Hartford Business Journal

HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | MAY 5, 2025 33 SMALL BUSINESS WE E K INDUSTRY: Restaurant HEADQUARTERS: Mystic ANNUAL REVENUE: $825,000 EMPLOYEES: 16 WEBSITE: toastandtonicct.com; nevere- noughbakeshop.com Q&A talks with Aimee and Gail Filippetti, co-owners of toast + tonic creative kitchen. Established in 2023 by chef Aimee Filippetti, toast + tonic breathes new life into Olde Mistick Village with a combo of creative dishes, craft cocktails and superb sweets baked in- house, giving people a place to gather with a focus on fresh, innovative ingredients, and dessert — always. How did you get into this business? What motivated you? Aimee: I'm a Mystic native and Culinary Institute of America grad who holds degrees in both food business management and advanced Category Winner YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR INDUSTRY: Construction safety TOP EXECUTIVE: Elizabeth Calvanese, Owner HEADQUARTERS: Southington EMPLOYEES: 6 WEBSITE: www.GogginSafety.com CONTACT: ecalvanese@gogginsafetyser- vices.com; 860-919-8795 Q&A talks with Elizabeth Calvanese, owner of Goggin Safety Services LLC. Goggin Safety Services is a women- owned construction safety firm located in the Plantsville section of Southington. It specializes in on-site safety inspections for construction and general industry. The company also provides OSHA training, consulting to navigate compliance challenges, and tailored safety programs designed to minimize workplace accidents and maintain jobsite compliance. The firm's primary clientele includes general contractors, construction managers, subcontractors and specialty contractors. How did you get into this business? What motivated you? My path began in physical therapy, where I frequently encountered work- related injuries. In particular, injuries related to heavy lifting, overuse and repetitive motions led me to develop a CORE Training program for outpatient rehab. My growing interest in ergonomics ultimately motivated me to transition into construction safety. INDUSTRY: Aviation TOP EXECUTIVE: Lou Auletta, President & CEO HEADQUARTERS: Bristol ANNUAL REVENUE: $35 million EMPLOYEE COUNT: 110 WEBSITE: www.bauerct.com CONTACT: lou.auletta@bauerct.com Q&A talks with Lou Auletta, president and CEO of Bauer Inc. Bauer is a designer and manufacturer of high-quality test and support equipment for the commercial and military aviation industries. Its products and services include test equipment for fuel, oil, hydraulic, pneumatic and electro-mechanical components; advanced data acquisition and control systems; electronic test systems; test equipment upgrades and modifications; aircraft component overhaul and repair tooling; aircraft wheel shop support equipment; and a range of additional ground support equipment. How did you get into this business? What motivated you? My dad was an engineer and was president of Bauer when I was going through high school. I became familiar with the business and decided to follow in my dad's footsteps by going to college for engineering. Soon after I graduated from college, my dad acquired Bauer and I How has your business grown in the past year? What have been your company's biggest accomplishments? Goggin Safety Services recently expanded its team, reflecting our commitment to meet the growing demand for construction safety services. GSS remains dedicated to creating safer workplaces and providing services in multiple languages to meet clients' needs. What major strategic plans do you have in the next few years? I'm in the process of pursuing Women Business Enterprise certifications in additional states across New England. This strategic move aligns with Goggin Safety Services' commitment to expanding its reach and influence in the construction safety industry. By obtaining WBE certification in multiple states, Goggin will enhance its visibility and strengthen its position as a trusted safety service provider. joined the company. This is now my 42nd year with Bauer. How has your business grown in the past year? What have been your company's biggest accomplishments? Bauer has been growing steadily at a rate of around 10% per year for the past 10 years. Although Bauer has been doing business internationally for decades, we continue to expand into new markets and grow in markets we've been in. This past year, we received the most orders ever from China, we did a project in Qatar for the first time, and we received orders from Ethiopia, which were significantly greater than ever in the past. We received orders that set a record for one year and 50% of the equipment ordered will be installed overseas. Bauer also achieved $30 million in revenues for the first time. In house, the company's employee retention was nearly 100% over the past year and our engagement with partners (e.g., universities) and in our community has been stronger than ever. Category Winner WOMAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Category Winner SMALL BUSINESS EXPORTER OF THE YEAR baking and pastry arts. In 2020, I launched Never Enough Bake Shop at the Ledyard Farmers Market. When the opportunity arose to purchase Mystic's beloved Bleu Squid Cafe, I saw a chance to expand and create something that reflected my unique tastes and talents. In 2023, toast + tonic creative kitchen was born. In an endless effort to stay well-rounded, I'm also pursuing a master's degree in wine and beverage. How has your business grown in the past year? What have been your company's biggest accomplishments? Aimee: In 2023, I received a grant from the Women's Business Development Council. This grant helped to further the restructuring of the restaurant from Bleu Squid to toast + tonic creative kitchen. What's a major challenge your business has overcome in the past year? Aimee: As with any change, it takes time for things to grow and to gain a following. We have watched the restaurant patrons increase as they spread the word about how great toast + tonic is. What major strategic plans do you have in the next few years? Aimee: Ideally, we would like to see the business grow and to be able to increase our hours into the early evening happy hours, and to increase events. Aimee Filippetti Owner, Never Enough Bake Shop LLC (toast + tonic creative kitchen) Goggin Safety Services LLC Bauer (Left) Aimee Filippetti owns toast + tonic creative kitchen in Mystic (right). CONTRIBUTED PHOTO CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Elizabeth Calvanese Bauer employees at a trade show. Lou Auletta

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