All in the family

Family-owned businesses by their nature navigate the worlds of money and relationships at the same time. Would you or could you work with another family member? Your answer probably hints at the path you”™ve chosen. For the candidates in the Business Journal”™s first Family-Owned Business Awards, sponsored along with the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA), the answer was “yes.” The award ceremony, supported by family-owned businesses Arthur Murray Grande Ballroom of Greenwich, Callari Auto Group of Darien and Deutsch Family Wines & Spirits of White Plains, N.Y., is Oct. 10, 5:30 p.m., Arthur Murray Grande Ballroom, 6 Lewis St., Greenwich.

The nominees are:

BERNARD”™S RESTAURANT

Bernard Bouïssou was raised in Saint-Étienne-de-Tulmont, France, where his culinary apprenticeship began at 13. In 1984, he moved to the U.S., where he worked in some of New York City”™s and later Rye”™s top eateries. Bernard and wife, Sarah, opened Bernard”™s in March 2000.

Sarah”™s cooking career began at Claude”™s Ho-Ho-Kus Inn in New Jersey. In 1985, she completed a three-month stage in Vichy, France, at the two-star Michelin-rated restaurant, Le Violon d”™Ingres. After she returned to the U.S. she worked at Manhattan”™s Le Cirque Restaurant.

At Bernard”™s, Sarah runs the front of the house while Bernard continues to cook. Their four daughters, Gabrielle, Juliette, Madeleine and Pauline, all serve as hostesses at the restaurant.

BETTERIDGE

The company president, Terry Betteridge, is a fourth-generation jeweler with roots to 1700s England, where the Betteridge name was equated with fine jewelry design and silversmithing.

Betteridge is one of the oldest family-owned jewelry and watch businesses in the world, opened by A. E. Betteridge in 1897 with assistance from his father, “Colonel” Betteridge. Following World War II, A.E. turned over the business to his son Bert. Seeing opportunity in the suburbs in 1952, Bert moved Betteridge to Greenwich. In 1975, while Terry Betteridge, Bert”™s oldest son, was fishing and bear hunting as a guide in Canada, Bert had a heart attack. Bert called Terry from his hospital bed and told him that he needed his help at work. Three years later, Terry was running the company. Win and Brooke Betteridge have joined their father to strengthen service and grow the business.

BUILDING BLOCKS EARLY LEARNING CENTER

Building Blocks Early Learning Center (BBELC) was founded by Mitch Hoffman as he was searching for comprehensive child care for his son Maddox. BBELC is family-owned and operated with his parents. The company”™s mission is one key reason for the success: “Every child should be afforded the same opportunities as his son.”

Teachers are treated like family and guided to understand all children will be treated as if they were their own. This philosophy combines itself with early learning skills and age-appropriate physical activity, helping to foster the growth of every child, “so they can be their best self emotionally, physically and intellectually.”

CALLARI AUTO GROUP

At Callari Auto Group in Darien, the commitment to customer satisfaction is rooted in the company”™s 50-year history that began with its founder, Felix F. Callari.

Arriving in New York with his $300 life savings and a single suitcase, Callari set out to make a life for himself. In 1966, he obtained his first franchise from Saab. BMW and Datsun were added in 1967, forming the beginnings of what is today”™s Callari Auto Group.

Callari Auto Group”™s outstanding service record has been recognized on numerous occasions. Now deceased, Callari”™s legacy carries on through his daughters, Paula and Flavia, and grandson, George Santangelo.

CENTRIX

Shelton-based Centrix was created in 1970 from an idea of Dr. William B. Dragan”™s to bring the dental profession an easier way to deliver composite resins and cements from the mixing pad to the tooth.

From humble beginnings in Dragan”™s basement to a second-generation company currently run by his son and company president, William P. Dragan, Centrix continues to grow and has become a leader in the dental profession.

Centrix has expanded its product line and continues to improve upon existing concepts. The goal of Centrix is to continue to develop better delivery systems and related products while helping the dentist in everyday practice.

CHRISTOPHER NOLAND BEAUTY SALON & SPA

At Christopher Noland Beauty Salon & Spa, the philosophy is woven in a tapestry of caring relationships. Noland, who formally trained in New York City and who has developed a loyal following over the last 16 years in Connecticut, moved to the “sunny and serene boutique salon” in the summer of 2010. At Christopher Noland Salon and Beauty Spa, “our clients have come to expect only the best: everything from expert coloring, cutting and styling to invigorating massage therapy to glowing facials and makeup to health-conscious manicures, pedicures and waxing,” Noland said.

CONAIR CORP.

Conair is the American dream come true for the Rizzuto family. Founder Lee Rizzuto started the company with his parents in their family home in Brooklyn, with a $100 investment “and unparalleled determination.”

Today, Conair celebrates 54 years of growth. Its roots lie in the professional salon hair care industry, which remains a healthy part of the $2 billion-plus global business. Strategic maneuvers in the consumer side grew the company”™s personal-care category and a number of acquisitions drove the business in new directions and continue to expand Conair”™s reach. With the purchase of Cuisinart in 1989 and Waring in 1998, Conair entered the premium gourmet kitchen appliances category, now a major component of the company”™s success.

CONNECTICUT INFORMATION SECURITY

Connecticut Information Security (CTInfoSec) is a cyber security firm specializing in mitigating security risks, protecting networks, aligning organizations with security standards,and educating workforce members on security-related topics and tools. CTInfoSec routinely sponsors fundraisers such as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Pineapple Classic and Hops and Grapes events.

Formed in 2007, CTInfoSec is owned and operated by husband and wife Sean and Sarah Mehner. In addition to several other employees, Patricia Birmingham ”” Sarah”™s mother ”” works for the company managing client reporting and internal research.

CRAIG”™S FINE JEWELRY

Established in 1950, Craig”™s Fine Jewelry is one of the oldest businesses on historic Main Street in Ridgefield. It has been owned by three generations of the Craig family. Bill Craig follows in the footsteps of his grandmother Helen and his parents, Norman and Elsie Craig. Most recently, Bill”™s daughter Kimmy has joined Craig”™s. In 2013, Craig”™s was honored by receiving the Centurion Jewelry Show”™s inaugural 2013 Retailer of the Year Award for sales under $5 million, by a vote of peers. Craig”™s donates to auctions and charities, and works with other businesses and local government to promote a vibrant and healthy community.

EASTERN LAND MANAGEMENT

The Stamford-based company, founded in 1976 by Bruce Moore Sr., has been providing landscape management services to the commercial and institutional real estate market since 1978.

As with many family businesses, Bruce Moore Jr. has been involved from a young age. He worked during the summer months and during his high school years he worked after school in the office as a data entry clerk. After graduating college in 2005, he became a full-time employee and is presently vice president of operations.

The company continues to lead, as documented by its numerous industry and business accomplishments. It is currently listed as one of the top 50 snow service contractors in the U.S.

GAULT ENERGY & STONE

For 150 years, Gault Energy prides itself on being an “energy partner” to its home heating oil, propane, HVAC, low-cost electricity and stand-by generator customers. Fulfilling his 2008 vision of transforming Fairfield County into a national role model for environmental change, Sam Gault, the fifth-generation to lead the Westport company, made energy conservation and education about global warming the cornerstone of the company”™s corporate mission

GREENWICH MEDICAL SKINCARE & LASER SPA

Established in 2005, the Greenwich Medical Skincare & Laser Spa is a family-owned business specializing in nonsurgical aesthetic and body contouring treatments. It has served more than 7,000 clients and successfully performed tens of thousands of Botox procedures.

The spa started with Dr. Manoochehr Pooya, as its medical director, and three other employees, including his daughter Chista Pooya, working as the spa coordinator, and his daughter-in-law, Marria Pooya as the Medspa manager. Today, the business employs two doctors, two physician extenders, two medical aestheticians, a spa coordinator, a practice manager, a medical assistant and a managing partner.

HARBORVIEW MARKET

Michele and Rick Torres are owners of Harborview Market in Bridgeport, a breakfast and lunch establishment, specializing in homemade baked goods, gourmet coffee and home-style catering. The Market, as it has come to be called, has a history dating back to the 19th century, at one point specializing in Swedish fare to supply that segment of the Black Rock area”™s immigrant population. For much of the latter 20th century, Harborview operated as a full-scale grocery store and butcher shop. But by the 1990s, when Rick and Michele arrived, it had become a drab convenience store, which they set about changing while raising a family.

As their five children have grown they have each contributed to the success of The Market. Their oldest son John handles graphics while Alex manages the Facebook page and assists with catering. Michael, Kaitlyn and Gabriella work at The Market when needed.

HEMLOCK HARDWARE

Hemlock Hardware was built on the promise made by Fred Pesavento Sr. that when Fred Jr. returned from Vietnam, he would never have to work for anyone else again. Today, 35 years along, a third generation, Scott Pesavento, is aboard.

With its consistent commitment to schools, charities and the elderly, Fairfield-based Hemlock Hardware could well define the involved family business. The company was cited by the town of Fairfield for its post-Sandy help with recovery.

Today, the store fields a complete variety of do-it-yourself needs, but service remains “the heart and soul” of the business.

MCINTYRE GROUP

The McIntyre Group is a staffing and recruiting-services firm committed to the success of its clients and candidates. The firm”™s four individual practice groups specialize in the areas of corporate and administrative services, corporate accounting, information technology and creative services.

The McIntyre Group “is highly customer-service oriented and committed to providing the best overall value to our clients. We take traditional values like strong relationship building and top-notch service and blend them with cutting-edge technology.”

Leslie McIntyre-Tavella opened the first McIntyre office in September 1986 in Greenwich. With headquarters now in Norwalk and a branch office in Shelton, The McIntyre Group is celebrating 27-plus years in business.

NAGI JEWELERS

Nagi Jewelers in Stamford is a multigenerational business established by Nagi Osta in 1980. For the Ostas, one of the most important aspects about having a family business while raising their children was that, despite the long hours and stressful moments, when it came to taking time off for school plays, field trips and games they just went to everything because “family comes first.”

The business philosophy is to get involved and give back to the community that has enabled it to grow and prosper over the years.

Honesty, fairness and dedication have given the jeweler the distinction of its highly regarded reputation in the industry and in the community.

MY PLACE RESTAURANT

In 1979, Louise Tambascio opened My Place Luncheonette, occupying a storefront in the plaza that pre-dated what is now the Big Y shopping mall in Newtown. Louise and her staff soon had one of the most popular breakfast and lunch establishments in town.

In 1989, her sons John and Mark took an adjacent store to start a New York-style pizzeria in combination with provincial Italian dinners. Their thin-crust pizza and freshly prepared entrees placed them in a position to merge with their mom”™s business in 1992. Down came the walls separating the two restaurants and My Place began serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

The Tambascios in 1998 relocated to the renovated building fronting Queen Street that had long served as Newtown”™s post office.

NEW ENGLAND OIL CO.

Greenwich-based New England Oil Co. is and has been a family-owned business, providing service for heating and air conditioning equipment and service for 73 years. The company is honing a fresh look, but “the same family will continue providing you with the valued service that you have been accustomed to in the past. Saving energy dollars is the company credo. “It is because of our solid foundation of loyal long-standing customers that we have been in business for so long and look forward to expanding our family to include future customers looking for a strong, dependable heating company.”

NIELSEN”™S FLORIST

Nielsen”™s Florist was founded in 1944 by Hilda and Christian Nielsen in Darien. The property, where the shop is still located, had growing greenhouses, where the Nielsens raised and sold their own crops.

Their son, Gerald Nielsen, took over the business, which was already becoming a destination for flower and plant lovers. Later, his children transitioned into leadership positions. With an array of services from cut flowers, to a stunning conservatory, outdoor plants and a line of home d̩cor and gifts, NielsenӪs is really more than just a florist. The younger generation has worked hard to expand its customer base and to stay current for the affluent and now younger Darien residents.

RIZZO COS.

The Rizzo Cos. was founded by Anthony Sr. and Joan Rizzo in July 1962.

Over time they branched out into real estate and property management.

Anthony Rizzo Jr., the current president and CEO, was instrumental in the creation of the general contracting division know as Rizzo Corp. He has been joined by his brother-in-law Tony Rebeiro, vice president of Rizzo Electrical Contracting.

Today the ranks are filled with the third generation: Anthony III, his sister Chelsie, cousins Shari and Nicholas, and several aunts and uncles.

SOUNDVIEW MILLWORKS

In 2008, Grant Tankoos left his corporate job at clothing brand Vineyard Vines to pursue his own path. “With a twist in fate and a lot of luck, Soundview Millworks was brought to life in my father”™s garage,” he said, hand-crafting nautically influenced cutting boards that reflect his passion and long time love of life on the water.

“My father convinced me to personalize the boards and feature initials, flags, monograms, logos and more. People loved them. Our product line now extends to other life passion pursuits including equestrian, shooting, fishing, and of course, boating,” Tankoos said. “Our motto is ”˜Bring your passion to life”™ and this company has certainly done that for me as well as my father.”

UNGER ENTERPRISES

Unger Enterprises of Bridgeport was founded in 1964 by Barbara and Henry Unger in the attic of the home of Barbara”™s grandmother in Hamburg, Germany. While the original intent was to manufacture window-cleaning products, the company soon expanded its product line in order to become the market leader in the sanitary supply and retail cleaning fields.

Today, Unger is an international company and has been manufacturing professional cleaning tools for more than 40 years. It has offices and manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Germany, and sales offices in the U.K and India, providing cleaning solutions to more than 80 countries worldwide.

WESTMORE FUEL CO.

In 1938, Patsy Bologna, an industrious 21-year-old from Port Chester, N.Y., formed what would later become Greenwich-based Westmore Fuel. Originally named Patsy”™s Ice and Coal, the company grew steadily based on a philosophy of strong customer relationships and the promise of one”™s word.

Throughout the early ”™40s, despite the energy scarcities of the war effort, Patsy always kept his customers warm delivering coal.

In 1947, Patsy”™s brother Dom returned home from the war and led the company”™s transition toward oil heat. Dom”™s leadership and community ties laid the foundation that became the hallmark of Westmore Fuel.

Patsy”™s son Dick joined the company in 1957. By the early ”™80s, Dick”™s son Rick entered the family business performing maintenance at the terminal. Rick joined Westmore full time in 1991.

WINDMILL DINER

The Windmill Diner was founded by Kyriaki and Stavros Rountos in 1971 and over the last 42 years has become a landmark in the Danbury community. The restaurant”™s four full-time partners are all first-generation siblings from Greece.

Since opening, there has never been a time when a family member hasn”™t been in the back running the kitchen or out front managing the restaurant. The owners are proud to call the greater Danbury area their home having raised their combined 20 children and now grand-children in Danbury, Bethel, Brookfield and New Milford.