Bella Rouge
Cosmetic and Skincare Boutique
Clifton Park Center, Clifton Park
373.9500; zbellarouge@hotmail.com
Owner: Lisa Zibell
How long have you been in business? I have been in the skincare, cosmetic and spa industry for over 15 years. Bella Rouge is a new business for me. It is fashioned after so many wonderful skincare/cosmetic boutiques I saw while traveling with my previous job. I loved the concept and believed in the niche so I decided to go for it!
Describe your business: Bella Rouge offers a wide variety of options in skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools.
What sets you apart from competitors? The "beauty" of Bella Rouge is our variety of quality products; we are not married to one line in particular. Our goal is to listen to your needs and with a true understanding of our products, guide you towards products that suit your needs and lifestyle the best. We offer so many wonderful shortcuts to fabulous!
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Do what you love, love what you do and the rest will follow.
Hours: Monday-Friday 10am-7pm; Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 1pm-5pm.
BFS Restaurant & Catering
1736 Western Avenue, Albany
452.6342; www.bfsrestaurant.com
Owner: Shaw H. Rabadi
How long have you been in business? 19 years.
Describe your business: BFS is the home of the most authentic selection of Mediterranean food in the Capital Region. Our menu is complete with offerings such as deli sandwiches, soups and our famous wraps. We also offers Middle-Eastern favorites such as hummus, falafel, grape leaves, Taboleh, kabobs, Spanakopita, Moussaka and Moroccan dishes, as well as famous dishes from Lebanon, Greece, Italy, Morocco, a touch of France and a hint of Spain. Eat drink and be Mediterranean! Our new space was designed to accommodate the restaurant, take-out service and catering services division.
What sets you apart from competitors? Mediterranean cuisine by nature is not only a diet—but a lifestyle, and is considered heart healthy cuisine. One of the most rewarding results of our work and the restaurant’s reputation is the recognition by Dr. Paul E. Lamanski, M.D., director of the Center for Preventative Medicine and Cardiovascular Health, for recognizing our restaurant for serving heart-healthy food. This, without question, sets us apart from our competitors. Our customers never have to worry about how much saturated fat, sodium and cholesterol is in our food—and trust me; they’re not going to miss those things. This is definitely a hallmark, our signature, when compared to “competition”.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? The things that got me into this business are the things that will keep me in it: extensive knowledge of the industry, total personal commitment, burning passion for it and great perseverance. Of course, have fun as well.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? Our main focus and goal is to remain competitive, diligent and grow in both the restaurant and the catering services in a challenging economy.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm. Closed on Sundays except for private catered functions.
Creative Kitchens of Glenmont, Ltd.
404 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont
432.1320; www.creativekitchensofglenmont.com
Owner: Edward Pacuk, president
How long have you been in business? I have been in the kitchen and bath industry for almost 20 years, and this July will be celebrating the five year anniversary of Creative Kitchens.
Describe your business: Creative Kitchens of Glenmont is a full-service kitchen and bath design and remodeling firm. From design concept to project completion, we provide expert services with personal attention. As a respected member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), we are held to the highest quality standards in the industry. At our showroom, you can see a wide variety of cabinetry, countertop materials and other innovative details to complete your project. Our goal is to make your dream a reality by designing a beautiful and functional environment tailored to your individual lifestyle. We create one-of-a-kind spaces, combining outstanding value with personalized services not found at other kitchen and bath dealerships.
What sets you apart from competitors? Very few companies possess the level of passion and pride that we do. I love getting phone calls, cards and emails from customers telling me how wonderful their experience was working with Creative Kitchens and how beautiful their new kitchen or bath is.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Everything in life happens for a reason, and far more often than not, the reason is because you put forth the effort and commitment to make it happen.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? Unlike so many other business owners, I do not believe that bigger is always better. Right now our company is big enough to effectively handle the volume of business we do, while being small enough to provide intimate personalized service. Nothing would make me happier than to have the same team of people that I do now continuing to do what we love and do so well.
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9am-5pm, Thursday 9am-8pm and Saturday 9am-3pm.
Delmar Dental Medicine
344 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
439.4228; www.delmardental.com
Owner: Dr. Thomas H. Abele
How long have you been in business? Since 1969.
Describe your business: Delmar Dental Medicine focuses on family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery and implants. We perform everything from routine cleanings to complicated surgical cases.
What sets you apart from competitors? We have the latest in dental technology and sterilization. Our on-site laboratory allows us to work closely with our patients to assure that they are completely satisfied with their dental treatment. Dr. Abele is certified in external conscious sedation in NYS, of interest to patients nervous about having dental treatment. Our close-knit staff members cater to patient’s needs. Our comfortable reception area has a relaxed atmosphere, with all the latest amenities. Our goal is to give our patients the most exceptional dental visit possible, to help achieve optimal dental health and to educate our patients so they can maintain dental health throughout their lifetime.
What advice would you give others wanting to pursue a similar career? We would recommend contacting your own dentist and observing dental procedures for one or more days. This will give you a better idea if you think the dental field is the right one for you.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? We would like to continue our reputation for high quality dental treatment as one of the top dentists in Upstate New York.
Hours: Monday & Wednesday 8am–4:30 pm (lunch from 12:30pm–2 pm), Tuesday & Thursday 7am–2:30pm (no lunch).
Delmar Pediatrics PLLC
1220 New Scotland Road, Suite 203
439.CARE (2273); www.delmarpediatricspllc.com
Owner: Michael P. Looney, MD, FAAP
How long have you been in business? I have been in practice for about 19 years, we moved to this new location about two-and-a-half years ago.
Describe your business: We are a Pediatric Medical Practice, caring for infants through college-age patients. We follow the developmental, emotional and physical growth of our patients as well as providing for well care.
What sets you apart from competitors? I don't look at other pediatricians as competitors, but rather colleagues in different offices. Some of the aspects of our practice that I like are that all of our practitioners are parents, we all come from different medical centers and we have been working together for over 10 years. We also meet weekly to discuss cases, evaluate new studies and provide educational information to each of the practitioners. Our practice is very family-centered; we treat patients as we would like our own children treated. No practice runs on its own, and I feel proud that we have a dedicated support staff in administration, nursing and office personnel.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? You need to be very dedicated to the total care of your patient and their family. To me, pediatrics is the most rewarding of all the medical fields. Nowhere else do you get to see the creation of the family, that newborn infant arrival to the college-bound senior and his/her proud parent and see the emerging sense of self in the patient. I believe that you become part of the patient's family, especially those families with chronic disease or tragedy, and are able to provide support and care in such painful times. .
Where do you see your business in the next five years? I see our practice continuing to evolve in terms of the care we provide, the treatment modalities we use and the impact of electronic medical records on our practice.
Hours: Monday-Friday appointments 9am-5pm, but the office opens at 8am. Saturday 9am-noon; Sunday 9am-noon for emergencies only.
Gary L. Moscowitz, DDS
2 Pittsfield Avenue, East Greenbush
477.8026
Stillwater Family Dental
181 River Road, Stillwater
664.8918
Owner: Gary L. Moscowitz, DDS
How long have you been in business? We opened in East Greenbush in 1977 and our Stillwater practice opened in 1994.
Describe your business: It is a General Dental practice treating patients of all ages. We are strong believers in prevention and work hard to make and keep your smile bright!
What sets you apart from competitors? Patients enjoy a small home-like relaxed office environment. They receive 100 percent of our attention with one-on-one treatment. We also take pride in having a very attentive and caring staff.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Dentistry is very hard work. It can be stressful and you have to be a “people person”. But, the rewards of seeing people with healthy and beautiful smiles and the children actually looking forward to their time with Dr. Gary and staff are immeasurable.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? Why change what works and what’s best for our patients? Naturally, new advances in materials and treatment techniques will always be considered and incorporated where appropriate.
Hours: East Greenbush: Monday and Tuesday, 7:30am-5pm; Thurdays 8am-5pm. Stillwater: Wednesday, 8am-5pm; Friday 8am-1pm.
Frye Companies, Inc.
4000 Silver Beach Road, Malta
583.3793; www.fryecompanies.com
Owner: John P. Frye
How long have you been in business? 6 years.
Describe your business: Frye Companies, Inc. is dedicated to providing quality services to its clients. We offer General Contracting, Construction Management and Design-Build services. Our history and experience coupled with top-of-the-line employees makes Frye Companies, Inc. one of the area’s best construction companies. With each owner, each architect, each subcontractor and each vendor, we will complete every project with outstanding quality, lasting value and complete customer satisfaction.
What sets you apart from competitors? Frye Companies, Inc. was founded primarily because of a need for a construction company that still believes in customer satisfaction; a company that prides itself on producing a quality product. A company that delivers exactly what it promises to the customer. By following these simple beliefs FRYE Companies has amassed a large satisfied customer base in a relatively short amount of time. FRYE Companies customers are primarily repeat customers or referrals from other satisfied customers.
John’s proven relationships with owners, vendors and subcontractors have contributed to stable growth within the industry and has attracted construction professionals to join the firm.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Hudson Valley Community College provides an excellent continuing education program that, fully matriculated, provides a solid foundation from which to build a career as a construction professional.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? Continuing to grow at a controlled rate with an increase in market share of the high-end residential segment of business.
Hours: Monday–Friday 8am–5pm.
Glenmont Chiropractic Office
398 Feura Bush Road, Glenmont (Next To Cvs)
449.3071
Owner: Dr. Jeffrey P. Riker
How long have you been in business? 12 years.
Describe your business: Glenmont Chiropractic provides a patient-centered approach to a variety of musculoskeletal conditions with an emphasis on prevention and wellness. We also offer a variety of nutritional services and supplements.
What sets you apart from competitors? There are several things that we strive to do differently at Glenmont Chiropractic. First and foremost, I have always taken pride in the level of clinical skills that I provide to my patients. I have to be their doctor first before their chiropractor and make sure that they should be in my office in the first place.
Secondly, we provide a smaller, more comfortable atmosphere as opposed to some of the bigger practices in today’s world that can sometimes appear as factories as opposed to a doctor’s office.
Lastly is my staff. When you enter Glenmont Chiropractic you will be greeted by Chrissy, my office manager. She has been with me since 2002 and the office wouldn’t be the same without her. She loves serving our patients and does whatever she can do to make them more comfortable, whether that is chatting at the front desk or scheduling them for an MRI.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? I would advise others seeking a career in healthcare in general, or chiropractic specifically, to speak with others in those specialties. Investigate the educational process and be ready to make a commitment.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? Right where it is today, taking pleasure in serving the people of the Capital Region with care and respect.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1pm-6pm; Tuesday & Thursday 7:30am-1pm; Saturday 8am-10am.
Great Finds
3037 Main Street, Valatie
758.8999
Owner: Maggie Calhoun
How long have you been in business? Two years, three months.
Describe your business: The store carries functional finishing touches for casual living, including amazingly soft and eco-friendly bamboo towels, Egyptian cotton sheets, locally made hand milled soaps and clean fresh personal care products which lack petrol-chemicals Housewares such as table and glassware from Portugal, France, China, Germany, Canada and America fill the shelves along with table linens in a myriad of beautiful colors. Simple white serve pieces are a staple of the store. Colorful salad spinners, colanders and smart and efficient kitchen gadgets are also available. Home décor items include original art, jute and wool rugs, pure beeswax candles and chenille throws that fill antique cupboards, bins and simple kitchen tables, also for sale. Both these refreshed antiques and new small accessory furnishings are also available. Baby gifts such as hand knit organic cotton sweaters, whimsical pewter spoons and silk covered brag books round out the collection.
What sets you apart from competitors? Style and function coupled with affordability.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Do what you love, get the support of those dearest to you and be patient. As my 92-year-old mom loves to say, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
Where do you see your business in the next five years? Well, in the next three months we are relocating to a lovely old Mill House just down the road, which my husband and sons are completely renovating. There, we will expand our product lines in many exciting directions. But for now I’m just taking one day at a time enjoying my great customers and making the store look beautiful.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:30am-5:30pm; Sunday noon-4pm; closed Monday.
Pine Hills Family Medicine PLLC
527 Western Avenue, Albany
482.1570; www.pinehillsfamilymedicine.com
Owners: Victor Tulchinsky, D.O.
How long have you been in business? 9 months.
Describe your business: Pine Hills Family Medicine offers personalized medical care for family members of all ages. We provide comprehensive, quality care to each patient and minimize the need for referrals. We also offer Osteopathic Manipulation, Concierge Medicine and home visits. Dr. Melissa Tulchinsky is available for clinical nutrition consulting on Saturdays. Most major insurances are accepted and payment plans are available. We are currently accepting new patients.
What sets you apart from competitors? Our main focus is on patient service. When you call this office, you get the doctor, not a voicemail phone tree. Appointments can be usually be made for the same day. We are conveniently located on Western Avenue and walk-ins are welcome. Our office is multilingual as Dr. Victor Tulchinsky speaks Spanish and Melissa Tulchinsky speaks Cantonese, Shanghainese, Mandarin Chinese, as well as English.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Go into the medical field if you like people and enjoy taking care of them. It is a rewarding profession that takes dedication and hard work.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? The goal is to expand the practice enough to have our own building for Pine Hills Family Medicine, while keeping the same high-level of service for all patients.
Hours: Monday & Tuesday 8am-5pm; Wednesday & Thursday 11am-8pm; Saturday by appointment only.
Pro Tech Automatic Lawn Sprinklers
59 Exchange Street, Albany
489.3260; www.protechlawnsprinklers.com
Owner: Todd Etesse
How long have you been in business? 23 years.
Describe your business: We do irrigation service and installation.
What sets you apart from competitors? We offer 24-hour emergency service. Our technicians are highly-experienced and we are a member of the Better Business Bureau.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Be prepared to be very busy from May-December.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? We are constantly growing and offering new services like Holiday Lighting.
Hours: 8am-5pm
Rockabella Boutique
441 B Broadway, Saratoga Springs
581.8386; www.rockabella-ny.com
Owner: Jackie Szurek
How long have you been in business? A year-and-a-half.
Describe your business: Rockabella Boutique is a fashion hot spot located on Broadway in downtown Saratoga. We carry the best selection of trend-driven clothing, dresses and accessories for women and teens. We are proud to have become the destination for homecoming, formals, graduation, sweet sixteen’s and prom. Rockabella is also the destination for girls looking for the perfect "going out" outfit—a flirty dress, sexy top or a pair of great fitting jeans. The atmosphere is very fun and relaxed and customers can feel free to try things on without any sales pressure. We also have a seamstress on premises who specializes in altering dresses and hemming designer denim.
What sets you apart from competitors? Our amazing prices! Rockabella has often been described as a "guilt free shopping experience". Customers love the fact that they can afford to purchase two or three dresses instead of just one. We also go the extra mile for our customers, whether it be rush shipping a prom gown, special ordering an item or altering an outfit in less than 24 hours, our customers know they can count on us!
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Go for it! Anything is possible if you believe in what you are doing. At age 13 it was hard for me to imagine really having my own clothing boutique, but the passion and the drive for this dream stuck with me. People always say you should do what makes you happy in life and now I know they are right!
Where do you see your business in the next five years? I see Rockabella expanding. By 2013, people will not only be shopping at Rockabella, but also wearing my own clothing line called Rockabella. Customers will also soon be able to purchase merchandise off of my website. I am having a baby girl in September, so maybe I will incorporate some trendy tween and kid’s clothing into the Rockabella family!
Hours: Summer hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm; Sunday 10am-5pm.
Winter Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-7pm; Sunday 11am-5pm.
Simply Irresistible Salon
288 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham
785.7195; www.SimplyIrresistibleSalon.com
Owner: Debbie Caprara-Tanner
How long have you been in business? 16 years.
Describe your business: The salon is an upscale, yet private and personal space in which we provide all of the services of a full-service salon.
What sets you apart from competitors? What sets us apart from other salons is the fact that we are constantly updating our training and looking for new services to offer. If it means that we have to travel to other states or countries, we do!
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Make sure you love what you do and that you are willing to keep up with the technology to stay on top of your game. Also, a good business plan is very important, so be sure to learn all you can about the ins and outs of running a business.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? I hope to be even better than we are today and I hope to see our staff and clientele still happy to be a part of our little world! I also hope to be able to provide services that are new and exciting and on the cutting edge… and to be able to do it at a reasonable cost to our clients.
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10am-7pm; Friday 10am-6pm; Saturday 10am-3pm; closed Sunday & Monday.
Union Gables Bed & Breakfast
55 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs
584.1558; stay@uniongables.com
Owners: Thomas Fox, Jr. and Thomas P. Van Gelder
How long have you been in business? Union Gables has been under the current ownership since 2003. Thom Van Gelder came to Union Gables in June 2006 introducing INN-house catering and homemade baked goods. Our staff specializes in off-season fall and winter weddings, corporate meetings and intimate gatherings for all occasions.
Describe your business: The Union Gables is a location of relaxed comfort without any element of stuffiness. Our Inn is a sprawling 1901 Saratoga mansion with comfortable common areas including our massive wrap-around porch, billiard room and double parlor with fireplace. We are pet-friendly and offer catering to our guests for any affairs they have planned. Post Track dinners have become a wonderful tradition.
What sets you apart from competitors? Union Gables is a warm and inviting business. People often comment on feeling right at home and always among friends. We welcome families and love to fill the house with new and old friends. Laughter is common at the Gables!
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? The Bed and Breakfast/Inn business is a demanding, but very rewarding one. Doing homework on the demographics of year-round business and fully meeting the needs of your clientele is truly necessary for success.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? The Union Gables is growing at a fast pace. Our goal for the next five years is to achieve maximum capacity while never forgetting our roots of hospitality and affordable luxury for everyone.
Hours: The Union Gables is a year-round facility. Check-in is 3pm and check out is 11am after a wonderful home baked breakfast.
Webb Gold Krest Enterprises
3447 River Road, Rte. 9J, East Greenbush.
Farm Stand number: 465.0437; Chris, 365.5969
Owner: Chris Webb
How long have you been in business? The farm has been in business since 1930, when it was owned by my dad, Jim Webb, who used to be known as the “Sweet Corn King”.
Describe your business: Gold Krest has been a family owned business for 78 years. Besides the farm stand, we supply food for markets including Price Chopper and Hannaford, with the best and freshest produce available. All vegetables such as corn, squash, tomatoes and pumpkins are grown on the farm located off route 9J. Trees, flowers and fruit are also offered.
What sets you apart from competitors? We grow only the best varieties of vegetables and we pick them by the hour, not by the day; making it sometimes only minutes from our field to your table. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the most nutritious. “Eating local is the best way to eat and it is nice to see more emphasis placed on its importance.
What advice would you give to others wanting to pursue a similar career? Farming is demanding, but extremely rewarding as well. You are your own boss, you set your own schedule and you work in all types of weather. To start a farm stand, one should be prepared and do their homework, including visiting other farms. Study what they do and strive to do it better. Don’t be afraid to try something different. Whatever you do, always do it right and do it well! In this business, sometimes your best help is your friends and neighbors.
Where do you see your business in the next five years? We would like to expand our farm stand, add more greenhouses and include pick-your-own strawberry and pumpkin patches.
Hours: Farm stand hours are Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. Wholesale hours are from 5am-9pm, 7 days a week.