Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/479389
2014 | Doing Business in Connecticut 63 SPONSORED REPORT Connect with CTSBDC! 855-4CT-SBDC CTSBDC.com If you like the idea of having a devoted, energetic expert on your team — at no cost to you — visit CTSBDC.com today. For more ideas, tips and tools to help you start or grow your busi- ness, "like," follow or connect with our social media communities: www.facebook.com/growCT www.twitter.com/growCT www.linkedin.com/company/CTSBDC Walenty "Walter" Grzegorzek emigrated from Poland in 1966 to fulfill his American dream. By the 1970s he was a top performer at the manufactur- ing plants where he worked and had opened his own after-hours machine shop. In 1980 he committed to General Machine Company 100% and quickly became a key supplier to United Tech- nologies Corporation's sea and aero- space divisions. When Walter passed away unex- pectedly in 2011, his wife and chil- dren, Ray Grzegorzek and Dorothy Carlone, kept his legacy alive. They provided the same quality and service Walter had, and forged relationships with new customers like Electric Boat. General Machine's new objective? To purchase new equipment and their own building, diversify their market base and develop strategies to win government bids. In January 2014, Ray and Dorothy met CTSBDC Business Advisor Shelly Koehler. "Shelly took time to learn about our history, product line, present situation and aspirations. She evaluated General Machine's financial position using Fintel, and provided a detailed analysis of the parameters influencing our numbers. She helped us understand where things are going well, where there's room for improvement and where we can grow." Shelly also introduced Dorothy and Ray to Lisa Wood with the Connecticut Procurement Technical Assistance Program. A "fountain of knowledge," Lisa has provided crucial assistance to the company regarding the government bidding process. The owners continue to rely on Shelly's expertise identifying financial support available from the State of Connecticut such as low interest rate loans, grants and employee subsidizing programs. "Ultimately, to keep Wal- ter's legacy strong, General Machine is depending on CTSBDC's guidance to preserve our existing employee base and increase our workload so we can hire more employees and contribute even more to the economic health of Connecticut." General Machine Company Inc. Berlin, CT 34 Years in Business Marion Grochal is opearting an in- spection machine (CMM Machine) at General Machine. "General Machine is depending on CTSBDC's guidance to preserve our existing employee base and increase our workload so we can hire more employees and contribute even more to the economic health of Connecticut." "Tenacity — you keep going and find solutions even when someone says give it up. Discipline — you do what's needed even when you don't want to. Passion — you must love what you do and LIVE IT. These are the three innate qualities an entrepreneur must have." – Michelle "Shelly" Koehler, CTSBDC Business Advisor The Connecticut Small Business Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Small Business Administration, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and the University of Connecticut.