Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/479683
www.HartfordBusiness.com October 13, 2014 • Hartford Business Journal FBA-3 2014 Connecticut Family Business Awards Introduction F or the Connecticut Family Business Awards, we asked 31 of the best and finest family businesses in the state what sets them apart from the competition, how they stay ahead in the marketplace, and how they remain true to their founding principles in a modern world. The overwhelming answer, unsurprisingly, was family. For these companies, the key is treating everyone like family: customers are taken care of, so they keep bringing back their business; employees are treated well, so they stay longer and help companies maintain their institutional knowledge; family members are kept apprised of the business's strengths and challenges, so they can adjust in ways that don't compromise their values. The Connecticut Family Business Awards honor those companies that had particularly strong success over the last 12 months: completing expansions, growing in the marketplace, fulfilling major projects, and breaking new ground in the local and state business community. Companies were put in their respective categories based on the number of full-time employees on Aug. 25. The employee figures in their profiles reflect headcounts as of Oct. 2. Yet, as they find success, these companies stay rooted in their traditions, even if those traditions mean changing with the times. — Brad Kane Managing Editor 1st Place Winners United Gear & Machine page 4 The Associated Construction Company page 6 Windsor Marketing Group page 8 J.E. Shepard Companies page 10 2nd through 3rd Place Winners pages 12-17 Finalists pages 19-29 The Judges page 30 For these companies, everyone is family "You're Never Too Old!" "You're never too old!"—words often spoken by an 85-year-old master's degree candidate at Trinity College Students older than 25 now constitute about 43 percent of enrollments in higher education, a figure that is projected to increase by 2020. Many adults are striving to improve their career prospects, but just as many are interested in personal enrichment. Faculty typically enjoy teaching adult students because they bring life experience and perspective to academic discussions. Such students tend to be focused, serious, and motivated to succeed. In short, adult students are a rewarding group to have in the classroom. As hockey great Wayne Gretzky once remarked, "You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take." If you are thinking of returning to school, check out programs in your region that will meet your goals and desires. Remember, you're never too old to get into the game—and you'll have plenty of company. William Barnett, Ph.D. Dean of Graduate Studies Trinity College gradstudy@trincoll.edu http://gradstudy.trincoll.edu Congratulations on your nomination for 2014 Family Business of the Year Celebrating 30 years of quality furniture and service throughout New England. 540 North Main Street, Manchester, CT 06042 (860) 646-3575 | www.lycoinc.com s '