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24 n e w h a v e n B I Z | M a y 2 0 2 2 | n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR Viron Rondo Osteria, Cheshire Viron Rondos EXPORTER OF THE YEAR Goodway Technologies, Stamford Tim Kane FAMILY-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Atticus Bookstore & Cafe, New Haven Charlie J. Negaro FINANCIAL CHAMPION ORMS , West Hartford Derek Ezovski MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR United Sewing & Design, Hartford Mary Ruth Shields MICROENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR Bare Life, West Hartford Ali Lazowski MINORITY-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Kiddie Tech University, West Haven Lisa Chatman VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Counter Weight Brewing, Cheshire William Pastyrnak WOMAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Untapped Potential, Hartford Candace Freedenberg WOMEN'S BUSINESS CENTER OF EXCELLENCE Womens Business Development Council South Central, New Haven Kenyétta Banks A look at Small Business Champions It's no secret that it has been a tough last few years for small businesses, which have dealt with much disruption and uncertainty during the pandemic. But as the pandemic continues to (hopefully) fade, small business optimism is increasing, although inflation and the labor shortage still pose significant challenges. Regardless, it's a good 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. ese awards have been handed out every year since 1963, and the President of the United States issues a proclamation highlighting their contributions to signify the important role of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners. is year, the Hartford Business Journal is highlighting the winners from 2022. In the pages that follow you can read profiles about some of the recent SBA award winners, what they do, how they've grown or dealt with the pandemic. e special section was done in partnership with the SBA and through the sponsorship of TD Bank. Greg Bordonaro Editor Sponsored by: INDUSTRY: Business Services TOP EXECUTIVE: Derek Ezovski, President HEADQUARTERS: West Hartford WEBSITE: www.ORMS.com Q&A talks to Derek Ezovski, president of West Hartford- based ORMS. Can you describe your business? ORMS helps lenders and other real estate professionals to order, understand and manage environmental issues on commercial real estate loans. As an outsourced firm, we allow lenders that don't have the volume or expertise to hire internal staff to have a dedicated environmental department. How did you get into this business? What motivated you? My godfather, Gary Ezovski, was my mentor and got me interested in the environmental field. After college, my career has always been in the area of explaining environmental risk to non- technical people. How many employees do you have? Five full-time employees and up to 10 to 12 part-time employees and contractors. What has been your biggest accomplishment? Our biggest accomplishment has been having a small but hugely talented team. The best part is that our clients really respect and genuinely like and appreciate what ORMS does. So many of our clients are now friends as well. What advice would you give to other small businesses, especially during this difficult time? Patience, hard work, network with as many people as you can, be nice and get involved with industry trade groups (and maybe a little luck helps as well). We started the Small Business Administration part of our business from a random meeting with the Community Investment Corporation at a trade show. It is now the largest part of our business. What strengths have you discovered about yourself and your employees during this past year? After the initial shock of the COVID shutdown, the real estate market blew up and really put a lot of pressure on our team. However, when you have the right people on board, they will do whatever they need to do to get the job done, including working long hours and helping clients. FINANCIAL CHAMPION ORMS INDUSTRY: Nonprofit TOP EXECUTIVE: Kenyétta Banks, Program Manager, South Central HEADQUARTERS: New Haven WEBSITE: www.WBDC.org Q&A talks with the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC), a nonprofit that provides tools and resources to help women start or grow businesses. This award recognizes the WBDC's south central office in New Haven. How and when was your organization started? The WBDC was founded 25 years ago by CEO Fran Pastore. She was a recently divorced mother of two young girls when she learned that Connecticut was one of the very few states that didn't have a resource to support women entrepreneurs. WBDC began in Stamford. What services does your organization provide? We provide classes and advising to entrepreneurs in topics ranging WOMEN'S BUSINESS CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

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