Building a better mousetrap

Published on Tuesday, May 04, 2010

BY JOY JORDAN

It takes a special kind of small businesses to survive the critical first five years and be on the road to long-term success. Area chambers of commerce, in conjunction with SCORE, have given 2010 Build a Better Mousetrap Awards to honor a number of local companies that have survived and even thrived. Here are their success stories – what can you learn from them?

BREWSTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ferretti’s Market
Mark Ferretti and Gina Ferretti Sylvia
OPENED IN 2001

Our business is best described as a family owned and run area market. Ferretti’s Market specializes in serving our customers the best meats cut fresh from our very own meatcutters located on the premises as well as a beer and wine department, bakery and fresh sandwiches made to order.

To what do you attribute your lasting success?

The success of Ferretti’s Market is due to the 50-plus years of experience our family has in serving customers in the grocery business. Paul and his children Mark and Gina work daily to give Ferretti’s Market the personal touch their customers have come to expect. Ferretti’s offers quality products, good pricing and personal customer service.


CANAL REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Lindsey’s Family Restaurant
Cheri Lindsey
OPENED IN 1948

Lindsey’s is a family-owned and -operated restaurant that is committed to quality, and known for our famous homemade food using only the freshest local ingredients and friendly service. Lindsey’s originally opened in 1948 as a simple clam stand. In the late ‘60s the restaurant expanded, but restored the original facility as a 1950s-style diner, including the lunch counter with swivel stools. Today, the restaurant has grown to include several dining areas, big enough to accept motor coach tours and host functions up to 70 people.

To what do you attribute your lasting success?

Their first commitment has always been to their founding philosophy that food should be prepared by using the freshest vegetables, seasonal fruits, local seafood and regional vendors when possible. Their second commitment is to the customers and staff, many who have worked or been coming to Lindsey’s for over 20 years and span three generations.

It is very difficult for a family run business to compete against the onslaught of chain restaurants opening daily, but Lindsey’s continues to stay strong by holding their founding philosophy of always fresh, homemade food and treating guests and employees like family.


CAPE COD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Genevate
Leslie Fishlock and Chris Corriveau
OPENED IN 2002

Genevate (genevate.com) is a professional Web application, development, design and social media/inbound marketing firm specializing in standards compliant, Ruby on Rails Web application development is the design/development powerhouse behind StockTwits (stocktwits.com), an award-winning, real-time financial social network that live streams trades and stocks.

Genevate is also the parent company of Geek Girl Camp (geekgirlcamp.com), whose mission is to educate and empower every girl and woman at every age level, on every skill level, at every income level on computer technology.

To what do you attribute your lasting success?

Phenomenally talented, committed and longstanding employees and a community of trusted people. Always thinking as an entrepreneur as opposed to a small business owner. Knowing about the next best thing in tech before everyone else. Always making time for others to educate and give back.


CHATHAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Where the Sidewalk Ends Bookstore
Joanne Doggart and Caitlin Doggart-Bernal
OPENED IN 2005

Where the Sidewalk Ends Bookstore is a mother/daughter-owned general interest bookstore located in a two-story “antique” barn on the East End of Chatham’s Historic Main Street Shopping District. It offers many in-store events as well as the popular Fancy Nancy Tea Parties at the Captain’s House Inn and Author Literary Luncheons at the Wequassett Inn. Summer 2010 will usher in a new era with the expansion of the children’s section into the building next door.

To what do you attribute your lasting success?

Where the Sidewalk Ends Bookstore maintains a focus on ambiance – our goal is to create a space that people enjoy visiting repeatedly. A part of that is inherent in the physical charm: a deck with tables and chairs, and indoor seating near the working fireplace, space for comfortable browsing, even with strollers, and keeping the book displays fresh and beautiful-looking – and part of the ambiance stems from personality: a friendly, caring, helpful staff, and offering family-friendly events, author signings, and books that are interesting and fun for all ages.


DENNIS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Lost Dog Pub
Jane and Andy Murphy
OPENED IN 2001

Lost Dog is a comfortable neighborhood pub with a friendly staff and good food – from big burgers and brick oven pizza to the freshest seafood entrees at affordable prices, open from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week. On June 24, 2009, the Murphys opened another location at the intersection of routes 28 and 6A at the entrance to downtown Orleans.

To what do you attribute your lasting success?

We attribute our lasting success to consistency and loyal hardworking people who treat the business as their own. We are also blessed with great customers who appreciate our product.


EASTHAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Cape Cod Dog
Katrina M. Boucher
OPENED IN 2004

Boucher’s store is Cape Cod’s premier shop for everything canine and feline, featuring retail pet supplies and boutique supplying the Lower and Outer Cape with holistic dog and cat food, supplies, supplements, toys, beds and gifts.

To what do you attribute your lasting success?

Great customer service is first and foremost. Our customers want information when they walk in my door, and we provide that. Combined with quality products and a knowledgeable staff, it keeps our customers coming back. Lastly, support from my family. Without them, I don’t know if I would be where I am today.


HARWICH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Pit Stop Mobile Auto Detailing
Laura Schaub
OPENED IN 2001

Laura grew up in Harwich hanging around her family’s garage, and classic cars have been in her family’s world for as long as she can remember. Pit Stop details not only cars, SUVs and pickup trucks, but also 10-wheel Peterbilts, wreckers, tractor trailers and buses. Schaub is Certified NAPDR Technician and a Certified Technician of the International Detailing Association.

To what do you attribute your lasting success?

I treat every customer like a member of the family, I will answer the phone day or night in person; calls never go to an answering machine. This approach creates loyal customers. In addition, I am active in the community – Harwich Cranberry Festival Committee, the Harwich Chamber’s Fall for Harwich committee and the Chamber’s School Business Partnership Committee. I also speak to classes at Cape Cod Tech as a woman who owns and runs an automotive business.


HYANNIS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
La Petite France Café
Ian & Heidi Parent
OPENED IN 2005

La Petite France Café, a longtime fixture on Main Street Hyannis for more than 20 years, was on the verge of disappearing from the restaurant landscape until Ian and Heidi Parent took over the dormant business five years ago. From a non-operating business to one that serves the year-round and visitor population, La Petite France Café is a “labor of love,” for Ian Parent, the baker, coffee maker and sandwich producer who arrives at the café at 4 a.m. each day, and, for Heidi, who handles the majority of behind-the-scenes projects that help keep a business afloat in this rugged economy.

To what do you attribute your lasting success?

The keys to success, according to Ian, are a consistent product at a fair price. It needs to be a place he would want to go to, even if he did not own it. You have to know what your customers like and you have to give great customer service. In addition, Heidi adds, it was a matter of quickly learning their strengths and weaknesses and never forgetting that customer loyalty is the absolute.


MARTHA’S VINEYARD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Sharky’s Cantina
JB and Heidi Blau
OPENED IN 2005

Sharky’s Cantina is a casual Tex-Mex restaurant-bar. Providing a home base for Islanders year-round, and tourists whenever they wash ashore, Sharky’s provides a fun, festive atmosphere in both island locations, Edgartown and Oak Bluffs. At Sharky’s they never take themselves too seriously, except when
it comes to their fresh drinks and food. Families, couples, seniors, teens and the rest all co-exist within the walls of the cantina.

To what do you attribute your lasting success?

Our lasting success is 100 percent attributed to our community commitment and our relentless determination to remain open seven days a week at both locations every week of the year. Fair pricing, fresh, delicious drinks and food, a year round staff that cares, community outreach and a lively atmosphere makes us a top choice for Islanders and tourists alike. Donating to local charities and organizations, sponsoring large scale events and making the local business our top priority has cemented our core clientele and provided us with a massive base of extremely loyal guests.


MASHPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Fitness Company for Women
Meredith Nixon
OPENED IN 2005

The Fitness Company for Women is an escape for women of all ages, shapes and lifestyles to get fit, feel great and take time for themselves, offering women a place to get fit: mind, body and soul. Using that concept, the company offers group classes, personal training, nutrition counseling, massage, reiki and hair, skin and nail care.

To what do you attribute your lasting success?

Passion, gratitude and the love and support from my family and friends! I wake up every day thankful for having a place to go to work that I love. In fact it doesn’t feel like work at all!


NANTUCKET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The UPS Store
Michael Boylan
OPENED IN 2004, WITH A SECOND LOCATION ON MARTHA’S VINEYARD IN 2007

The Nantucket UPS Store offers islanders, in addition to mailing and shipping services, printing, copying and faxing services for small and large documents, office supplies and 24-hour accessible post office boxes. They have also recently branched into large format digital printing including
giclees, banners, posters and architectural blueprints.

After success on Nantucket, Boylan opened another location on Martha’s Vineyard in May 2007.

To what do you attribute your lasting success?

Customer service has been our focus since the beginning. We also offer services “on island” that customers might otherwise have to source on the mainland. As a business owner, I have been hands-on and in the store since the beginning.


ORLEANS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Weekend
Mari Porcari and David Abel
OPENED IN 2003; ONLINE STORE LAUNCHED IN 2008

Weekend is a lifestyle store on the way to Nauset Beach, specializing in a unique and edited collection of designers from around the globe. Weekend carries women’s clothing, children’s clothing, jewelry, toys, books, handbags and accessories, as well as home goods and local art by Truro artist Vendelyn Glatzel. Porcari and Abel own the building, a general store from the 1800s that has been renovated to be a more modern looking interior with colorful painted walls and cork floors.

To what do you attribute your lasting success?

Adapting to the current economic times by bringing in more affordable merchandise while still staying on trend and having beautiful and unique items. Also we have added some wonderful eco-friendly clothing lines, and fair trade products from around the globe. We also launched an online store, which is a vital part of doing business these days. And mostly our amazingly loyal customer base, that come back every summer to shop and bring friends and family. We also have a loyal local following as well.


PROVINCETOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Art’s Dune Tours
Robert Costa
OPENED IN 1946; ACQUIRED THE BUSINESS IN 2004

Art’s Dune Tours offers narrated tours in 4-wheel drive vehicles over the beautiful sand dunes of the Cape Cod National Seashore in Provincetown. Rob now has been the owner and operator for seven years and has developed the dune tour business to include more vehicles, creating more local jobs and more offerings to the public such as clambakes on the beach, weddings and a venue for other special events such as anniversaries, family parties and small corporate get-togethers.

To what do you attribute your lasting success?

Since I acquired the business from my father, I have tried to increase sales by thinking outside of the box. It’s all about trying to do the same great formula a little differently to provide a value added experience to the customer. This pleases the regular, repeat customers and attracts new ones.


SANDWICH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Belfry Inne & Bistro
Christopher G. Wilson
OPENED IN 1995

The Belfry Inne is a twenty-two room inn with two restaurants, The Belfry Bistro and Painted Lady café. In 1992, when Christopher Wilson, financial planner/trust banker and innkeeper wannabe, first spotted the ramshackle, tumbledown former 1872 rectory on Jarves Street in historic Sandwich village, he envisioned a grand Victorian painted lady turned Bed and Breakfast.

To what do you attribute your lasting success?

Perseverance, core group of staff and the willingness of the local community banks to support the endeavors.


TRURO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Reel Deal Fishing Charters
Captain Bobby Rice, Elena Rice
OPENED IN 2001

Reel Deal Fishing Charters of Truro offers half-day and full-day fishing charters for striped bass and blues, bluefin tuna and cod aboard our well-equipped center console SeaCraft boats that were designed for fishing. Launching daily (April through October) from Pamet Harbor, we welcome anglers of all ages and skill levels. We offer a range of fishing techniques using top quality Fin-nor and Quantum fishing gear to quickly adapt to the conditions, currents, and how the fish have been biting.

To what do you attribute your lasting success?

Reel Deal has become one of the most successful fishing charter businesses on Cape Cod due to our dedication to our customers and love for what we do. Captain Bobby Rice is gifted with an impressive native ability in the sport of fishing combined with the desire to make sure that all anglers aboard Reel Deal have a safe and enjoyable time on the water.


WELLFLEET CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Wellfleet Marketplace
Marshall J. Smith
OPENED IN 2004

The Wellfleet Marketplace is a full-service grocery store with fresh meat, produce, fish and dairy. In addition, we have a full deli with bakery, sliced meats and prepared foods. There is an expansive wine and beer selection as well as health and beauty aids, housewares and stationary items. The Wellfleet Booksmith is located in the Wellfleet Marketplace. We offer new books, bestsellers, local authors, and all-around interesting reads as well as gifts, cards, toys, games, puzzles and novelties. Wellfleet Booksmith is a sister store of Brookline Booksmith.

To what do you attribute your lasting success?

Offering fresh, delicious and interesting items. Listening to our customers to fulfill their needs and offering great customer service. Being a supportive member of both the Wellfleet and Outer Cape communities.


YARMOUTH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Cape Cod Brass
The Goode Family
OPENED IN 2000

Karen and James Goode work together alongside their sons Christopher, Alan and Robert as owners of Cape Cod Brass, tending to clients around the United States and abroad from a converted Burger King on Route 28 in Yarmouth. Envisioned as a Web-based company selling brass hardware, door fixtures, lanterns and other related products, the Goodes soon added a showroom to accommodate growing needs, and have recently expanded those facilities.

To what do you attribute your continued success?

In part, clear planning and a goal of taking on little debt and instead relying on cash flow for expansion. Also, despite almost total reliance on the Web, we set up the business so every Internet lead almost immediately triggers a personal phone call - usually from one of the five family members. As a result, customers we may never meet in person will become continuous relationships. ■


Published in Cape & Plymouth Business May 2010