Sipho Simela has an app for that: a happy marriage between landlords and tenants, including under-market tenants. In less than 15 minutes, the tenant applicant connects employment and payroll platforms, assets, income and credit history for the property manager review. If the applicant is denied, a new property is one click away. Almost twenty units have been rented in one Stamford building during the holiday season and January.

This is rock star stuff if you’ve ever sought to rent a place. 

Long-established Kings Capital founded a unique residential real estate firm, X-Cap Realty, helmed by Cristina Gaspar. Their hook is encouraging brokers to buy fixer-uppers to flip or pass down to their succeeding generations. Cristina is the teacher and the students actually spend “Smash Day” doing the demolition derby. This class is open to the public, too. Unlike all the shows on TV, the math lessons count the most here. All the hidden costs are tallied, there are no surprises.

The Napa Valley is known for wineries and estancias. Newtown, Connecticut has quite the estanmcia in Aquila’s Nest Vineyards. Owner, Neviana Zgbaba and her husband took over a swath of land a decade ago and now produce a portfolio of fine wines. Each varietal is given the name of a mythological female legend. When the weather warms the whole shebang heads outdoors for fun in the sun. We’re talking legendary wines, days and events.  

John Rubbo is indicative of a movement not just a brew haus. What’s on tap? Everything you might want in a waterfront establishment that rocks it. His team is just about 100% Yonkers born and bred. This is a town that is fiercely loyal, to past, present and future, with families Yonkers proud. His venue is a big hit with family event bookings. Next time you need that urban waterfront fix, grab a libation at Yonkers Brewing. Don’t forget their secret menu, either.   

Garret Bolella is the Assistant Director for Transportation Services with the City of Norwalk. This “p.e.” has chosen the movement of people as what he engineers. Recent hits include a pedestrian and cyclist path that will run from Danbury to Calf Pasture Beach, where Norwalk meets the Sound. Norwalk’s Wall Street, which has terrific views of a nineteenth century downtown and the waterfront us next on his hit list. Norwalk has always been an ongoing act of coolness, Garret and his department keep everybody on their toes and pedals, whether driving or walking. It’s a great detour and a terrific city to
embrace as a business. They hug back.