Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1367032
3 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | MAY 3, 2021 Small Business Week Winners SBA Contents A look at small business champions I t's no secret that it has been a tough last year for small businesses, which have dealt with much disruption and uncertainty amid the pandemic. But with a return to normal — or at least a new normal — getting closer as the state's vaccination effort continues on, better days are ahead. And so this is a great time to shine a spotlight on some successful small businesses that help serve as the lifeblood of our economy. Each year, in honor of National Small Business Week, the Small Business Administration of Connecticut recognizes a handful of small companies throughout the state. These awards have been handed out every year since 1963, and the President of the United States issues a proclamation highlighting winners' contributions to signify the important role of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year, the Hartford Business Journal is highlighting the winners from 2020. In the pages that follow you can read profiles about some of the recent SBA award winners, what they do and how they've grown and dealt with the pandemic. The special section was done in partnership with the SBA and through the sponsorship of TD Bank. Greg Bordonaro, Editor Q&A talks with Matthew Beaudoin, owner of Mystic Knotwork. Q: Can you describe your business and the services and/or products you sell? We are the only handmade knot shop in the country that is open to the public. We hand-craft nautical rope goods for fashion, home and weddings. We are most famous for our sailor knot bracelets that we've been making since the 1930s. Q: How did you get into this business? What motivated you? Mystic Knotwork is the continuation of my grandfather's shop, Beaudoin's Rope Locker. I had been helping him since 1978, and when the economic downturn hit in 2008, I decided to leave my IT job to rebuild the family business. The craftsman skills we use were taught to me since I was 7. Q: How long have you been in business? I created the brand Mystic Knotwork in 2009, though the family tradition dates back to before 1957 — into the 1800s if you count my family's maritime traditions. In 2012, thanks to promotion from Martha Q&A talks with Paul and Susan Doyle, owners of Oasis Senior Advisors. Q: How did you get into this business? What motivated you? In 2014, we were where many of our clients are now: navigating the end of life for one family member, Alzheimer's for another, injuries from a fall for another, and a fourth who was sliding into dementia. We needed help in the form of an expert who knew the options and was on our side. It was overwhelming, but revealed an opportunity. Q: Can you describe the business and services and/or products you sell? We are senior placement specialists offering a free service that provides families with unbiased, vetted referrals covering an array of resources relating to senior care — from clinical to legal and financial, including exceptional insight on assisted living and memory care communities and nursing homes. Q: What has been your biggest accomplishment? Without question, our biggest accomplishment has been the impact we've had on the lives of scores of Stewart, we launched from a one- person operation into the 15-person small business we are today. Q: Describe your target customer. We have three target customers. Our target customer is a nautical enthusiast with three subgroups. The youngest is looking for their annual sailor bracelet; then there are the families looking for nautical décor, wedding accents, or their sailor bracelet; and the senior population that both enjoy the nostalgia of our work for themselves, but also tend to invite their young family members to our shop to continue a family tradition. We have customers that were buying their bracelets from my grandfather who return with their great grandkids. Q: What advice would you give to other small businesses, especially during this difficult time? Look for the market opportunities and meet the customer with the ability to fulfill those needs. We have become a wedding supplier completely by accident. That opportunity was surprising to us, but our flexibility let us adapt. families the past five years. The business has been recognized by Oasis Senior Advisors as the fastest- growing franchise in 2018 and by the Small Business Administration as Small Business of the Year in 2020. Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the culture of your business? We are a family-owned, family-run and family-centered business. Our clients understand the cost of care and that delivery of care is a business, but want to be treated with sincerity, empathy and respect. We don't treat them as transactions. We try to connect family to family, ours to theirs. Q: How have you handled strategic change in your business in the past? Our messaging had to be tweaked as things evolved but not dramatically changed. How we deliver that message has been greatly altered but we've been pretty agile and creative in adapting over time to ensure we reach our goals. Category Winner: Small Business Person of the Year Category Winner: Microenterprise FOCUS Company: Mystic Knotwork Industry: Jewelry/retail Top Executive: Matthew Beaudoin, Owner HQ: 25 Cottrell St., Mystic Company Website: https://mystic- knotwork.com/ Phone Number: 860-889-3793 Company: Oasis Senior Advisors Industry: Senior living services Top Executives: Paul and Susan Doyle, Owners Company Website: https://www.oasissenioradvisors. com/ct-ny/ AT A GLANCE AT A GLANCE 25. Mysc Knotwork Oasis Senior Advisors 26. Environics Industrial Strength LLC 27. AdviCoach M&T Bank Women's Busine Development Council 29. Simtech Inc. Kelly Construcon Services. Integrated Wellne Group SPONSORED BY: