Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1179292
32 Hartford Business Journal • October 28, 2019 • www.HartfordBusiness.com FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS 2019 3 RD PLACE — Less than 25 full-time employees category Granny's Pie Factory G ranny's Pie Factory is a maker of handcrafted pies. Recent accomplishments: Much of our business is gener- ated in the fall, particularly around Thanksgiving. During this time we hire many seasonal employees who need to be trained to function in the most efficient way possible while understanding that the qual- ity of our pies and the satisfaction to the customers, is of the utmost importance. Over the past year, Niko Harova- shas created a way to streamline this training, which is making our seasonally increased production more efficient. Simultaneously, our employees seem more able to focus on the job they are assigned while building proficiency and increased job satisfaction. How do you instill your family values in your employees? We do believe that the best way to instill the family values of re- spect, kindness, appreciation, clar- ity and professionalism is to model those values. The way in which we as a family treat each other as well as the way we communicate and treat our employees goes a long way in demonstrating what we expect and appreciate from and about those who work here. What is the biggest challenge to your business in the coming year? Since our business is very sea- sonal, as always, the biggest chal- lenge is to create ways to maintain cash flow through the winter. This is also a blessing as this slow sea- son gives us a chance to do some new product creation and reorga- nizing for the rest of the year. What is the one family value you want passed on to each generation in your business? We would hope that the value that is passed on to each genera- tion is integrity, both personal and professional integrity, which means doing business in an honorable and ethical way. Each time that an interaction oc- curs that is aligned with this value it should become an opportunity to create an atmosphere of collaboration rather than competition. 3 RD PLACE — 25–75 full-time employees category National Graphics Inc. N ational Graphics is a leader in the direct-mail industry providing printing for the direct marketer. What are your most significant ac- complishments in the last year? This year continues to be a year of growth, investment and process improvement for National Graph- ics. The com- pany has gone through several major initia- tives, including infrastructure, process and technology upgrades, and adding critical efficiencies. The management trainee program was also expand- ed as was the onboarding process for customers, vendors and employees. What's your biggest challenge? We are experiencing an unprec- edented rate of growth and with that comes challenges in scaling up without compromising our core values. Our values of exceptional service, quality and hard work with a 'can-do' approach can easily be tested in an ever-changing environment. With investments in technology, staff and infrastructure, we are well positioned to meet these challenges. Despite incentives to move man- ufacturing out of the state, we are committed to Connecticut. Conver- sations about contributing to the local community, adding jobs and creating direct economic impact still find a way to our dinner table as much today as they did when the company was founded. How do you remain competitive in the market? Our competitive advantage is maintaining an unwavering com- mitment to our customer and our team. Our collaborative approach yields a 98-percent customer re- tention rate. I think, like all firms, we will struggle to find the right talent to fit this model, but this model does make us unique in the industry. We are not just another printer, we work with our clients, we care, we are accessible and al- ways working toward positive, sub- stantial results internally, with our partners, and for our clients. Granny's Pie Factory Headquarters: East Hartford Industry: Bakery Year Founded: 2006 Founder: Joan and Anton Harovas Generation Currently Running Company: 2nd No. of Full-Time Employees: 8 No. of Part-Time Employees: 35 Family Members Currently Employed at Company: Niko Harovas, Anton Harovas, Joan Harovas. Company Website: www.grannyspiefactory.com National Graphics Inc. Headquarters: North Branford Industry: Manufacturing Year Founded: 1980 Founder: Nicholas M. Napoli Generation Currently Running Company: 2nd No. of Full-Time Employees: 45 No. of Part-Time Employees: 3 Family Members Currently Employed at Company: Michele Etzel, CFO and EVP; Michael Napoli, President, Brother to Michele Etzel; Thomas Etzel, VP of Sales, Husband to Michele Etzel. Company Website: www.natgraphics.com Tony, Joan and Niko Harovas of Granny's Pie Factory. National Graphics' executive team: (from left) Tom Etzel, VP of Sales, PJ Bovina, assistant to president, Michele Etzel, CFO and EVP, Michael Napoli, president.