recognition given to an employee who embodies the best of the hospital’s values, at the annual Employee Services Awards Dinner, May 12 at the Greenwich Hyatt. A certified nursing assistant for eight years, Pryce was acknowledged for his work in the hospital’s medicine department, particularly working with the elderly. Each year at the annual event, the hospital celebrates employees with extended services to the hospital, from five years and longer, in five-year increments.

LAURALTON HALL OPENS $2M ATHLETIC FIELD

Paul Pryce, right, is congratulated by Norman Roth, president of Greenwich Hospital, at the annual Employee Services Awards Dinner.

UWWC HOSTS BOARD TRAINING SESSION Danbury-based United Way of Western Connecticut — an organization that helps residents across northern Fairfield County, southern Litchfield County and the city of Stamford by focusing on education, income and health — is hosting its BoardServe Western CT board candidate training this month. The training is designed to boost the capacity of nonprofits by educating potential

board members and for nonprofits in need of additional board members. The training is being held Friday, June 17, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Northern Trust, 300 Atlantic St., Stamford. After the session, board candidates will hear from a cross section of nonprofits about the work they are doing and the needs of their boards. For more, visit uwwesternct. org/boardserve.

From left: Joe Ferraiolo, area general manager, Frontier Communications; Toni Iadarola, president, Lauralton Hall; and Lisa Hottin, executive director of development, Lauralton Hall, celebrated the school’s new athletic field.

Lauralton Hall in Milford, a Catholic college preparatory school for young women, hosted a ceremony for its newly constructed $2 million athletic field. The artificial turf will be used for varsity soccer, track, lacrosse and field hockey. The daylong event included the school’s athletic hall of fame induc-

tion ceremony and a luncheon, Thursday, May 12. Milford Mayor Ben Blake opened the dedication by welcoming students, faculty, staff, alumnae and members of the community to the school. The Rev. Michael J. Doody from Fairfield University christened the field.

Information for these features has been submitted by the subjects or their delegates.

24 Week of June 13, 2016 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

SNELL CELEBRATES 25 YEARS WITH STAR

FIRST COUNTY BANK SPONSORS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

DATES JUNE 14 Ridgefield Playhouse is featuring Jay Leno, longtime Tonight Show host, 8 p.m., 80 E. Ridge Road, Ridgefield. For tickets, call the box office at 203-438-5795.

Linda Snell and Lois Morasco.

Linda Snell of Fairfield celebrated 25 years with STAR Inc., Lighting the Way, a nonprofit serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Mid-Fairfield County. Snell began working with STAR as a “house mother” at the first group home, working in direct care with clients who have devel-

opmental disabilities. Since then, she has worked as a case manager, manager of individual services, director of residential services and the last decade or so, as the director of family support services after completion of the birth-to-age-3 and early intervention programs, as well as senior services.

OLKOSKI AWARDED CPA DESIGNATION Reynolds & Rowella LLP, an accounting firm with offices in Ridgefield and New Canaan, announced that Carolie Olkoski was awarded a certified public accountant designation. Olkoski has more than 15 years experience with a primary focus on high-networth individuals. She began her career with PricewaterhouseCoopers and spent 10 years with its personal financial services group based in Stamford. As a tax and business services manager, she joined Marcum LLP in Greenwich and in 2015 joined Reynolds & Rowella as a supervisor. Olkoski holds a bachelor’s degree in eco-

From left: Robert Granata, president and chief operating officer, First County Bank; Michael Mocciae, director of recreation and parks, the City of Norwalk; Norwalk Mayor Harry W. Rilling; and Reyno Giallongo, chairman and CEO, First County Bank.

Stamford-based First County Bank is the presenting sponsor of the 2016 Norwalk Summer Concert Series at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, featuring tribute bands and local musicians. The concert series kicks off Wednesday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m. with the “Driftwoods,” a Beach Boys tribute band, and continues every Wednesday through Sept. 7, ending the series with the band “Summertime.” This will be the eighth consecutive

year that First County Bank is the presenting sponsor of the series, which ensures all concerts are free and open to the public. Each week, the concerts typically attract 1,000-1,500 people, with the July 3 fireworks show attracting more than 20,000. Pictured above, First County Bank presents the city of Norwalk with a check for $7,500 to fund the series. For information about the lineup, visit firstcountybank.com.

AMERICAN PICKERS TO FILM IN CONNECTICUT

JUNE 15 SCORE Fairfield County and cosponsor the Greenwich Library are presenting “Marketing to Your Mobile Customer,” a complimentary small-business workshop, 6-8 p.m. at the Greenwich Library, 101 W. Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Check-in begins 5:30 p.m. and the guest speaker is Kate Berg. For more, visit scorefairfieldcounty.org. Women’s Business Development Council is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of its new office in Derby, 5:30-7 p.m., 412 Roosevelt Drive, Derby. To RSVP, visit ctwbdc.org.

JUNE 16 Ridgefield Playhouse is featuring Mary Chapin Carpenter, GrammyAward-winner and singer of hit songs, “Passionate Kisses” and “He Thinks He’ll Keep Her,” 8 p.m., 80 E. Ridge Road, Ridgefield. For tickets, call the box office at 203-438-5795. Carolie Olkoski

JUNE 22

nomics and a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Connecticut.

Women’s Business Development Council is featuring “Things Your Parents Never Taught You: Money Tips To Help Women Thrive,” an interactive discussion, 6-8 p.m., WBDC, 184 Bedford St., Suite 201, Stamford. To register, visit ctwbdc. org.

GLA NAMES NEW CEO Greenwich-based Global Lyme Alliance (GLA), a nonprofit funder of Lyme and tick-borne disease research and education, appointed Scott Santarella as its new CEO. Santarella has more than 30 years experience as a senior executive, most recently serving as the president and CEO of the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (ALCF) in San Francisco. Prior to ALCF, he was the president and

The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors is presenting blues artist SaRon Crenshaw and opening act Jane Lee Hooker at the Fairfield Theatre Co. to benefit Habitat for Humanity’s Habitat for Heroes, 6:30 p.m. reception and silent auction, opening act 7:30 p.m. and main act 8:45, 70 Sanford St., Fairfield. For more, visit fairfieldtheatre.org.

CEO of the American Lung Association of New York and former executive director and chief operating officer of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium. Santarella of Westport holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst in journalism and received his Executive Leadership Certification from Harvard Business School.

Frank Fritz and Mike Wolf.

“American Pickers,” a documentary series that explores the world of antique “picking” on the History Channel, is filming throughout Connecticut this month. Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz and their team are continuing their mission to recycle America by rescuing forgotten relics and giving them a new lease on life, while learning about American history. “American Pickers” is looking for characters with interesting and unique

items, such as vintage bikes, toys, unusual radios, movie memorabilia, advertising, military items, folk art, early firefighting equipment, vintage musical equipment, automotive items and clothing. If you or someone you know has a large private collection, send your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-old-rust.

Greenwich Chamber of Commerce is hosting its June After Six networking event, 5:30-7 p.m. at Fairfield Co. Antique & Design + Isabella Garrucho Fine Art, 45 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich. All new chamber members are asked to attend and all are encouraged to bring a friend interested in joining. To register, visit greenwichchamber. com.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of June 13, 2016 25

FACTS Deluca Carpentry LLC, contractor for Frederick L. Wesner. Renovate the kitchen, bathroom, basement and windows in an existing single-family residence at 496 Valley Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $130,000. Filed May 2016. DePhillips, John, Sherman, contractor for homeowner. Repair the windows and trim on an existing single-family residence at 3 Fox Run, Sherman. Estimated cost: $20,000. Filed April 12. Derby, Thomas, contractor for Timothy Doyle. Repair the roof on an existing single-family residence at 18 Pinewood Shores, Sherman. Estimated cost: $15,000. Filed April 19. Derby, Thomas, contractor for Timothy Doyle. Repair the siding on an existing single-family residence at 18 Pinewood Shores, Sherman. Estimated cost: $24,000. Filed May 11. East Lake Contracting LLC, contractor for Thomas V. Noonan and Demato Noonan. Add a new deck to an existing single-family residence at 2 Karen Drive, Danbury. Estimated cost: $20,000. Filed May 23. Engllidd, Richard, Sherman, contractor for self. Alter the basement in an existing single-family residence at 22 Brinsmade Lane, Sherman. Estimated cost: $20,000. Filed May 5. Finish Touch LLC, Bridgeport, contractor for self. Strip and reroof an existing single-family residence at 265 Linen Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $8,500. Filed May 24. Flavin, John, Ridgefield, contractor for self. Add laundry, utility and furnace rooms to an existing single-family residence at 225 Barrack Hill Road, Ridgefield. Estimated cost: $36,192. Filed May 24. Flying Colors Roofing, contractor for Kari Dallard. Repair the roof on an existing single-family residence at 6 Laurel Hill Road South, Sherman. Estimated cost: $4,800. Filed May 10. Goodwin, J. Barton, Greenwich, contractor for self. Add temporary tents, lights and outlets to the property of an existing single-family residence for a special event at 29 Fairway Lane, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $4,000. Filed May 2016. Greenwich Tent Co., Bridgeport, contractor for Raymond F. Li Henze, et al. Add temporary tents to the property of an existing single-family residence for a special event at 71 Otter Rock Drive, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $56,919. Filed May 2016. Haggerty Pools, Norwalk, contractor for Henry Dorothy. Complete the inspection process for a pool on the property of an existing single-family residence at 42 John St., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $500. Filed May 2016.

Northeast Tent Productions, Greenwich, contractor for GRC Realty Corp. Add temporary tents, lights and outlets to the property of an existing commercial space for a special event at 600 Steamboat Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $1,440. Filed May 2016. Old Mill Builders, contractor for Paul Wolfmansky. Demolish an existing single-family residence at 161 Green Pond Road, Sherman. Estimated cost: $10,000. Filed April 6. Pawlowski, Preud and Anthony Pawlowski, Greenwich, contractor for self. Move the interior wall in an existing single-family residence and remodel a kitchen and bathroom at 4 Quintard Ave., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $20,000. Filed May 2016. Pelham Homes LLC, Ridgefield, contractor for Jennifer Sitinas and Stavros Sitinas. Construct a new three-bay carport with a bedroom, full bathroom, playroom and reconfigure the interior of an existing single-family residence at 356 North St., Ridgefield. Estimated cost: $220,000. Filed May 16. Perri, New Fairfield, contractor for self. Finish the basement in an existing single-family residence at 6 Woodcreek, New Fairfield. Estimated cost: $5,000. Filed April 21. Pondview Development LLC, contractor for self. Construct a new single-family residence with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a two-car garage and an attached deck at 6 Corner Pond Road, Danbury. Estimated cost: $268,150. Filed May 25. Pororni, Susan, Sherman, contractor for homeowner. Add a shed to the property of an existing single-family residence at 3 Fox Run, Sherman. Estimated cost: $6,000. Filed April 12. Prohl, Kristen, Greenwich, contractor for self. Add a wood deck to a pool house at 150 Bedford Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $15,000. Filed May 2016. Quality Dry Basement Inc., Wilton, contractor for Richard Conway and Kimberly Conway. Remove the deck and construct a new one at 19 Holmes Road, Ridgefield. Estimated cost: $27,115. Filed May 17. Reid, Errol, Bridgeport, contractor for self. Renovate the kitchen and bathroom in an existing single-family residence at 124 Harlem Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $8,000. Filed May 26. Rice, Kristen and Richard J. Rice, Greenwich, contractor for self. Install a deck at the rear of an existing single-family residence at 16 Mackenzie Glen, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $15,000. Filed May 2016.

FIGURES

RK Cat Rock LLC, Greenwich, contractor for self. Construct a new retaining wall on the property of an existing single-family residence at 80 Cat Rock Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $15,000. Filed May 2016.

Sherman Building, Sherman, contractor for Gilon Irwin. Repair a deck on the property of an existing singlefamily residence at 39 Deer Run Trail, Sherman. Estimated cost: $18,000. Filed April 5.

Roberto Fernandez Landscaping, Greenwich, contractor for Fritz A. Michael Klein. Construct a new pavilion, patio and front-entry portico on an existing single-family residence at 220 Bailiwick Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $60,000. Filed May 2016.

Sherman Building, Sherman, contractor for Gilon Irwin. Repair the roof on an existing single-family residence at 39 Deer Run Trail, Sherman. Estimated cost: $13,000. Filed May 3.

Robles, Saul, Stratford, contractor for Ariana G. Kaleta. Strip and reroof an existing single-family residence at 172 Valley Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $12,500. Filed May 2016. Romano, John, Stamford, contractor for Mariano Lozano. Remove the wall in the basement of an existing singlefamily residence at 16 Lakeview Drive, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $5,000. Filed May 2016. Romanyshyn, Volodymyr and Oleksandra Romanyshyn, Ridgefield, contractor for self. Expand the living room, foyer, bathroom, bedroom and basement in an existing single-family residence at 6 Ritch Drive, Ridgefield. Estimated cost: $495,360. Filed May 27. S & F Home Improvements, Stamford, contractor for Noah Buddy and Ferris W. Buddy. Replace the decking on an existing single-family residence at 36 Sundance Drive, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $12,000. Filed May 2016. Santora Brothers Development, Greenwich, contractor for Paul C. Borde and Nanci S. Borde. Construct a new modular house with an unfinished basement, porch and attached two-car garage at 89 Lower Cross Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $600,000. Filed May 2016. Scalise, Jeff, Darien, contractor for Eric Mautner. Construct a new singlefamily residence with a one-car garage and one-car port at 17 Salem St., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $489,150. Filed May 2016. Scott Walker Construction, Southport, contractor for Alan Rodriguez. Demolish an existing single-family residence at 67 Harding Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $14,000. Filed May 2016. Scott Walker Construction, Southport, contractor for Alan Rodriguez. Demolish a garage on the property of an existing single-family residence at 67 Harding Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $3,000. Filed May 2016. Servidio Landscaping LLC, Stamford, contractor for 1 Lantern Hill LLC. Demolish an existing single-family residence at 22 Tait Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $10,000. Filed May 2016.

RK Cat Rock LLC, Greenwich, contractor for self. Construct a new single-family residence at 80 Cat Rock Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $800,000. Filed May 2016.

26 Week of June 13, 2016 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Siddall Heating, contractor for Jay Adolf. Add a bedroom to an existing single-family residence at 45 Orchard Rest Road, Sherman. Estimated cost: $5,200. Filed April 5. Siranaula, Vicente, Bridgeport, contractor for self. Relocate the garage structure on the property of an existing single-family residence at 876 Main St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $2,800. Filed May 27. Smith, Michael, Bridgeport, contractor for self. Add a dormer to an existing single-family residence at 252-254 Bronx Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $6,000. Filed May 25. Solar City, Rocky Hill, contractor for Elizondo Belfort. Add solar panels onto the roof of an existing singlefamily residence at 31 Anderson Road, Sherman. Estimated cost: $46,436. Filed April 5. Trinity Solar, Cheshire, contractor for Angella Porter. Upgrade the roof on an existing single-family residence at 387 Jackson Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $1,400. Filed May 26. Trinity Solar, Cheshire, contractor for Maria Batista. Repair the roof at 188 Eaton St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $655. Filed May 24. Two Brothers, contractor for Christian Hoagland. Repair a wall on the property of an existing single-family residence at 20 Terrace Drive, Sherman. Estimated cost: $9,880. Filed April 27. United Cleaning, Middlefield, contractor for Lloyd Hardware. Strip and reroof an existing single-family residence at 50 Crown St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $7,000. Filed May 27. Vanderbilt, Hugh B., Greenwich, contractor for self. Finish an attic area in an existing single-family residence and add a new toilet at 11 Sparrow Lane, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $80,000. Filed May 2016. Vitale, contractor for self. Renovate the interior of an existing singlefamily residence at 24 MacBean, New Fairfield. Estimated cost: $10,080. Filed April 14. Vivint Solar, contractor for William Mahoney. Add solar panels onto the roof of an existing single-family residence at 30 Route 39 South, Sherman. Estimated cost: $19,448. Filed May 11.

COURT CASES The following court cases represent the allegations made by plaintiffs in the initial filings of civil lawsuits, and do not represent legally binding judgments made by the courts.

BRIDGEPORT SUPERIOR COURT Allstate Insurance Co., Northbrook, Ill. Filed by Christina Lozado and Juan Lozado, Bridgeport. Plaintiffs’ attorney: Daly, Weihing & Bochanis, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiffs have brought this motor vehicle suit against the defendant alleging that they collided with an underinsured motorist and suffered injury. The insurance policy carried by the underinsured motorist is inadequate to fully compensate for the damages. The plaintiffs allege that their injuries are the legal responsibilities of their insurance company, the defendant. The plaintiffs claim money damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interests and costs. Case no. FBT-cv16-6057061-S. Filed May 24. Dollar Tree Stores Inc., Chesapeak, Va. Filed by Cynthia Nixon, Stratford. Plaintiff’s attorney: Daly, Weihing & Bochanis, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff has brought this suit against the defendant alleging that it wrongfully accused her of stealing merchandise from the store in front of other customers, causing damages. Subsequently, the defendant allegedly acknowledged the plaintiff had purchased the merchandise. The plaintiff claims monetary damages, attorney’s fees, costs and such other and further relief as in law or equity may pertain. Case no. FBT-cv16-6057060-S. Filed May 24. Fifteen Sac Self-Storage Corp., Bridgeport. Filed by Karen Tereshkow, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorney: Laske Law Firm LLC, Fairfield. Action: The plaintiff has brought this suit against the defendant alleging that she stored her personal belongings in its facility. The facility was allegedly broken into and the plaintiff’s possessions stolen, causing damages. The defendant was allegedly negligent in that it failed to provide appropriate security measures. The plaintiff claims monetary damages in excess of $15,000, double damages and such other and further relief. Case no. FBT-cv16-6057112-S. Filed May 26. George’s Grocery USA LLC, et al., Bridgeport. Filed by Albert Thompson, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorney: Nicholas R. Nesi, East Haven. Action: The plaintiff has brought this personal injury suit against the defendants alleging that he tripped on a raised lip in the entrance to a doorway owned by the defendants and sustained injury. This dangerous condition was allegedly allowed to exist due to the negligence of the defendants and their employees in that they failed to inspect the doorway on their premises to insure it was free from defects. The plaintiff claims monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs. Case no. FBT-cv16-6057069-S. Filed May 25.

Hartford Insurance Co., et al., Hartford. Filed by Linda Tew, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorney: Carter Mario Injury Lawyers, North Haven. Action: The plaintiff has brought this motor vehicle suit against the defendants alleging that she collided with an underinsured motorist and suffered injury. The insurance policy carried by the underinsured motorist is inadequate to fully compensate for the damages. The plaintiff alleges that her injuries are the legal responsibilities of her insurance company, the defendants. The plaintiff claims judgment and money damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interests and costs. Case no. FBT-cv16-6057050-S. Filed May 24. Madison Bridgeport LLC, et al., Hartford. Filed by Althea Earle, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorney: The Pickel Law Firm LLC, Stamford. Action: The plaintiff has brought this personal injury suit against the defendants alleging that she suffered injuries in an accident caused by the defendants when a door fell on her. This accident was allegedly caused by the defendants by failing to properly monitor the storefront. The plaintiff claims monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interests and costs, punitive damages, costs of the suit incurred herein and such other and further relief as the court may deem just and proper. Case no. FBT-cv16-6057130-S. Filed May 27. Safeco Insurance Company of Illinois, Hartford. Filed by Carolyn Novotny and William Novotny, Stratford. Plaintiffs’ attorney: John B. Kaiser, Fairfield. Action: The plaintiffs have brought this motor vehicle suit against the defendant alleging that William Novotny collided with an underinsured motorist and suffered injury. The insurance policy carried by the underinsured motorist is inadequate to fully compensate for the damages. The plaintiff alleges that his injuries are the legal responsibilities of his insurance company, the defendant. Carolyn Novotny is suing for loss of consortium. The plaintiff claims money damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interests and costs. Case no. FBT-cv16-6057111-S. Filed May 26. Sentinel Insurance Company Ltd., Hartford. Filed by Kyung Lee and En Lee, Greenwich. Plaintiffs’ attorney: Moore, O’Brien Yelenak & Foti, Middlebury. Action: The plaintiffs have brought this motor vehicle suit against the defendant alleging that they collided with an underinsured motorist and suffered injury. The insurance policy carried by the underinsured motorist is inadequate to fully compensate for the damages. The plaintiffs allege that their injuries are the legal responsibilities of their insurance company, the defendant. The plaintiffs claim money damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interests and costs. Case no. FBT-cv16-6057007-S. Filed May 23.

FACTS Shop-Rite Supermarkets Inc., et al., Hartford. Filed by Balvin Petgrave, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorney: Varrone & Varrone, Trumbull. Action: The plaintiff has brought this personal injury suit against the defendants alleging that she slipped on an icy surface owned by the defendants and sustained injury. This icy condition was allegedly allowed to exist due to the negligence of the defendants and their employees in that they failed to ensure that their premise was free from ice. The plaintiff claims monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs. Case no. FBT-cv16-6056995-S. Filed May 23. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., Hartford. Filed by Norberto Garcia, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorney: Tremont Sheldon Robinson Mahoney PC. Action: The plaintiff has brought this motor vehicle suit against the defendant alleging that he collided with an underinsured motorist and suffered injury. The insurance policy carried by the underinsured motorist is inadequate to fully compensate for the damages. The plaintiff alleges that his injuries are the legal responsibilities of his insurance company, the defendant. The plaintiff claims money damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interests and costs. Case no. FBT-cv16-6057067-S. Filed May 25. Transcend Technologies Group Inc., Rancho Cordova, Calif. Filed by Exago Inc., Shelton. Plaintiff’s attorney: Ury & Moskow LLC, Fairfield. Action: The plaintiff has brought this breach of contract suit against the defendant alleging that it had failed to make timely subscription-fee payments to the plaintiff for software licensed to them. The plaintiff has declared the entire outstanding balance of $136,125 due and has made a demand for the balance, yet has not received payment. The plaintiff claims money damages, prejudgment interest, post-judgment interest, attorney’s fees, court costs and such other and further relief as the court deems appropriate. C ase no. FBT-cv16-6057086-S. Filed May 25. United Investments LLC, et al., Fairfield. Filed by Theodore Fleming, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorney: Nicholas R. Nesi, East Haven. Action: The plaintiff has brought this personal injury suit against the defendants alleging that he slipped on an icy surface owned by the defendants and sustained injury. This icy condition was allegedly allowed to exist due to the negligence of the defendants and their employees in that they failed to ensure that their premise was free from ice. The plaintiff claims monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs. Case no. FBT-cv16-6057070-S. Filed May 25.

DANBURY SUPERIOR COURT BTM Construction Management LLC, et al., Danbury. Filed by Thomas Koerner and Regula Koerner, New Fairfield. Plaintiffs’ attorney: Smart, Donohue & NeJame PC Action: The plaintiffs have brought this breach of construction contract against the defendants alleging that the defendants failed to install plywood subfloor. Due to the defendants’ failure to perform work in a workmanlike manner, the plaintiffs have been damaged. The plaintiffs claim monetary damages, punitive damages, costs, attorney’s fees and such other and further relief. Case no. DBD-cv16-6019903-S. Filed May 24.

Rob Hat Realty LLC, et al., Danbury. Filed by Jennifer Quezada, Newtown. Plaintiff’s attorney: Coyne, Von Kuhn, Brady & Fries, Stratford. Action: The plaintiff has brought this personal injury suit against the defendants alleging that she suffered injuries in an accident caused by the defendants when she was bitten by a dog on their premises. As a result, the plaintiff allegedly sustained injuries, including the loss of her unborn child. This accident was allegedly caused by the defendants by failing to remove the dog from their premises. The plaintiff claims monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interests and costs and such other and further relief as the court may deem just and proper. Case no. DBD-cv16-6019890-S. Filed May 23.

Corporate Escape Inc., et al., Danbury. Filed by Gary Nimer Enterprises Inc., Brookfield. Plaintiff’s attorney: Chipman, Mazzucco, Land & Pennarola LLC, Danbury. Action: The plaintiff has brought this breach of contract suit against the defendants alleging that they had failed to make timely payments to the plaintiff for multiple commercial term promissory notes. The plaintiff has declared the entire outstanding principal balances of $50,000 and $70,000 due and has made a demand for the balance, yet has not received payment. The plaintiff claims money damages, prejudgment interest, attorney’s fees, post-judgment interest, court costs and such other and further relief as may pertain in law or equity. Case no. DBD-cv16-6019927-S. Filed May 26.

Western Connecticut Health Network Inc., et al., Danbury. Filed by Nalia Herbert, New Milford. Plaintiff’s attorney: Allingham & Readyoff LLC, New Milford. Action: The plaintiff has brought this suit against the defendants alleging that they allowed an employee to access her personal medical records and share them with a third party. The defendants allegedly breached the terms of their privacy policy, causing damages. The plaintiff claims monetary damages, punitive damages and such other and further relief as the court deems fair and just. Case no. DBD-cv16-6019936-S. Filed May 27.

Geico General Insurance Co., Hartford. Filed by Robert Almonte, Danbury. Plaintiff’s attorney: The Flood Law Firm LLC, Middletown. Action: The plaintiff has brought this motor vehicle suit against the defendant alleging that he collided with an underinsured motorist and suffered injury. The insurance policy carried by the underinsured motorist is inadequate to fully compensate for the damages. The plaintiff alleges that his injuries are the legal responsibilities of his insurance company, the defendant. The plaintiff claims money damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interests and costs. Case no. DBD-cv16-6019912-S. Filed May 25.

CVS Pharmacy Inc., et al., Hartford. Filed by Gregory Hrynkiw, Binghamton, N.Y. Plaintiff’s attorney: The Reinken Law Firm, Stamford. Action: The plaintiff has brought this personal injury suit against the defendants alleging that he suffered injuries in an accident caused by the defendants when the manual pallet jack was not functioning properly. As a result, the plaintiff allegedly sustained a crushed ankle and foot when the pallet jack fell on his foot. This accident was allegedly caused by the defendants by failing to properly inspect the pallet jack. The plaintiff claims monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interests and costs and such other and further relief as the court may deem just and proper. Case no. FST-cv16-6028669-S. Filed May 26.

Ohio Mutual Insurance Co., Bucyrus, Ohio. Filed by Melissa Vizi, New Canaan. Plaintiff’s attorneys: Lampert, Toohey & Rucci LLC, New Canaan. Action: The plaintiff has brought this motor vehicle suit against the defendant alleging that she collided with an underinsured motorist and suffered injury. The insurance policy carried by the underinsured motorist is inadequate to fully compensate for the damages. The plaintiff alleges that her injuries are the legal responsibilities of her insurance company, the defendant. The plaintiff claims money damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interests and costs. Case no. DBD-cv16-6019917-S. Filed May 25.

STAMFORD SUPERIOR COURT

Niknan Entertainment LLC, et al., Stamford. Filed by Kelly Gilligan, New Canaan. Plaintiff’s attorney: Griffith H. Trow, Stamford. Action: The plaintiff has brought this personal injury suit against the defendants alleging that her son suffered injuries in an accident caused by the defendant when he slipped on a climbing wall. This accident was allegedly caused by the defendants by failing to properly provide instruction to the plaintiff. The plaintiff claims monetary damages and such other and further relief as the court may deem fit and reasonable. Case no. FST-cv16-6028654-S. Filed May 25.

FIGURES SIMI Ent LLC, Stamford. Filed by Fresh Express LLC, et al., Stamford. Plaintiff’s attorney: Mark Sank & Associates LLC, Stamford. Action: The plaintiffs have brought this breach of contract suit against the defendant alleging that they had failed to make timely payments to the plaintiff for labor and materials provided. The plaintiff has declared the entire outstanding principal balance of $100,420 due and has made a demand for the balance, yet has not received payment. The plaintiffs claim money damages, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, prejudgment interest, post-judgment interest, costs and such other legal and equitable relief as the court may deem appropriate. Case no. FST-cv16-6028628-S. Filed May 23. Southern Connecticut Vascular Center LLC, New Haven. Filed by Robert Eberhardt, Stamford. Plaintiff’s attorneys: Whitman Breed Abbott & Morgan LLC, Greenwich. Action: The plaintiff has brought this personal injury suit against the defendant alleging that he suffered injuries in an accident caused by the defendant when he slipped on a piece of furniture with wheels on the bottom while attempting to dress himself. This accident was allegedly caused by the defendant by failing to properly anticipate the plaintiff would lean on furniture. The plaintiff claims compensatory damages and such other and further relief as the court may deem just and proper. Case no. FST-cv16-6028625-S. Filed May 23.

FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT Connecticut General Life Insurance Co. and Lincoln National Life Insurance Co. Filed by Paulette T. Glover, Chicago, Ill. Plaintiff’s attorney: Madsen, Prestley & Parenteau LLC, Hartford. Action: The plaintiff has brought this insurance suit against the defendants alleging that they levied excessive charges to the plaintiff in breach of the amounts allowed by law and under the insurance policies. The plaintiff claims compensatory damages, costs, prejudgment interest, attorney’s fees, punitive damages, treble damages and such other and further relief as may pertain in law or equity. Case no. 3:16-cv-00827-RNC. Filed May 27. Convergence Outsourcing Inc., Renton, Wash. Filed by Rivka Feiler, Lakewood, N.J. Plaintiff’s attorney: Edward B. Geller, Bronx, N.Y. Action: The plaintiff has brought this telecommunications suit against the defendant alleging that it used an automatic dialing system to make unsolicited phone calls to the plaintiff’s cell phone, causing damages. The plaintiff claims damages and such other and further relief as may pertain in law or equity. Case no. 3:16-cv-00803-AWT. Filed May 25.

Courtesy Auto Group Inc., Brooklyn. Filed by James T. Theriault. Plaintiff’s attorney: Sabatini & Associates, Newington. Action: The plaintiff has brought this medical leave suit against the defendant alleging that he became totally disabled as a result of back surgery. The defendant allegedly terminated the plaintiff despite a doctor’s note. The plaintiff claims compensatory damages, back pay, front pay, bonuses, personal days, liquidated damages, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, costs, interest and such other and further relief as may pertain in law or equity. Case no. 3:16-cv-00811-RNC. Filed May 25. Credit Collection Services Inc., Newtown, Mass. Filed by Theresa Billie, Hartford. Plaintiff’s attorney: RC Law PLLC, Hackensack, N.J. Action: The plaintiff has brought this fair debt collection suit against the defendant alleging that the defendant reported a debt on the plaintiff’s credit report. The defendant allegedly failed to list the account as disputed, causing damages. The plaintiff claims actual damages, statutory damages, attorney’s fees, costs and such other and further relief as may pertain in law or equity. Case no. 3:16-cv-00786-VAB. Filed May 23. Dynamic Recovery Solutions LLC, Greenville, S.C. Filed by Regine Volcan, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorney: RC Law PLLC, Hackensack, N.J. Action: The plaintiff has brought this fair debt collection suit against the defendant alleging that the defendant reported a debt on the plaintiff’s credit report. The defendant allegedly failed to list the account as disputed, causing damages. The plaintiff claims actual damages, statutory damages, attorney’s fees, costs and such other and further relief as may pertain in law or equity. Case no. 3:16-cv-00787-JBA. Filed May 23.

Jarvis Airfoil, et al., Portland. Filed by Gerry Benitz and Jose Rodriguez, New Britain. Plaintiffs’ attorney: Law Office of Mariusz Kurzyna, New Britain. Action: The plaintiffs have brought this employment discrimination suit against the defendants alleging that they created a hostile work environment for their black employees. The defendants allegedly allowed a life-sized hangman’s noose to be displayed in their premises, as well as having another noose rapped around a black doll on one of the employees work station. There was allegedly racist graffiti in the bathroom as well as constant racist language from the employees of the defendant. The plaintiffs claim injunctive relief, damages for emotional harm, attorney’s fees, costs, prejudgment interest, post-judgment interest, punitive damages and such other and further relief as may pertain in law or equity. Case no. 3:16-cv-00793-AWT. Filed May 23.

Law Offices of Howard Lee Schiff PC, Hartford. Filed by Luis Garcia, Waterbury. Plaintiff’s attorney: RC Law PLLC, Hackensack, N.J. Action: The plaintiff has brought this fair debt collection suit against the defendant alleging that it sent a letter to the plaintiff, which listed multiple balances, without explaining the discrepancy between them, causing damages. The plaintiff claims actual damages, statutory damages, attorney’s fees, costs and such other and further relief as may pertain in law or equity. Case no. 3:16-cv-00791-VAB. Filed May 23. Mech Armor Defense Systems Inc. Filed by D.F. Mossberg & Sons Inc., North Haven. Plaintiff’s attorney: Holland & Bonzagni, Longmeadow, Mass. Action: The plaintiff has brought this patent infringement suit against the defendant alleging that the plaintiff owns a drop-in trigger assembly. The defendant allegedly makes, sells, offers to sell or uses a modular trigger assembly, which infringes on the plaintiff’s patent. The plaintiff claims a judgment of infringement, compensatory damages, interest, costs, royalty, treble damages, attorney’s fees and such other and further relief as may be required in law or equity. Case no. 3:16-cv-00813-MPS. Filed May 26. Nexus Resin Group LLC, Mystic. Filed by GEM Inc., Calgary, Canada. Plaintiff’s attorney: McElroy, Deutsch, Mulcaney & Carpenter LLP, Southport. Action: The plaintiff has brought this fraud suit against the defendant alleging that it misrepresented their polymer as being 40 percent glass filled and then sold their polymer to the plaintiff. The plaintiff was allegedly damaged by more than $1.4 million when it used the polymer provided in their construction. The plaintiff claims damages, treble damages, attorney’s fees and such other and further relief as may pertain in law or equity. Case no. 3:16-cv-00824-VLB. Filed May 26. Super ATV LLC, Madison, Ind. Filed by Commercial Sewing Inc., Torrington. Plaintiff’s attorney: Cantor Colburn LLP, Hartford. Action: The plaintiff has brought this trademark infringement suit against the defendant alleging that the plaintiff owns the trade dress to ATV doors. The defendant allegedly diluted the trademark by selling similar doors. The plaintiff claims an injunction enjoining the defendant and preventing it from continuing to infringe, damage, treble damages, attorney’s fees, punitive damages, costs and such other and further relief as may pertain in law or equity. Case no. 3:16-cv-00815-JAM. Filed May 26. Syndicated Office Systems Inc., Dallas, Texas. Filed by Carmen Soto, Waterbury. Plaintiff’s attorney: RC Law PLLC, Hackensack, N.J. Action: The plaintiff has brought this fair debt collection suit against the defendant alleging that the defendant reported a debt on the plaintiff’s credit report. The defendant allegedly failed to list the account as disputed, causing damages. The plaintiff claims actual damages, statutory damages, attorney’s fees, costs and such other and further relief as may pertain in law or equity. Case no. Filed May 23.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of June 13, 2016 27

FACTS DEEDS

COMMITTEE DEEDS Balazs, Ibolya and Donald E. Principe, et al., Danbury. Released by Eva M. DeFranco, Danbury. Property: 253 Main St., Danbury. Amount: $310,000. Docket no. DBD-cv-11-6006733-S. Filed May 19. Notaro Jr., Bernard P., Sherman. Appointed committee: Robert N. Talarico, Danbury. Property: 48 Long River Road, Sherman. Amount: $152,204. Docket no. DBD-cv-126011042-S. Filed April 12.

COMMERCIAL 17 Mill View Terr LLC, Milford. Seller: Nancy B. Bruhn, Ridgefield. Property: 17 Mill View Terrace, Ridgefield. Amount: $406,000. Filed May 17. 50 Century Drive LLC, Stratford. Seller: Conceicao D. Neto and Antonio Neto, Punta Gorda, Fla. Property: 50 Century Drive, Stratford. Amount: $195,000. Filed May 13. Bank of America NA, Fort Worth, Texas. Seller: Christian James Penzero, Colorado Springs, Colo. Property: 4042 Main St., Stratford. For no consideration paid. Filed May 9. Cedar Ridge Construction, Stratford. Seller: RGL Family Realty Group LLC, Stratford. Property: 400 Second Hill Lane, Stratford. Amount: $115,000. Filed May 27. CRA Builders Inc., Danbury. Seller: William J. Dolan, Danbury. Property: 146 Rockwell Drive, Bethel. Amount: $85,000. Filed May 6. D & L Investment Properties LLC, Danbury. Seller: Calgi Realty LLC, Danbury. Property: Ye Olde Road, Danbury. Amount: $112,000. Filed May 16. Eaton Investments LLC, Stratford. Seller: Timothy Fischer and Pirjo Aalto Fischer, Stratford. Property: 6 Alfred Court, Stratford. Amount: $81,000. Filed May 11. Lin Property Management LLC, Flushing, N.Y. Seller: William Capers Jenkins and Doris B. Jenkins, Stratford. Property: 279-281 McGrath Court, Stratford. Amount: $190,000. Filed May 26. MiSal Stony Hill LLC, Bethel. Seller: Michael Sproviero and Salvatore Sproviero, Longs, S.C. Property: 44 Stony Hill Road, Bethel. Amount: $1. Filed May 20. Osborn Road LLC, West New York, N.J. Seller: Marcia Hutter Rosansky, Weston. Property: 23 Osborn Road, Sherman. Amount: $615,000. Filed April 29.

Pan’s Realty of Shelton LLC, Westport. Seller: Deutsche Bank Trust Co., West Palm Beach, Fla. Property: 10 Eleanor St., Stratford. Amount: $140,399. Filed May 23. S.S. Tile and Marble LLC, Trumbull. Seller: Wells Fargo Bank NA, West Palm Beach, Fla. Property: 464 Burritt Ave., Stratford. Amount: $122,499. Filed May 10.

Bailor, Robert, Weston. Seller: Carlos P. Muniz, Ridgefield. Property: 17 Old Town Road, Ridgefield. Amount: $280,000. Filed May 25. Barney, Michelle and Todd Saucier, Bethel. Seller: Thang D. Le and Phien D. Le, Bethel. Property: 13 Saxon St., Bethel. Amount: $289,000. Filed May 24.

SCF Properties LLC, Bethel. Seller: Michael Sproviero, Bethel. Property: 2 Cross St., Danbury. For no consideration paid. Filed May 23.

Barr, Symone and Mark Barr, Bronx, N.Y. Seller: June Harris, Stratford. Property: 34 Saybrook Road, Stratford. Amount: $185,600. Filed May 20.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Oklahoma City, Okla. Seller: Citimortgage Inc., O’Fallon, Mo. Property: 23 Arcadia Ave., Stratford. For no consideration paid. Filed May 20.

Basil, Mark, New Canaan. Seller: Gregory Wanamaker and Barbara Wanamaker, Stratford. Property: 185 Freeman Ave., Stratford. Amount: $285,000. Filed May 17.

Summer Retreat LLC, Pound Ridge, N.Y. Seller: Dale A. Baird, Sherman. Property: Lots 61 and 62, Map 604, Sherman. Amount: $368,800. Filed March 19.

Basting, Amanda and Kyle Basting, Danbury. Seller: Bryan Gustavson and Alix Gustavson, Bridgewater. Property: 103 Route 39 South, Sherman. Amount: $281,000. Filed March 11.

The Chester LLC, Norwalk. Seller: Yvette A. Waldman and David A. Waldman, Westport. Property: 16 Minute Man Hill, Westport. Amount: $5.8 million. Filed May 10.

Benitez, Jose D., Danbury. Seller: Denise Caiazza, Danbury. Property: 163 South St., Unit 58, Danbury. Amount: $148,000. Filed May 25.

The Mighty Quinn Foundation Inc., Stratford. Seller: Raymond J. Dolyak and Yolande A. Kelly, Stratford. Property: 1565 Main St., Stratford. Amount: $216,000. Filed May 10.

RESIDENTIAL Ackley, Kim Kelly and Scott Ackley, Stamford. Seller: Matthew C. Goldkopf and Lisa Goldkopf, Bethel. Property: 2 Winding Brook Drive, Bethel. Amount: $392,000. Filed May 10. Albezreh, Nourhan and Mhd Maher Almoughrabi, Stratford. Seller: Brian J. Bronski and Laraine F. Bronski, Stratford. Property: 32 Sycamore Circle, Stratford. Amount: $286,000. Filed May 17. Ameena, Syeda and Abed Baig Mirza, Danbury. Seller: Amit S. Dante, Brookfield. Property: 7 Dean St., Unit 110, Danbury. Amount: $148,000. Filed May 25. Anderson, Grant, Bethel. Seller: Louis A. Godkin, Bethel. Property: 38 Weed Road, Bethel. Amount: $265,000. Filed May 18. Ashley, Suzanne B. and Dennis H. Ashley, Sherman. Seller: Peter E. Brooks, Sherman. Property: Lot 2, Map 365A, Sherman. Amount: $525,000. Filed April 29. Asif, Usman, Stratford. Seller: Strategic Realty Fund LLC, San Jose, Calif. Property: 22 Jackson Ave., Stratford. Amount: $100,000. Filed May 10. Bacarella, Rosario J. and Katherine P. Bacarella, Stratford. Seller: Melissa Cavaliere, Stratford. Property: 115 Spring St., Stratford. Amount: $230,000. Filed May 27.

Bihl, Emily C. and Anthony P. Bihl, Westport. Seller: James Stephen O’Brien Jr. and Kip Herrick O’Brien, Westport. Property: 15 Winding Lane, Westport. Amount: $1.1 million. Filed May 16.

FIGURES Capuano, Tara S. and Jason B. Capuano, Danbury. Seller: Toll CT III LP, Newtown. Property: 41 Winding Ridge Way, Danbury. Amount: $636,357. Filed May 25.

Cruz, George, Stratford. Seller: Elizabeth Matt and Andrzej Lukowski, Stratford. Property: 40 Tyrone Place, Stratford. Amount: $245,000. Filed May 19.

Jones, Maria and Milton Jones, Stratford. Seller: Sundararajan Arumugan, Olmsted Township, Ohio. Property: 262 Taft St., Stratford. Amount: $202,500. Filed May 20.

Carboni, Elisabeth and Randall Carboni, Brookfield. Seller: Deanna S. McCaffrey, Bethel. Property: 17 Green Pasture Road, Bethel. Amount: $405,000. Filed May 23.

Cunningham, Virginia, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. Seller: William Collignon Jr. and Jean M. Collignon, Danbury. Property: 10 Round Hill Drive, Danbury. Amount: $385,000. Filed May 26.

Jones, Rodney B., New York, N.Y. Seller: Joan C. King and Shawna D. Nickerson, Bethel. Property: 1904 Elms At Sterling Woods, Danbury. Amount: $307,000. Filed May 18.

Carter, Daphne R. and Charles A. Carter, Stratford. Seller: Juan Pablo Canales Giron, Stratford. Property: 217 Woodend Road, Stratford. Amount: $230,000. Filed May 12.

Dauphin, Lee C., Bethel. Seller: Robert E. Dauphin, Brookfield. Property: 4 Fleetwood Park, Bethel. Amount: $97,250. Filed May 4.

Jordan, Maryellen and David Jordan, Sherman. Seller: Danelle Szilagyi, Stephen G. Szilagyi, Jillian K. Szilagyi and Laura J. Meyer, New Milford. Property: 41 Route 37 East, Sherman. Amount: $105,000. Filed April 15.

Catu, Ludwin Noe Godoy and Ruth D. Palma De Godoy, Stamford. Seller: Jerome P. Peters Jr., Ridgefield. Property: Map 515, Ridgefield. Amount: $695,000. Filed May 26. Chesnov, Stephanie B. and Craig A. Rosenblum, Stamford. Seller: Jeffrey A. Gershowitz, Westport. Property: 25 Sniffen Road, Westport. Amount: $735,000. Filed May 17. Ciprani, Lori and Richard Ciprani, Yorktown Heights, N.Y. Seller: Ann Morgan, New Fairfield. Property: 27 Shortwoods Road, New Fairfield. Amount: $520,000. Filed May 2. Clark, Stephanie and Arthur Moran, Brewster, N.Y. Seller: Andrew Knapp, Danbury. Property: 55 Mill Plain Road, Unit 28-4, Danbury. Amount: $235,000. Filed May 24.

Bolan, Sarah R. and Calvin D. Arnold, Brooklyn, N.Y. Seller: David Pollack and Lucinda Pollack, Wilmington, Del. Property: 201 Route 37 South, Sherman. Amount: $495,000. Filed March 4.

Cobb, Wagon, New York, N.Y. Seller: Alan Friedman and Debra L. Lorelli, Staten Island, N.Y. Property: 7 Wagon Wheel Road, Sherman. Amount: $1.3 million. Filed April 9.

Bosler, Heiko, Stratford. Seller: Federal National Mortgage Association, Dallas, Texas. Property: 635 Connors Lane, Stratford. Amount: $165,100. Filed May 13.

Cole, Susan M. and Brian Mahoney, New York, N.Y. Seller: Charles Wilder and Denise Wilder, Sherman. Property: 1 Brookside Lane, Sherman. Amount: $499,000. Filed March 30.

Bowser, Joan H. and Anthony C. Bowser, Stratford. Seller: Gary M. Yovan and Stephen Szilagyi, Stratford. Property: Unit 396A in Oronoque Village Condominium 3, Stratford. Amount: $234,900. Filed May 17.

Collier, Andrea T. and Paula J. Collier, Stratford. Seller: Tommy Kinder, Atlanta, Ga. Property: 40 Wiklund Ave., Stratford. Amount: $260,000. Filed May 17.

Braga, Daniel T., Danbury. Seller: Cartus Financial Corp., Danbury. Property: 20 Cornell Road, Danbury. Amount: $192,000. Filed May 26. Budney, Margaret A. and Douglas M. Budney, Cold Spring, N.Y. Seller: Michael Drazkowski and JowitaD Drazkowski, New Milford. Property: 2 Big Trail Extension, Sherman. Amount: $400,000. Filed March 11.

Convertito, Randy Lyn, Brookfield. Seller: Elizabeth Varnell Steele-Maley, Edgecomb, Maine. Property: 1 E. Hayestown Road, Unit 26, Danbury. Amount: $245,000. Filed May 23. Cordova, Blima C. and Nestor L. Cordova, Danbury. Seller: Livia Rocha, Danbury. Property: 12 Hager St., Danbury. Amount: $285,000. Filed May 23.

Budyonny, Leonid A., New Fairfield. Seller: Lenny A. Budyonny, Westin, Fla. Property: 8 Hillcrest Drive, New Fairfield. Amount: $1. Filed May 6.

Cordova, Elsa and Macario Sari, Danbury. Seller: Jessica Velasco, Newtown. Property: 8 Rose Lane, Unit 2422, Danbury. Amount: $186,000. Filed May 16.

Cammarota, Karen and Frank Cammarota, Bronx, N.Y. Seller: Nicole Randazzo, Danbury. Property: 1 Ole Musket Lane, Danbury. Amount: $339,900. Filed May 16.

Craib, Wendy L. and Neill A. Craib, Boxoborough, Mass. Seller: Kimberly A. Keating, New Fairfield. Property: 14 Sail Harbour Drive, New Fairfield. Amount: $885,000. Filed May 20.

28 Week of June 13, 2016 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Dauti, Adriana, Danbury. Seller: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association, Dallas, Texas. Property: 29 Lloyd Ave., New Fairfield. Amount: $120,900. Filed May 23. Dean, Garry T., Stratford. Seller: George Golenwsky and Anne Golenwsky, Monroe. Property: Slip 4 in Breakwater Key Condominium, Stratford. Amount: $10,000. Filed May 12. Denema, Peter Thomas, Sherman. Seller: Alan Gershowitz and Robin Gershowitz, Sherman. Property: Lot 2, Map 589, Sherman. Amount: $750,000. Filed April 26. Dingmann, Victoria A. and Andrew S. Rosen, Derby. Seller: The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Manchester, N.H. Property: 65 Freeman Ave., Stratford. Amount: $259,000. Filed May 20. Dubord, Kristen M. and David T. Dubord Jr., New Fairfield. Seller: Steven N. Halliday and Suzanne M. Halliday, Bethel. Property: 12 Katrina Circle, Bethel. Amount: $380,000. Filed May 27. Inigo, Tara and Loren Inigo-Santiago, Danbury. Seller: Brett Zucker and Debra Zucker, Danbury. Property: 11 Charlottes Way, Danbury. Amount: $670,000. Filed May 16. Jacinto, Pablo D. and Edgar J. Jacinto, Danbury. Seller: Walter Ormsbee, Danbury. Property: 3 Parker St., Danbury. Amount: $50,000. Filed May 24. James, Valerie, Stratford. Seller: Federal National Mortgage Association, Dallas, Texas. Property: 272 Roosevelt Ave., Stratford. Amount: $154,900. Filed May 19. Jaskaran, Apriya and Ishwar Bachan, Hollis, N.Y. Seller: Aziz Seyal and Bilal Seyal, Fairfield. Property: 3699 Broadbridge Ave., Unit 118, Stratford. Amount: $62,000. Filed May 26. Johnson, Wayne, New Milford. Seller: Michael Brasilone, New Fairfield. Property: 25 Hudson Drive, New Fairfield. Amount: $218,000. Filed May 16. Johnson, Yukiko and Bret M. Johnson, Danbury. Seller: Timothy Kupferschmid and Judith Kupferschmid, New Fairfield. Property: 14 Squantz View Drive, New Fairfield. Amount: $460,000. Filed May 11.

Kanner, Abbie J. and Daniel F. Kanner, Fairfield. Seller: Jeremiah T. Dorney, Palm Coast, Fla. Property: 752A Pontiac Lane, Stratford. Amount: $247,500. Filed May 19. Keegan, Pamela D., Stratford. Seller: Linda A. Thomas, Stratford. Property: Unit 516B in Oronoque Village Condominium, Stratford. Amount: $235,000. Filed May 13. Kelsey, Morgan B., Bethel. Seller: John D. Buchholz and Lisa W. Buchholz, Bethel. Property: 11 Grand St., Bethel. Amount: $342,000. Filed May 10. Kersten, Henriette, Daniel Island, S.C. Seller: Peter Iacovo and Abigail Iacovo, Weston. Property: 19 Strathmore Lane, Westport. Amount: $385,000. Filed May 25. Kian-Kubota, Renzo Y., Bridgeport. Seller: Diane Manganiello, Trumbull. Property: 83-85 Mary Ave., Stratford. Amount: $285,000. Filed May 26. Meyer, Carolyn E., Patterson, N.Y. Seller: Roger W. Martin Jr., New Fairfield. Property: 38 Dick Finn Road, New Fairfield. Amount: $259,500. Filed May 23. Meyer, Diana T., Westport. Seller: Craig R. Tagen and Stacey B. Tagen, Westport. Property: 3 Nursery Lane, Westport. Amount: $1.3 million. Filed May 19. Muc, June T., Flushing, N.Y. Seller: Joseph S. Farah Jr., Danbury. Property: 1 Rivington Way, Unit 105, Danbury. Amount: $312,000. Filed May 26. Nata, Christina, Stratford. Seller: Arthur Iacuri, Stratford. Property: 53A Wedgewood Road, Stratford. Amount: $159,900. Filed May 24. Nugent, Peter B., Danbury. Seller: Horland L. Harris and Donnette Brown Harris, Danbury. Property: 55 Stetson Place, Danbury. Amount: $258,500. Filed May 23. Osborne, Molly and Joseph T. Osborne, Jeffersonville, Ind. Seller: Lisa Kuller, Ridgefield. Property: Lot 5A, Map 1269, Ridgefield. Amount: $560,000. Filed May 27.

FACTS Panora, Martha C. and Pedro A. Ramon, Danbury. Seller: Richard Silvano, West Springfield, Mass. Property: 12 Colby Lane, Danbury. Amount: $230,000. Filed May 23. Pastore, Christine M. and Richard M. Pastore, Stratford. Seller: Gary Tenk, Stratford. Property: 1815 Elm St., Stratford. Amount: $368,000. Filed May 20. Peabody, Patricia and Eric Peabody, Trumbull. Seller: Percy A. DiBlasi and Doris DiBlasi, Savannah, Ga. Property: 644A Onondaga Lane, Stratford. Amount: $170,000. Filed May 11.

FORECLOSURES Bonica, Christopher M., et al. Creditor: Provident Funding Associates LP, Santa Rosa, Calif. Property: 558 Canaan Road, Stratford. Mortgage default. Filed May 25. Butt, Samina, et al. Creditor: Bank of America NA, San Diego, Calif. Property: 1700 Broadbridge Ave., Unit A27, Stratford. Delinquent common charges. Filed May 18. Daly, Thomas, et al. Creditor: Deutsche Bank National Trust Co., West Palm Beach, Fla. Property: 19 W. Ridge Road, New Fairfield. Mortgage default. Filed May 2. Farias, Eirene C., et al. Creditor: The Bank of New York Mellon, New York, N.Y. Property: Lot 23A, Musket Ridge Road, New Fairfield. Mortgage default. Filed May 2. Farias, Eirene C., et al. Creditor: The Bank of New York Mellon, New York, N.Y. Property: Lot 23A, Woodcreek Road, New Fairfield. Mortgage default. Filed May 17. Finck, Paul, et al. Creditor: The Bank of New York Mellon, New York, N.Y. Property: 5-7 Franklin St., Danbury. Mortgage default. Filed May 16. Gallardo, Fanny, et al. Creditor: Green Tree Servicing LLC, Tempe, Fla. Property: 848 Housatonic Avenue Extension, Stratford. Mortgage default. Filed May 24. Khan, Mohammed Nusrat, et al. Creditor: Green Tree Servicing LLC, Tempe, Fla. Property: 112B Fiddler Green Road, Unit B4, Stratford. Delinquent common charges. Filed May 23. Mikhael, Jean Pierre, et al. Creditor: JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, Buffalo, N.Y. Property: Lot 3, Map 8123, Danbury. Mortgage default. Filed May 18. Morales, Richard J., et al. Creditor: U.S. Bank NA, Miamisburg, Ohio. Property: 70 Evelyn St., Stratford. Mortgage default. Filed May 9. Papallo, Sally, et al. Creditor: Citimortgage Inc., Calabasas, Calif. Property: 1 Echo Road, Sherman. Mortgage default. Filed May 20.

Reyes, Mercedes, et al. Creditor: Citimortgage Inc., Calabasas, Calif. Property: 400 Ferry Blvd., Stratford. Mortgage default. Filed May 27. Rodriguez, Laraine A., et al. Creditor: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Fort Worth, Texas. Property: 260 Hollywood Ave., Stratford. Mortgage default. Filed May 24. Rynik, Richard, et al. Creditor: The Bank of New York Mellon, New York, N.Y. Property: 144 White St., Stratford. Mortgage default. Filed May 13. Sanchez, Santiago, et al. Creditor: U.S. Bank NA, Miamisburg, Ohio. Property: 5 Austin St., Danbury. Mortgage default. Filed May 23. Scoland, Roy, et al. Creditor: Onewest Bank, Austin, Texas. Property: Lot 4, Map 448, Sherman. Mortgage default. Filed April 21.

JUDGMENTS Abdulaziz, Sultana, Danbury. $751 in favor of Danbury Hospital, Danbury, by Flanagan & Peat, Danbury. Property: 126 Triangle St., Apt. 53, Danbury. Filed May 16. Aiken, Belinda, Danbury. $699 in favor of Danbury Hospital, Danbury, by Flanagan & Peat, Danbury. Property: 63 Topstone Drive, Danbury. Filed May 16. Antolini, Paula, Bethel. $753 in favor of Western Connecticut Medical Group, Danbury, by Flanagan & Peat, Danbury. Property: 19 Jacobs Lane, Bethel. Filed May 4. Arpie, Joseph, Stratford. $3,159 in favor of Griffin Hospital, Derby, by Nathanson Cipriano and Gambardella PC, Hamden. Property: 380 Rockwell Ave., Stratford. Filed May 23. Barnum, Susan, Danbury. $850 in favor of Danbury Hospital, Danbury, by Flanagan & Peat, Danbury. Property: 10 Three Partners Road, Danbury. Filed May 16. Blackett, Kimberlee and Lemuel Blackett, Bethel. $692 in favor of Western Connecticut Medical Group, Danbury, by Flanagan & Peat, Danbury. Property: 92 Walnut Hill Road, Bethel. Filed May 4. Bliss, Susan, Bethel. $386 in favor of Western Connecticut Medical Group, Danbury, by Flanagan & Peat, Danbury. Property: 6 Mountain Orchard Road, Bethel. Filed May 4. Botticelli, Darrell, Danbury. $1,299 in favor of Western Connecticut Medical Group, Danbury, by Flanagan & Peat, Danbury. Property: 15 Cozy Hollow Road, Danbury. Filed May 16. Bozza-Leclerc, Angela, et al., Sherman. $991 in favor of Standard Oil of Connecticut Inc., Bridgeport, by Philip H. Monagan, Waterbury. Property: 7 Brinsmade Lane, Sherman. Filed March 15.

FIGURES

Brownjohn, Marilyn and Christopher Brownjohn, Bethel. $731 in favor of Danbury Hospital, Danbury, by Flanagan & Peat, Danbury. Property: 78 Milwaukee Ave., Bethel. Filed May 4.

Stewart, Laura N. and Brian M. Stewart, by self. Landlord: Success Village Apartments Inc., Bridgeport. Property: 403B Granfield Ave., Building 1, Stratford. Term: 52 years, commenced Nov. 20, 2002. Filed May 10.

Bustamante, Edgar O., Bethel. $647 in favor of Western Connecticut Medical Group, Danbury, by Flanagan & Peat, Danbury. Property: 38 Deepwood Drive, Bethel. Filed May 4.

The TJX Companies Inc., by Ann McCauley. Landlord: Berkshire Shopping Center LLC, Framingham, Mass. Property: Newtown and Plumbtrees roads, Danbury. Term: 10 years, commencing April 29, 2018. Filed May 24.

Cihal, Michele R., Stratford. $910 in favor of Integrated Anesthesia Associates, Hartford, by G. A. Benoit, Waterford. Property: 65 River Bend Road, Unit A, Stratford. Filed May 12. Conway, Lisa and Matthew Conway, Ridgefield. $792 in favor of Western Connecticut Medical Group, Danbury, by Flanagan & Peat, Danbury. Property: 4 Wooster St., Ridgefield. Filed May 20. Conway, Lisa, Ridgefield. $1,431 in favor of Danbury Hospital, Danbury, by Flanagan & Peat, Danbury. Property: 4 Wooster St., Ridgefield. Filed May 20. Dell, Angelo Mario, New Fairfield. $2,640 in favor of LVNV Funding LLC, Greenville, S.C., by Schreiber/Cohen LLC, Wallingford. Property: 26 Lillian Ave., New Fairfield. Filed May 23. Duque, Ines, Danbury. $3,371 in favor of Capital One Bank (USA) NA, Richmond, Va., by London & London, Newington. Property: 16 Washington Ave., Danbury. Filed May 23. Emslie, Elizabeth, Bethel. $409 in favor of Eastern New York Medical Services, Bethel, by Flanagan & Peat, Danbury. Property: 8 Woodlawn Drive, Bethel. Filed May 4. Garcia, Manuel, Bethel. $505 in favor of Western Connecticut Medical Group, Danbury, by Flanagan & Peat, Danbury. Property: 20 Westview Drive, Bethel. Filed May 4.

LEASES Bepko, James M., by self. Landlord: Success Village Apartments Inc., Bridgeport. Property: 403B Granfield Ave., Building 1, Stratford. Term: 38 years, commenced May 9, 2016. Filed May 10. McLoughlin, Francis J., by self. Landlord: Stonybrook Gardens Cooperative Inc., Stratford. Property: 123 Vought Place, Stratford. Term: 3 years, commenced May 6, 2016. Filed May 12. St. Vincent’s Medical Center, by John F. Bigley. Landlord: 3272 Main Associates LLC, Stratford. Property: 3272 Main St., Stratford. Term: 12 years, commenced Feb. 1, 2015. Filed May 23.

LIENS

FEDERAL TAX LIENSFILED Armstrong, M. R. and T. Andrew Brown, 2 Chimney Hill Road, Sherman. $12,079, a tax debt on income earned. Filed May 3. Bonadio, Thomas, 218 Great Mountain Road, Danbury. $82,924, a tax debt on income earned. Filed May 24. Bradley, Sean E., 5 Anderson Road, Sherman. $63,131, a tax debt on income earned. Filed March 8. Burke, Daniele L., 13 Sunset Drive, New Fairfield. $25,264, a tax debt on income earned. Filed May 23. Burke, Danielle L. and Daniel L. Burke, 13 Sunset Drive, New Fairfield. $1,848, a tax debt on income earned. Filed May 23. Connecticut Basement Systems Radon Inc., 720 Woodend Road, Stratford. $207,871, quarterly payroll taxes. Filed May 13. Extance, Nicole M., 111 Lakeside Drive, Ridgefield. $24,174, failure to collect or pay tax penalty. Filed May 23. Ham, Rebecca A. Bauer and Dale S. Hamman, 16 Laurel Drive, Sherman. $27,369, a tax debt on income earned. Filed May 24. Holihan, Laura, 3 Curtis Drive, Sherman. $26,854, a tax debt on income earned. Filed May 17. Nuzzo, Nicole A. and Daniel J. Musolino, 41 Old Lantern Road, Danbury. $40,988, a tax debt on income earned. Filed May 24. Partenio, Michael R., 71 Forty Acre Mountain Road, Danbury. $212,877, a tax debt on income earned. Filed May 17. Senkowicz, Steven J., 720 Woodend Road, Stratford. $67,823, failure to collect or pay tax penalty. Filed May 16.

Zane, Cynthia, 32 Kenosia Trail, Danbury. $9,452, a tax debt on income earned. Filed May 17.

FEDERAL TAX LIENSRELEASED Asset Security Inc., 12 Laurelwood Drive, New Fairfield. $15,500, failure to file correct information returns tax penalty. Filed May 9. Coelho, Lea A., 52 Myrtle Ave., Danbury. $28,213, a tax debt on income earned. Filed May 24. Cris-Ty Designs Inc., 202 Minuteman Road, Ridgefield. $5,320, failure to file correct information returns tax penalty. Filed May 18. Davis Tree Service LLC, 57 North St., Suite 209, Danbury. $2,340, U.S., return of partnership income. Filed May 17. Doorly, Joseph, 1 Hickok Ave., Bethel. $6,391, a tax debt on income earned. Filed May 10. Farnham, John, 79 West Lane, Ridgefield. $32,522, a tax debt on income earned. Filed May 23. Ferony, Emma R., 14 Charcoal Ridge Road West, New Fairfield. $16,222, a tax debt on income earned. Filed May 23. Good Earth Tree Care Inc., 838 Woodend Road, Stratford. $91,165, payroll taxes and quarterly payroll taxes. Filed May 16. Holodnak, Keith R., 1503 W. Broad St., Stratford. $1,395, a tax debt on income earned. Filed May 23. Kenney, Morgan, 73 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman. $38,283, a tax debt on income earned. Filed April 19. Knox Psychiatry PC, 80 Grove St., Ridgefield. $15,673, failure to file correct information returns tax penalty. Filed May 18. Shafer, Patterson, 31 Bayberry Hill Road, Ridgefield. $25,691, a tax debt on income earned. Filed May 23. Wetmore, Nancy L. and Donald E. Wetmore, 127 Jefferson St., Stratford. $43,544, a tax debt on income earned. Filed May 16.

MECHANIC’S LIENSFILED UB Dockside LLC, Greenwich Filed by Inex Construction, New Britain, by Michael Poplawski. Property: 955 Ferry Blvd., Stratford. Amount: $707,750. Filed May 12.

Westjust LLC, Westport. Filed by County Wide Mechanical Services LLC, Bristol, by Cheryl Byrne. Property: State Street East, Map 6953, Westport. Amount: $152,000. Filed May 10.

MECHANIC’S LIENSRELEASED Tuxedo Junction, Danbury. Released by United Rentals (North America Inc.,) by David Hoffman. Property: Post Office Street, Danbury. Amount: $6,501. Filed May 26. Tuxedo Junction, Danbury. Released by United Rentals (North America Inc.,) by David Hoffman. Property: Post Office and Ives streets, Danbury. Amount: $6,501. Filed May 26.

LIS PENDENS Aiello, Raymond P., et al., Stratford. Filed by Bendett and McHugh PC, Farmington, for Wells Fargo Bank NA, Frederick, Md. Property: 77-79 Milford Ave., Stratford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $170,000, dated April 2004. Filed May 13. Argiento Jr., John A., et al., Sherman. Filed by Bendett and McHugh PC, Farmington, for Wells Fargo Bank NA, Frederick, Md. Property: 49 Cozier Hill Road, Sherman. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $332,600, dated January 2007. Filed April 21. Bean, James W., et al., Ridgefield. Filed by Bendett and McHugh PC, Farmington, for Wells Fargo Bank NA, Frederick, Md. Property: 361 Danbury Road, Ridgefield. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $282,400, dated July 2008. Filed May 25. Belanger, Sandra, et al., Sherman. Filed by O’Connell, Attmore & Morris LLC, Hartford, for The Bank of New York Mellon, trustee, New York, N.Y. Property: 10 Farm Road, Sherman. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $552,000, dated April 2007. Filed May 24. Bock, Casey A., et al., Danbury. Filed by J. Timothy Deakin, Danbury, for Union Savings Bank, Danbury. Property: 55 Old Mill Road, Unit 14, Danbury. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $199,700, dated September 2007. Filed May 26. Boyle, James D., et al., Danbury. Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen PC, Hartford, for Wells Fargo Bank NA, Frederick, Md. Property: 5 Elmcrest Drive, Danbury. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $155,000, dated July 2007. Filed May 18.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of June 13, 2016 29

FACTS Busenbark, Brian J., et al., New Fairfield. Filed by Bendett and McHugh PC, Farmington, for HSBC Bank USA NA, Buffalo, N.Y. Property: 2C Shortwoods Road, New Fairfield. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $524,000, dated March 2007. Filed May 16. Cassio, Anthony, et al., Danbury. Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen PC, Hartford, for JPMorgan Chase Bank NA, Columbus, Ohio. Property: 10 South St., Unit 77, Danbury. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $253,652, dated November 2008. Filed May 16.

Tourigny, Kate M., Stratford. Filed by John P. Regan, Stamford, for Sikorsky Federal Credit Union Inc. Property: Lot 36, Quail St., Stratford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $87,000, dated August 2007. Filed May 10. U.S. Bank NA, Salt Lake City, Utah. Filed by Alan P. Rosenberg, West Hartford, for Park Ridge Condominium Association Inc., Danbury. Property: 8 Rose Lane, Unit 3-1, Danbury. Action: to foreclose on a condominium lien for delinquent common charges and assessments and take immediate possession of the premises. Filed May 23.

Constantino, John L., et al., Stratford. Filed by Bendett and McHugh PC, Farmington, for Wells Fargo Bank NA, Frederick, Md. Property: 449 Sherwood Place, Stratford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $192,850, dated June 2005. Filed May 17.

Vilarinho, Elena, et al., Stratford. Filed by O’Connell, Attmore & Morris LLC, Hartford, for The Bank of New York Mellon, trustee, New York, N.Y. Property: 70 Canaan Road, Stratford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $161,000, dated February 2005. Filed May 16.

Defelice, William Gregory, et al., Stratford. Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen PC, Hartford, for Wilmington Trust Co., Wilmington, Del. Property: 192 Burritt Ave., Stratford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $28,000, dated December 2003. Filed May 19.

Vujs, Richard G., et al., Bethel. Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen PC, Hartford, for Deutsche Bank Trust Co., Salt Lake City, Utah. Property: 91 Knollwood Drive, Bethel. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $220,500, dated February 2007. Filed May 6.

Delorenzo, Robert, et al., Stratford. Filed by Marinosci Law Group PC, Warwick, R.I., for Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC. Property: Lot 14, Map of Paradise Green Homes, Stratford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $206,100, dated August 2012. Filed May 17. Rubin-Salzberger, J. Dustin, et al., Danbury. Filed by Bendett and McHugh PC, Farmington, for Wells Fargo Bank NA, Frederick, Md. Property: 197A Westville Avenue Ext., Danbury. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $392,755, dated March 2010. Filed May 16. Shea, David, et al., Ridgefield. Filed by Bendett and McHugh PC, Farmington, for Structured Asset Securities Corp. Property: 201 S. Salem Road, Ridgefield. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $240,000, dated May 2004. Filed May 17. Tineo, Valentina R., Stratford. Filed by Bendett and McHugh PC, Farmington, for Suntrust Mortgage Inc., Richmond, Va. Property: 484 Huntington Road, Stratford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $158,574, dated June 2013. Filed May 13. Torres, Eduardo, et al., Danbury. Filed by Leopold & Associates, Stamford, for Deutsche Bank Trust Co., Salt Lake City, Utah. Property: 13 Albert Road, Danbury. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $195,000, dated June 2007. Filed May 23.

White, James B., et al., Danbury. Filed by The Witherspoon Law Offices, Farmington, for Savings Bank of Danbury, Danbury. Property: 21 Chambers Road, Danbury. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $384,000, dated May 2007. Filed May 23. Wright, Julie L., et al., Westport. Filed by Kapusta, Otzel & Averaimo, Milford, for The Bank of New York Mellon, trustee, New York, N.Y. Property: 290 Oak View Circle, Westport. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $144,000, dated September 2005. Filed May 13.

MORTGAGES 17 Mill View Terr LLC, Milford, by Jonathan Makovsky. Lender: Daniel Kraus, Stamford. Property: 17 Mill View Terrace, Ridgefield. Amount: $145,000. Filed May 17. 17 Mill View Terr LLC, Milford, by Jonathan Makovsky. Lender: Perry Chemical Money Purchase Plan, Flushing, N.Y. Property: 17 Mill View Terrace, Ridgefield. Amount: $34,600. Filed May 17. 17 Mill View Terr LLC, Milford, by Jonathan Makovsky. Lender: JMAK29 LLC, Lawrence, N.Y. Property: 17 Mill View Terrace, Ridgefield. Amount: $50,000. Filed May 17. 17 Mill View Terr LLC, Milford, by Jonathan Makovsky. Lender: Aaron Laub, Flushing, N.Y. Property: 17 Mill View Terrace, Ridgefield. Amount: $15,000. Filed May 17.

17 Mill View Terrace LLC, Milford, by Jonathan Makovsky. Lender: Betty Makovsky, Woodmere, N.Y. Property: 17 Mill View Terrace, Ridgefield. Amount: $51,400. Filed May 17. 17 Mill View Terrace LLC, Milford, by Jonathan Makovsky. Lender: Molly Listhaus, Flushing, N.Y. Property: 17 Mill View Terrace, Ridgefield. Amount: $50,000. Filed May 17. 185 Stagg Street LLC, Stratford, by Robert O’Connell. Lender: Bank of America NA, Farmington. Property: 185 Stagg St., Stratford. Amount: $1.2 million. Filed May 27. 185 Stagg Street LLC, Stratford, by Robert O’Connell. Lender: Bank of America NA, Farmington. Property: 185 Stagg St., Stratford. Amount: $2 million. Filed May 27. 1915 Stratford Avenue LLC, Stratford, by John R. DeMattia. Lender: Bankwell Bank, New Canaan. Property: 1915 Stratford Ave., Stratford. Amount: $907,500. Filed May 26. 4 Mimi Lane LLC, Fairfield, by Andrzej Pierkarski. Lender: AMP Investments LLC, Fairfield. Property: 4 Mimi Lane, Westport. Amount: $1.9 million. Filed May 9. 41 South LLC and No 1 Shelter Rock LLC, Danbury, by Anthony M. Rizzo Jr. Lender: M&T Bank, Buffalo, N.Y. Property: 41 South St. and 1 Shelter Rock Road, Danbury. Amount: $838,000. Filed May 26. 46 Washington Avenue LLC, Westport, by Richard C. Montanaro. Lender: Fairfield County Bank, Ridgefield. Property: 46 Washington Ave., Westport. Amount: $1.1 million. Filed May 18. 50 Century Drive LLC, Stratford, by Zszislaw Cyganowski. Lender: Conceicao D. Neto. Property: 50 Century Drive, Stratford. Amount: $70,000. Filed May 13. 91 Browning Street LLC, Stratford, by Jason Wojnarowski. Lender: Charles G. Paoli and Gloria J. Paoli, Stratford. Property: 91 Browning St., Stratford. Amount: $304,000. Filed May 26. B.D. Investment Group, Danbury, by William Doran. Lender: David A. Talarico, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Property: 38 Stevens St., Danbury. Amount: $103,000. Filed May 23. Cedar Ridge Construction, Stratford, by Marcos Roy. Lender: Secure Capital Group LLC, Stratford. Property: Lot 4, Map 839, Stratford. Amount: $100,000. Filed May 27.

NEW BUSINESSES Advanced Foot and Ankle Center, 57 North St., Suite 108, Danbury 06810, c/o Paul J. Betschert. Filed May 24.

30 Week of June 13, 2016 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

FIGURES Akces Media LLC, 32 Stony Hill Road, Bethel 06801, c/o Drew Henderson. Filed May 23. Apostolic Reconciliation Ministries, 179 Prospect Drive, Stratford 06615, c/o Karlene Barnett. Filed May 9.

MrBron, 29 Beech St., Danbury 06810, c/o Elvia Agurto. Filed May 26. Natures Pure Skin Care LLC, 109 Danbury Road, Ridgefield 06877, c/o Patricia Hunsberger. Filed May 25.

BH Construction Services, 33 Well Ave., Apt. 2, Danbury 06810, c/o Fredy Lenin Narvaez Ochoa. Filed May 17.

Naturopathic Medicine, 20 Prospect St., Ridgefield 06877, c/o Fairfield Family Integrative Medicine LLC. Filed May 26.

Caravela Restaurant, 65 Sand Pit Road, Danbury 06810, c/o Deborah L. Dividino-Simao. Filed May 23.

P J Lynch Associates, 80 Barry Ave., Ridgefield 06877, c/o Patrick J. Lynch. Filed May 23.

Danielle & Jose Hair, 495 Post Road East, Westport 06880, c/o Danielle Valdez. Filed May 17.

Phnong T. Huynh, 72 Newtown Road, Unit 2A, Danbury 06810, c/o Thang M. Ho. Filed May 18.

Detitto Commuter Transport, 94 Everett St., Stratford 06615, c/o St. Clair Steward. Filed May 10.

Ridgefield Community Center, 316 Main St., Ridgefield 06877, c/o Ridgefield Veterans Memorial Community Association Inc. Filed May 20.

Dorvina Cleaning Service, 12 Candlewood Trailer Park, Danbury 06811, c/o Dorvina Do Carmo. Filed May 19. Elements Massage, 86 Danbury Road, Ridgefield 06877, c/o Flagship Enterprise Inc. Filed May 19.

Rosa’s House Keeping, 20 Feeley St., Stratford 06615, c/o Rosa H. Condo. Filed May 9. Rugged Tribe Enterprises, 7 Margerie Drive, New Fairfield 06812, c/o James Paul Braxton. Filed May 3.

EMEC Innovacion S.A. Inc., 40 Redwood Drive, Bethel 06801, c/o Mariano A. Martinez and Jose I. Martinez. Filed May 16.

Servimax Express LLC, 95 Main St., Danbury 06810, c/o Jorge F. Gomez. Filed May 23.

Epic Driving School LLC, 268 Greenwood Ave., Suite 201, Bethel 06801, c/o Daniel V. Afonso. Filed May 17.

Sherman Media Group, 23 Island Drive, Sherman 06784, c/o Richard Valeriani. Filed May 11.

Hunter Trading, 27 Sturges Commons, Westport 06880, c/o Stephan Taranko. Filed May 19.

Sherman Services LLC, 5 Locust Lane, Sherman 06784, c/o Sherman UAS. Filed March 30.

Innertrak, 32 Webb Road, Westport 06880, c/o Karyn Seroussi. Filed May 9.

Summer Mountain, 8 Deer Lane, New Fairfield 06812, c/o Ryan Batz. Filed May 18.

Irene Penny Photography, 4 Sea Spray Road, Westport 06880, c/o Irene Penny. Filed May 17.

The Epoch Language Center LLC, 268 Greenwood Ave., Suite 201, Bethel 06801, c/o Daniel V. Afonso. Filed May 17.

It’s All Good Music, 14 Moody Lane, Danbury 06811, c/o Frank K. DiMinno. Filed May 19.

The Flat, 24 Railroad Place, Westport 06880, c/o Becky Goss. Filed May 16.

J and F Building Co., 19 Franklin St., Danbury 06810, c/o Efrain Romero. Filed May 24.

Torres Grocery, 28 Wildman St., Danbury 06810, c/o Victor Torres. Filed May 16.

JM Property Care, 200 Glendale Road, Stratford 06614, c/o Juan Ramirez. Filed May 12.

Traveling Chic Boutique, 206 Old Hawleyville Road, Bethel 06801, c/o TOB Bethel LLC. Filed May 11.

KBEC Educational, 11 Deer Run Trail, Sherman 06784, c/o Kenneth Baum. Filed May 25.

Westport Appraisals, 1 Wild Rose Road, Westport 06880, c/o Leon A. McNamara. Filed May 20.

Krypto Comics & Novelties, 32 Stony Hill Road, Bethel 06801, c/o Gabriel Salas. Filed May 16.

NEW LIQUOR LICENSES

Lawn Tech, 2 Oriole Drive, Sherman 06784, c/o Shawn Mattison. Filed March 8. Mill Plain Road Vapor & Smoke Shop, 12 Mill Plain Road, Unit 4, Danbury 06811, c/o Dkhiar Zamir. Filed May 18.

Luc’s Café, 3 Big Shop Lane, Ridgefield 06877, c/o Marissa B. Aussavis. Permit no. LIR.0015994. Filed May 16. Venice Restaurant, 125 Danbury Road, Ridgefield 06877, c/o Jose R. Escobar. Permit no. LIR.0017990. Filed May 23.

PATENTS Distance-based binary classifier of handwritten words. Patent no. 9,361,515 issued to Eric M. Gross, Rochester, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. Dynamic hand-gesture-based region of interest localization. Patent no. 9,354,711 issued to Jayant Kumar, Webster, N.Y.; Xiaodong Yang, New York, N.Y.; Quin Li, Webster, N.Y.; Raja Bala, Pittsford, N.Y.; Edgar A. Bernal, Webster, N.Y.; and Jeyasri Subramanian, San Antonio, Texas. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. Identifying user marks using patterned lines on pre-printed forms. Patent no. 9,361,536 issued to Richard L. Howe, Webster, N.Y.; Eric M. Gross, Rochester, N.Y.; and Dennis L. Venable, Marion, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. Method for available parking distance estimation via vehicle side detection. Patent no. 9,363,483 issued to Orhan Bulan, Rochester, N.Y.; Yao Rong Wang, Webster, N.Y.; Wencheng Wu, Webster, N.Y.; and Robert Loce, Webster, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. Method of manufacturing flexible circuit substracts. Patent no. 9,358,789 issued to Mirza Sabanovic, Tigard, Ore.; David P. Platt, Newberg, Ore.; Chad David Freitag, Portland, Ore.; and Joseph Andrew Broderick, Portland, Ore. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. Simultaneous duplex magnification compensation for high-speed software image path (SWIP) applications. Patent no. 9,357,101 issued to David Jon Metcalf, Marion, N.Y.; and Ryan David Metcalfe, Fairport, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. Systems and methods for appearance-intent-directed document format conversion for mobile printing. Patent no. Francis K. Tse, Rochester, N.Y.; Jason Slack, Victor, N.Y.; James Mayer, Rochester, N.Y.; and Robert Nuuja, Rochester, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. Systems for detecting inoperative inkjets in printheads ejecting clear ink using thermal substrates. Patent no. 9,358,820 issued to Patricia J. Donaldson, Pittsford, N.Y.; and William H. Wayman, Ontario, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. User preferences based on categories of images. Patent no. 9,363,419 issued to Wencheng Wu, Webster, N.Y.; and Edul N. Dalal, Webster, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. Video-based method and system for automated side-by-side traffic load balancing. Patent no. 9,361,690 issued to Edgar A. Bernal, Webster, N.Y.; and Aaron Michael Burry, Ontario, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk.

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS STATE BUDGET

EVENTS

Stemming the Flow of Red Ink

ecause the budget deficit mitigation plan that state lawmakers approved last month generated its share of controversy, I’d like to explain why we supported it.

Were it possible to get other reforms in this mitigation plan, such as an enforceable state spending cap and long-term pension reforms, we would have continued to fight for them.

We did so knowing that it was far from perfect, and indeed that it may be out of balance before too long. But we had to start stemming the flow of red ink.

But we felt strongly that any changes to the plan would make it worse, not better, because there were not enough votes for including more structural reforms. That’s why this November’s legislative elections are so important.

The plan marked the fourth time the governor and state lawmakers have had to close recurring deficits since approving the 2016–2017 biennial budget last June. The 2017 fiscal year budget, which takes effect July 1, was projected to be $960 million in the red by the Office of Fiscal Analysis. OFA also was forecasting deficits of $2.25 billion and $2.5 billion for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 respectively. Our position throughout the legislative session was that any budget gaps needed to be closed with real, recurring spending cuts rather than damaging tax increases or one-time savings. CBIA also said—and has been saying for years—that we need long-term structural reforms to the way state government spends taxpayer dollars. While this plan did not contain as many of those structural reforms as we would have liked, it did include some, and it closed the gap with recurring savings and no tax increases. (OFA says most of the cuts in the plan are recurring and will significantly reduce the deficits in FY 18 and 19.) Therefore, we believed that it was in the best interest of the state of Connecticut and our members to get these spending reductions on the books and move on to addressing the major structural issues facing the state budget.

Now the really hard work begins. We need to accelerate the reform and restructuring of state government to show the world that we are making the state more hospitable for investment and job creation. A report released by the Mercatus Center at George Washington University provided yet another blunt reminder of why lawmakers cannot shy away from real, longterm reforms. That report ranked Connecticut 50th among the states and Puerto Rico for fiscal health, with researchers detailing chronic solvency issues across a range of short and longterm categories. “The state is heavily reliant on debt to finance its spending,” Mercatus researchers noted. “Per capita debt is $9,077. Unfunded pensions are $83.31 billion on a guaranteed-to-be-paid basis. “Total liabilities are equal to 53% of total state personal income.” Further evidence that fiscal discipline, rather than tax increases that will drive more wealth out of the state and exacerbate our problems, is what’s needed in Connecticut. Joe Brennan is CBIA’s president and CEO.

CBIA 2016 Energy & Environment Conference

et business-critical updates on state and federal enforcement trends, energy opportunities for small and large businesses, DEEP cleanup transformation, and more. Choose from a SCAN TO dozen breakout sessions on REGISTER! topics critical to manufacturing executives, EH&S professionals, energy purchasers, and facilities managers. Want to attend more than one breakout session? Bring a colleague from your company for half price. Manufacturers are also invited to an informal luncheon meeting with top DEEP officials. Join Commissioner Robert Klee and Deputy Commissioners Katie Scharf Dykes and Mike Sullivan for a special manufacturersonly roundtable discussion of energy and environmental policy for the year ahead.

Date:

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Time: Check-in & networking breakfast: 7 am Program: 8 am–3:15 pm

Place: Hartford Marriott Farmington 15 Farm Springs Rd., Farmington Cost:

E2 members, $95 (Guest, $47) CBIA Members, $125 (Guest, $62) Nonmembers, $150 (Guest, $75)

 Register at cbia.com

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of June 13, 2016 31

Trim 11.5”

Trim 10”

THERE’S ONE BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OUR MANHATTAN AND WESTCHESTER LOCATIONS. THE ADDRESS. MSK Westchester in West Harrison has the same standards and expertise you’d expect to find in Manhattan. Just closer to you. MSK Westchester in West Harrison, providing care to Fairfield County, Westchester County and the Hudson Valley. 500 Westchester Avenue, West Harrison, NY To learn more, visit MSKCC.ORG/WESTCHESTER