A Cut Above...

Stew Leonard's is an iconic supermarket, offering the largest selection of foods and goods.  It also offers a level of service that no rival can match.  This Featured Story is about the uniqueness of an individual, and how one encounter can change the coarse of history. 

It was two days before Thanksgiving 2013.  A Yertip.com Facebook Fan, posted this photograph with a short, but very important message.

 "Well, discovered that the Comcast guy unplugged the refrigerator in our garage and never plugged it back in! Two turkeys, beer and a bunch of food all destroyed. Thanks to my new BFF Tony at Stew's for finding us a turkey big enough for the entire family!"

This message rang loud and clear, and that is how we are able to bring this story to life.

We met Tony in Newington, Connecticut, during a moderate snow storm early in December.  This was a really great opportunity to meet a person that has a lot to offer, and can do so in very few words.

"I was hired at Stew's over 7 years ago," Tony described to us.  "When I had my first interview, the store wasn't even finished.  I had my interview in the parking lot in one of those portable buildings."

My first impression of this guy was nothing short of humbling.

Tony was hired as a Meat Cutter.  He was sent down to Norwalk for training, returning to Newington once construction was complete and the store was ready to open.

We walked through the store towards the Meat Department. 

"This job has always been good to me", Tony said, "I really enjoy seeing our regular customers."

As we made our way back into the cooler area, I realized the entire department is under refrigeration!  It's kept at a constant range of 38-40 degrees.  There is a reason for all the layers they had on.

Click On Any Image To See View Gallery

Tony's lunch break had ended, so it was back to work for him.  We stuck around to get some shots of him on the bandsaw.  This is the same machine you might find in a woodworking shop.  The same motions are in place for cutting meat as you would cut wood.  There is also the danger of injury.  Stew Leonard's takes all of the necessary precautions, and provides mandatory training for all of it's employees who work with these machines.

Tony offered us a trimming lesson, using Filet Tenderloin's.  The blades used to trim meat are extremely sharp.  Everyone is required to use specially issued cutting gloves while trimming meat.  These gloves are similar to chain mail, which prevents the blade from slicing through the material.

"The strap has to be cut out and removed like this," Tony showed us.  "This part is difficult to digest, you wouldn't want to eat it."

"I have a gentlemen that comes in quite often to get his "lean cut" filet roast.  I trim his cut this way so that the amount of waste is minimal."

"Some people do prefer to have the fat tied back on after it is trimmed.  They cook it together and then remove the fat portion once it's ready."

We met a few of his co-workers during our interview.  There was no shortage of ribbing either.  It's a great atmosphere in there.  These guys really do respect each other like family.

We wanted to get a little background on Tony before our time ended.  He spoke about his wife:

"I've traveled all over the world and I've seen a lot of things.  I met her (his wife) in the Philippines a long time ago.  I helped her immigrate to the United States.  She speaks three languages and is in school to become a nurse.  She saved my life."

There is this feeling, like Tony has transcended the age of the butcher shop, where people went to pick up their order and chat with the guys behind the counter.  He really is a humble man.

One last question for Tony.  What's a good way to cook a Ribeye Steak?

"Nothing beats the old Cast Iron Skillet!"

We wish to thank Rina in Human Resources at Stew Leonard's, for allowing us access into sensitive areas of their store.

Please stop in and see Tony at Stew Leonard's in Newinton, CT.

Read More

The Retail Market

How do you know if the shoe fits?  It's a cliche, we know, but you really do have to try them on before you buy them.  Or do you?  We had to ask Meghan in the Shoe Department at Mickey Finn's in Berlin, CT.

So what's the deal with all these cowboy boots?  How do people get their feet into those and how do they get em' out?

"We have this tool called a boot jack.  You step the heal into the u-shaped mouth and place the other foot behind it.  It's a leverage device that holds the boot so a person can pull their foot out.  It's virtually hands free."

Ok, so what's the record for most boots tried on in one sitting?

"I had a lady 2 months ago try on 27 seven different boots!  She couldn't make up her mind, so she passed on a purchase."

It was a snowy day in December when I decided to make a few holiday purchases at Micky Finn's.  Although the roads were a mess, plenty of people were still out shopping.  I had time to talk to Meghan about a few options and get to know her a bit.

Meghan is a senior in high school.  She told me that she had recently been accepted to The University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford.  She really enjoys working at Mickey's and had nothing but great things to say about the owners and her fellow co-workers.  Meghan started 6 months ago and was trained to work in the shoe department.  Her department covers both men's and women's shoes, boots, slippers, and accessories to foot wear.

"Those guys down there handle the sneakers and sports related stuff," she said while motioning towards the end of the building."

I see many brands.  How many are you familiar with?

"Probably over 50 that I can think of," as she glanced around the area, "yeah, that's about right, plus each brand has numerous styles that I could begin to count."  (Letting out a sigh)

So let's pretend I am shopping for my wife.  What's the hot item?

"The Tom's brand is selling like crazy.  People walk in and already know that's what they want"

Right, so then tell me this.  What are those that you are wearing?

"These are Steve Madden.  They were an early Christmas present."

Apparently someone has an inside to the popular footwear here.  I figured it would be appropriate to ask about the foot sizing thingy.

"We use the old school foot measuring tool."

This is the Brannock Device, which is a must have in any retail footwear store.  In an age where everything has been improved, this has stood the test of time.  We have all put our feet in one of these.

We took a look around and asked a few questions about different brands.  Meghan was more than happy to give me the rundown.  Cowboy boots, to work boots, she knew her stuff and has a good grasp on what is "in" and what "needs to go."

Any advice for someone that is shopping here?

"We make everything available to the customer.  Don't be afraid to ask for multiple sizes either.  Try
everything on until you find what you like.  That's what I am here for!"

Meghan was such a great help that day.  We really need to stop and appreciate the younger generation.  She sets the bar in my opinion.  Yertip.com would like to thank Meghan for this interview during the busiest time of year for Mickey Finn's.  We would also like to thank Chris, Meghan's supervisor, for giving us this opportunity.

Visit Meghan at Mickey Finn's in Berlin, CT.

Cast your vote for Meghan! 

Read More

Pink Elephant

Capturing the moments of a child's first years of life are so important.  It rings true when the term "in the blink of an eye" is phrased.  Finding the right place, more importantly, the right people for this job takes a stroke of luck.  The opportunity knocked at our door, by word of mouth at the right moment.  

The Connection
This story started one evening at a local restaurant, where by chance I had met a couple that was out to eat with their children.  We engaged in small talk about our kids, which eventually led to the referral of                Pink Elephant Photography.  The birth of my first child recently has been such a wonderful whirlwind, that the idea of having professional photographs taken, had not yet entered my mind.  The Universe was speaking to me.

Pink Elephant Photography is a Connecticut based small business ran by Staci Miller and Corley Fleming.  Recently started in early 2013, they specialize in weddings, parties, and portrait photography.  The duo put together their talents to offer a different style that stands out from the rest.

Our first connection was through email and a phone call.  I approached Staci with a bit of hesitation as my daughter was only 4 months old.  I was not confident she could handle the lighting and distractions associated with a photo shoot.

"My partner and I have 5 daughters between us," Staci told me during a recent phone conversation.  "Infants can be a challenge, but I think that you will be surprised at how well she may do."

I made an early afternoon appointment with hopes that my little girl would be well fed and rested for the photo shoot.

Todd and I arrived at their studio to meet the ladies and discuss some ideas.  I really wanted to capture her sweeter side, but that takes timing and skills.

The studio was well lit and had toys, books, blankets and a few distracting tools to get my daughter's attention.  The impression I got from our conversation over the phone was spot on.  These ladies are very much in tune with children.  They work fast and efficient.  It's easy to miss the mark with infants, but they shined during our 1 hour session. 

In Their Own Words
Corley:  I always loved photography.  I got my first camera at a young age and was just fascinated by the creativity of it.  I took my first black and white darkroom photography class during my freshman year of high school, continuing each year until I graduated college.  After I graduated from UCONN, I worked for a wedding photographer, then moving on to a full time graphic design position.  I have been in that field now for over 14 years.

Staci:  My journey in photography began years earlier, when I picked my first camera in a small photography course at Quinnipiac University.  I had taken the class as an elective to fill my requirements in Liberal Arts, but it turned into a surprise love.  I felt a connection between the camera and lens, and suddenly found myself taking pictures of everything with confidence and love.  After college I spent some years as a Pre-K teacher, while developing a portfolio of my student's.  

Over the years I was encouraged by family, friends, and co-workers to take my work further.
2013 was the year I decided to do so after I was approached to shoot a wedding in Guilford.  The experience helped me during a turning point in my career.  Having my third daughter on the way, It was time to leave my career behind to stay home with my children and pursue my love for photography.  I took my first photography job with a Real Estate Broker, which gave me the  experience that I was looking for. 

Our partnership has proven to be complimentary and our dynamic worked from the start. We captured the events of the wedding with confidence and produced stunning images all the while having fun.  After very positive feedback we decided to form Pink Elephant Photography and begin our journey as small business owners doing what we love.

"Our style is often photo-journalistic and we strive to capture those special moments of pure love," Staci told us.  "Both Corley and I enjoy getting to know our clients, getting them to laugh, while letting us capture not just the posed moments, but the moments in-between, when clients show their real selves."

The shoot went well above my expectations.  It's not just the success of the photos but the style Staci and Corley delivered.  I didn't feel pressured to make my child perform, nor did she act out of her normal character, which seemed to work well, especially when moving her into several different postures.

What's In Store

I asked Corley about their future plans.  She explained, "We have a few wedding booked for 2014 and 2015, plus we are working on several studio themed sessions during the winter months.  We are also putting together a changing room in the studio and adding additional backdrops."

"During the warmer months we book on-site photo sessions, where we get to capture people outside, having fun.  The group sessions have worked out well for us," Staci elaborated. 

They gave us a tour of their portfolio which is available on their website.  Everything is well organized and easily accessible.  

Your Prints Are Available

Pink Elephant Photography uses Smugmug.com as a cloud service for their images.  It's a site for photo sharing and ordering prints.  Staci and Corley make your photos available for viewing and ordering once they are ready.  You can purchase your custom prints right from Smugmug.com.  You can also purchase your  images directly from Pink Elephant Photography for a fee.  

I am pleased to say that my experience was outstanding.  I really felt at ease from start to finish.  Staci and Corley get my recommendation hands down.

Photographs are a gateway to the past.  They bring us peace and harmony as the memories live on trough our images and words.

Visit their website at www.pinkelephantphotography.org 

Like them on Facebook

Read More

Captain's Log

Do you know a "Jack Of All Trades?"  We do, and he has the skills to achieve anything he wants.  He's not a baker or a candlestick maker, he's a marketing genius and the captain of his own vessel.

Gary Torello is a Haddam, CT resident and small business owner, operating 2 different full time businesses:  QGM, LLC; a web development and marketing firm that specializes in helping other businesses succeed, and Central CT Marine Sales; a local yacht brokerage.  In what little time he has left he is an active member of the Chester Rotary; spending time and resources to help others in the community, and last but not least operates a Karaoke/DJ business part time.




Gary is very proud of his family.  His older son is a successful business man in West Hartford.  His youngest son is 20.  He is currently enlisted in the Navy on the carrier USS George Washington - stationed in Japan.  





The Captain
Gary has been boating since before he could walk. Sailing first on the waters in and around Old Saybrook from age 8. Now just a tad older, his experience includes sailing small and medium sailboats and operating power boats from 13 to 50 feet. Gary recently underwent five months of training for his 50 ton masters captain's licence.

If not around the docks at Midway Marina he can most often be found on his own vessel "Carpathia" a restored antique 32' Luhrs.

"I have had the pleasure of boarding the Carpathia several times during the summer months over the past several years," boasted Yertip's Editor.  "Gary has such a vast knowledge of boating and the surrounding waterways.  He may not be able to fly you to the moon, but he can sail you to the Goodspeed."

His extensive experience owning, operating, and restoring boats is an invaluable asset to his
brokerage clients.

The Technology
Gary is also the President and owner of QGM, and has been involved in marketing and the computer related marketing solutions for clients since 1983. His computer & Internet experience dates back even farther; involved in computer aided business solutions first in 1979 and was one of the first on the Internet in 1980 (with a teletype machine!).

He directly supervises and is involved in all aspects of the site development, including goal definition, website development, graphics development, and support programming.

QGM offers Consulting Services, Web Development, Print Production, Graphic Design and Multimedia Services.  You can also find their link on the Yertip.com Homepage.

Bring It On The Music
"I started doing Karaoke and DJ stuff because it was just a few years ago I was afraid to sing in public.. now I really enjoy it."

Grown from a love of music, singing, and entertaining others, Gary serves the Connecticut River valley area where he travels to customer locations and makes sure guests have a blast choosing from over 20,000 songs and singing their hearts out!  He can also provide  MC, DJ, Microphones and Sound Reinforcement, and coverage for shows, productions, etc.

Gary can be seen monthly at The Ivory Restaurant for Karaoke Saturday Nights.  He recently MC'ed for the Town of Chester's Downtown Halloween Party (dressed as Elvis!), and
provided sound system support at the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec 6 in Chester.

Gary summed it up for us:

"I can build almost anything and I enjoy it immensely; deck, shed, garage, furniture, remodeling, etc."

The Possibilities
Yertip.com has made a pledge to use all three of Gary's talents to help spread the word about Tipping It Forward.  Sometime in the near future, when the stars have aligned, we want Gary to captain one of his boats, flying a large "Tip It Forward" flag, playing Karaoke favorites, into Boston Harbor on a nice early Summer Afternoon.  We'll step off the boat and head straight for the Harpoon Brewery!

In need of some entertainment?  Like Gary on Facebook, for invites to The Ivory Restaurant and other events in the area. 

QGM. LLC link http://www.QGM.com
Central CT Marine Sales, LLC link http://www.CTmarinesales.com
Karaoke / DJ link:  http://www.Karaoke-CT.com

Read More