Large Business Category

Allan S. Goodman, Inc. – Large Business Category
1933 was a year shrouded in U.S. milestones: President Franklin Roosevelt declared that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” New Deal legislation was passed, construction of the Golden Gate Bridge began in San Francisco, and King Kong graced movie screens around the world (for only 35-cents a ticket!). But 1933 is also noted for
something else - the end of Prohibition and the beginning of Allan S. Goodman, Inc.

Allan S. Goodman, the company’s founder and namesake, began selling whisky right in the heart of Hartford after the end of prohibition. The wholesale distribution business was booming, as was Allan’s family at that time. Roger Loeb, Allan Goodman’s step-son joined the business in 1961 - growing the firm’s capabilities by incrementally adopting new technologies, adding a wine division, and establishing a separate beer company, Rogo Distributors, in the decades to follow.

With the establishment of Rogo Distributors, Allan S. Goodman diversified into the beer and soft drink business - increasing the company’s territory to five eastern counties of Connecticut serving 45% of the state’s population. The company also established a unique relationship with Eder Brothers Distributors - a non-competing wholesaler (and also a family business) that distributes wine and spirits in the 3 western counties not serviced by Allan S. Goodman. Both companies have the same major wine and spirit suppliers (distributing brands such as Smirnoff, Jose Cuervo, Kahlua, Jameson, Beringer, Korbel, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Corona, Guinness, Snapple, Poland Springs and Nesquick - amongst many others) and have worked as a team to compete against major competitors.

Wendy and Dave Heller (Roger’s daughter and son-in-law) joined the business in 1993 with David succeeding Roger as President in 2004. Now with 195 employees, Allan S. Goodman has focused on growing through acquisition and organically - investing in developing associates and information and logistic technologies. But, the company is also focused on developing others outside the business - supporting many institutions of higher-ed, and numerous charitable causes (included, but not limited to Foodshare, Hartford Hospital, American Cancer Society, Jewish Community Foundation, United Way, Jimmy Fund, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). The family has also served on various industry association boards regionally and nationwide. In fact, in recognition of
his commitment to public service and industry, Roger Loeb was honored by Time Magazine in 1984 for his “outstanding performance as a wholesaler and as a valued citizen through service to his community.”

McCue Mortgate – Large Business Category
It’s possible that in 1949, William D. McCue had no idea that the McCue name would so strongly correlate to one of the biggest milestones in a person’s life: buying a first home.
But 60 years later – and with over 11,000 customers and $1.4 billion in outstanding balances –McCue Mortgage is a leading residential mortgage lending company Connecticut.

In 1949, the company was primarily an insurance agent and mortgage loan processor,
seller, and servicer for John Hancock and New York Life, but they soon grew to become the first loan correspondent for Connecticut to provide home ownership to those of low
and moderate income who were first time homebuyers and veterans returning from World War II. Yet, just 6 years after being founded, the flood of 1955 swept through
Connecticut – and the company became part of the Connecticut Flood Relief Home Mortgage Program. Their mortgage lending grew and McCue Mortgage exited the
insurance business.

The next 2 decades were a period of growth for the company with the FHA insuring single and multi-family mortgages, and the company becoming a seller and servicer for the CT Housing Finance Authority (CHFA). Then in 1977, William D. transitioned the business to his son, Bill. Bill had worked for several years in commercial real estate at Hartford National Bank and Trust Company, and brought with him a new perspective and vigor. The
company expanded from 30 to 90 employees, their portfolio grew (nearly doubling in the 1990s), and an office in New London was established. By 1997, the company was offering homebuyer education classes, had over 9600 loans representing $130,000,000, and became a licensed lender in Massachusetts.

Kate, Bill’s daughter, joined the firm full-time in 2000 after graduating from Georgetown (her father and grandfather’s alma-mater) and receiving her bachelors in marketing. She later joined UConn’s MBA program to further hone her management and real estate finance skills. Together, the McCue’s have grown the firm’s salesforce and implemented programs to ensure continuous improvement and quality in processes and procedures. As a result of their efforts, they are one of three approved lenders in the state to help families at risk of losing their homes refinance into the CT FAMILIES program – a program administered by the CHFA to help homeowners who are experiencing financial hardships or are victims of subprime predatory lending.

The McCue’s service to the community is extensive – serving on nearly three dozen professional, educational, and government committees and boards and supporting over 20
philanthropic causes – including underwriting a “Volunteer of the Year Award” at the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain in honor of Bill’s mother, Gertrude, who dedicated over 45 years of service to the hospital and served as the family’s inspiration for community compassion and outreach.



Specialty Printing – Large Business Category
In 1978, Frank Poirier was semi-retired from his former billboard company when he decided to start a new venture. Operating a single printing press out of a small shed (known as “the barn”) behind his home in Ellington, Frank would spend his day making sales calls and evenings developing labels. Thirty-two years later, Specialty Printing is now one of the country’s leading manufacturers of pressure sensitive
labels serving customers such as Johnson & Johnson, Pitney Bowes, Albertson’s Supply and the U.S. Postal Service. As the business grew, “the barn” was expanded and
additional pressman were hired to accommodate demand and growth. Frank’s wife, Doris, helped out as did their five sons – Bill, Ed, Frank, Fred, and Jim.

Nowadays, Specialty Printing has nearly 100 employees and operates out of a 35,000 square foot manufacturing facility in East Windsor, a 25,400 square foot distribution center, sales offices in Ohio and Florida, and additional distribution centers in Florida and California. The company was recently recognized by the MetroHartford Alliance in 2007 and 2008 as one of the region’s fastest growing mid-sized companies due to revenue growth that exceeded 25% in each of those years. The five sons have skillfully managed the company’s growth - equally purchasing Doris’s assets via a stock redemption and now serving in various leadership capacities: Bill as President & CEO, Ed as Senior VP & CEO, Frank as Senior VP of Operations, Fred as VP of Retail Sales, and Jim as VP of Prepress.

The company achieved ISO 9001:2000 Certification in 2008 and their efforts at quality have focused on two central areas: environmentally friendly business practices and lean manufacturing. They’ve met the energy conservation initiative through installing motion lighting systems, reclamation of heat from compressors, installation of high efficiency HVAC systems, use of water-based inks, and use of recycled paper. Processed waste is recycled through a partnership with a local company and transformed into energy pellets used to generate electricity – with the resultant ash used in road paving. For their efforts, Specialty Printing has been recognized by the Flexible Technology Association for their efforts in environmental excellence.

The company’s efforts at lean transformation have also garnered significant results. With safety a key priority for the company, a “safety committee” meets monthly to make
inspections of the office, plant, distribution center and outside grounds. This effort has resulted in reductions to workers compensation mod rates for four consecutive years.
Further, the company has worked closely with various lean agencies to ensure continuous improvement. Results have been outstanding, showing a 55.2% improvement in sales
revenue per labor hour, 33.6% decline in total process waste, 41.8% improvement in average “make ready times,” 26% improvement in on-time delivery, 8.8% improvement on order cycle time, 55.6% reduction in unscheduled downtime, 27.5% increase in production speeds, and 31.3% improvement in accounts receivable turnover.

Medium Business Category

By Carrier, Inc. – Medium Business Category
In the small quiet town of Saint Honore in Quebec Canada, Emile and Blanche Carrier were heads of a household that was anything but small and quiet - raising 12 boys and one daughter in the agricultural and mining town of 5,000 inhabitants. A salt of the earth family that relishes in building, the outdoors and each other's company, the Carrier family is the embodiment of the entrepreneurial spirit.

Six brothers, (Claude, Yvon, Rejean, Noel, Jake, and Sylvain,) all started their own building careers in the 1960s; but it wasn't until 1971 that the brothers realized that their success could be compounded if they worked together towards a common goal of building homes with the highest standards of excellence. Their alliance - forming By Carrier, Inc. - helped them to gain greater exposure in the marketplace, purchase in bulk, and pass along those savings to customers. As a business, they are dedicated to superior energy efficiency standards (Energy Star appliances, windows, insulation; programmable thermostats; high performance Low-E Argon filled double pane windows; programmable bathroom fans on timers; minimum 80% fluorescent or LED lighting; and high efficiency 16 seasonal energy efficiency ratio air conditioning). Along with their By Carrier tight construction, the business offers a five year warranty on all homes.

Their high standards of excellence have allowed the company to grow to 11 communities in Hartford and New Haven counties (representing 400 units for sale), employ 82 associates and employees, and receive numerous industry accolades - including the prestigious Connecticut Home Builders "HOBI" Awards over the past four years for best 55+ communities, best detached and attached homes, best small lot communities, best smaller more affordable communities, best energy efficient homes, and several individual custom home awards (to name a few).

By Carrier is truly a family enterprise with all 13 siblings and their families coming together each year at a family outing to discuss the benefits of having combined the By Carrier name. Each brother has children involved in the business - 21 members of the second generation in total with roughly 75% of the 2nd generation involved in the business in various capacities (with responsibilities ranging from excavation, engineering, design,
marketing, and realtor/broker). With so many family members directly involved in the business (and the remaining 1st generation siblings not directly involved in By Carrier working in partnership to create stronger alliances in wood equipment sales, real estate sales, and trucking), a marketing team has been established to discuss team and marketing goals to ensure consistency of the "By Carrier" brand. The marketing team is
comprised of one member from each of the sibling subsidiaries - working in concert to develop By Carrier's strategy and perpetuate family involvement to succeeding generations.

With an eye on sustainability, By Carrier is committed not only to bettering the environment through energy efficient building and products, but they're also committed to better the environments and communities in which they live. The family has been involved
in educating future homebuilders about industry best practices - hosting field trips with local high schools and trade schools and volunteering time and pledges to various kids' camps.



Miller Foods – Medium Business Category  
In the 1950s, Avon residents Margaret "Oma" and Earl Miller (a World War II veteran) were like many other couples earning an honest living off the land. Modest and tenacious,
they operated a small farm raising chickens - with Oma earning the "egg lady" moniker as she sold eggs door-to-door. One day in 1954, the door she knocked on opened to a
life-changing opportunity. Mr. Carville, owner of Wirthmore Feed, sold his turkey business to Earl and Oma, and Miller Turkey Farm was born.

The turkey business proved a great fit for the Millers, who grew the flock from a few
hundred to approximately 14,000 birds (all raised and dressed on the family property).
To stay ahead of competition, they created a whole boneless turkey proprietary item (called the Miller Raw Roast) and a semi-boneless turkey (called the Turkease) that was easy to stuff and cooked in half the time. But, the company's greatest innovation was yet to come.

With Oma & Earl's children, Sandra and Carolyn now involved in the business, the company started experimenting with an all-natural raw pet food line in response to health problems Sandra's pet had been experiencing. It became apparent that the formula had an impact on Sandra's golden retriever, and so the raw pet food manufacturing and
distribution business was born. "Oma's Pride" is now distributed to nearly 50 states and comprises the diet of the first AKC Champion Leonberger and the 2006 Westminster Kennel Club champion. Seeing that over 1 million pounds of raw pet food products were being sold annually, the Miller family extended the pet food line to include "O'Paws" - a freeze dried pet food product and supplement line. O'Paws is now the leader in the
natural freeze-dried and pet supplements market - shipping throughout the U.S. and Hong Kong.

With Carolyn & Sandra's husbands, Sam and David, working in the business in management capacities, Miller Foods truly became a family affair when the 3rd generation joined. Sam and Carolyn's son & daughter, Tanner and Camlyn, joined as Director of Marketing and Vice President of Marketing & Distribution, respectively (with another daughter, Taryn, helping out throughout the years) - as did Sandra & Dave's daughter, Capri, who now serves as Special Projects Manager. Capri's sons EJ & Adam (representing the 4th generation) have recently joined in various capacities.

The Millers note that “We’re a family business where not everyone is family; we just treat them that way.” – a philosophy that extends to their community as well. For 60 years, the family has donated time, product and funding to various causes - sponsoring multiple police dogs, supporting local churches, school groups, scholarship funds (one given
annually to an Avon High School student in honor of Oma & Earl Miller), fundraising organizations, community programs, and animal rescue groups all over the country.

Parker Medical, Inc. – Medium Business Category
A pioneer in x-ray imaging, William Holland Sr. founded Parker Medical in 1984 out of his home garage in New Milford after a 25-year career in various engineering and marketing
positions. Five years later, Bill moved his start-up into a 2,500 square foot facility – believing the business would never fully grow into the space.

With a charter of designing, developing and manufacturing superior x-ray imaging components – and an eye on advancing x-ray imaging technology – Parker Medical now produces components for medical, industrial, scientific, and homeland security imaging systems that provide better image quality and increased throughput with reduced radiation leakage. With over 18 patents, and even NASA as a customer, Parker Medical and the Holland family have grown to become one of the industry’s most competitive businesses – achieving over 20% sales growth per year with profit margins exceeding industry standards thanks to manufacturing efficiencies and cost containment measures. The company thrives by collaborating with customers on new product developments, achieving
environmental standards compliance, excelling at engineering solutions and quality, offering innovative products at fair prices, and building a sustainable manufacturing market in the United States.

The Holland family remains committed to their purpose and potential as a family – creating separate businesses where family members can best channel their talents and energies. Five of Bill's seven children (Timothy, Matthew, Michael, Christine, and Patricia) are involved in PMI working in various capacities such as engineering, fabrication, special projects, marketing and sales, and finance and human resources – respectively. Lynn (another of Bill's daughters) and Christine’s children, Jesse and Brittany, are also working in the business – representing the 3rd generation of family involvement. With such
involvement, an extensive estate plan has been completed to challenge and reward current and future generations.

Now in a 17,000 square foot facility in Bridgewater (plus an 11- acre business park in development) and machining and plastics molding operations still located in New Milford, Parker Medical remains focused on achieving further growth and innovation to support the company’s commitment to technology, customers, employees, suppliers, Holland family businesses, and the community. The company has been instrumental in contributing to various causes – notably the Bridgewater Fire/Ambulance Department, Bridgewater Senior Center (where they’ve matched government funding to establish a community senior center), New Milford Children’s Center (where they’ve paid year-end child care balances for families unable to pay), and Evelyn’s Place (a charitable organization in honor of Bill’s mother that houses single-parent families in need of housing for themselves and their children).

Small Business Category

Bill's Bedding and Furniture – Small Business Category
A Canadian immigrant, George Despathy came to the U.S. in the early 1890s for a better way of life. He first worked in the mills - but attended night school to learn the trades
of steamfitting and tinsmithing with the dream of owning his own business someday. That dream came to fruition in 1901 when George bought a plumbing business in Baltic - and added furniture and mattresses to his product mix, naming the company Despathy's.

Towards the end of WWI, Despathy’s would move to Moosup - divesting in the plumbing line, but expanding the furniture and bedding offerings as well as family involvement! Wilfred Despathy Sr., George’s son, helped run the Moosup store (bringing his own capital to expand into gas and electric kitchen appliances) while George’s son-in-law, Reginald
Desmarais, managed the newly opened, second Despathy’s location in Danielson.

The 1950s were a period of growth and change - Wilfred’s daughter, Joyce, married Bill Nadeau (a delivery and setup man at the Moosup location); Wilfred’s son, Wilfred Jr., joined the business; the Moosup location was renovated; a more modern Danielson store was built at 640 Main Street (the business’s present location); a location was opened and later closed in Willimantic; and the 3rd generation began their turn at managing
the family business. After a series of challenges - marked by a fire that burned down the Moosup location and a turbulent economy of the late 1970s - Wilfred Jr. consolidated the Despathy’s operation while Bill Nadeau reorganized the Danielson location - working with Wilfred Sr. to keep the store running and the family tradition alive. In 1979, the store was officially reorganized as Bill’s Bedding & Furniture.

A true family tradition, the 4th generation joined the business with Joyce & Bill’s twin sons, Jerry and Gary joining in the 1980s. The brothers work tirelessly to strengthen their relationships with the community (of which they support through various causes) - but they also work hard to strengthen relationships with the largest manufacturers and suppliers to the furniture and bedding industry by committing large areas of floor space to display products. In fact, Bill’s Bedding & Furniture was asked by La-Z-Boy Chair Co. to become one of very few Comfort Studio dealers in Connecticut. In April 2009, the company received the La-ZBoy #1 Comfort Studio (Northeast region) award for highest
increase in sales volume in 2008 (not to mention the 2nd highest increase in the entire US).

Bill’s Bedding & Furniture has now welcomed the 5th generation of family involvement in the business with Gary’s daughter Deana having joined in 1995 and Jerry’s son Jordan
joining in 2007.


NAGI Jewelers – Small Business Category
Nagi Osta, the Stamford jeweler who rubs elbows with the most popular jewelry designers in the world and supports over 125 community causes, serves as a reminder that with
hard work – and the love of family – one can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Born in Lebanon to a hotelier and antiques dealer, Nagi was one of nine children who learned quickly the importance of drive, ambition, and support. At 16, Nagi left Lebanon to
study in the United States for his high school diploma – only to be called back to Lebanon to serve in the army. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, Nagi then worked in Saudi Arabia for a builder before joining his brother in Florida, purchasing a restaurant in Daytona Beach for them to co-manage. It was there that Nagi met his future wife, Liz, and decided that his future was in the jewelry business.

Nagi enrolled in home study courses in 1978 through the Gemological Institute of America, later moving to Connecticut (where Liz’s family lived) and New York to apprentice with jewelers in New England. He did repair work and sales (learning as much about the business as possible) before getting experience selling wholesale gold and diamonds. In 1980, Nagi and Liz made the move to Stamford – opening up a store of their own named NAGI Jewelers. Several building moves (and unfortunately, two armed robberies) later, Nagi and Liz are living their dream. They now represent some of the most coveted
jewelry in the business: Chopard, David Yurman, H. Stern, Roberto Coin, Marco Bicego, Baccarat and more. They also have their own design subsidiary – recreating a new piece from older pieces to fit a more personal or modern taste. They’ve further expanded into real estate – buying adjacent properties to rehabilitate blighted parts of the city and gaining the appropriate zoning approvals to establish day care facilities and apartments for young families.

The love of jewelry also runs through the veins of Liz & Nagi’s three children. Jeff (a graduate of the University of Arizona with a degree in business) had interned at various
jewelry stores in Arizona and currently works full-time at the family business. He furthers his expertise - taking GIA courses and industry classes in marketing and social media.
Rob, the eldest, is gaining experience outside the business in restaurant management; and Lauren, the youngest, is studying marketing at Florida State University and hopes to
join the family business after working elsewhere.

The Osta’s community support is immense – supporting hundreds of charities and causes for the elderly (over the past nine years, Liz has been a weekly shopper for a bedridden
community member) through financial contributions and time. They are particularly involved with Domus – an organization that has helped thousands of Fairfield County’s
most vulnerable youth and their families experience success. A grassroots approach that was fueled by hard work, and values of honesty and fairness, the Ostas are steadfast in their commitment to lift others around them.



Pita Group – Small Business Category
In 1996, Kim and Paul Pita were newlyweds starting their life together – and starting a business together, too. Kim had extensive expertise in public affairs, writing, public relations and copywriting while Paul had experience at a successful advertising agency focusing on graphic design and branding. It was a match made in matrimonial (and professional) heaven as Pita Communications was founded.

Kim and Paul relied on their parents to help them build their budding business – initially operating out of their Bristol condo. Manuel and Ana Pita (Paul’s parents), had fled Castro’s Cuba – an experience that serves as Manuel’s inspiration for the art that adorns Pita offices and some client campaigns. An artist, Manuel worked closely with Paul on logo and graphic design projects. Likewise, Pat Sirois, Kim’s mother, was also helping out at
the business – stuffing envelopes for client mailings, putting together cards and packages, and helping Kim and Paul make new business contacts.

By 2003, Pita Communications had moved into a 3,500 square foot facility in downtown Hartford. As the company added another 35 clients, revenues grew by 200%, and 12 new employees were hired. Four years later, in recognition that communications channels were evolving, Pita Communications acquired Vrroomedia – a new media and interactive development services firm that could add capabilities in animation, video production and social media. The acquisition enabled them to create virtual environments and interactive/online training programs for new and longstanding clients.

To consolidate operations and give both companies the control and flexibility to meet rapid-turnaround production schedules and hold larger client meetings, Pita Group moved
into a custom-built 10,000 square foot office space and video studio in Rocky Hill. With 16 full-time employees, Pita Group can now offer clients on-site strategic plans, branding,
marketing and communications, advertising, public relations and interactive campaigns for a diverse array of national, regional, and state clients in education, economic development, tourism, real estate, healthcare and human services, energy and the environment, human resources and nonprofits. Major customers include Aetna, United Healthcare, United Technologies, Travelers, Phoenix, and Children’s Trust Fund –
amongst many other high profile clients.

As Kim and Paul’s nephews, Kyle and Brandon, look to become involved, Pita Group is ensuring that they stay in the public’s view through high-quality work and commitment to
clients and community. Kim and Paul’s achievements ae highly notable – with awards from the Hartford Business Journal, Public Relations Society of America, American Marketing
Association, and Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals. Still, they share their achievements generally with the public providing financial donations, sponsorships and committing time for board involvement and volunteerism. Further, the Pita’s encourage philanthropy throughout their organization - completing 20 pro-bono projects each year that impact children directly.