Adirondack Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Executive Woods, 5 Palisades Drive – Suite 201, Albany
348.0634; www.adirondackoralsurgery.com
648 Plank Road, Entrance B – Suite 210, Clifton Park
Owners: Dr. Gary S. Wadhwa, Dr. Paul S. Johar, Dr. Timothy J. F. Lynch
How long have you been in business? Since 1994.
Describe your business: Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery specializes in dental implants, wisdom teeth removal under anesthesia, extraction of teeth and impactions, state-of-the-art diagnostic CT scan and planning of dental treatments and traumatic and aesthetic facial and jaw surgery.
What sets you apart from competitors? We focus on quality using six sigma and lean theory of constraint initiatives to focus on the quality of our patient’s care. We are constantly training staff in quality and clinical advancements. We also the first health care facility to receive the Governor’s award in excellence, the highest award for leadership and management development in New York State.It is awarded to organizations that utilize highly effectivepractices for leadership, planning, employee development, customer service and continuous improvement.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is an academically and professionally awarding career. We are a dental surgeon specialty that allows both hospital and private practice experience. Demand for practitioners has grown nationally.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? We plan to grow with more staff and services for the community. We plan to improve customer service and continue to invest in cutting edge technology for the Capital Region. We are constantly taking continuing education courses to bring the latest advances in the field of oral & maxillofacial surgery to our patients.
Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-5pm.
Aird Dorrance
43 Round Lake Road, Ballston Lake
899.0049; www. AIRDDORRANCE.com
Owners: Barbara,Sheila and Frank Dorrance
How long have you been in business? Aird Dorrance has been in business for over 50 years, however the family has been in the decorative plumbing and heating business for over 125 years between Aird-Don of Troy and Aird Dorrance.
Describe your business: Aird Dorrance is a very diverse wholesale/retail company supporting the construction/remodeling industry. We offer baths, kitchens, heating, plumbing, flooring, lighting, municipal and industrial products backed by a very large staff of experienced designers and product specialists.
What sets you apart from competitors? At Aird Dorrance we are very proud of our employees, who have hundreds of years of combined experience in each of our product areas, which means top service for our customers. Our Premier showrooms are among the largest and nicest in the country and offer a gallery shopping experience, with over 50 kitchen and bath vignettes complete with lighting and flooring.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Always remember what your customer is shopping for. She is looking for a lifestyle, a way to enhance her gracious living, a satisfying complete experience—not products or things.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? We expect to continue being the leader in assisting Capital Region residents to improve and experience their gracious living lifestyle during remodeling or new construction.
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-4pm.
Avanti Hair Studio
2005 Western Avenue, Albany
869.6721
Owners: Jo-Leen Benincasa & Patricia D’Arpino
How long have you been in business? We just celebrated 20 years in October.
Describe your business: Avanti has a staff of 17 stylists who are highly trained in hair cutting, styling and all aspects of hair coloring. The atmosphere in our salon is warm and friendly. We care about our customers and cater to their needs, using only the highest quality hair products.
What sets you apart from competitors? The business has a firm foundation because we have been friends since childhood. We feel that building a relationship with our customers is important. We are committed to providing quality service to each and every customer, many of whom have become friends.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? This is a great career if you want to be your own boss and have flexible hours. A business will automatically grow if you put the customer first and treat them with respect.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? We hope for continued growth of loyal staff members and satisfied customers.
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9am–9pm; Saturday 8am–5pm.
L’Azur Med Spa
World-Class Treatments, Products and Services At Beaux Visages, Latham Farms
783.1988; www.beauxvisagesnewyork.com
Owners: Cheryl Anne MBA & Alan R. Jones
How long have you been in business? Five years. This is our second Med Spa. Our first opened three years ago and is the market leader in Rockland County, just outside of Manhattan.
Describe your business: Our dedicated and qualified staff of advanced medical, aesthetic and wellness professionals deliver of-the-moment high technology and time-treasured treatments and products to achieve ultimate personal enhancement, rejuvenation and graceful aging — offered in a warm, inviting Mediterranean environment. We work hard at retaining the old-fashioned values our parents instilled in us. The reality is we live in a high-tech, post-modern society leaving many of us feeling stressed, alienated and deprived of the basic need for caring human touch.
What sets you apart from competitors? L’Azur Med Spa focuses on the sp-a-a-a-h-h in Med Spa and the laser, medical treatments follow. All of our treatments are non-ablative so our clients won’t have to concern themselves with downtime or discomfort. Still, it’s a new experience and we give our clients the T.L.C they deserve. We are looking to forge long-term relationships as we satisfy the needs of body and soul. Physical transformations can be spectacular, but what pleases us most is that we deliver them with a warm, human touch in an atmosphere scented with lavender as you sip soothing green tea while lying on a comfy, cushioned bed surrounded by lovely Mediterranean art.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Do your homework and gain a clear understanding of this unique hybrid industry. Though a retail concept is necessary to survive it is, after all, medical above all else.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? We have a winning formula, which we intend to share with physicians seeking additional revenue opportunities. Insurance cutbacks have been financially devastating; still it takes a whole lot more than buying an expensive laser and offering Botox to succeed as a medical spa.
Hours: Monday 10am-4pm; Tues-Thurs 10am-8pm; Friday 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-6pm.
California Closets
952 Troy-Schenectady Road, Peter Harris Plaza (Rte 7), Latham
785.5723; www.californiaclosets.com
Owners: Sean and Joy Rafferty
How long have you been in business? The California Closets name has been around for 30 years. We have been involved in our locally owned and operated business since 2003.
Describe your business: We custom design, build and install home storage/organization systems such as: closets, mudrooms, kitchen pantries, garages, home offices, media centers, etc.
What sets you apart from competitors? We have a large, centrally located showroom in Latham with numerous displays and a design area with wood color choices and various accessory samples. Our designers are professionally trained and work with customers to design systems to meet their specific needs, wants and budgets. As a locally owned business, we feel it is very important to help local non-profit organizations. We recently held a very successful women’s clothing drive at our showroom to benefit Dress for Success of Albany and we are currently in the process of donating our goods and services to the Ronald McDonald House of Albany.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Be ready to work hard. It is very rewarding to have your own business, but the responsibility for everything rests in your hands. Also, treat your employees well. You are only as good as the people who work for you. We have a fabulous team of dedicated people who work for us and we couldn’t be where we are today without them.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? Designing and installing much more than just closets. There are so many areas of the home that can benefit from custom storage systems. The trend in new housing is for homes to be built with larger closets and other storage areas. New materials are also becoming available that will give people even more choices for their home storage. I see us doing more garages, media centers and other non-traditional storage systems for our current and new customers.
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday 10am-4pm.
Capital Region Spinal Rehabilitation and Chiropractic–A Spinal Aid Center of America
8 Century Hill Drive Suite 202 Latham
782.5060; www.spinalaid.com
Owner: Dr. John P. Milham, DC
How long have you been in business? I have been in practice for over 11 years. I relocatedto the Capital District last year and opened Capital Region Spinal Rehabilitation and Chiropractic in April 2007. This office is the first Spinal Aid Center of America office in upstateNew York.
Describe your business: A non-surgical spinal decompression clinic in which we treat patient’s with severe and chronic back conditions such as herniated/bulging discs, disc degeneration, stenosis, sciatica and facet arthrosis.
What sets you apart from competitors? This treatment is innovative and not widely available in upstate New York. We provide friendly atmosphere and help patients feel comfortable by educating them and answering any questions they may have. We also address body mechanics and lifestyle changes to help our patient’s optimize spinal health for years to come.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? It is very satisfying work and a great career if you are dedicated and motivated to helping people in pain.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? Making this advanced treatment (non-surgical spinal decompression) more available to people throughout the greater Capital Region.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30am-6pmby appointment.
The Crooked Lake House
2339 State Route 43, Averill Park
674.3894; www.TheCrookedLakeHouse.com
Owner: Paul D. Vincent
How long have you been in business? I have owned The Crooked Lake House since September 2006, with the dream of bringing it back to its former glory.
Describe your business: We are a full-service restaurant and banquet facility that ranges from casual to elegant. Our chef, Bill Bensen, offers a tavern menu as well as a fine dining menu. We can accommodate more than 300 guests for weddings, banquets and corporate events. A variety of music adds to the ambiance on the weekends and special dining experiences such as “Stammtisch”, which is a German word referring to our monthly multi-course dinner served at large tables in our Great Room. Join us this month, on the 24th, when we will travel to South America where the cuisine will be Carnivale in Brazil, seating at 6:30pm.
What sets you apart from competitors? Our 200-year-old building has a rich history and amazing views. It is situated on a beautiful lake in a rural setting that is minutes from the Capital District. The panoramic views from our ballroom complete the mood for a calm and relaxing venue regardless of the size of your party. Lakeside dining on our terraces is a must in the summer months.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Anyone who is passionate about the restaurant business knows it demands hard work and dedication of many hours to provide customers with a dining experience that exceeds their expectations. Having the passion to carry on a rich tradition that brings our past into the present requires one to love what they do and not just work to be accomplished. It is a way to give an enjoyable dining experience back to the community while preserving the past.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? Continuing to reclaim its’ place as a favorite location for entertainment, private parties and fine dining.
Hours: Tavern Menu: Wednesday-Sunday at Noon; Full Menu: Wednesday-Sunday at 5pm; Brunch Menu: Sunday 11am-3pm.
CR Wireless
11 locations from Queensbury to New Paltz
Headquartered in Delaware Plaza, Delmar
www.crwireless.com
Owner: Frank Grant
How long have you been in business? 13 years.
Describe your business: We are a community-based retailer of cellular products and services. We work with people who are tired of poor service, are looking to save money on their wireless bills and appreciate one-on-one personal service from a great staff. We are the number one AT&T retailer in the Capital Region.
What sets you apart from competitors? CR wireless is the only place on the planet where you can get “The Loved Customer System”, which ensures value and a great experience for our customers. Our award-winning customer retention rate of over 99% is another thing that sets us apart.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Go for it! You should always pursue your dreams and there is always room in any industry for quality, passionate people who love what they do.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? We will continue to see more video and mobile Internet offerings and the “convergence” of entertainment and communications on what we now call “phones” at CR Wireless. We will also be focused on creating value and great experiences for our customers and clients through “The Loved Customer System”.
Hours: Vary by store. Mall locations are same as malls, other locations are open Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm and all stores have Sunday hours and the ability to schedule appointments upon request. Visit www.crwireless.com for more details.
Landscape Inc…
Loudonville
489.2341
Owner: Pete Rossi
How long have you been in business? Over 18 years.
Describe your business: Landscape Inc… isthe premierprofessional installer of brick paver patios, walkways, pool surrounds and retaining walls. We also have divisions that take care of year round property maintenance, landscape design/installationand commercial snow removal.
What sets you apart from competitors? Our finished product is simply the best. We use top of the line materials, we are ICPI certified and we stay on top of ourproduct manufacturers’continued education, which is constantly updating methods and standards in the industry. When we finish a job we leave behind the “WOW” factor. Guaranteed!
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Pay extra attention to the smallest of details.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? The five-year plan is to grow and improve.
Hours: 7:30am-4pm.
Pine Lake Stoves
747 Saratoga Road (Rte 9), Wilton 584.9070
1087 State Routes 10 and 29A, Caroga Lake
835.8900
www.pinelakestovesandspas.com
Owner: Tim Willard
How long have you been in business? Since 1991 at the Caroga Lake location and May 2007 in Wilton.
Describe your business: We sell, install and service most hearth products, including: wood, pellet and gas stoves, wood, pellet and gas fireplace inserts, and custom wood and gas fireplaces. We also sell and service spas and sell kayaks and canoes. Service work includes chimney, stove and fireplace cleanings and repairs (both warranteed and for a fee). We sell and install chimney liners, mantels and cultured stone products.
What sets you apart from competitors? Product knowledge, personal service and community support. We spend time with our customers both in our store and in their home to fully understand their heating requirements and product preferences. Our community support, both financial and through personal involvement in charitable organizations, is unparalleled. We understand the importance of supporting the communities in which we do business, as they support us.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? The hearth industry is a critical component to our country’s ability to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, including foreign oil. Individuals interested in this industry should develop a well-rounded background of working in a retail setting, while learning about installation techniques, fire codes and mechanical operations of fireplaces and stoves.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? Our business will grow significantly and become more mainstream, as the dramatic rise in oil prices have caused increasing numbers of people to seek alternative ways to heat their homes. Also, the increased focus on our environment and air quality benefits our industry, as our products produce low carbon emissions and are fueled by renewable resources, such as cord wood, wood pellets and corn.
Hours: Both stores are open Monday-Thursday from 10am-6pm, Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-4pm.
Saratoga Sotheby’s International Realty
432 Broadway, Suite 7, Saratoga Springs
580.8500; www.SaratogaSothebysRealty.com
Owners: John A Burke Jr, Shane Newell, Harold W Reiser III, William Parker
How long have you been in business? The business officially launched August 9, 2007. Launch reception was held at the Saratoga National Golf Club by invitation only.
Describe your business: Artfully uniting extraordinary properties with extraordinary lives. Experience the Saratoga Sotheby’s International Realty difference. Here, we specialize in providing our customers and clients with professional real estate services in the Greater Capital Region and the Adirondacks. We represent both buyers and sellers utilizing industry-leading international marketing programs to provide you with maximum exposure for the unique and distinctive properties of our beautiful regions.
What sets you apart from competitors? An international marketing platform along with buyer/seller relationships who invest in commercial and residential real estate holdings.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Become licensed in the state you wish to practice real estate.Then, carefully select the branding platform that will give you a strategic and competitive advantage in the marketplace you service.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? We expect to be the premier real estate company to market unique & distinctive residential and commercial properties across upstate NY.
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am–6pm; Saturday 9am–5pm. Available 24/7 via answering service and remote communication tools.
Save-More Wines and Liquors, Inc.
444 Broadway, Menands
449.8436
Owners: Shannon Briscoe and Sandra Brokaw.
How long have you been in business? We have been in business for 31 years.
Describe your business: We are a retail wine and liquor store.We carry barware and hand painted stemware from Mimi’s paintbrush and also sell NYS Lottery.
What sets you apart from competitors? We are a family owned and operated business. We have a large selection of domestic and imported liquors and wines and happily recommend wine selections for food pairings.We gladly accept special orders.We have a friendly, efficient staff in a convenient location.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? If you want to pursue a career in retail, I would recommend that you pick a trade that you really like. You will invest a lot of time and hard work, so you should enjoy it.Our customers are wonderful people, which makes our job even better.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? I think our store will have a bigger selection within the next five years. I hope to meet many more people in the coming years and share good wine suggestions with them.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm.
Stockade Oriental Rug Imports
543 Broadway (the old Fire House), Saratoga Springs
583.2044
Owner: Deborah K. Barthold
How long have you been in business? I established Stockade Imports 25 years ago in the old Stockade section of Schenectady. I learned the trade from my father, Joseph Reinhardt, former President of Jacobsen’s Oriental Rugs in Syracuse. I have traveled to India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey and China to establish direct links to weavers and suppliers.
Describe your business: We sell a wide variety of high quality, hand-made, individually selected oriental carpets; often supported by in-home decorating expertise and trial installations. Stockade Imports is also an excellent source for oriental carpet cleaning, repairs and appraisals.
What sets you apart from competitors? Stockade is dedicated exclusively to providing the highest quality hand-made 100 percent wool Oriental rugs at fair price and assuring that each piece complements the décor in which it is placed. We have a large current inventory and ready access to wholesale markets both within the US and abroad. Delivery, installation and decorating counsel are free. Customers are encouraged to take rugs home on an approval basis.
What advice would you give others wanting to pursue a similar career? Start early in life studying the history and styles of Oriental rugs since each design is linked to a geographic region. Learn the history of weaving and step-by-step rug construction and an ability to judge the quality of work since two rugs, which may look alike, may vary greatly in value. Learn the differences in appearance and durability of both wools from various parts of the world and different dyes. Then establish a network of wholesale sources, including weavers themselves.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? Our reputation for quality, for working hard to match each rug to its surrounding décor and for fair pricing will assure a continuation in the growth we’ve enjoyed in the Capital Region. Our business growth has catapulted along with the new home construction in Saratoga Springs. Continued growth will be spurred by interest in condominiums where interior décor is especially important.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am–5pm. Other hours by appointment.
Teakwood Builders Incorporated
563 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs
587.2880; www.teakwoodbuilders.com
Owner: James Sasko
How long have you been in business? Since 1995.
Describe your business: We are a design/build contractor specializing in luxury building, remodeling and historic restoration for residential and commercial projects. We take responsibility for every aspect of a project from its initial design to the appropriate furnishings to compliment the space. Our design team consists of cooperative relationships with the Capital Region’s finest architects, engineers and interior designers. Inside, we do everything from single-room remodeling to home theaters to basement makeovers to whole house renovations. Outside, we build pool cabanas, sunroom additions and porches. Our new homes can be built on your property or ours and there is no limit to design or style.
What sets you apart from competitors? Our relationships with our clients are critical to our success – there are no “contractor horror stories” to tell. We strive to exceed their expectations. Our craftsmen and sub-contractors are chosen not only for their superior skills, but it is also equally important that they meet our superior standards of honesty, cleanliness and courtesy while working within our clients’ homes.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? It is not an easy career. Long hours of hard work and unceasing commitment are required in order to succeed. For those who take pride in seeing an old home rejuvenated and new structures come into being, it is very rewarding. Unlike many other endeavors, the results of one’s work and the positive effect it has on a client are readily apparent.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? Building and remodeling is highly competitive so making predictions is a dubious venture. Nevertheless, there will always be a need in the Capital Region for the quality of services we provide. Moreover, our increasingly large base of satisfied clients is a reliable source for additional business and referrals to new clients. So it is likely that in five years we will have continued to grow in a controlled manner in terms of the scope of our work, further refinements of our customer service and our staffing.
Uncle Sam’s All American Chocolate Factory
2571 Albany Street, Schenectady
372.2243; www.unclesamscandy.com
Owner: Joseph Suhrada
How long have you been in business? 80 years.
Describe your business: We sell handmade chocolates, nuts and candies.
What sets you apart from competitors? The best quality chocolate, made fresh and locally.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Be prepared to work many hours.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? Continuing to grow here in the Capital Region.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm; Sunday 11am-6pm. We stay open 8am-8pm Monday-Saturday for holiday seasons.