Top Banner
April/May/June 2015 1 Issue 7 • April/May/June 2015 FREE The region’s voice of small business & entrepreneurship Monadnock PeoplesVC: People-powered Venture Capital PLUS: - Economic Gardening - Art & Business - Office Space to Rent/Buy & More!
40

MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

Jul 21, 2016

Download

Documents

Monadnock Small Business Journal, Issue #7, April/May/June 2015
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Page 1: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 1

Issue 7 • April/May/June 2015 FREE

Monadnock

The region’s voice of small business & entrepreneurship

MONADNOCK

The region’s voice of small business & entrepreneurship

Monadnock

PeoplesVC: People-powered Venture Capital

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

& More!

Page 2: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

2 Monadnock Small Business Journal

New mortgage? Refinancing?We want what’s best for you.

ofsince 1875

Lots of mortgage lenders claim they offer the most competitive rates. But often times, hidden fees are lurking behind a low interest rate—and that could end up costing you more money in the long run.

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

As a local bank committed to giving back to our community, Savings Bank of Walpole believes it’s the customer who should benefit from a mortgage product, not just the lender. So come talk with us. Bring us other lending options you might be considering. We’ll give you our best advice—even if it means you go with a different lender.

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

For 140 years, SBW has been the savings bank of our community. So stop by and let’s talk, or call one of our mortgage specialists at (603) 355-1670.

The savings bank of you.

Equal Housing Lender | Member FDIC | Walpole and Keene, New Hampshire | (877) WALPOLE | (877) 925-7653 | walpolebank.com

Get $250 off our already low closing costs when you apply for an SBW mortgage by 7/31/15. For current rates or more info, visit: walpolebank.com/mortgages

For starters,here’s

$250 off closing costs.

SBW8744_mortgageAD_MAR1.indd 1 3/2/15 11:14 AM

Page 3: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 3

FEATURESEconomic Gardening & Placemaking 20 Business Profile: PeoplesVC 24

EDITOR’S NOTE 4

THE JOURNAL’S CONTRIBUTORS 5

TALK OF THE TOWN 6

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 32

COLUMNSHINTS FROM HELAINE 12

ACCIDENTAL ENTREPRENEUR : Deb Johnson 13

EXPERT TIPS: You Are Not Alone 14

IN YOUR BUSINESS: Play is Serious Business 16

BEFORE & AFTER: Hannah Grimes Center 18

THE GREEN SCENE: SISR Architecture 26

THE BUSINESS NEXT DOOR: Tony Morrison 30

LISTINGSOffice Space to Buy/Rent 34

Business Directory 36

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

Photo: Ed Thomas

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

C O N T E N T S

MONADNOCK

Page 4: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

4 Monadnock Small Business Journal

MONADNOCK

Issue 7 • April/May/June 2015

PUBLISHERBackporch Publishing, LLC

EDITORIALEDITOR: Marcia Passos Duffy

CALENDAR: Jillian MinerCONTRIBUTORS: Helaine Iris,

Deb Byrne Johnson, Katrina Maloney, Jen Risley, Nancy Salwen, Bob Vecchioti,

C S Wurzberger

PHOTOGRAPHYEd Thomas

DESIGNSalwen Graphic Design

ADVERTISING SALESBill & Sue Hay, [email protected]

CONTACT USMonadnock Small Business Journal16 Russell Street, Keene, NH 03431

603-369-2525, [email protected]

Monadnock Small Business Journal is published quarterly by Keene, N.H.-based Backporch

Publishing, LLC. It is distributed throughout the Monadnock Region the first two weeks of January,

April, July and October. Monadnock Small Business Journal is a business-to-business publication that

highlights news about the Monadnock Region’s small business community including start-ups, business

success stories, local expert advice and features about emerging trends. This publication is copyrighted.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. The views expressed in Monadnock Small Business Journal do not necessarily reflect the

views of its advertisers, publisher or editor. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, Backporch Publishing, LLC assumes no responsibility

for any errors or omissions.

Enter our quarterly drawing for an 1/8 page ad (value: $120) in an issue of your choice. Also includes a free listing in our Business Directory for one year (value: $75). No purchase necessary to enter ... simply subscribe to the Journal’s monthly e-newsletter!

To enter and subscribe to our e-newsletter, visit: www.MonadnockSBJ.com/subscribe. Winner must provide a fully-designed ad to spec to claim the prize. The next drawing will be held on June 30, 2015. Good luck!

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE AD IN THIS MAGAZINE!

Editor’s Note ...

It is an exciting time to be a small business owner or

entrepreneur. Just think of the freedom most of us have to work from almost any-place in the world, particu-larly if your business lends itself to online management.

I thought of how easy it was to work on my business remotely on a recent trip to visit my extended family in Brazil. All I needed was my laptop and a WiFi con-nection, and I was in business ... even as I traveled to the most remote corners of South America. And more opportunities await us: New ways of funding and growing small businesses are on the horizon. In this quarter’s issue of Monadnock Small Business Journal we take a look at some innovative ways busi-ness owners can grow their business through “eco-nomic gardening” and “placemaking” (see page 20 for story) and crowd-powered venture capital (see page 24). These are certainly exciting times for small business owners. Stay tuned! — Marcia

Page 5: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 5

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

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

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

Jen Risley is the executive director of Monad-nock Buy Local. Jen, who moved to Keene to attend Antioch University New England in 2002, is passionate about cultivating a strong local living economy in the Monadnock Region. www.MonadnockLocal.org

Katrina Maloney, poet and author, owns KM Research & Writing, a freelance writing business. She is a former college professor, having taught in natural sciences and edu-cation. She lives in view of Mt. Monadnock, and when not mucking out the horse barn, she plays violin and ukulele in local orches-tras. www.katrinamaloney.net

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

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

CONTRIBUTORS

Page 6: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

6 Monadnock Small Business Journal

pLocal Magazine Wins AwardKEENE — Monadnock Table magazine has won second place in the Niche Publica-tion category of the New England News-paper and Press

Association’s annual New England Better Newspaper Competition. Monadnock Table, co-founded by Marcia Passos Duffy in 2010, is owned by The Keene Sentinel and edited by Duffy (who is also the publisher and editor of Monadnock Small Business Journal). The judges remarked: “Good, quality content highlighting the best of rural life. Simple, yet sophisticated. As a magazine, it serves this community with a greater shelf life. Well done with relevant advertisers.” Learn more: www.MonadnockTable.com.

pNew Managing Partner at Crockett Log & Timber HomesTUFTONBORO — Steven L. Brinser was recently appointed managing partner of the New England regional office of Crockett Log & Timber Homes. Crockett New England is the succes-sor to Crockett Timber Homes, which Brinser founded in the Chesapeake Bay area of Virginia in 2006 to market log, timber frame, post and beam and SIP (structural insulated panel) home packages. As an exclusive dealer for Crockett Log & Timber Homes, Brinser brings more than 40 years of diverse experience as an entrepreneur and businessman to Crockett Log & Timber Homes, a national brand that has built more than 5,000 homes. Brinser will be providing sales and product support, as well as responding to questions and ensuring home package orders are

processed properly and delivered on time. Interested builders can contact Steve at 603-759-5285 or [email protected]. Learn more: www.crockettloghomes.com.

pLocal IT Company Launches New Cyber Crime Prevention Service KEENE — True North Networks, a leading provider of Managed IT services for more than 12 years has announced a new managed security service offering, “SecureWorkplace.” According to a press release issued by the company, this proactive, affordable and comprehensive solution helps firms with reporting, monitoring, auditing, network scanning and even remediation should a security event happen. This coverage extends to all of a company’s locations, employees and even mobile users. “Oftentimes, even organizations with a technology person on staff find it difficult to handle the additional responsibility of protecting and monitoring the network while tak-

TALK OF THE TOWNBusiness News From Greater Keene, Peterborough & Brattleboro

The Cobbs

Auctioneers—AppraisersPeterborough, NH

www.theCobbs.Com

Consignments invited July 4th AmeriCAnA,

Art & Antiques

Recent Auction ResultsA. chinese celAdon chARgeR

sold foR $22,800B. impeRiAl JAde necklAces

sold foR $132,000c. chAmpney, mt. chocoRuA

sold foR $38,400d. 1861 civil WAR oRdnAnce

sold foR $37,200e. A. thieme, oil on cAnvAs

sold foR $27,000f. louis vuitton tRunk

sold foR $6,500

G.

B.

A.

L.

K.

D. H.

I.

F.

E.

C.

g. tiffAny & co. mARquise Ring

sold foR $58,800h. pAiR of spAnish shotguns

sold foR $16,800i. chARlestoWn stoneWARe WAteRcooleR

sold foR $12,000J. f.h. shApleigh, oil on cAnvAs

sold foR $11,400 k. nh pAinted BlAnket chest

sold foR $5,700l. step doWn WindsoR chAiRs

sold foR $8,400

Noone Falls Mill50 Jaffrey Rd.

Peterborough, NH603.924.6361

NH Lic#:2366

J.

Page 7: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 7

Travel wise.

Insurance Replacement RentalsDealer Warranty Rentals

12 & 15 Passenger VansCorporate Rates Available

Locally Owned and OperatedFree Pick Up Available

Quick and easy reservations. Quick and easy reservations. www.usave.com

455 Winchester St. Keene N.H 03431 603-352-7900

Location near you!

ing care of routine technology needs for employees,” says Steven Ryder, president and owner of True North Networks. “We have staff dedicated specifically to the security service team who will work closely with you to best protect your network and stay on top of the latest trends in cyber crime prevention.” Learn more: www.TrueNorthNetworks.com.

pNew Edward Jones in KeeneKEENE – Edward Jones Financial Ad-visor, Josh Houle, has opened a new office at 108 Main Street in Keene. Houle’s office was previously locat-ed in Rindge; he will

continue to work with current clients and new clients from the Keene area. A large community room is central to Houle’s new Main Street office which he says will accommodate education-al events. Houle will welcome area professionals to speak on issues that are

important to the community. Houle will also conduct monthly seminars on a wide range of financial strategy topics. All events in the community room will be free. A former professional soccer player, Houle has shared his love of the game with Keene youth for more than 15 years. He was the director of coach-ing for the Cheshire United Soccer Club and an assistant coach for the Keene State College men’s soccer program. He has coached young athletes in the Keene Recreation Soccer League, and recently agreed to be the youth soccer coordi-nator for the Keene Recreation Depart-ment. A long-time resident of Keene and a graduate of Keene State College, Houle says he looks forward to having his office in the same town where he lives with his wife, Heather Prieto Houle. The couple recently married; they each have two children. For more informa-tion contact Houle at 603-352-5135.

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

Continued on next page.

Page 8: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

8 Monadnock Small Business Journal

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

pLocal Business Mentors and Sponsors Help Young Entrepreneurs

KEENE — The Young Entre-preneurs Academy, or YEA!, a program that guides

students through the process of starting their own real business, has lined up local business mentors and sponsors for the YEA! class at Keene State College. YEA! pairs up each young entrepre-neur with an appropriate business mentor. This person helps the students to better understand their concepts, write business plans, identify their target audiences and provide support. The group of mentors will be paired one-on-one with each of the ten student businesses as they navigate through the planning process leading up to the Investor Panel, which will take place on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 6 p.m. at

Bensonwood in Walpole. Local busi-nesses people involved in YEA! include Tim Pipp of BeezeTees, Wink Faulkner from AdviCoach, leaders from C&S Wholesale Grocers, retired business executives and property management professionals. “The students are so excited to welcome the mentors into the classroom,” says Meredith Speranza, YEA! program manager. “They can really see and appreciate the value that the mentors will bring.” During the course of the six-month program, more than 50 local businesses and individ-uals become involved with YEA! at various levels. Students work in close cooperation with local business leaders, community leaders and educators who use their personal experiences to demonstrate how to develop ideas and objectives, pitch potential investors, obtain funding, register with govern-mental agencies, establish e-commerce and a web presence, and much more. By the end of the class, students own and operate fully-formed and functioning

TALK OF THE TOWN

Successful Business Owners Know • Safety Matters • Turnover Hurts

Let’s Work together to get to ZERO • ZERO Accidents

• ZERO % Voluntary Turnover

Paula Mathews, President Fitzwilliam, NH

[email protected] 603-585-3139

With Goal-ZERO, we help enterprises create cultures for success that encourage employees to do their very best work.

“Paula doesn’t just do things. She teaches us how to do them.”

— Gary Barnard, PresidentMOLDPRO

First 5 People to Score 100%

WIN a $10 Gift Certificate to Nature’s Green Grocer, Peterborough

*Take the Quiz at HRCompliance101.com*

Business News From Greater Keene, Peterborough & Brattleboro

Donate online anytime at muw.org. Interested in volunteering, call 603-352-4209.

Interested In startIng an employee campaIgn? call us!

Page 9: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 9

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

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

and massage therapist. “By aligning our effort behind a great local non-profit, we offered a unique gift that communicated a sense of our compa-ny values and culture. Our customers

responded in kind and the campaign was a financial success.” Deep Roots has a tradition of combining sales promotions with charitable giving to local nonprofits and presenting “tiny checks” (see photo, left) to local groups as a playful way of celebrating small successes. Past cam-paigns have supported The Community Kitchen, The Cedar Crest Center and the

Keene Music Festival. Learn more: www.deeprootsmb.com.

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

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

Going beyond business insurance

main red

PMS 1795CC0 M96 Y90 K2

YOUTUBE LOGO SPECS

PRINTgradient bottom

PMS 1815CC13 M96 Y81 K54

on dark backgroundson light backgrounds

standard

no gradients

watermark

stacked logo (for sharing only)

standard

no gradients

watermark

stacked logo (for sharing only)

white

WHITEC0 M0 Y0 K0

black

BLACKC100 M100 Y100 K100

clarkmortenson.com102 Main Street, Keene, NH 03431 4 603-352-2121

Offices in Claremont, Keene & Walpole, NH; Brattleboro & Woodstock, VT

Business Insurance ● Employee Benefits ● OSHA 10● MOD Analysis ● Supervisor Training

● Employee Handbooks ● ACA Compliance Advice

Continued on next page.

The Small Business Marketing Solution

Aimee J. LaBrake

• Writing Website & Brochure Content

• Building Affordable Marketing & Advertising Plans

• Blogging & Social Media Marketing

• Advertising & Graphic Design

• Event Planning & Management

aimeelabrakeconsulting.com(603).784.5560 [email protected]

Making Marketing Easy, Fun & Affordable

Over 15 Years Experience:

Page 10: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

10 Monadnock Small Business Journal

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

about injury recovery and prevention from comparative anatomists, surgical specialists, neurologists, physical thera-pists and Pilates specialists. Learn more about Core Consciousness at: www.coreconsciousnesskeene.com or call Aarons at 603-358-5146.

pThe Masiello Group Celebrates 50 Years in Business KEENE — Family owned and operat-ed The Masiello Group, is celebrating the 50th year of its founding by Jim Masiello. The Masiello Group family of companies includes: Better Homes and Gardens Residential and Commer-cial Real Estate, personal and business insurance, relocation services, and GreatEast Mortgage, Title and Home Warranty Services. The Masiello Group is nationally recognized and has re-ceived numerous awards over the years including: “Top 100 Family Owned & Operated Business” in N.H. by New Hampshire Magazine, nationally recog-nized as a real estate “Top 100” compa-

ny, ranked the 37th most successful real estate company platform for the delivery of insurance, mortgage, home title and warranty products. Masiello Insurance is the founding member of the largest in-dependent insurance agent distribution network in the country, and its reloca-tion services were just recognized for achieving industry best standards. “The real story isn’t about longevity or nation-al recognition for a job well done, but the special relationship this organization continues to share with its customers, associates and employees,” says Chris-topher J. Masiello, CEO, who earned his real estate license when he was just 19, joined his father’s company in 1981, and took the reins of the family company in 1991. “It’s all about people — without strong relationships, nothing of any consequence is possible,” he adds. The Masiello Group is headquartered in Keene with offices in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Learn more: www.masiello.com or www.masielloinsurance.com.

TALK OF THE TOWNBusiness News From Greater Keene, Peterborough & Brattleboro

Our experienced team, with an average of over 25 years of experience, quotes your insurance with the top rated

insurance companies in the industry – Giving our insurance customers an important advantage.

Our service saves you time and our choices save you money.

69A Island Street Suite 1 Keene, NH 03431 • M–F at 8:00am

603-352-1810

Visit www.masielloinsurance.com for online quoting

Guy S. MitchellAccount ExEcutivE ii/FiEld SAlES | nEw EnglAnd

timE wArnEr cAblE buSinESS clASS

207-253-7360118 johnSon roAd, portlAnd, mE 04102

call your business class account executive for the monadnock region to find out more:

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

Page 11: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 11

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

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

the push I needed to get started. I can learn at my own pace in the privacy of my own home,” says Acerno. For more information about KSC online cours-es, visit www.ed2go.com/keene for a complete listing.

pMonadnock Food Co-op Adopts Livable Wage Policy

KEENE — The Monadnock Food Co-op has adopted a “Cooperative Livable Wage” policy for all full-time staff at its community-owned Keene store. After one year of employment, all full-time staff will earn at least $11.55/hour. The Co-op also raised its minimum wage for all staff to $10/hour, after completion of new employee training sessions. “We recognize the importance of offering our employees a wage that allows them to meet their basic needs,” says Michael Faber, general manager, Monadnock Food Co-op. “It not only betters the

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

Send your news to [email protected]

We can help.Board & Train • Day Training • Group Classes

Canine Behavior & Training Academy

Page 12: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

12 Monadnock Small Business Journal

Dear Helaine,I have been laid off from my job. I am weighing the options of either looking for a new job with a company or starting my own consulting business. I have never been in business for myself. How do I know if I’m cut out for running my own small business? WEIGHING THE OPTIONS

Dear Options,When life hands you a transition like this it’s likely to be extremely stressful. At the same time, it’s also an opportunity for a new exciting chapter. The first question to address should be your immediate financial stability. If you are considering starting a business of your own, you’ll need to be able to carry yourself through the initial start-up phase. Second, make an honest assessment of your ability to generate revenue. Do you already have an established network to market yourself to, or are you starting from scratch? Next, connect with local business advisors, the Hannah Grimes Center, or experienced friends or family to get help assessing readiness and reality. Remember the answer doesn’t necessarily need to be black or white — start a business or get a new job. Many people do get a job in the short run to shore up immediate financial needs while crafting a solid plan to launch a business.

Dear Helaine,What does “customer service” really mean? I read that it is simply a way of handling customer complaints. But is it more than that? SEEKING A DEFINITION

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

HINTS FROM HELAINEAnswers to your vexing business problems, by Helaine Iris

Helaine Iris is a life and business coach with Path of

Purpose Coaching. Do you have a vexing business problem? Email Helaine at helaine@

pathofpurpose.com. Your name will be kept confidential.

Ronna Rajaniemi • 603-239-4770 • PetaltailStudio.ne.rr.com

Professional Graphic Design and

Creative Project Management Services

to meet the needs of

your business.

Big Dreams Deserve Great Support

www.launchingu.com603-398-7278

[email protected]

Career Coaching for College Students and New Graduates

Page 13: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 13

By Deb Byrne Johnson, owner, PrintFUSION, Keene

Right out of college, I joined Standard Register, a Fortune 500 company that provides print products and services. One of my

fellow sales reps always talked about leaving to start his own busi-ness, so one day I asked, “How would you do it?” He said the first thing he’d do is find a printer to partner with.

I don’t know why I asked him. I wasn’t planning to leave Stan-dard Register at the time. I wanted to climb the corporate ladder. But then I kept losing bids to the competition. I realized it was more advantageous to be on my own and offer better pricing to my client base. When I did decide to leave, there was no straw that broke the camel’s back. It was just a feeling. One day I was out making calls, when I drove by a pay phone. I stopped and called a print shop I knew. They said they would work with me if I went on my own. If that conversation had gone differently, I probably would have found a new employer. Instead, I started PrintFUSION. For three years, I worked part-time for a dentist and ran PrintFUSION at the same time. It wasn’t easy, but I wanted a steady paycheck while growing the business. I’ve always had a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. I think both are good qualities for entrepreneurs, along with persistence.

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

ACCIDENTAL ENTREPRENEUR

One day I drove by a pay phone ... if that conversation had gone differently

I probably would have found a new employer. Instead I started PrintFUSION.

StrengtheningNew Hampshire’s Workforce

WorkReadyNH graduates have what it takes to help your business succeed with documented skills in applied math, critical thinking, locating information, and professional skills like teamwork and communications.

This program or product is sponsored by (or in part by) a $19.97 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration TAACCCT Grant. CCSNH is an equal opportunity employer, and adaptive equipment is available upon request to persons with disabilities.

WorkReadyNH is offered at New Hampshire’s Community Colleges

“ …an individual who graduates from WorkReadyNH is well prepared for success in the workplace.”

Erica Reis, HR Manager, Albany Engineered Composites, Inc.

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

Town & Country

(603) 357-4100117 West St.

Keene, NH

How I Became an “Accidental Entrepreneur”

Page 14: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

14 Monadnock Small Business Journal

EXPERT TIPS

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

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

Stage One: The Plan If you plan to enter a business as a solo owner — be it in retail, manufacturing or professional services — do a quick personal assessment of your strong points and note skills where you know you need help. Then rely on your instincts to build on strengths and minimize the effects of “skill gaps.” Perhaps you’re a numbers person, or maybe you are a people person. You can’t do it all yourself so you seek advice and answers where you need the most assistance. These answers are important in deciding to move forward. Who can you rely on to get the right answers to sort out at this important stage?

Advice you can trust from the people you know

1. Teachers and mentors, who know you best.2. Your close friends, who can be a rich source of support.3. Your parents and spouse, if they are likely to support a convincing plan.4. The Small Business Administration and its local representatives for help in uncovering the best approach. 5. A local banker who you know and trust.

Stage Two: The Early MonthsSo you’re incorporated and have some initial capital. You may even have software for your bookkeeping. You have three months of business activity under your belt. Now who do you turn for guidance? Common sense would dictate that you seek advice in your areas of vulnerability whether marketing, finance or planning ahead. For this phase, you can rely on some professional support:1. A part-time bookkeeper or a local small business accountant.2. An administrative assistant to help you organize the business and yourself.3. Local business association speakers and workshops for best practices, pitfalls to avoid, and how to maximize cash flow and to provide a network to engage.

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

move forward.

1. Hire your first employee to fill an important gap or provide in-depth abilities.2. Start a small advisory group of specialists or customers to bounce ideas off of and get answers to some of your tough questions.3. Engage an experienced coach with solo business rates to provide candid discussions and practical recommendations.

These are a few of the right choices to consider that can sustain your business from inception to an agile future with considerable success. It’s common sense to have a list of people to rely on when building your business. You are never really alone in sustaining your business venture if you use them appropriately. p

Bob Vecchiotti is an experienced business advisor and professional coach who works with small to mid-size companies in their early stages of development.

Solo Entrepreneurs: You are Not AloneBy Bob Vecchiotti

Page 15: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 15

[email protected] | www.taxfolks.net | 295 Park Avenue, Keene, NH

Accounting & Payroll ServicesTax Preparation

for Individuals, Sole Proprietorships, Corporations, Partnerships, LLCs, Fiduciaries, Non-Profits

Susan Gilbert, CPA Arlene Anderson, EA

603-357-1928

Make the Smart Move... With Applied Agility

Call now for your chance to receive a free workshop for you and your staff.

603-660-6953 | www.AppliedAgility.com

[email protected] | 603-283-0007

Customers return to businessesthat leave a lasting impression.

• promotional marketing• creative design• logo wear• printing

PrintFUSION

Page 16: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

16 Monadnock Small Business Journal

IN YOUR BUSINESSOpinions from local business leaders

Play is Serious Business!How Businesses & Organizations Can Benefit from the ArtsBy Nancy Salwen

he business environment and the creative arts are often perceived as completely separate. Businesses are thought to exist primarily to make a profit, while making art is often seen as an optional luxury. But many businesses — including Google, GE, Intel, Toms of Maine, as well as the U.S. Navy — have discovered that bringing creative arts into the workplace is more than a fun distraction or of-fice party exercise. Art-making — be it music, visual or performing arts — helps workers “think outside of the box” and become more innovative, motivated and cooperative at work. This much-needed engagement is invaluable in today’s competitive and ever-changing business environment.

Dissatisfaction in the workplaceAccording to a recent Gallup Poll of the “State of the American Workplace Report,” 70 percent of U.S. workers say they are dissat-isfied with their jobs and don’t feel emotionally connected to their workplace. Studies have shown that disengaged employees are less productive and reliable, spread an atmosphere of discontent, and are bad for an organization’s PR. Can art-making help? In an article in Fortune Magazine, “What Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Artists,” author Tim Leberecht, CMO of global design and innovation firm, Frog, writes that the “art” of business has become more important as the “science” of business has grown. “Like artists, innovators must cultivate creative habits to see the world afresh and create something new,” he notes. In very much the same way that children learn through play, the creative arts teach adults how to learn and open their minds.

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

Arts activities bring insight, skills and solutionsAs a music workshop leader who has worked with businesses and organizations, I have seen people make important connections when they are involved in the act of creating music together, both on individual and group levels. Creative arts activities also offer a platform for communica-tion among members of a group that is like no other; engaging in collaborative arts activities opens a window into preexisting group dynamics while offering alternative solutions to problems. For example, I sometimes lead an activity where participants create rhythm patterns using sticks. We first create a pattern as individuals, then in pairs, and finally in larger groups. Through-out this process we ask questions of participants, such as: Were you surprised by who emerged as leaders? Were you a leader or follower? Did you feel that your suggestions were heard and welcomed by the group? What tools did your group use to come together to solve any problems in the short time frame you were given? The answers to these, and other, questions reveal a wealth of in-formation about a group’s dynamics, individuals’ work styles, and how the group solves problems together. This insight is invaluable for managers to learn about their team, and for teams to learn about themselves. Most importantly, what emerges from these creative exercises has power because what is discovered is concrete and real, rather than abstract or theoretical. What is learned can be immediately applied to how the team functions when at work. Plus, the arts-based learning process is incredibly fun! So be it music, visual arts or theater experiences ... choose art. Because creative play can transform the culture of your business. p

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

“For those who would ask, ‘… and just how does

art benefit my business?’, I would offer, ‘If your

business has important, pioneering work to do,

then develop artful capabilities in your associates

just as well as technical skills, else you’ll work at

half-strength at best, and risk losing all the bene-

fit of their passion. Now, there is a connection

between art and the bottom line.”

– Albert Gibson, R&D Manager,

U.S.-based Multinational

Food & Beverage Company

T

Page 17: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 17

YES! We Do Make a Difference: Independent businesses in communities with an active “buy independent/buy local” campaign saw revenues grow 9.3% in 2014 -- nearly double the 4.9% increase for businesses in areas without such an alliance.

Join Monadnock Buy Localat www.monadnocklocal.org/join-us

Page 18: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

18 Monadnock Small Business Journal

The Hannah Grimes Center is wrapping up its second phase of renovation that has added a 70-person con-

ference room and seven offices to its upper level. Since its lower level renovation in 2011, the Center’s business incubator occupancy grew to full capacity, but the facility lacked an interior stairwell and adequate windows to be able to expand usable space to the second floor. Now the Center offers the largest conference room in the downtown area and is able to accommodate addi-tional businesses and nonprofits with programming and office space. “Thanks to the generosity of our funders, we now have more space to educate, support and assist the successful development of entrepreneurs and com-munity builders throughout the Monadnock Region,” says Mary Ann Kristiansen, executive director. Learn more at www.hannahgrimes.com. p

BEFORE & AFTERLocal business office renovations

Hannah Grimes Center, 25 Roxbury Street, Keene

Hannah Grimes

Center (upper level)

BEFORE

Peterborough, Nh15 Years exPerieNce

603-325-7109specializing in the installing, sanding

and re/finishing of all wood floors, stairs, and surrounding trim.

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

Page 19: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 19

Before & After is a column that takes a look at recent business renovations (inside and/or outside) of area businesses. Do you have a recent business renovation or upgrade you’d like featured on this page? Email us at [email protected]. Please put “Before & After” in the subject line.

AFTER

A professional clean with a personal touch

CommerCialFully Insured & Bonded

(603) 209-9735www.cheshirecleaning.com

Voted best Cleaning Services

4 yearS in a row!

Page 20: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

20 Monadnock Small Business Journal

Traditionally, the term “economic develop-ment” has meant wooing large businesses from the outside to move into a region. But to get a large company to relocate often requires the right balance of appro-

priate labor, infrastructure improvements, and often, heavy tax incentives. While there may always be room for this kind of traditional economic development in communities, a new vision of economic development has emerged. Two ideas that are gaining traction nationally — and closer to home — are “Economic Gardening” and “placemaking.” These are different ideas that have one simple thing in common. Instead of focusing exclusively on attracting larger businesses from outside of a region to create new jobs and economic prosperity, leaders also support businesses and entrepreneurs already existing in the community. It’s about cultivating our local economy from the inside.

Economic Gardening: A focus on growing businessesThe idea of Economic Gardening was developed in 1989 by Chris Gibbons in Littleton, Colorado after the downsizing of a major company wreaked havoc on the local economy. During a 20-year period when the City of Little-ton practiced Economic Gardening, jobs grew from 15,000 to 30,000, and sales tax revenue more than tripled from $6 million to $21 million. This growth happened without any recruiting, incentives or tax rebates, according to the Edward Lowe Foundation, which partnered with Gibbons (director of Littleton’s business and industry affairs) in 2010 to create the National Center for Economic Gardening (NCEG). Today, the organization helps get state and regional Economic Gardening programs off the ground. Economic Gardening calls for supporting local entrepreneur-ship, with a laser focus on second-stage businesses with 10-99 employees and revenues in the $500,000 to $50 million range. The model is a way to help a community’s established businesses grow larger by using an entrepreneurial approach to regional prosperity. In contrast to traditional business assistance, Economic Gardening focuses on strategic growth challenges. Challenges such as devel-oping new markets, refining business models and gaining access to competitive intelligence.

According to the NCEG, Economic Gardening is an effective way for states and regions to “grow their own” companies. But, make no mistake: Economic Gardening is not simply about connecting entre-

preneurs with support institutions, or helping them with their operations or workforce development or obtaining tax credits. According to the Edward Lowe Foundation, it is much more. It is about “leveraging research using so-phisticated business intelligence tools and databases that growth companies either aren’t aware of or cannot afford.”

Economic Gardening & Placemaking Growing Our Local Economy From Within

Art by: Stephen Ravenscraft. Image courtesy of the Edward Lowe Foundation.

By Jen Risley

Page 21: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 21

Placemaking: Attracts talent “Placemaking” emerged as an economic development tool in the 1960s from the writings of Jane Jacobs and William H. Whyte, urban activists who advocated designing cities for people, rather than cars. Placemaking is a simple concept that works: It is about making a community special and memorable. This is important because research shows that memorable places attract and retain talent and investment. Today’s placemaking projects focus on housing, transportation, green spaces, entrepreneurship, historic preservation and the arts. This strategy is particularly effective with younger workers. The Millennial generation, for example, considers quality of life first when deciding where to live. One survey found that 66 percent of

young professionals move to the place they want to live first, and then seek out employment. One example of a successful placemaking model is Philadelphia’s “Percent for Art Program.” The program requires that any development project using land through the Philadelphia Redevelop-ment Authority must contribute one percent of the construction costs to the commission of public art. This program has supported the installation of more than 400 murals, sculptures, and other art projects throughout the city. Michael Ryan from Smart Growth America writes: “Public art humanizes the built environment and provides a chance for a neighborhood to express its character through unique design elements while providing cultural, social and economic value.”

Monadnock Region: Appreciating what is already hereWhether it is the ideas of Economic Gardening, placemaking, or another form of development, the Monadnock Region’s economic development leaders are collectively working to create a balanced landscape of businesses, entrepreneurs, workers and citizens — and are striving to cultivate our local econ-omy from within. “We are concentrating on the people who are already here,” says Jack Dugan, president at Monad-nock Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). “There is a lot of talent here. We want to help that talent get their ideas to market or help their existing business grow.” Rebeckah Bullock, community development specialist at Southwest Region Planning Commis-sion (SWRPC), agrees: “Supporting and retaining

local businesses helps us create a more balanced and strong regional economy.” But in order for these ideas to work, there needs to be some basics elements within our community. Both Bullock and Dugan name three “seeds” for cultivating our business talent from within: Incubators, high-speed Internet and community engagement.

SEED #1: Business incubatorsBusiness incubators, such as the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship in Keene, provide space, technical assistance and shared resources to companies, helping them achieve greater success.

Economic Gardening & Placemaking Growing Our Local Economy From Within

Continued on next page.

By Jen Risley

Page 22: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

22 Monadnock Small Business Journal

The Hannah Grimes Center has served more 1,000 members through Hannah Grimes Marketplace (a retail incuba-tor) and has graduated 39 businesses and nonprofits from its incubator at the Hannah Grimes Center on Rox-bury Street, notes Mary Ann Kristian-sen, executive director of the Hannah Grimes Center. “More than 86 percent of these are still in business and have a strong cumulative impact on the community over time,” says Kristiansen. The newest incubator project in Keene, the 310 Marlboro Business Center for Innovation and Technology, looks to attract and support advance manufacturing, technology and innovation-based businesses. Building owner, Don Brehm, is working with Kristiansen to turn this vision into reality. “Building on the work that Don Brehm has accomplished at 310 Marl-boro, we believe that the innovation, technology and advanced manufac-turing that have been an important part of our diverse local economy will continue to be so,” says Kristiansen.

SEED #2: High speed InternetBeyond using incubators to jump start and grow individual businesses, Dugan and Bullock recognize the importance of addressing the collective needs of existing businesses, such as providing reliable high-speed Internet. “Since we’re geographically isolated, broadband is critical,” says

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

SEED #3: Engaging the communityIn addition to attending to business owners and their needs, leaders like Dugan and Bullock also engage with the community to identify and vet new economic development projects. “There needs to be community support for a project,” says Bullock. “We look for that connection to the community when assessing a project.” “Years ago, I was invited to a meeting with a group of passionate and concerned people about forming a food co-op in downtown Keene,” says Dugan. “While they didn’t have the money, they had the dedication. That caught my attention.” Fast-forward five years later, and the Monadnock Food Co-op opened with the help of MEDC and many others. “We ask the community what they need, whether it’s a co-op, housing or a skating rink,” adds Dugan. “It’s what attracts and retains people.” p

“We are concentrating on the people who are already here,” says Jack Dugan,

president at Monadnock Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).

“There is a lot of talent here. We want to help that talent get their ideas to market

or help their existing business grow.”

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

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

Jen Risley is the executive director of Monadnock Buy Local.

Page 23: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 23

*Keene location only.

*

Keene: Monday-Friday 8AM to 6PM, Saturday 9AM to 2PMPeterborough: Monday-Friday 9AM to 5PM

Drop off any open hours • picK up DeaDline 4:30pM weeKDays

180 Emerald St. Suite 204, Keene, NH 03431

www.4webinc.com

LET OUR TEAM BE YOUR TEAM

Your local solution for Joomla and WordPress websites.

45 Summer Street, Keene, NH 03431603-903-0793

Must be a member of Service Credit Union or eligible for membership.federally insured by ncua Follow us

Service Credit Union is the perfect fit for your business.Our global reach and in-state accessibility offers the convenience, expertise and value of a local institution with the strength and resources of a national bank. Service Credit Union is large enough to handle your most ambitious business objectives and perfectly positioned to support our members and their business’ growth. Headquartered in New Hampshire since 1957, we also have the responsive and personalized service you can only get from a local, member-owned credit union.

• Long-term, fixed-rate commercial mortgages

• Equiptment lending

• Full service SBA lender

Philip RentzBusiness Development OfficerLebanon, NHTel: 603.422.7861Fax: 603.448.9624Email: [email protected]

Contact Philip today for products and services to fit your business needs.

Page 24: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

24 Monadnock Small Business Journal

he number one challenge for new business owners is raising capital to start up and grow. Traditional methods of accessing money (i.e., a bank or an investor) are often not available to small local start-up companies. What ends up happening? Various methods of “boot-strapping” are used to get a business off the ground; new business owners rely on fami-ly members, personal loans, credit cards. In the past few years, new avenues of capital have opened up: Crowdsourcing (or crowd funding) gives individuals the opportunity to give money to start-ups in exchange for benefits or perks such as discounts on goods or services. This method of raising money — pioneered by web-based services such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo — helps raise money, but does not give investors any stake (in the form of stock or promissory notes) in the company. That entire investing landscape is about to change with a new way of raising money called equity crowdsourcing. This type of securities-based crowdfunding has been signed into federal law and has been waiting for a stamp of approval from the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). But the moment the SEC gives

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

Leading the crowd in the Monadnock RegionAkhil Garland, CEO of PeoplesVC (Peo-ples Venture Capital) started the Peter-borough-based company several years ago with one goal in mind: to become an equity crowdfunding company for local start-ups and established small businesses. Garland, a serial entrepreneur who fully understands the challenges of finding capital to start a business, tells the story of applying for hundreds of credit cards to finance one of his early companies. He founded and still owns an international real estate company, Utopia Living, and has owned various successful businesses including a recording studio in Boston and a multimedia company in Massachusetts. “I’m determined to be part of this game changer for small business owners,” says Garland. “I want see a new world where any American can fund a busi-ness. Where the process of raising money is crowd-powered. And where jobs are

created through a marketplace funded by the people.” While PeoplesVC waits for the SEC to finalize user regulations for the JOBS Act law (the federal agency has been sitting on the law since it was signed by the Pres-ident in 2012), Garland is busy putting into place how the company will be part of a nationwide movement to change the traditional ways venture capital is raised. And New Hampshire may not have to wait for the SEC’s stamp of approval. Some states, such as Massachusetts*, have already created their own set of rules for equity crowdfunding. “The SEC has been dragging their feet,” says Garland. “So a lot of states are blasting ahead anyway. New Hampshire has a bill under discussion … wheels are in motion all over the place.”

A hyper-focus on local businesses PeoplesVC, which is located on the entire fifth floor of the Guernsey Building on Main Street in Peterborough, has 12 em-ployees working in business development, marketing, graphic design and technolo-gy; there a fully-equipped web television studio on site. The company will operate as a “mini investment bank” says Garland, which will charge a success fee to the com-pany raising the capital for its services. PeoplesVC is in the process of finalizing its broker/dealer license. “We have been preparing and building a platform for a few years,” says Garland. The business model for PeoplesVC is “hyper-local.” That is, the funds raised will be from local investors, and the companies will also be local. Businesses asking for funds will be carefully vetted by Peoples-VC before going public. Garland says that the unique PeoplesVC business model blends hyper-local crowdfunding with world wide access and interactivity, to address fraud issues the company expects will become common and problematic in other crowdfunding business models. “As you can imagine, equity crowd-funding has the potential for fraud,” says Garland. “We are putting many steps into place that have a lot of disclosures.”

PROFILE: PeoplesVC

Crowd-powered Venture CapitalBy Marcia Passos Duffy with additional reporting by Katrina Maloney / Photos by Ed Thomas

T

Page 25: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 25

“… for start-ups and small businesses, this bill is a potential game changer. Right now, you can only turn to a limited group of investors —

including banks and wealthy individuals — to get funding. Laws that are nearly eight decades old make it impossible for others to invest.

But a lot has changed in 80 years, and it’s time our laws did as well. Because of this bill, start-ups and small business will now have access to a big,

new pool of potential investors — namely, the American people. For the first time, ordinary Americans will be able to go online and

invest in entrepreneurs that they believe in.”

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

Clients will go through a process with PeoplesVC staff that includes a presen-tation of their ideas, business plans and financial statements, potential partners, and other vital plans for their business. Garland and his staff will review the infor-mation, carefully vetting the potential for success of the proposed company. If the entrepreneur’s ideas and plans are sound, PeoplesVC will design a plan to raise the needed cash. The financial team at Peo-plesVC will help determine the amount of capital needed, the types of securities to offer and the terms of the offering. A proving ground, on live TVThe technology platform (including, but not limited to, the live streaming TV pro-gram events) PeoplesVC has developed in the past two years is the centerpiece of the marketing portion of a client’s package. A video editing studio and staff, a TV production kit for clients to make their own marketing videos, and a virtual data room for live deal presentations are the multi-media resources available. Central to the PeoplesVC business model is a “Shark Tank” like show, called PeoplesVC-TV, a live broadcast that will allow the public (both studio audience and online) to ask specific questions of the business owner before making a decision to invest. “Video is a powerful medium for communicating ideas,” says Garland. “This is the advantage of being hyper-local … a business is surrounded by the community. The idea behind our business model is that it is all about super high disclosure, and a safe environment to kick the tires.” Peterborough is the proving ground for this model. One that Garland plans to cut and paste and develop from coast to coast. “We are looking to roll this out na-

tionwide, still keeping a hyper-local focus in whichever community we land,” says Garland. The hope is to eventually create a PeoplesVC franchise. The company also can handle the crowdfunding payment process, create a branding kit, and design a social media campaign for clients. Another innovative aspect of working with PeoplesVC is the Stakeholders Portal. This on-line, cloud-based management system allows busi-nesses and their interested stakeholders (these might be customers, clients, and/or investors) to share information, stay up-to-date with changes and facilitates communication among the parties. Garland emphasizes that establishing and nurturing a positive relationship with investors is key to continued success for the small business owner. “Enthusiastic investors are a precious resource,” says Garland. p

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

Learn more about PeoplesVC at www.PeoplesVC.com. A sneak preview of PeoplesVC-TV can be viewed online at www.PeoplesVC.tv. PeoplesVC also hosts a “First Friday Fiesta” each month at 7 p.m. with free live music and a live crowdfunding show.

*On February, 1, 2015, Massachusetts passed emergency regulations in response to the perceived foot-dragging of the SEC to finalize user regulations for Title III of the JOBS bill. Massachusetts residents may now participate in equity crowdfunding. Up to $2 million may be raised. Massachusetts joins 19 other states that have taken it upon themselves to issue regulations tied to fed-eral law allowing interstate equity crowd-funding. See the North American Securities Administrators Association website for more information about what states are doing: www.nasaa.org. Get the latest news at www.crowdfundinsider.com.

Page 26: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

26 Monadnock Small Business Journal

THE GREEN SCENE

by C S Wurzberger

How local businesses are greening up

(603) 445-5591 ext. 16 • [email protected] • www.dunningdisplays.com

Dunning Displays has been making high quality Point of Purchase products since 1906. O�ering excellent quality,

service and “direct-to-market experience.”

We o�er permanent �oor and counter displays as well as promotional items such as signs, sidewalk menu

boards and back bar displays.

We Make Your Products POP!

Architects Christina O’Brien and Douglas Stewart started SISR Architecture in 2007 with the dream of providing

sustainable building solutions, innovative design ideas, and advice to their clients. Their firm is located in Marlow, and their business name, SISR (pronounced scissor) is an acronym for Sustainable, Innovative and Socially Responsive design. In addition to offering the traditional architectural services, such as new construction, additions, and renovations for com-mercial and residential clients, they also help folks build energy efficient, sustainable homes. I spoke with Christina O’Brien about the inspiration for starting SISR, and the green design services they offer to clients.

Christina, have you always wanted to be an architect?Ever since I was 10 years old, I thought it would be cool to design buildings and see them built in front of my eyes. At the time, I didn’t think it would be sustainable architecture. I was really into historic preservation and restoring old

SISR Architecture LLC: Green Dream Homes

Page 27: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 27

buildings to how they once were. However, I found that there was a lot of political red tape and many people believe a building needs to be brought back to that exact time period. I didn’t nec-essarily agree with that, but I loved the idea of reusing materials from old buildings. It’s a type of recycling and another form of sustainable architecture. When an old building needs to be torn down, there is no need to haul it away to the landfill. Many parts can be recycled and turned into new buildings. What inspired you to start a sustainable architectural firm?Doug and I wanted to do things differently. We are very passion-ate about the environment, and we wanted bring these sustain-able building options to our clients. We wanted to show our clients how easy it could be to save money while building green.

What is your favorite sustainable building project?I have two: First is a straw bale garage and studio in Marlow (pictured, left). We were approached by a young art teacher and she wanted to build a straw bale building. We had not been in-volved in building one before, but we were up for the challenge. It was fun visiting other straw bale houses, doing all the research, drawings, and helping her design it. The studio turned out to be a really beautiful, organic, calming type of building. Almost spir-itual in fact. The walls were made out of bales of straw and will last up to 100 years. The construction is quite simple: A founda-tion is poured, a post and beam structure built, bales stacked like bricks, reinforced with vertical bars, then the bales are covered with a clay plaster mix, and a traditional roof was added.

On-Site Event & Employee Massage From Our Professional Team to Yours

Deep Roots has been providing high quality on-site massage for Monadnock’s employers since 2008. Our expert therapists train in state

of the art evidence based techniques to quickly reduce stress and muscle pain. Our clients return to work relaxed and revived.

603-352-0734 / www.deeproootsmb.com

PO Box 890, 741 Beard Road Hillsborough, NH 03244

vox/fax: (603)478-1178www.eannpoole.com

E. Ann Poole, CWS, [email protected]

POOLE ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANCYHelping Protect Natural Assets Since 1996

Schedule a free initial consultation today!

www.SapientWellness.comVital Essence Wellness Center

1 Elm Street, 2nd Floor, Keene, NH 603-903-3758

April reynolds is a member of the International Association for Health Coaches,

and a Well Core Network provider.

As an Integrative Health Coach, I will provide you with ongoing support and guidance

as you set goals and make sustainable changes that improve your health and happiness.

I’m passionate about helping my clients feel their best… could one conversation change your life?

champions

Continued on next page.

Page 28: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

28 Monadnock Small Business Journal

It’s time to purchase summer

shares! Delivered to your door

or picked up at the farm.

Visit our self-serve farm stand to purchase vegetable, herb & flower plants for your garden that yield well in our area.

We’ll have hanging baskets for Mother’s Day! Raised without chemicals! Open daily, sunup to sundown.

www.traciesfarm.com72 Jaffrey Road, Fitzwilliam, NH • 603-568-6102

My second favorite project is an earth sheltered home with passive solar ele-ments we designed in South Acworth (pictured, right). The north side of the home is buried in the ground and insulated concrete formed walls are set. The front of the home faces south so it is easily exposed to the sun. It includes big windows and sliding glass doors, plus a flat roof to accommodate a green living roof with 3 to 4 inches of soil. The performance of the home is amazing. On a sunny winter day without any other heat source the inside of the home can reach 75 degrees. For those gray winter days, there is a backup wood stove, but the homeowners rarely use it. p

Learn more about SISR Architecture at: www.SISR.us. In addition, you can listen to this interview in its entirety via a podcast at GreenerbyChoice.com or on iTunes.

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

Page 29: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 29

Summer can make more of a difference than you think.

Summer Session offers flexible scheduling that includes courses on campus, as well as fully and partially online.

Students can learn from anywhere, give their GPA a boost, stay on track for graduation, and save money.

Visit keene.edu/summer to learn more about the difference Summer Session can make for you.

Register now. Classes begin May 18.

www.keene.edu/summer | 603-358-2290 Think Keene State.

Keene State College | 229 Main Street | Keene, New Hampshire 03435 | www.keene.edu

The Best Way To Print Today!

YourDesignHere

603-357-1400

NO SCREEN ORSET-UP FEES!

Quality Service - Fast Turn-Around - Competitive PricesWWW.BEEZETEES.COM

BEEZE TEESS C R E E N P R I N T I N G

Page 30: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

30 Monadnock Small Business Journal

THE BUSINESS NEXT DOOR

Tony Morrison is a serial entrepreneur who runs three businesses from his home office in Keene: Distant Echo Design, Jarondie Farm Institute of Richmond, and Exclusive Organics. Morrison spoke to us about how he juggles family life and running three businesses from home.

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

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

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

A snapshot of a local home businesshomesteading and sustainability are inspiring and their willing-ness to share it is commendable. I just happen to have a con-versation with Addie about my desire to learn more of what she knows, and we suddenly realized there were many more like me with a craving for this information. After a bit more research, we realized that educational formats such as this were in demand but there isn’t much out there for people to attend, especially on a per-topic basis. We started advertising our workshops at the beginning of 2015 and concluded our second one at the

beginning of February. The topics we’ve offered have been soap making and domestic animal maintenance. As spring approaches, we expect to be going full-tilt right through autumn with a curriculum centered on outdoor activities. My newest business creation is Exclusive Organ-ics, website tailored to meeting the increasing demand of the organic/natural product industry. The website will offer organic and natural prod-ucts in a plethora of categories including food, pets, health and beauty and outdoor living.

How do you juggle being a stay-at-home dad and your businesses? It can be very difficult

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

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

What do you do for fun when not working? After spending a good deal of my time in front of a screen during the week I make a point to go outdoors whenever I can. There is no greater muse for creativity than nature. I thoroughly enjoy hiking, and as my children get a little older, I want them to start experienc-ing skiing, the way I did when I was growing up. I absolutely love being back in Keene and find the sense of community so refreshing after living in a city of 400,000 transients in Colorado. The way this region comes together for each other is an amazing trait that should make everyone here very proud. p

Do you know of an interesting home-based business for this column? Tell us! Email [email protected].

Tony Morrison417 Washington St., KeeneDistant Echo Design www.distantechodesign.com

Exclusive Organics www.exclusiveorganics.com

Jarondie Farm Institute 603-465-8488

30 Monadnock Small Business Journal

Page 31: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 31

Hancock 525-3342 | antrim 588-3600 | Jaffrey 532-5600 | new ipswicH 878-4860

Bellows-Nichols has been rooted in the Monadnock Region since 1836. We are locally owned and our employees are all local residents who have

a strong commitment to the local community with an emphasis on personal service and excellence!

www.bellowsnichols.com

10 main streetpeterborough, nH

603-924-7155

for ALL your insurance needs!

5 Reasons why your business belongs in Monadnock Small Business Journal

1Readership is highly targeted to the Monadnock

Region’s small business and entrepreneur community.

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

services.

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

4 Rates are affordable! Ads start at $120 per insertion; $75 per listing in the Business Directory page. All display

advertisers get a FREE Business Directory listing for an entire year plus a link (with the business tag line) on our website!

5 Monadnock Small Business Journal is local. We understand the Monadnock Region.

We’re here to help your business thrive!

Learn more at

www.MonadnockSBJ.com

Page 32: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

32 Monadnock Small Business Journal

AprilApr. 7 (Tues. 8-9:30 a.m.)HR Compliance 101: Forklifts. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. [email protected]

Apr. 7 (Tues. 6:30-8:30 p.m.)Social Media Marketing with Christine Halvorson: Twitter. Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce. [email protected]

Apr. 9 (Thurs. 5-6:30 p.m.)YEA! CEO Roundtable. Alumni Center, KSC, Keene. [email protected]

Apr. 10 (Fri. 10-11 a.m.)Facebook Strategies for Your Nonprofit. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. [email protected]

Apr. 10 (Fri. noon-2:30 p.m.)Stop Guessing and Master Facebook: Part 1. $67. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. [email protected]

Apr. 10 (Fri. 6:30-10 p.m.)Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce Social & Raffle. $125 for two. Keene Country Club. [email protected]

Apr. 10 (Fri. noon - 1:00 p.m.)Using Music for Staff Development and Teambuilding; Hands-on Info Session. Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce Business to Business Lunch [email protected]

Apr. 14 (Tues. 8:30-9:30 a.m.)Development Professionals Roundtable. Dublin School, Dublin. [email protected]

Apr. 15 (Wed. 5:30-7 p.m.)Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. Antioch University-New England, Keene. [email protected]

Apr. 15-18 (Thurs., Fri., Sat.)Monadnock International Film Festival. The Colonial Theatre., Keene. $95 VIP pass, $60 film pass. www.moniff.org

Apr. 17 (Fri. 8:30-10 a.m.)Prosper Fundraising & Your Nonprofit. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. [email protected]

Apr. 21 (Tues. 6:30-8:30 p.m.)Social Media Marketing with Christine Halvorson: LinkedIn. Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce. [email protected] Apr. 22 (Wed. 5:30-7 p.m.)Jaffrey Chamber of Commerce After Hours. Monadnock Adult Day Care, [email protected]

Apr. 29 (Wed. 4-5:30 p.m.)Telling Your Story That Accompanies Your Art. Harrisville location TBD. [email protected].

MayMay 7 (Tues. 8-9:30 a.m.)YEA! Investor Panel. Bensonwood, Walpole. [email protected]

May 12 (Tues. 8-9:30 a.m.)Time Management. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. [email protected]

May 12 (Tues. 8:30-9:30 p.m.)Development Professionals Roundtable. Dublin School, Dublin. [email protected]

May 15 (Fri. 8:30-10 a.m.)Shape Your Board for a Bright Future: Governance. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. [email protected]

May 15 (Fri. 10-11 a.m.)Hootsuite Lite. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. [email protected]

May 15 (Fri. noon-2:30 p.m.)Hootsuite: Walk Out a Professional. Hannah Grimes Center. $67. [email protected]

May 18 (Mon.)Summer Session at Keene State College Begins. To register: 603-358-2290.

May 20 (Wed. 5:30-7 p.m.)Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. [email protected]

May 27 (Wed. 4-5:30 p.m.)Technology 101 & Photos of Art. Keene location TBD. [email protected]

May 30 (Sat. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.) YEA! Trade Show. Railroad Square, Keene. [email protected]

June June 2 (Tues. 8-9:30 a.m.)Basic Principals of Respectful Workplaces. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. [email protected]

June 9 (Tues. 8:30-9:30 a.m.)Development Professionals Roundtable. Dublin School, Dublin. [email protected]

June 12 (Fri. noon-2:30 p.m.)Stop Guessing and Master Facebook: Part 2. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. [email protected]

June 17 (Wed. 5:30-7 p.m.)Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce After Hours. All State Insurance, Keene. [email protected]

June 24 (4-5:30 p.m.)How to Organize an Open Studio Tour. Keene location TBD. [email protected]

Ongoing 3-month Entrepreneur Project with Ann Connor. Ongoing, new class every four months. Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. Accepting applications, $600 fee with 50% scholarship funding available to those who qualify. Contact: [email protected] 603-352-5063

6-month Start-Up Program with Rich Grogan. Ongoing, new class beginning every 6 months Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. Accepting appli-cations, $600 fee with 50% scholarship funding available to those who qualify. Contact: [email protected] 603-352-5063

3-month Mastering Social Media Course with Emily Susan. Ongoing, new class beginning every 4 months Hannah Grimes Center, Keene. Accept-ing applications, $600 fee with 50% scholarship funding available to those who qualify. Contact: [email protected] 603-352-5063

This list was compiled by Jillian Miner of the Hannah Grimes Center. Please send your calendar items [email protected].

April/May/June 2015CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Page 33: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 33

Better Business Loans.

The cure for common banking.

Better Banking.

gfafcu.com Ashburnham | Gardner | Hubbardston

Leominster | Peterborough | Rindge Rutland | WinchendonFEDERALLY INSURED BY NCUA

Rachel’s here to help!

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

Rachel O’LearyVice President/Business Development

[email protected]

• Real Estate

• SBA Loans – we’re an SBA Preferred Lender

• Equipment

• Term Loans

• Lines of Credit

• Short-Term Financing

1 Jaffrey Road, Peterborough, NH

31 Sonja Drive, Rindge, NH

Better Business Loans:

Better Business Loans.

The cure for common banking.

Better Banking.

gfafcu.com Ashburnham | Gardner | Hubbardston

Leominster | Peterborough | Rindge Rutland | WinchendonFEDERALLY INSURED BY NCUA

Rachel’s here to help!

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

Rachel O’LearyVice President/Business Development

[email protected]

• Real Estate

• SBA Loans – we’re an SBA Preferred Lender

• Equipment

• Term Loans

• Lines of Credit

• Short-Term Financing

1 Jaffrey Road, Peterborough, NH

31 Sonja Drive, Rindge, NH

Better Business Loans:

Page 34: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

34 Monadnock Small Business Journal

Bean, Seaver, Smith & AssociatesMilford NH | 603-673-0005www.beaverseaversmith.com

Bellville RealtyBrattleboro VT | 802-257-7979www.bellvillerealty.com

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate/The Masiello GroupKeene NH | 603-352-5433,Peterborough NH | 603-924-8373www.masiello.com

Brattleboro Area RealtyBrattleboro VT | 802-257-1335www.realtyvermont.com

Business Center for Innovation + Technology310 Marlborough St., Keene NHDon Brehm | 603-363-4988

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

OFFICE SPACE: RENT/BUY

The GuernseyBuilding

70 Main STreeT PeTerBorouGh, nh 03458

Proudly owned By

now leasing!

Located in historic downtown Peterborough, at

the corner of Grove and Main Street. Steps from

Peterborough’s best restaurants, shopping, enter-

tainment, and services. Multiple configurations of

office space available at competitive rates. From

200-12,000 contiguous RSF available. Tenant and

guest parking. Newly renovated with historic charm.

SChedule a Tour Today!

603.672.0300 x127

rjfinlay.com

Page 35: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 35

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

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

Make it So: Monadnock MakerspaceKeene NH | 603-352-2812www.facebook.com/ MakeItSoMakerspace

Monadnock Economic Development CorporationKeene NH | 603-352-4939www.monadnock-development.org

RE/MAX Town & CountryKeene NH | 603-357-4100www.mykeenehome.com

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

R.J. Finlay & Co./The Guernsey BuildingPeterborough NH 603-672-0300, x127www.RJFinley.com

Tousley Property Management LLCKeene NH | 603-352-9071www.tousleyproperty.com

The Petersons Inc. Real EstatePeterborough NH 603-924-3321www.petersonsrealestate.com

Tieger RealtyJaffrey NH | 603-532-8765www.tiegerrealty.com

Big or small, space for all!160 Emerald Street , Keene, NH 03431 • 603-352-9071

[email protected]

✔ Office space rentals start at $350/month and include:• heat/hot water• snow/trash removal• high-speed Internet• ample free

on-site parking• loading dock• ADA compliant elevator

to second floor ✔ Perfect for start-ups or

as incubator space✔ Spaces range from 300

to 7,000 square feet✔ Walking distance

to downtown Keene✔ Common area maintenance

charges are FREE for the life of your lease

Keene’s best Kept secret

in affordable business office space!

Did we miss a real estate company or organization? Let us know! This listing appears in each year’s Apr/May/Jun issue. Email: [email protected]

Page 36: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

36 Monadnock Small Business Journal

Note: Telephone numbers are 603 area code unless otherwise noted.

ACCOUNTINGAnderson & Gilbert Keene NHA Full Service Accounting Firm357-1928, [email protected]

Hogancamp PC Keene NHAccountants and Business Advisors352-2233, www.hogancamp-pc.com

Lynn C. Rust, CPA PC Swanzey NHHelping You Solve Your Financial Puzzle358-6565, [email protected]

ADVERTISING/MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS/DESIGNAimee LaBrake ConsultingPeterborough NHThe Small Business Marketing Solution784-5560aimee@aimeelabrakeconsulting.comwww.aimeelabrakeconsulting.com

Annie Card Creative ServicesPeterborough NHCreative Marketing Strategies and Solutions924-6605, [email protected]

Halvorson New Media, LLC Hancock NH Social Media Strategies, Training and Content Creation for Small Businesses 525-3391 [email protected]

Salwen Graphic Design Keene NHFull Service Website & Graphic Design for Marketing & Communication, 357-4693, [email protected], www.salwen.net

ARCHITECTS/HOME/BUILDINGCatlin & Petrovick Architects, PC Keene NHA Local Firm with a National Presence 352-2255, [email protected] www.c-parchitects.com

Crockett Homes of Central New England Spofford & Westmoreland, NHAlways and Forever Local363-4606, [email protected]

Crockett Log & Timber Homes Keene NHGreen Living Since 1973800-566-7714jdodson@crockettloghomes.comwww.crockettloghomes.com

Scully Architects Keene NHExtraordinary Architecture and Planning for Our Community357-4544, [email protected]

SISR Architecture, LLC Marlow NHSustainable, Innovative & Socially Responsible Building Design446-7024, [email protected] www.sisr.us

Weller & Michal Architects Harrisville NHWe Strive For Excellence Within Real-World Limitations ... Because Design Matters827-3840, [email protected] www.wapm.com

ARTS & CULTURALArts Alive! Keene NHAdvancing Arts and Culture in the Monadnock Region283-0944info@monadnockartsalive.orgwww.monadnockartsalive.org

AUCTIONEERSThe Cobbs Auctioneers Peterborough NHFine Antiques and Art Auctions924-6361www.TheCobbs.com

BANKS/CREDIT UNIONSBank of New HampshireAntrim, Keene, HillsboroughNew Hampshire’s Local Bank800-832-0912, www.banknh.com

GFA Federal Credit Union Peterborough NHBetter Value. Better Service. Better Banking.924-9654, www.gfafcu.com

NBT BankKeene NHFor Everything That Counts352-0674www.NBTBank.com

Savings Bank of WalpoleKeene and Walpole NHThe Savings Bank of You 352-1822 or 756-4771 www.walpolebank.com

Service Credit Union403 Winchester St., Keene NHNo Dream is Too Big. No Idea is Too Small.603-352-0475 or 800-936-7730www.servicecu.org

BUSINESS INTERNETTime Warner Cable Business ClassGuy Mitchell, Account Executive207-253-7360

CAR RENTALU-Save Car & Truck Rental Keene NHWhere The Road Leads, U-Save352-7900 , [email protected]

CARPENTRY/WOODWORKINGThomas James Woodworks Keene NH465-8882, [email protected]

CATERING/RESTAURANTSLa Mia Casa Peterborough, NHMade By Hands, Not [email protected]/lamiacasanh

Mayfair Farm Harrisville NHA Small Scale, Diversified Family Farm827-3925, [email protected]

The Pub Restaurant & Caterers Keene, NHHome of the $1.19 Breakfast352-3135, [email protected]

The Works Bakery Cafe Keene NHDelicious Sandwiches Made With Humanely-Raised, Hormone-Free Meats357-9787, www.worksbakerycafe.com

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCEGreater Keene Chamber of Commerce Keene NHYour Friendly Source for Information About the Monadnock Region352-1303, [email protected] www.keenechamber.com

Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Improving Quality of Life for All Citizens of the Greater Peterborough Region924-7234info@peterboroughchamber.comwww.greater-peterborough-chamber.com

Hillsborough Chamber of CommerceBridging Commerce and Community464-5858www.hillsboroughnhchamber.org

CLEANING SERVICESCheshire Cleaning, Inc. Keene NHCommercial Cleaning Servicesin the Monadnock Region209-9735, [email protected]

COACHING/CONSULTINGAdviCoach Richmond NHMaking Your Success a Reality 239-3693michelle@connorcoachingteam.comwww.connorteam.advicoach.com

LaunchingU Keene NHCareer Coaching for College Students & New Graduates357-6111, [email protected]

D I R E C T O R Y

B U S I N E S S

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

Page 37: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 37

Path of Purpose Coaching Spofford NHInspiring Entrepreneurs to Success in Life and [email protected]

PeopleSense Consulting LLC Jaffrey NHImprove Hiring, Job-Fit, Performance and Leadership532-5888 [email protected]

SCORE Keene NHFor the Life of Your Business352-0320 www.MonadnockScore.org

Solutions for Today Keene NHSolving Your Quickbooks Challenges903-1047 [email protected]

Sterling Business Corp. Peterborough NH Small Business Breakthroughs, Individual Solutions924-9401, [email protected]

COMMUNITY BROADBANDWiValley, Inc. Keene NHYour Local Provider For Fiber, Hybrid and Wireless Broadband Solutions546-7200, [email protected]

COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSAs)Tracie’s Community Farm Fitzwilliam NHGrowing Local Food and Community Since 1999209-1851www.traciesfarm.com

CONSUMER ELECTRONICSiCracked Keene NHI Can Fix That!734-5320, www.icracked.com

CUSTOM DISPLAYS/SPECIALTY CASESJ.H. Dunning Corp/Dunning Displays North Walpole NHWe Make Your Product POP!445-5591, www.jhdunning.com

DOG TRAINING/RETAILEverything Dog Keene NHGot Dog? Get Solutions.499-6207, [email protected]

Under One Woof Antrim NHLoving the Dogs of Antrim and Beyond Since 2006!588-2030, www.underonewoof.info

Wicked Good Dog Training Peterborough NHPositive Training with Positive Results732-7214wickedgooddogtraining@gmail.comwww.wickedgooddogtraining.com

ECOLOGICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTINGPoole Ecological ConsultancyHillsborough NHHelping Protect Natural Assets Since 1996478-1178, [email protected] www.eannpoole.com

The Green Up Girl Keene NH Reduce Waste, Reduce Cost, Rethink Events802-258-8046, [email protected]

EDUCATION/TRAININGAntioch University New England Keene NHExplore. Empower. Transform.877-595-9873, www.antiochne.edu

Keene State College Continuing Education Keene NHWisdom to Make a Difference358-2290, www.keene.edu/conted

River Valley Community College Keene/Claremont NHEnvisioning the Future – Our Future by Design542-7744, www.rivervalley.edu

The Monadnock Waldorf SchoolKeene NHEnrolling Nursery Through High School357-4442www.MonadnockWaldorfSchool.org

WorkReadyNHat River Valley Community CollegeStrengthen Your Workforce With WorkReadyNH542-7744, www.rivervalley.edu

Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) Keene State CollegeKeene NHStart as a Student, Graduate as a [email protected]

FINANCIAL SERVICESCompass Financial GroupHarrisville, NHHelping You Navigate the Financial World827-3022, [email protected]

Edward Jones/Allen Mendelson Keene NHMaking Sense of Investing357-7023 [email protected]

Edward Jones/Scott TrendellKeene NH Making Sense of Investing352-1921 [email protected]

MetLifeKeene NH Retirement, Life Insurance, Disability, Long Term Care352-2246, [email protected]

Northwestern MutualManchester NH Matthew J. Toepfer, Financial Advisor206-6093, [email protected]/matthewtoepfer

Primerica / Matthew SnowKeene NH Helping Families Become Debt Free and Financially [email protected] www.primerica.com/matthewsnow

FITNESS CENTERSLinks Fitness Golf Keene NH24 Hour Gym Access and Golf Simulators499-8016, www.linksfitnessgolf.com

FLOORINGAbel Hardwood Flooring Peterborough NH15 Years Experience325-7109

HEALTH & PERSONAL CARECindy Knipe, RDN, LD Keene NHNutrition Counseling and Medical Nutrition Therapy ... What Nourishes You?738-5791, [email protected] www.whatnourishesyou-nh.com

Core Consciousness Keene NHSpecializing in Pre- and Post- Rehabilitation358-5146, [email protected] www.coreconsciousnesskeene.com

Deep Roots Massage & Bodywork Keene NHProfessional and Affordable Massage for Every Body352-0734, [email protected] www.deeprootsmassagemb.com

European Esthetics Peterborough NHOffering Organic Skin, Nail and Body Care to the Monadnock Region924-9123 [email protected] www.european-esthetics.com

Preparing students for success in life

Because life is not a standardized test.

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

To book listing contact us at: [email protected]

Page 38: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

38 Monadnock Small Business Journal

Five Element AcupunctureKeene NHPromoting Health, Preventing Disease369-7965, [email protected]

Sapient WellnessKeene NHImprove Your Clarity & Focus for Work and for Life903-3758, www.sapientwellness.org

Young Living Essential Oils Swanzey NHRose Karluk, Independent Distributor209-4010, [email protected]

HUMAN RESOURCESHR Compliance 101, LLC Fitzwilliam NHCreating Workplaces That Work for [email protected]

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYTrue North Networks Keene NHStraight Answers. Bright Solutions.624-6777www.truenorthnetworks.com

Worldwide Computer SolutionsKeene NH358-6776, [email protected]

INSURANCEBellows-Nichols InsurancePeterborough NHPersonal Service for Over 175 Years!924-7155, www.bellowsnichols.com

Clark Mortenson Insurance and Financial ServicesKeene NHBe Ready for Anything357-2219, [email protected], www.clarkmortenson.com

Masiello Insurance Agency, Inc.Keene NHOur Service Saves You Time and Our Choices Save You Money352-1810, [email protected]

The Insurance Source, Inc.Keene NHThe Source for All of Your Insurance Needs357-2219, www.insurancesource.com

LOCKSMITHGoodwin’s LocksmithingWalpole NHService You Can [email protected]

MEETING SPACE/GOLF COURSEKeene Country Club Keene NH352-0135, [email protected]

MEETING SPACE/LODGINGDays Inn Keene NHBest Value Under the Sun352-9780 [email protected]

NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTRepco Development Technologies Greenfield NHNew Product Development and Commercialization397-3005, [email protected]

NONPROFITMonadnock Buy Local Keene NHHelping Our Local Economy Growwww.monadnocklocal.org

Monadnock United Way Keene NHThere for All of [email protected]

OFFICE FURNISHINGSBudget Blinds Keene NHA Style for Every Point of View354-7801, www.budgetblinds.com/keene

Carbone’s Window & Awning LLC Keene NHYour Window, Awning & Flooring Specialist352-1932 www.carboneswindowandawning.com

PHOTOGRAPHYCheetah Design StudioPeterborough NHWe are a Photography, Photo Booth Rental and Web Design Company Servicing New England673-6431info@cheetahdesignstudio.comwww.cheetahdesignstudio.com

Edward Thomas Photography Marlow NHProfessional Photography for Business; 30+ Years Experience357-5939ed@edthomasphotography.comwww.edthomasphotography.com

PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES (Embroidery, Mailing, Printing, Screen Printing, Signs)Beeze Tees Screen Printing Keene NHThe Best Way to Print Today!357-1400, [email protected]

Bulldog Design Keene NHGet it Local. GetBullDog.com.369-7171, [email protected]

Gem Graphics Keene NHYour Image is Everything352-7112, [email protected]

Gemini Screenprint, LLC Keene NHYour Identity is Our Business357-3847, [email protected]

Hilltop Flags LLCAntrim NHYour Online Flag Store494-1912, www.hilltopflags.com

Moonstruck Press Keene NHSeveral Technologies [email protected] www.moonstruckpress.com

PrintFUSION Keene NHBuilt on Service, Focused on Solutions283-0007, [email protected]

Signworx Swanzey NHSmall Town Service World Class Results358-1003, [email protected]

The Shipping Shack Keene & Peterborough, NHPacking, Shipping, Mailboxes & More!352-4249, 784-5564www.shippingshack.com

PROJECT MANAGEMENTApplied Agility, LLC Weare NHYour Project Management Edge660-6953, [email protected]

REAL ESTATE/OFFICE SPACEHannah Grimes Center Keene NHWeaving Together Business, Local Economy and Community.352-5063, www.hannahgrimes.com

Make it So: Monadnock MakerspaceKeene NHImagine Where We Can [email protected] www.facebook.com/MakeItSoMakerspace

RE/MAX Town & CountryKeene NHOutstanding Agents, Outstanding Results357-4100, [email protected]

R.J. Finlay & Co.Nashua NHA Full Service Real Estate, Construction and Building Materials Firm 672-0300, www.rjfinlaycom

Tousley Property Management LLCKeene NHBig or Small, Space for All!352-9071, [email protected]

RESOURCE CENTERSThe River CenterA Family & Community Resource CenterPeterborough NH924-6800, www.rivercenter.us

SEPTIC SITE WORKSeptic Manager Sullivan NHSeptic Site Work From Start to Finish847-9158, [email protected]

STAFFINGThe TPI Staffing Group Keene NHThe People You Want, with the Skills You Need and the Service You Deserve352-4155, www.tpistaffing.net

Would you like your climb to the top of Mt. Monadnock immortalized on this page? Send your digital photo to [email protected]. We look forward to seeing your “At the Top” photos!

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

Page 39: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

April/May/June 2015 39

TEAM BUILDINGMonadnock Art PartiesKristina WentzellKeene NH Uncork Your Creativity903-5902, [email protected]

Music All AroundKeene NH Music and Percussion Workshops for Team Building & Staff Development357-4692, [email protected]

VIDEO PRODUCTION SERVICESHome and Business Services UnlimitedTewksbury MAHBSU ... Our Success is Your Success!978-640-1900 [email protected]

VIOLENCE PREVENTIONBlue-U Corporate Resources Hancock NHCorporate Training in Response to Violence759-7803, www.blue-u.com

WEB DESIGN/DEVELOPMENT/CONSULTING/HOSTING4Web Inc. Keene, NHJoomla & WordPress Development903-0793, [email protected]

CharlesWorks Peterborough, NHDoing Our Best to Provide Your Web Development Needs Since 1998924-9867, [email protected]

Steadman Media Group Troy NHWeb Strategist & New Media Solutions903-8168mikel@steadmanmediagroup.comwww.steadmanmediagroup.com

WRITINGTWP Marketing & Technical Communications Peterborough NHOur Words Mean Business — On the Web and in Print603-924-0935 [email protected]

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

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

Committed to Your Success & Keeping NH Strong

BankNH.com 1.800.832.0912 Member FDIC

SINCE 1831

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

Collection Services

Disbursement Services

Sweep Accounts

Payroll Services*

Merchant Services*

And much more...

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

We’re proud to offer your business:

Save Your Valuable Time With Treasury Management Services for Your Business

*Provided by a third party.

Page 40: MSBJ Issue 7, April/May/June 2015

40 Monadnock Small Business Journal

Show your support of the next generation of local CEOsand come see the hard work of the students from

the Young Entrepreneurs Academy at Keene State College!

Want more info on the YEA! program at KSC? Contact Program Manager Meredith Speranza at [email protected]

Thursday, April 9, 2015

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

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

Thursday, May 7, 2015

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

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

Saturday, May 30, 2015

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

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

10:00am-1:00pm

Students from area middle and high schools are ready to unveil their products and services. Please join us at the following events. All are open to the public!

Like us on Facebook (YEA Keene State College)

Follow us on Twitter (@YEAKeeneState)