Super 60 Honorees Reflect a Region on the Rise
Growth Engine
Now in its 27th year, the Springfield Regional Chamber’s Super 60 program celebrates the success of the fastest-growing privately-owned businesses in the region. This year’s class, which will be feted on Oct. 28 at Chez Josef, hail from 17 communities across the region and represent all sectors of the economy, including nonprofits, transportation, energy, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, retail, and service, with the winners in the Total Revenue category combining for more than $1.3 billion in revenues last year, and the Revenue Growth winners all posting gains in excess of 25% — and one-third recording more than 60% growth. It goes to show, says chamber President Nancy Creed, that “small business is the backbone of our region and our continued growth engine, and the success of this year’s winners is a clear indication that our regional economy is strong.”
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Total Revenue 1. Stavros Center for Independent Living Inc.210 Old Farm Road, Amherst (413) 256-0473 Jim Kruidenier, Executive Director Stavros helps people with disabilities develop the tools and skills they need to take charge of their own lives, through programs and services designed to meet the needs of individuals of any age or disability as they work to achieve the life goals that are important to them. Stavros also advocates to bring an end to discrimination in employment, healthcare, or anywhere else.
2. Springfield College263 Alden St., Springfield (413) 748-3000 Mary-Beth Cooper, President Founded in 1885, Springfield College is a private, independent, co-educational, four-year college offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs guided by its Humanics philosophy — educating students in spirit, mind, and body for leadership in service to others.
3. Whalley Computer Associates Inc.One Whalley Way, Southwick (413) 569-4200 John Whalley, President WCA is a locally owned family business that has evolved from a hardware resale and service group in the ’70s and ’80s into a company that now focuses on lowering the total cost of ownership of technology and productivity enhancement for its customers. Whalley carries name-brand computers as well as low-cost performance compatibles.
Baltazar Contractors Inc.83 Carmelinas Circle, Ludlow (413) 583-6160 Frank Baltazar, President Baltazar Contractors has been a family-owned and operated construction firm for more than 20 years, specializing in roadway construction and reconstruction; all aspects of site-development work; sewer, water, storm, and utilities; and streetscape improvements.
Behavioral Health Network Inc.417 Liberty St., Springfield (413) 747-0705 Katherine Wilson, President and CEO BHN is a nonprofit community behavioral-health service agency that has been providing services to children, adult, families, and communities in Western Mass. since 1938. It offers comprehensive, outcome-driven, affordable, and culturally appropriate behavioral healthcare to people of all ages and income levels in multiple settings within its communities.
Braman Chemical Enterprises Inc.147 Almgren Dr., Agawam (413) 732-9009 Gerald Lazarus, President Braman has been serving New England since 1890, using state-of-the-art pest-elimination procedures for commercial and residential customers. The company has offices in Agawam, Worcester, and Lee, as well as Hartford and New Haven, Conn.
City Tire Company Inc.25 Avocado St., Springfield (413) 737-1419 Peter Greenberg, President Brothers Peter and Dan Greenberg, the third generation of a family-owned business founded in 1927, have grown the business to 11 locations in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The company offers one-stop shopping for tires of all shapes and sizes and a full compliment of maintenance and repair services.
Collaborative for Educational Services97 Hawley St., Northampton (413) 586-4900 William Diehl, executive director This nonprofit educational service agency is committed to reaching and educating learners of all ages, and is experienced in working with educators to help students learn and succeed. It partners with school districts and schools to help them assess their programs and improve services, instruction, student learning, and achievement, and trains teachers, administrators, and educational leaders seeking licensure or skill development.
Commercial Distributing Co. Inc.46 South Broad St., Westfield (413) 562-9691 Richard Placek, Chairman Founded in 1935 by Joseph Placek, Commercial Distributing Co. is a family-owned, family-operated business servicing more than 1,000 bars, restaurants, and clubs, as well as more than 400 package and liquor stores. Now in its third generation, the company continues to grow through the values established by its founder by building brands and offering new products as the market changes.
Community Enterprises Inc.441 Pleasant St., Northampton (413) 584-1460 Dick Venne, President and CEO In 1972, some progressive staff members at Northampton State Hospital applied for and received a small grant to develop a program to train residents to live and work outside the hospital. In the 40 years since the creation of that original program, Community Enterprises has grown into a multi-faceted program that supports the employment, educational, and independent-living goals of people with disabilities in three states.
The Dennis Group1537 Main St., Springfield (413) 746-0054 Tom Dennis, CEO The Dennis Group offers complete planning, design, architectural, engineering, and construction-management services. The firm is comprised of experienced engineering and design professionals specializing in the implementation of food-manufacturing processes and facilities.
Filli, LLC d/b/a Con-Test Analytical Laboratory39 Spruce St., East Longmeadow (413) 525-2332 Thomas Veratti, General Manager Established in 1984, Con-Test provides environmental consulting and testing services to a variety of clients throughout Western Mass. The laboratory-testing division originally focused on industrial hygiene analysis, but rapidly expanded to include numerous techniques in air analysis, classical (wet) chemistry, metals, and organics, and has the capability for analyzing nearly all water, air, soil, and solid materials.
Grand Prix International Inc.34 Front St., Indian Orchard (413) 543-8887 Michael Fisher, President Since 1978, Grand Prix International has grown to become a leading independent game manufacturer, offering a wide range of services, from graphic design to project management, manufacturing, and freight forwarding. GPI has extensive experience with custom product packaging, specializing in plastic molding, tins, clamshells, blister cards, set-up boxes, neck boxes, wood boxes, and displays.
HAPHousing (HAP Inc.)322 Main St., Suite 1, Springfield (413) 233-1500 Peter Gagliardi, President and CEO Over 40 years, HAPHousing has earned a reputation for providing innovative forms of housing assistance to tenants, homebuyers, homeowners, and rental-property owners. HAPHousing is the largest nonprofit developer of affordable housing in Western Mass., and a collaborative partner in urban neighborhood revitalization.
Holyoke Chicopee
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Revenue Growth 1. Lavishlyhip, LLCFeeding Hills Rika Woyan, Owner This online retailer of jewelry and accessories offers accessory collections from the latest top designers. By meeting with the designers in their showrooms and at industry events, it stays on top of what is trending. Shoppers will find hip and classic jewelry for women and men, cashmere, silk and blend scarves, and hair accessories. 2. City Enterprises Inc.38 Berkshire Ave., Springfield (413) 726-9549 Wonderlyn Murphy, president City Enterprises Inc. offers skilled general-contracting services to the New England region. The company prides itself on custom design and construction of affordable, quality homes and the infrastructure surrounding each project. 3. 3BL Media, LLC136 West St. #104, Northampton (866) 508-0993 Greg Schneider, CEO Founded in 2009, 3BL Media is a leading news-distribution and content-marketing company focused on niche topics including sustainability, health, energy, education, philanthropy, community, and other social and environmental topics. The company works with organizations including multinational corporations, SMEs, and nonprofits to distribute multi-format media assets through social, traditional, and new-media channels. Aegenco Inc. 55 Jackson St., Springfield (413) 746-3242 Spiro Vardakas, President Aegenco, an energy-conservation consulting firm and the manufacturing arm of Aegis Energy Services, has grown steadily since its inception in 2005. Aegis Energy Services Inc. 55 Jackson St., Holyoke (800) 373-3411 Lee Vardakas, Owner Founded in 1985, Aegis Energy Services is a turn-key, full-service provider of combined heat and power systems (CHPs) that generate heat and electricity using clean, efficient, natural-gas-powered engines. These modular CHP systems reduce a facility’s dependence on expensive utility power, reduce energy costs, and reduce one’s carbon footprint. Bart Truck Equipment, LLC 358 River St, West Springfield, MA 01089 (413) 737-2766 James DiClemente, Owner and Service Manager Bart Truck Equipment, LLC offers a wide range of products including dump bodies, hoists, platform bodies, utility/service bodies, refuse equipment, hook lifts and roll-offs, snow plows, sanders, lift gates, truck-mounted cranes, central hydraulic systems and tractor wet lines, van equipment, pusher and tag axles, truck-mounted generators and compressors, strobe lights, toolboxes, snow- and ice-control equipment, enclosed trailers, leaf loaders, and much more. Baystate Crushing 83 Carmelinas Circle, Ludlow (413) 583-7856 Paul Baltazar, Owner Established in 2002, Baystate Crushing & Recycling is in the business of heavy construction equipment rental and leasing. Charter Oak Insurance & Financial Services Co. 330 Whitney Ave., Holyoke (413) 374-5430 Peter Novak, General Agent A member of the MassMutual Financial Group, Charter Oak been servicing clients for 127 years. The team of professionals serves individuals, families, and businesses with risk-management products, business planning and protection, retirement planning and investment services, and fee-based financial planning. Courier Express Inc. 20 Oakdale St., Springfield (413) 730-6620 MICHAEL DEVINE, CEO Courier Express is committed to providing custom, same-day delivery solutions for any shipment. Its focal point is New England, but its reach is nationwide. The company strives to utilize the latest technologies, on-time delivery, customer service, and attention to detail to separate itself from its competitors. Detector Technology Inc. 9 Third St., Palmer (413) 284-9975 Jay Ray, President and CEO Detector Technology is a leading manufacturer of products and systems for OEM and equipment manufacturers, specializing in channel electron multipliers, glass extrusion and fabrication, and motion-control products. With a state-of-the-art fabrication and production facility, An ISO 9001-certified commapny, DeTech has been delivering for its customers for more than 20 years. Environmental Compliance Services Inc. 588 Silver St., Agawam (413) 789-3530 Mark Hellstein, President and CEO For more than 25 years, ECS has specialized in environmental site assessments; testing for asbestos, lead, indoor air quality, and mold; drilling and subsurface investigations; and emergency-response management. Fletcher Sewer & Drain Inc. 824A Perimeter Road, Ludlow (413) 547-8180 Teri Marinello, President Since 1985, Fletcher Sewer & Drain has provided service to homeowners as well as municipalities and construction companies for large pipeline jobs from Western Mass. to Southern Conn. From unblocking kitchen sinks to replacing sewer lines, this woman-owned company keeps up to date with all the latest technology, from high-pressure sewer jetters to the newest camera-inspection equipment. Fun Dining Inc. d/b/a Center Square Grill 84 Center Square East Longmeadow MA 01028 (413) 525-0055 Bill Collins and Michael Sakey, Owners Collins and Sakey launched this ‘creative American grill’ in 2014, incorporating influences from South America, classic French cooking, New Orleans, Jamaica, Asia, and other cuisines. The restaurant features a few different dining areas, from a formal dining room to a small room for private events to a lively bar area, and boasts a well-regarded wine program. Gandara Mental Health Center Inc. 147 Norman St., West Springfield (413) 736-8329 Dr. Henry East-Trou, CEO Focusing on the Latino/Hispanic community, Gandara Center provides substance-abuse recovery, mental-health, and housing services for men, women, children, adolescents, and families throughout the Pioneer Valley. GMH Fence Co. Inc. 15 Benton Dr., East Longmeadow (413) 525-3361 GLENN HASTIE, OWNER Serving the Western Mass. area for more than over 20 years, GMH Fence Co. is one of largest fence companies in the region. The fencing contractor offers quality service and fence installations from a selection of wood, aluminum, steel, and vinyl fencing that are durable and virtually trouble-free for residential, commercial, and industrial fencing requests. Knight Machine & Tool Company Inc. 11 Industrial Dr., South Hadley (413) 532-2507 Gary O’Brien, Owner Knight Machine & Tool Co. is a metalworking and welding company that offers blacksmithing, metal roofing, and other services.
120 Interstate Dr., West Springfield (413) 781-4352 Martin Jagodowski, President Established in 2006, M. Jags Inc., doing business as Taplin Yard, Pump & Power Equipment, has sold and serviced outdoor power equipment to residential, commercial, and landscape companies; municipalities; and nonprofit organizations. Maybury Associates Inc. 90 Denslow Road, East Longmeadow (413) 525-4216 John Maybury, President Since 1976, Maybury Associates Inc. has been designing, supplying, and servicing all types of material-handling equipment throughout New England. Maybury provides customers in a wide range of industries with solutions to move, lift, and store their parts and products. Michael’s Party Rentals Inc. 1221 South Main St., Palmer (413) 583-3123 Michael Linton, President Michael’s Party Rentals was started as Party Tent Rentals in 2000 by Linton and his brother, Ryan, as a small, one-tent operation. In 2003, Michael bought Ryan’s half of the business, renamed it Michael’s Party Rentals, and expanded the inventory. Today, the company operates year-round, every day, and the 9,000-square-foot warehouse holds more than 100 tents of all sizes, tables, chairs, dance floors, staging, lighting, and other equipment. MicroTek Inc. 2070 Westover Road, Chicopee (413) 593-1025 Don Slivensky, CEO Since 1991, MicroTek has been an industry-leading, single-source provider of business training and meeting rooms, virtual training platforms, and instructor sourcing services. It boasts the resources and expertise to execute a total training delivery solution to any client of any size, anywhere in the world. O’Connell Care At Home One Federal St., Bldg. 103-1, Springfield (413) 533-1030 Francis O’Connell, president For more than two decades, O’Connell Care at Home, formerly O’Connell Professional Nurse Service, has grown to deliver a range of home-health and staffing services across the Pioneer Valley. Services range from nursing care and geriatric healthcare management to advocacy and transportation. Orthotics & 300 Birnie Ave., Suite 3, Springfield (888) 432-5488 Jim Haas and Blaine Drysdale, Owners Orthotics & Prosthetics Labs provides physician-directed orthotic and prosthetic services to meet the personal needs and improve the health status of the area people. It offers a complete range of quality orthotic and prosthetic devices and services, specializing in custom-made braces and prosthetic limbs, but also stocking the most popular off-the-shelf braces. Paragus Strategic IT 112 Russell St., Hadley (413) 587-2666 Delcie Bean IV, President While still in high school, Delcie Bean founded Paragus IT in 1999, first under the name Vertical Horizons and then Valley ComputerWorks. Under the Paragus name, it has grown dramatically as an outsourced IT solution for area clients. Paragus provides business computer service, computer consulting, information-technology support, and other proactive services to businesses of all sizes. Powervestors II, LLC 55 Jackson St., Holyoke (413) 536-1156 Spiro Vardakas, Owner Powervestors, a division of Aegis Energy Services, provides services in power-generating equipment installation throughout the region. Rediker Software Inc. 2 Wilbraham Road, Hampden (800) 213-9860 Andrew Anderlonis, President Rediker software is used by school administrators across the U.S. and in more than 100 countries, and is designed to meet the student-information-management needs of all types of schools and districts. Rodrigues Inc. 78 Center St., Ludlow (413) 547-6443 Antonio Rodrigues, President Rodrigues Inc. operates Europa Restaurant in Ludlow, specializing in Mediterranean cuisine with an interactive dining experience, presenting meals cooked on volcanic rocks at tableside. Europa also offers full-service catering and banquet space. Tech Roofing Service Inc. 267 Page Blvd., Springfield (413) 737-5546 Joe Narkawicz, President Since its founding in 1975, Tech Roofing has installed, repaired, serviced, and maintained commercial, industrial, and residential roofs throughout New England and New York. A minority-owned business, Tech Roofing Service is nationally certified by the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council. Universal Plastics Corp. 75 Whiting Farms Road, Holyoke (800) 553-0120 Joseph Peters, CEO Since 1965, Universal Plastics has been a leading force in the custom thermoforming industry. It specializes in precision custom thermoforming, a plastic-manufacturing process that converts a sheet of plastic into a highly detailed finished product with less tooling investment than other plastic molding processes. Webber & Grinnell 8 North King St., #1, Northampton (413) 586-0111 Bill Grinnell, President Webber and Grinnell’s roots can be traced back to 1849, when A.W. Thayer opened an insurance agency on Pleasant Street in Northampton. The agency, which offers automotive, business, homeowners, employee benefit, and other types of products, serves more than 5,000 households and 900 businesses throughout Western Mass. Yankee Home Improvement 36 Justin Dr., Chicopee (413) 341-5259 Ger Ronan, Owner Ger Ronan’s decision to start a contracting business came after a bad experience with a local contractor in 2002. So he launched a home-improvement company with the goal of getting it right, in the realms of windows, bathrooms, roofing, siding, and more. Today, in addition to his main location, Ronan also operates eight satellite locations in BJ’s stores. |
