SMART Holdings USA Issue # 5, Winter, December, 2012

NANTUCKET DREAMING

Island of Ideas for SMARTvt SMARTvt Creates Nantucket Property Works

Nantucket Harbor – Home of the former owner of Woodstock Cookie Company, Robin Halik who enrolled in SMARTvts Economic Development Program and Started Nantucket Property Works – Meeting The Needs of Island Property Owners – all year long.

SMARTvt.org  –  SMART  Holdings  USA  

John  Mayer,  Mark  Renkert,  Michael  Kipp,  Michael  Hussey,  Gabrielle  Meunier  

drive  SMART  Holdings  USA  economic  Development  Engine  Creating  US  

Companies  and  Jobs  .    SMARTvt  created  a  task  force  that  provides  resources,  

education,  training,  financing  solutions  to  business  startups  for  approved  plans.  

About  SMARTvt.org.      Vermont's  largest  solution  provider  featuring  teams  of  

subject-­‐matter  experts  with  one  voice  as  one  firm;  SMARTvt.org,  a  global  

Vermont’s Power Center for Business Idea Creation

Your Issue

Contents

Changing Faces

SMARTvt’s Robin Halik, Gabrielle Meunier, Michael Kipp, Mark Renkert Create Nantucket Property Works page 1 - 4

Suzanne Johnson Joins American Red Cross as Development Officer Page 2

Michael Hussey Joins Buffalo, NY Dessicant Manufacturer, nearly complete Norwich University MBA Page 4

Alex Goetz Joins Dominion Tech’s IT Certification Program, Norwich University MBA Program, Page 5

…..Nantucket…..

Oceanside Caretaking Robin Halik and her husband Clifford moved from Vermont to Nantucket after selling Woodstock Cookie Company. Her husband moved his historic preservation,

new construction and renovation business to the Island. And Robin wondered what to do.

……See story next page 3…

consultancy  offering  sustainable  socially  responsible  applications  such  as  Hands-­‐

on  Engineering,  Accounting,  Finance,  Marketing,  New  Product  Development,  

Research,  Medical  Devices  and  Technology,  Pharmaceuticals,  Telephony,  E-­‐

enterprise,  IT  /  IS  implementation  -­‐  service,  Merger  &  Acquisition,  LBO,  Business  

Valuation,  Forensic  Accounting,   SEC  Compliance,  

Petrochemical  Extraction,   Defense  Systems,  and  

global  manufacturing   enterprises.  

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SMART Holdings USA Issue # 5, Winter, December, 2012

Vermont’s Most Powerful Crisis Resource for Saving

Lives, Properties, and Restoring Normalcy After

a Tragedy.

Former US Marine Captain Michael Hussey joined Buffalo-based Multisorp, a moisture management technology innovator. Hussey completed their Management Training Intensive and now is a front line Supervisor saying that his time as a US Marine Officer has certainly paid off. He also credits his successful onboarding with the unique transition services provided by SMARTvt’s Veterans Services Unit. Hussey is enjoying Buffalo, NY. He has a five minute commute to work and is able to enjoy the many outdoor adventure sports and especially cycling.

Hussey is also on-track to complete his MBA / Finance Program at Norwich University near the top of his class. About Multisorb Technologies Multisorb Technologies has been an innovator in sorbent technology for over 50 years. Founded in 1961 by John S. Cullen to meet the needs for electronics markets in protecting against the damaging effects of moisture. The World Leader in Active Packaging Technology™ Active packaging technology is designed to provide superior protection against moisture, odor, oxygen, and other gases.

Multisorb and SMARTvt’s Mike Hussey

A Technology Innovator

SMARTvt’s Suzanne Johnson recently joined the American Red Cross Disaster Services Division as their Development Officer. Johnson is dedicating this next portion of her career to securing resources to help the thousands of Vermonters in need each year.

On a recently snowy afternoon, the alarm bells rang and Johnson’s unit was called to a very large fire in Grand Isle Vermont. Upon arrival fire fighters from around the region were waging a war against time with a four alarm blaze.

The residents were safe but the family dog was killed in the blaze and Johnson and the ARC team was there to provide comfort, clothing, shelter,

food, and resources to help this Vermont family get back on track.

Johnson will function as a Development Officer soliciting Vermonters and reminding them that supporting the ARC means they are supporting a neighbor, family, a business and a community.

Johnson who is the previous owner of Tilley’s Restaurant in Burlington said she always knew she would one day serve Vermonters in need and she met her calling in joining the American Red Cross.

The ARC Disaster Services Division responds to approximately 70,000 disasters in the United States every year, ranging from home fires that affect a single family to hurricanes that affect tens of thousands, to earthquakes that impact millions.

In these events, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, health and mental health services to help families and entire communities get back on their feet.

Although the Red Cross is not a government agency, it is an essential part of the response when disaster strikes. We work in partnership with other agencies and organizations that provide services to disaster victims.

The ARC in Vermont was a major force supporting the recovery of Hurricane Irene which damaged thousands of miles of roads and nearly 500 bridges.

American Red Cross Director of Development

Suzanne Johnson

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SMART Holdings USA Issue # 5, Winter, December, 2012

SMARTvt Launches New Island Business, by Mark Renkert, Mcsl

Vermont’s the origin of some amazing entrepreneurs. These are business professionals that propagate the values espoused in the Vermont seal of quality.

Early last fall entrepreneur and former Woodstock Cookie Company owner, Robin Halik approached the Enterprise Creation division of SMART Holdings USA and seeking counsel on solidifying and launching a business she envisioned providing a universal property care solution for absentee land owners living on weather-damage prone Nantucket Island.

Halik first envisioned Oceanside Caretaking in the early 90’s while visiting the family’s vacation property on the Island.

Vermont’s the origin of some amazing entrepreneurs. These are business professionals that propagate the values espoused in the Vermont seal of quality.

Early last fall entrepreneur and former Woodstock Cookie Company owner, Robin Halik approached the Enterprise Creation division of SMART Holdings USA and seeking counsel on solidifying and launching a business she envisioned providing a universal property care solution for absentee land owners living on weather-damage prone Nantucket Island.

Early last fall entrepreneur and former Woodstock Cookie Company owner, Robin Halik approached the Enterprise Creation division of SMART Holdings USA and seeking counsel on solidifying and launching a new business Halik

envisioned providing a universal property care solution for absentee land owners living on weather-damage prone Nantucket Island.

Halik first envisioned Oceanside Caretaking in the early 90’s while visiting the family’s vacation property on the Island.

Halik first envisioned Oceanside Caretaking in the early 90’s while visiting the family’s vacation property on the Island.

She later adopted a few small landowner accounts and the business grew.

She developed main categories of business from needs of Absentee Property Owners: Caretaking, Cleaning, Maintenance, Security, Concierge, Landscaping, Administration. Through acquisition Halik adds Historic Renovation, Earthmoving, Construction and extends her reach into Commericial Work. The name of the finished product is called Nantucket Property Works and features a four season employment for staff and expected to generate at least 50 jobs.

The business plan was first started with Halik and SMARTvt’s John Mayer and the Financial Modeling, Permitting and Financing plan was developed and launched by Gabrielle Meunire, formerly the CFO for

Pomerleau Real Estate. Oversight was provided by SMARTvt leader, Michael J. Kipp, CPA.

SMARTvt Chair, Mark Renkert, used island contacts to reach into the Small Business Administration and Cape Cod Five Cent Bank so that Halik could obtain need financing.

Bench Members, Mark Renkert, Chair, and Gabrielle Meunier, CFO directly telephoned the island chamber of commerce and got a solid lead for an eager lender.

CFO Gabrielle Meunier – Investment Banker / Treasury Liason for SMARTvt Mergers / Acquisitions

“We knew the project was viable,” says Renkert, adding, “Kipp’s mentorship of the team was seamless and Meunier as magnificent working out the Financial Models, Cash Flow Forecast, and financier interface.”

Kipp said that the acquisitions alone netted predictable cash flow and economy of scale market prominence.

Halik said there were moments when things grew complex and she was happy to have the negotiation power of SMARTvt. “Gabrielle’s expertise is incredible,” said Halik, adding, “she power-negotiated the channels of the Small Administration with finesse. I could not have done it without her.” “She provided a depth and range of Investment Banker level strategic advice that was key to this project’s success,” said Halik reflecting on the process. Driving the business model was Halik’s knowing Nantucket History and safe property worries Islanders and Off-Islanders.

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SMART Holdings USA Issue # 5, Winter, December, 2012

Nantucket’s many storms have a knack for making property owners apprehensive. The lesson was hard learned by many landowners in December 2010.

A high-powered winter storm blasted Nantucket Sunday and Monday with snow and gale-force winds canceling boat and plane service, knocking out power to parts of the island and beaching the former ocean-going fishing vessel Miss China on Brant Point.

“We knew something big was coming when all the sea birds enmasse flew inland the day after Christmas,” said Sea Captain Blair Perkins who knew he had better prepare his ship for the worst.

The island received a icing of wet snow at the start of the storm on Sunday, but turned to icing rain and black-ice overnight, as high winds swept over Nantucket, bringing down tree limbs and cutting power to various areas of the island. Huge waves pounded the shoreline causing severe damage and total destruction to some island properties.

As of Monday afternoon, heavy winds continued to pound Nantucket, setting off security alarms across the island, with snow blowing sideways. A coastal flood advisory alert from the National Weather Service sent islanders inland and to high ground. Winds of 60 mph were knocking down trees and tearing off roofs and sand-blasting sident and started the major property damage and potential loss of life.

All boat services on both the Steamship Authority and Hy-Line Cruises were canceled Monday, except for the 6 a.m. SSA freight boat, which ferried a number of empty cars to Nantucket. Planes were flying to and from Nantucket sporadically throughout the day, with the frequency of flights increasing as darkness fell on a near lightless very dark night.

In addition to the foundering of the Miss China, a large yahct beached on Francis Street beach, another larger salvage vessel was sunk near Children's Beach, and several other boats were dashed to bits, according to harbormaster Dave Fronzuto.

Easy Street was closed with barricades Monday morning, and the Dreamland Theater lot looked like a massive swimming pool, as the hole for the foundation of the building was completely flooded.

Sustained winds were in the 30-40 mph range overnight and into Monday afternoon, gusting to damagingly upwards. At the peak of the storm Sunday night, National Grid reported power was out for about 80% of customers on the island.

The near-derelict fishing vessel Miss China, owned and lived on by islander Joe Dooley and unable to move under its own power from its mooring in Nantucket Harbor, broke loose during the storm Sunday night and washed ashore on Brant Point. The Coast Guard stated Monday that the boat was aground on soft sand, and was anchored to the rocks and the foundation of the lighthouse.

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SMART Holdings USA Issue # 5, Winter, December, 2012

Going down with the ship, stoically Dooley and his dogs refused to leave the Miss China Sunday, and remained on the boat as of Monday morning as a large crowd gathered to view the spectacle. Dooley stubbornly refused several offers of assistance from the Marine Department and Coast Guard, according to Fronzuto and Coast Guard Station Brant Point senior chief T.J. Malvesti. Captain Dooley and his dogs were eventually relieved and there was no loss of life.

During the storm some aircraft left Hyannis Monday morning, air traffic was suspended around 9:30 a.m and hundreds were stranded.

At the end of this storm, the weather broke and the port opened again and with that opening began the reparations of which Halik participated. “Life always returns to normal for Islanders,” Halik says, they are tough and resilient like Vermonters proud of the heritage and accustomed to perils of the deep dark sea.

“We’re ready for anything now,” says Halik deep in thought. “Now,” she says, “ We could tow the Ms. China to a new mooring if it were to happen again.”

“The island homes and properties are fragile and Mother Nature can be a mean Master. Our clients love their properties and Nantucket Property Works will be there with them especially when the chips are down,” said Halik with a smile.

Nantucket Property Works

We are there when you can’t be

US Army Chemical Officer, Captain Alex Goetz graduates SMARTvt’s Veteran’s Transition Course and joins an IT / IS Training Program sponsored by Brian Curtis, and Dominion Technologies. Curtis is providing Help Desk Technical Training for Goetz after his SMARTvt

transition team discovered that Biology Jobs paying what he earned as an Army Officer were nearly impossible to find.

Goetz discovered he had a natural affinity toward IT and is quickly working toward certifications where he’ll likely find good wages.

Dominion Tech is a leader in the Managed Services IT Field and is a proud supporter of returning veterans.

Goetz is also working toward his MBA from Norwich University. He is also a Cross Fit Instructor and competes in Cross Fit Programs.

DominionTech was founded in 2001 to provide IT services targeting clients with mixed network environments to VT area businesses. The company provided seamless integration with Mac and PC users and focused on increased efficiency using technology as the back bone.

In 2004 the demand for managed IT services boomed and DominionTech opened it’s first repair depot.

The location focused on fast service and boasted service authorizations for Apple, Lenovo and many others.

In 2006 DominionTech upgraded their facility which gave them the capacity to increase the IT team.