Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/479683
www.HartfordBusiness.com October 13, 2014 • Hartford Business Journal FBA-27 2014 Connecticut Family Business Awards Finalist Sprigs & Twigs Inc. What are the family values of your business, and how do they help you remain competitive in the market? Show dignity and respect; one person's success is everyone's success, support one another; show a positive attitude at work; always look for ways to improve, keep qual- ity and efficiency, and don't be afraid to ask questions; be truthful and keep your actions rooted in integrity. What would your founder say about the state of your company today and its achievements in the last year? Our founders are proud of our promi- nent role and reputation in the community. A Facebook post on Sept. 15 sums up what others think: "Sprigs and Twigs is the best. They do great work, they are benevolent and charitable, and above all, they are genuinely kind." – Alicia Senior Madsen. What is the biggest challenge to your business in the coming year? Our biggest challenge is to remain innova- tive and productive in a changing economic climate while retaining and attracting the top talent as permanent employees as we continue to grow. STATS: Location: Gales Ferry Industry: Landscape, Tree Care, and Lawn Care Founded: 1997 Founders: Linda & Bill Lillie (husband and wife) Generation Currently Running Company: 1st Full-Time Employees: 22 seasonal peak; 12 year-round Family Members Currently Employed at Company: Linda Lillie (wife), president and senior designer, Bill Lillie (husband), CEO; Sarah DeMarco (daughter), vice president of marketing and public affairs Company Website: www.SprigsandTwigs.net A Sprigs crew erects a new flagpole at the Harvard Boat House on the Thames River next to a stonewall the company built, to honor a retired coach. Sprigs' arborist Chris Mikkelson is operating the bucket truck President Linda and CEO Bill Lillie, founders of Sprigs & Twigs Inc. 2014 Connecticut Family Business Awards State Line Propane LLC What are the family values of your business, and how do they help you remain competitive in the market? Growing up in a family business inspired me to replicate that atmosphere at State Line Propane. We treat employees like family. When staff feels ownership, it improves per- formance. Half our staff lives in Granby. We maintain that small-town, personal service that built our success. We answer the phone with a live person! What would your founder say about the state of your company today and its achievements in the last year? It's phenomenal to go from a mom-and- pop shop 15 years ago to the thriving busi- ness we are today. We continue to exceed expectations, achieving 23 percent growth last year. We added mobile delivery technol- ogy to our propane trucks allowing us to serve customers more efficiently. What is the biggest challenge to your business in the coming year? Weather! We work in an unpredictable environment. To stay on top of things we need to have the right background, knowledge, and commitment in our staff. When debilitating storms hit, we go above and beyond for cus- tomers. We need our customers, commercial or residential, to count on us like family. STATS: Location: Granby Industry: Propane Fuel Delivery and Service Founded: 1999 Founder: Brian Guarco Generation Currently Running Company: 1st Full-Time Employees: 22 Family Members Currently Employed at Company: Brian Guarco (husband), owner; Anne Guarco (wife); Nicholette Guarco (daughter). Company Website: StateLinePropane.com (Above) Brian Guarco, owner of State Line Propane with wife Anne Guarco (far left) and two daughters, Nikki Guarco (far right) and Breianna Guarco. Finalist (Above) From left: Mary Anne Guarco, Alan Guarco, Mike Guarco Sr., Anne Guarco, Brian Guarco, and Paul Lafreniere break ground on a new facility. (Right) The State Line Propane showroom, where custom- ers can buy equipment for their homes and businesses. One of three different Boxer mini-skid steer type machines the company bought to improve efficiency. The opera- tor is supervisor Josh Coles. CATEGORY: Fewer than 25 full-time employees CATEGORY: Fewer than 25 full-time employees