Megan Kacenski

What do you do?

As an Arborist Representative, I inspect, diagnose, and provide recommendations for residential and commercial properties on how to manage their landscape. I focus on plant health care, soil care, and the structural integrity of trees.

I manage properties from Lyme to Stonington, CT.

What does Bartlett do?

Bartlett is a scientific tree care company. We offer many services, but we specialize in pruning, managing insects and disease, soil care and fertilization, cabling/ bracing/ lightning protection, and pruning or removal of trees and shrubs. We are fully insured, TCIA accredited, and have a large staff of certified arborists.

How did you get into this business?

I have family in the industry that introduced me at a young age. As I learned more, I found a passion for it and attended UMASS for Resource Economics and Agriculture. After college, I moved to Philadelphia to work for Bartlett as a climber and plant health care specialist.

What are some of the larger jobs you have done?

I have worked on some large commercial campuses but the most significant tree I have cared for is the Survivor Tree for the 911 Memorial. I helped prune the tree in preparation for the memorial ceremonies in September. As a symbol of strength for our country, the tree has had a memorable impact on me.

How often are you in the Stonington-Mystic Area?

I am here all the time! Stonington- Mystic is one of my favorite places to work.

Jean Lachance

What do you do?

Girl Friday for Shoreline Seniors, LLC is a non-medical senior concierge service, launched in mid-January 2022. I offer services to local senior citizens such as grocery shopping, menu planning and meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation to appointments and errands, laundry and ironing, window washing, seasonal flowerbed plantings and cleanups, pet sitting and house sitting, and decluttering and organizing.

How did you get into this business?

The idea of helping seniors stay in their own homes safely and comfortably has been on my mind for the past couple years when I was Head of Circulation at East Lyme Public Library and running the Homebound Delivery Program. While working at the East Lyme Library for 27 years (17 years full-time and 10 years part-time), seniors were my favorite patrons and the relationships I built with them enriched my days. Creating and managing the library's Homebound Delivery Program cemented my love of seniors over the past 7 years and became the most fulfilling part of my job. That realization led me to take a leap of faith and make Girl Friday my next career. It has been the best decision in my life.

What is something people don't know about your business?

As a sole proprietor, I am the one and only service provider that my clients will see as compared to other senior home service agencies that send multiple employees to the same client. I offer a free initial hour meet and greet and new client discounts to help build a foundation of communication and establish a working relationship with my new clients. Having worked at the East Lyme Library for so many years, I have been very fortunate and thankful to have already established a solid base of clients in the East Lyme and Niantic area with seniors I have known for years now.

What do you love about Mystic?

I am a lifelong resident of Stonington so I have many happy memories of Mystic! I loved bike riding to The Emporium as a kid and buying penny candy in their basement or getting ice cream at Sea Swirl. My friends and I would hang out in Olde Mistick Village in the summer, pretending we were tourists and feeding the ducks. As an adult, I am grateful to live in such a beautiful area with a rich history. I love taking classes in hearth cooking and baking at the Mystic Seaport and love the book, Haunted Mystic! I am looking forward to taking some ghost tours of Mystic this year. The Village's Garlic Festival is my favorite event every year! There is always something new to discover locally!

What Mystic businesses are your favorite?

I love cooking but I also love to go out to eat at my favorite places like Margaritas in Factory Square. The spider cider margarita is the best! The Jealous Monk and Dogwatch Mystic are among my favorites. Peking Tokyo and Pink Basil are amazing for sushi and pad thai dishes! I love the cinema in the Village with those comfy heated seats.

What is something people don't know about you?

I have been a volunteer with Friends of Feral Felines, Inc. (FOFF) of East Lyme for over 25 years now. FOFF is a wonderful volunteer organization focusing on the trap-neuter-return (TNR) of feral and stray cats in New London County; TNR is the compassionate and humane method of stabilizing feral cat colonies. I have met so many terrific "cat people" over the years through FOFF and am thankful that Connecticut is proactive in helping feral cats. I have been known to rescue seagulls and just in the last year, an injured red-tailed hawk on I-95. Yes, I am one of those people that will stop and help a turtle across the road!

What are your plans for 2022?

I am currently finishing my CPR/First Aid certification and have enrolled in an online PCA (Personal Care Assistant) course to be able to provide an extra level of care for a longtime friend who just turned 98! Any educational opportunities that will help me better serve my senior clients will be on my agenda this year.

On a personal note, I look forward getting outside more and power walking and I cannot wait to start this year's vegetable gardening.

Contact Information:

860-879-4341

girlfridayctshoreline@gmail.com

Robert Nelson and Amanda Cummings

(Brother-Sister Duo)

Just Mystic

What do you do?

We design and distribute apparel to appeal to local and tourist affinities for Mystic, Connecticut and the surrounding local neighborhoods. Inspired by Mystic’s local charm and global influence, we design iconic coastal apparel for that everyday seaside vibe while also being mindful of our global impact. We try to practice sustainability by using high-quality, durable materials that will last for years as well as upcycling our fabric for new apparel.

We will be opening a retail store in Mystic in the Spring of 2022. Until then, you can find our merchandise on our website Just Mystic or follow us on instagram @justmysticshop.

How did you get into this business?

We are a brother-sister duo with entrepreneurial hearts and love for Mystic, which is a place with some of our earliest memories, and one where we want to create new memories with the generations that follow. With this in mind, we’ve wanted to build a business together at a grass root level and to keep it local.

Amanda has the mind for marketing and Robert has the brain for business. After talking about our love for Mystic, we realized there was a market for Mystic apparel. Robert wanted an iconic, simple, clean look for our merchandise made with durable, yet comfortable, material. After talking to a number of manufacturing partners, we decided to work with a household name brand, Champion, because of it’s high-quality, comfortable and simple style. It’s the perfect brand and look for our vibe!

What does your slogan mean – Your Everyday Seaside Drip?

Drip is a slang term for fashion. It definitely grabs your attention… It's very current.

We’re trying to have fun with this from picking out colors, making social posts, developing local relationships and more! Check out our Instagram to see all our fun videos we make to advertise our brand!

Craig Ragan

Prompt Accounting Services, LLC

What do you do?

I provide accounting services like payroll, online bookkeeping, SBA loans and any realm of financial help. I really enjoy helping people with FASFA (Federal form) for student aid as well as helping out businesses with QuickBooks. Bookkeeping and federal forms can be tedious and complex, and I truly enjoy helping people through all financial processes to get them where they need to be to feel comfortable. If anyone needs help or guidance, I am here!

How did you get into this business?

I have been in this business for 35 years! I started off as just being a bookkeeper and then working for public firms in the private industry. I also worked for CPA firms as a consultant to get people organized for the tax season.

What do you love about Mystic?

I love Mystic as a whole. It is the most beautiful village I have ever seen. The people are wonderful – I love everything Mystic. About 12 years ago is when I came up here to visit on vacation with my wife and we both fell in love with this quaint town.

What is something people don’t know about your business?

They don’t know my exposure to private and public industries. We are talking publishing, ecommerce, maritime, real estate, chain operations, and much more!

Brianna Turgeon

Supreme Lending

What do you do?

I work for Supreme Lending. I am a mortgage originator which means I am licensed to sell mortgages to individuals.

I love interacting with individuals because each day is different and every client I work with has their own interesting aspect to bring to the table.

Ensuring my clients can get into financially sound decisions with the home buying process is very important to me. I instill trust, confidence, and loyalty with all my clients and friends within the community. Additionally, I truly enjoy educating people on the process since the process is always changing and can be challenging to keep up with at times. I recently worked with someone who was buying their next home and they mentioned how much the process has changed and appreciated my knowledge in sharing my insight and informative suggestions with them on their next steps.

How did you get into this business?

I have an accounting and finance background and always wanted to get involved with the finance side of real estate. I found a great company and group that I like to work with at Supreme Lending.

How did you end up in Mystic?

I grew up in Mystic, CT and recently moved to Stamford, CT for a year a half but then came back to Mystic and I am here to stay!

What is something people don’t know about you?

Most recently, have transitioned my athletic career into co-ed slow pitch softball. I have been able to travel and compete with a great group of athletes.

Amy Chappel

Arbonne

What do you do?

I help people shift to a healthier lifestyle with plant-based products. I also empower women to be able to build their own health and wellness business through Arbonne. For example, I spoke to a woman and got her to carry Arbonne and by helping her, she was able to make more of an income for herself and her family. My favorite part is watching women grow, prosper and serve their families. You can do this alongside your current job or do what I did and start this journey full-time. It’s not just women, we also have men that sell but primarily it is women because of Arbonne’s beauty and skincare line. Additionally, many personal trainers get into Arbonne because Arbonne offers plant-based protein and more healthy options that are beneficial for fitness / health professionals. All and all, it’s a great product for everyone!

How did you get into this business?

I was always interested in health & wellness and learning about ingredients, especially when I was pregnant. A friend from church shared Arbonne with me and I got increasingly interested in health and the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle. At first, I was hesitant to start working for Arbonne, but I became more open to it and started sharing Arbonne with others and I enjoy watching the benefits and improvements in everyone’s lives.

I graduated from Brown University and was a chemist at a huge organization, but I could never do what I am doing now without Arbonne. Witnessing and being a part of people’s healthy journey with Arbonne shows the impact and value Arbonne can have on someone’s life, which is why I fell in love with the role as being a VP for Arbonne. This journey and path has been incredible and I am so happy to be doing something that matters to me and I am no longer just a number in a corporate setting. I help people feel better, lose weight, and it’s so nice and rewarding to see people’s lives change physically, mentally and financially.

Lorraine Sanborn

Fabulous Begins at 50

What do you do?

I started my wellness journey with Isagenix the week I turned 72 in 2013. I wasn’t feeling good in my own skin and I needed to lose weight. I was healthy – no medications, no health issues and wanted to stay that way. I was looking for ways to better your health and maintain my health. I had been a widow and was my husband’s primary caregiver. I have two grandchildren and wanted to stay well and healthy to be part of their lives! After 25 years in the life insurance industry, I found people that I couldn’t insure because they had health issues. When I left the life insurance industry and went on my journey to better myself, I wish I had the knowledge and expertise to help guide those that I met back while doing insurance.

With my new turn to better myself I thought that others would benefit from the knowledge and expertise that I learned on my own journey and now I am helping others with their achieving their health goals. I help those that want to better their lives and eventually want to better their family lives. “I share the gift of life”

What do you love about Mystic?

I love everything Mystic! But I have to say, I love how I can be involved with the community and the Mystic Chamber. I am on two Mystic Chamber Committees and I am an established Ambassador for the Chamber. I truly enjoy connecting businesses and locals together and I enjoy getting to know everyone.

Diana Pearson

MysticFit24, Inc.

What do you do?

I have been a resident of the Mystic community for over 20 years. I am a mom of two awesome

and active young women and one very adorable French bulldog named Blueberry. I have

always been fascinated in the foundations of living a balanced life, which includes eating

nutritious foods along with having a fun, energetic lifestyle.

Recently, I completed a B.S. in Nutrition Sciences from the University of St. Joseph and have

been consistent in strength training and spinning. My knowledge of nutrition and willingness to

be coached by my fitness trainers have allowed me to be fit and active in so many favorite

activities that Mystic has to offer. Balance in my life brings me peace and happiness!

How did you get into the business?

Getting into the fitness business came from a love of being active, and constantly striving to

become better each year. The opportunity arose when several close friends, who come from all

different backgrounds, shared the same compelling desire to keep moving for health and wellbeing.

What do you love about Mystic?

I love the outdoor lifestyle of our quaint historic town. Especially being able to walk down River

Road or stroll into town for dinner (during every season). This keeps me feeling centered with

my community and with nature as well. There are so many access points to the Mystic River, it

is wonderful to see so many visitors come and experience boating, kayaking, and paddle

boarding.

Victor Santana

Real Estate Agent at Realty3CT

What do you do?

I’m a real estate agent at Realty3CT servicing Mystic, Stonington and New London County. I’ve summered in the Mystic area for years so I am very familiar with the area and the housing industry. I enjoy constantly connecting people with their dream home and I’m currently helping many people relocate from the cities to the beautiful Mystic area. My slogan is Real Estate. Insurance. Integrity.

How did you get into the business?

I have a background in selling home owner and auto insurance. I wanted to add upon the services I offer and decided to get my real estate license so that I could better support my clients with their real estate transactions. I have done insurance for 5 years and real estate for 3 years. I love what I do - it’s all about making connections and helping families find their forever home.

What do you love about Mystic?

I love the overall vibe down here. The fishing, the restaurants, the energy here in the summer time, the people, the boating around here… it’s all so great! I really enjoy the small town, community feel here in mystic. It’s such a supportive environment where everyone seems to look out for one another and everyone wants to see you succeed.

Also, the seafood down here is unreal. I love to cook what I catch and Mystic allows me to do continue this hobby.

Walter "Sonny" Glaser

Steamboat Inn

What is your business and what do you do?

I am the owner and operator of the Steamboat Inn, an 11-room boutique inn located in

downtown Mystic. It is the only inn directly on the water at the drawbridge. I am also the property

manager for over 50 apartments and a dozen store fronts in Downtown Mystic.

How did you get into the business?

I started doing apartment rentals back in the 90’s on the side of my full-time career an Elevator

Manufacturer (G.A.L. Mfg.). In my free time I found I really enjoyed renovating existing

structures…restoring their integrity while honoring their historic value and tradition.

What is your business plan for 2021?

I have been repairing and updating the Steamboat Inn including new fixtures, paint, new

carpeting and window treatments. We are about 90% complete and we could not be happier

with the positive response we have already received from our guests.

As for the apartments, when tenants move out, we update each unit with new bathrooms,

kitchens, stainless-steel appliances, fresh paint, new Edison lighting and any other necessary

improvements. Lastly, I am purchasing a boat for the Steamboat Inn. She will be available for private charter and for an extension of the Inn.

Jason Cerniglia, CFP^®, CRPC^®, CMFC^®

Private Wealth Advisor | CEO

Coastal Wealth Management

A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC.

What do you do?

First, I consider myself a Mystic native. I’m the owner and CEO of Coastal Wealth Management here in Mystic, which is a franchise of Ameriprise Financial. I am also a Certified Financial Planner and act as fiduciary for my planning and investment management clients.

How did you get into this business?

I was a double major at University of Connecticut, and chased after a little dream of my own after college; I played and taught golf professionally. Obviously, I didn’t make it onto the PGA Tour or I’d still be doing it...I was playing a round with a Smith Barney branch manager, and he mentioned that if I didn’t end up on tour, I might want to consider doing this. Similar techniques, working with people, teaching. So I pretty much started then.

What is your Business Plan for 2021?

With everything that happened last year, our business plan first and foremost is to steward our clients through what we hope will be the last stages of this pandemic, and make sure that they know their long term plan. We are back working in our Glastonbury and Mystic offices, but we are working on building our staff so we can reach “full employment.”

Also, we are lucky enough to be in a position where our clients refer us frequently, so through education and referral events, we’ll be taking opportunities to meet new clients and increase our client base.

Did 2020 change your clients’ mind about their financial future?

It’s an interesting thing. From a health and economic perspective, it was not a good year, but from a market and investment perspective it was. From someone who makes decisions based on numbers, it was a good year. Clients had to spend less, and client portfolios grew quite significantly.

Electric Boats LLC Duffy Boat Distributor

Robert & Angie Butler

What do you do?

We are the founding members of Electric Boats of CT, LLC - Marine Sales, Service & Consulting. We are an authorized dealer of Duffy Electric Boats covering the entire state of Connecticut. Duffy manufactures 3 sizes of electric pleasure crafts: in 16, 18, and 22 foot versions. I’ll describe them as surrey-topped golf carts on the water. With a 3.5 horse power engine, they are a no-wake pleasure craft perfect for family and friends to gather and enjoy the Connecticut boating lifestyle. We just moved to Mystic from California and are so excited to be starting this business. Right now we are head cook and chief bottle washer!

How did you get into this business?

At the beginning of COVID we temporarily moved in our travel trailer to the East Coast from California to be closer to our daughters. We got to see and enjoy the area, and fell in love with Mystic and a house on River Road! After purchasing a house on the river we thought, “It would be great to have a boat.” We knew we were interested in an electric boat and went down and talked to Duffy. When we found out they did not have a distributor in CT, we took it as an omen! We just finished relocating from California — where the Duffy lifestyle is a popular one. There’s a lot of similarities between the two locations and lifestyles, and we know the residents of Connecticut will grow to love 5 MPH cruising just as much as the electric boat owners on the west coast.