First Place Winners

Seitz Corporation - Large Business Category
With a $2000 investment and just one metal cutting machine, Torrington's Seitz Corporation grew from humble beginnings. That was in 1949, but it wasn't until the mid-sixties that today's Seitz started taking shape. The tool and die manufacturing company that Karl and Hildegard Seitz began, was now well on its way to becomming the multi million-dollar injection mold and contract assembly company it is today. Fourth generation family members are currently designing, developing and manufacturing products for over 28 countries and Fortune 500 companies such as Xerox, Hewlett Packard and Cannon. For the past three years Seitz has experienced remarkable yearly growth rates exceeding 20%. Recently Seitz achieved ISO-9000 and QS-9000 certification, but the company isn't stopping there. Next year "Seitz Production Systems" goes into operation. The new plan will provide total business solutions to customers while maximizing efficiency and reducing cost. Since 1949 Seitz has infused over $200 million into Connecticut's economy. Throughout that time the company has also sponsored numerous philanthropic events including its annual golf tournament designed to raise awareness and funding for Cystic Fibrosis research.

Rein's N.Y. Style Deli - Medium Business Category
Necessity is the mother of invention. In 1972, hungry and unable to find a tasty corned beef sandwich in eastern CT, Bob Rein and his brother Bernie opened Rein's New York style Deli-Restaurant. Now entering its second generation of ownership, Rein's is now owned and managed by Betty Rein, Steve Kassman, Bernie Rein, Bonnie Rein Shebat, and Greg Rein. They have grown from their original 30 employees in 1978 to more than140 employees today. Sales volume has increased... Rein's recently celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary and has been honored by Connecticut Magazine as a landmark eating establishment. It has grown from a small delicatessen with noshing for 40, to a bustling restaurant and seating for 190. Strategically located between Boston and New York, Rein's N.Y. Style Deli-Restaurant is the frosting on the cake (lox on the bagel) of the Vernon community. Rein's has overcome adversity - surviving both the death of founder Bob Rein in 1988 and a devastating fire that swallowed the restaurant in 1990, the Rein family has succeeded in nourishing both their commitment to their family business and each other.

Wright Brothers Builders, Inc. - Small Business Category
Building a family business from the ground up came almost naturally for Wright Brothers founders Kelley and Chris Wright. Building and remodeling was their trade, and with the right support from family, (whether actually related or not) they knew a business of their own would be successful. That was in 1985, when Kelly and Chris were the only two employees on the payroll, and annual sales totaled just $31,000. Today, Wright Brothers employs 38 people and expects this year's sales to reach $17 million. The key, they say, is treating everyone they employ, and everyone they serve, as family. Wright Brothers Builders doesn't just build businesses and homes, it builds trust among its customers, employees and the community. Besides financial support for area organizations, Wright Brothers provides expertise in the construction of school playgrounds and stages for charity auctions or other community events. Wright Brothers Builders was chosen as one of the country's top builders in 1991 by Builder and Remodeling magazine.

First Runners-Up

Jensen's, Inc. - Large Business Category
In 1927, less than two years after he emigrated from Denmark to the United States, Kristian Jensen, Sr. founded Jensen's, Inc. Originally an automobile business, Jensen's later began selling mobile homes, and eventually manufactured homes. As a logical extension, Jensen's, Inc. began to develop and manage communities and this concept eventually developed into the prosperous residential community business that the Jensen family has fostered today. Currently run by Kris Jensen, Jr., Kristian Jensen, III, and Keith Jensen in conjunction with many other valued non-family members, the Jensen's of today has been recognized for excellence by the Manufactured Housing Institute receiving the Building Innovation Homeownership Award. Jensen's introduced the idea of landscaping to the already accelerating manufactured home and leased land community business, and has perfected the "mini-estate" of today. Their unofficial corporate motto "4000 by 2000" reflects their goal to manage 4000 occupied homesites by the year 2000. The present twenty-six locations have 3,687 homesites in seven East Coast states. In addition to numerous associations with national, regional and state industry organizations, the Jensen's family is a member of the Chambers of Commerce in every location and district where they have residential communities. Their intuitive understanding of the power of customer satisfaction and word of mouth has insured their success and has been the foundation of their seventy-one years in business.

A. Aiudi & Sons LLC - Medium Business Category
Alipio Aiudi founded a small concrete contracting business in 1923. Today, A. Aiudi & Sons has sixty employees, produces ready-mix concrete products from two locations, and celebrates their 75th anniversary this year. Currently in their third generation as a family business, the Aiudi family is able to boast that nine family members are currently working in the business. Every aspect of operations is either overseen or performed by a family member, so it is not surprising that the Aiudi family attributes their success to respect, teamwork, and an unspoken agreement to avoid discussion of business issues at family functions. This sort of wisdom also extends to the company's business practices as they work to maintain their dedication to providing personalized customer service. Family members have made important contributions to the communities of Plainville and Westbrook. What have the Aiudi's done to celebrate their 75th anniversary you ask? They have generously donated all the concrete necessary for the construction of new athletic fields and facilities at Plainville High School. This kind of careful attention paid to gaining the trust and loyalty of their community and their customers is what allows A. Aiudi & Sons to continue sealing many of their deals with a simple handshake.

Moon Cutter - Small Business Category
For more than 40 years and three generations Moon Cutter has been a staple of the Hamden business community. What began as a modest three man resharpening house, is now a world leader in the development and manufacture of milling cutters and saws. That remarkable growth didn't occur on its own, it continues to require the hard work and commitment to quality that company founder Charlie Moon started with in 1957. Today, 14 of his children and grandchildren carry on that family tradition of quality and service, for the betterment of the family's business and the surrounding community. As an active member of the Eli Whitney Education Program, Moon Cutter provides internships for interested students, and as a youth sports sponsor, provides family volunteers and financial contributions. Innovation is a key to Moon Cutter's success, including it's one of a kind "wobble free" technology that allows its saws to surpass industry standards by so much they virtually eclipse them.

Finalists

McPhee Electric, Ltd. - Large Business Category
With the help and support of his wife Carole, Edward T. McPhee Jr. founded McPhee Electric in 1974. Continuing to act as CEO, Edward passed the family business along to his five children Michael, Maureen, Marie, Matthew and Marcus in 1995 and the electrical contracting business is run by Michael and Marcus today. They both are committed to upholding the work ethics that their father instilled in all the McPhee children. They promote a dedication to customer service that makes them "stand out from the rest," they make sure their employees are well compensated and receive the support they need, and they make sure their vendors are satisfied by paying their bills on time. They must be doing something right because the McPhee family has established their company as one of the area leaders in the electrical industry placing large projects such as Foxwoods Casino, the Mohegan Sun Casino, and the new Chemistry Building at the University of Connecticut on their list of formidable accomplishments. Michael McPhee serves as a vital member of the NECA-IBEW Negotiating Committee, the National Electrical Contractors Association and he and his brother Marcus are both active in numerous civic and social associations. In addition to establishing an endowed institution named the McPhee Foundation Inc., the company contributes to the Wheeler Clinic, the Boys and Girls Clubs, local charities, and homeless shelters. Through commitment to family, business and community, McPhee Electric Ltd. has proven its excellence.

H. Pearce Realtors - Large Business Category
Herb Pearce is an innovator in the real estate industry and so is the company he founded 40 years ago. With no real estate experience and a small North Haven office, Herb Pearce set out to develop one of the most successful real estate companies in the state. Today, H. Pearce Company has succeeded in that goal, employing more than 130 associates and staff in a total of eight offices around Connecticut. The key to this success, advertising and promoting where others hadn't, including a hot air balloon and a London Taxi; and employing those that others didn't. In a time when many still believed a woman's place was in the home, Herb Pearce agreed, he just thought they should be there selling them. Today Herb's daughter Barbara is doing more than selling houses and commercial real estate, she became the company's president in 1985, and is carrying on the H. Pearce tradition of customer service, innovative promotion and community involvement. Barbara is not alone though, her 82 year-old father and company CEO still makes it to the office every day, just in case she's in need of a little fatherly advice.

Shoreline Pools, Inc. - Medium Business Category
At Shoreline Pools building "a shoreline of your own" is more than just a company slogan, it's a way of life for the Lionetti family and its employees. Founded in 1968 by Lou Lionetti, Shoreline has been building pools according to its customer's dreams and visions for 30 years. Now, six years after losing their father to cancer, sons Brian, Mark and David operate the family business with guidance from their mother and Shoreline Chairperson Valentina Lionetti. They continue their father's tradition of customer service that has propelled Shoreline to a position of leadership in the industry. Customer benefits include 24 hour emergency maintainance, computerized pool/spa controls, and distinctive landscaping to compliment such a beautiful addition to a home. Shoreline is also an innovator in pool and spa development, leading the way in CAD technology for the industry and housing the only indoor, year-round service training facility in the region.

The C-Thru Ruler Company - Medium Business Category
A former school teacher and a true pioneer in every sense of the word, Jennie R. Zachs was one of a very small number of female entrepreneurs in 1939. She responded to the need for a clear ruler to replace the traditional wooden ruler. Since then, the C-Thru Ruler Company has expanded from its original product line consisting of two simple plastic rulers, to its present line of rulers, school supplies, vinyl and stencil lettering, drafting products and a new line of memory book, scrap book and photo album accessories. C-Through also produces custom plastic products for their customers which is a testament to the company's commitment to innovation, growth and customer satisfaction that has ensured their success during the almost sixty years that the Zachs family has been in business. Now in their third generation of ownership, Ted and his sons, Jed and Ross Zachs share management responsibilities at C-Thru and have mastered the art of utilizing their sometimes-different opinions to promote precise and conscientious decision-making. They demonstrate their deep commitment to Bloomfield and to Connecticut through scholarship contributions, support of the school organizations and membership in the School, Home and Office Products Association. Although many of their competitors are much larger, unprecedented service, a quick reaction to challenges, and a commitment to family, employees and customers has provided The C-Thru Ruler Company with the necessary means to lead rather than follow.

Bemis Associates - Small Business Category
In the business of consulting engineering it's difficult for one company to set itself apart from the competition, but for Bemis Associates doing just that has been the key to its success. As a family owned mechanical and electrical engineering firm, Bemis takes the extra time to develop a personal relationship with each and every client. In fact, every design project is overseen, from initial concept straight through to completion, by partners Mark Bemis and Lucian Dragulski, both of whom are licensed engineers. This policy allows Bemis Associates to work intimately with customers and hold on to them, including a few founder Paul Bemis first served in 1929. Today, grandson Mark Bemis carries on the family leadership role as senior partner, where he is directly involved in the design of projects ranging from a $35,000 renovation at Hall High School, to an $18 million project in Coventry. Currently Bemis is licensed in four states besides Connecticut, namely, Utah, Michigan, New York and Massachusetts.

Nutmeg Chrome Corporation - Small Business Category
Nutmeg Chrome Corporation was founded in 1944 by Arthur Logozzo, a Pratt and Whitney employee with an innovative idea and a plan to bring it to the world. Chrome plating molds, Arthur discovered, resulted in a better mold release. With this realization the Nutmeg Chrome Corporation was born. Forty-four years later Arthur's dream nearly came to an end. In October of 1988 Nutmeg Chrome suffered a devastating fire that destroyed its plating shop, equipment and all its materials. Amazingly, nearly every completed job was rescued from the building's charred remains and shipped to awaiting customers. With help from the local community, state agencies and even some competitors, second generation president William Logozzo was able to rebuild the plating business his father began. Today, Nutmeg Chrome calls a new 10,000 square foot West Hartford Building home, where the company employs 32 people and contributes generously to local charitable organizations. Last year Nutmeg recorded $2.3 million in annual sales.