Being an independently-owned and locally-based business, we are all about supporting the Mom & Pop stores in and around the Capital Region. After all, they are the ones who have supported us from the beginning of this wonderful journey seven years ago. We are grateful for our loyal followers who have been there since our launch publication in the summer of 2003 and always eager to hear from new readers – whether you’ve just moved to the area or you’re a local who has just stumbled upon our publication. It is for you that we put this magazine out every month – we employ local people, we buy locally and we promote local businesses!
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.
How did you become involved in the business/industry? My uncle John Abele was a dentist. And my father Harold Abele was a dental laboratory technician, who owned his own dental laboratory. These two family members inspired me to pursue a career as a dentist. I am very thankful I made that choice. For the past 25 years my father worked with me in our dental laboratory as the senior laboratory technician.
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 ensure 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 their dental treatment performed. 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.
Hours: Monday & Wednesday 8am-4:30pm (lunch from 12:30pm-2pm), Tuesday & Thursday 7am-2:30pm (no lunch).
Farrell Brothers Inc.- Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
6 Simmons Lane, Albany
462.5454; farrellbrothers.com
Owner: Randy L. Rowe
How long have you been in business? Established 1921.
Describe your business: We are a full-service plumbing, heating and air conditioning business specializing in residential repair and replacement. We service over 10,000 households in the greater Capital Region area from changing a washer on your faucet to installing a
high-efficiency heating and cooling system in your home.
How did you become involved in the business/industry? I joined Farrell Brothers right out of college and came on board as general manager to oversee the retail store and increase sales in the service end of the business and diversify our product offerings.
What sets you apart from competitors? Our company promotes our “Same day Service” abilities and customer satisfaction. We also offer a flat rate pricing formula that lets our customers know what the cost of their repairs are going to be before we do the work. We also like to educate our customers about savings that may be available to them such as the $1,500 tax credits available for energy efficient improvements and National Grid rebates and rebates available from the manufactures that we represent.
Hours: Our service department is available 24- hours per day 365 days per year.
CNY Healing Arts & Fusion Medspa
Fusion Spa, 38A Old Sparrowbush Road, Latham. 250.5758;
www.fusionspaofalbany.com
Owners: Rob Kiltz, MD, Hania Stawowy, MD, & David Kimble, MD
How long have you been in business? We are nearing the end of our 3rd year.
Describe your business: Spa setting that has integrated Eastern medicine (i.e. acupuncture, therapeutic massage) and Western medicine (i.e. Botox, laser treatments) dedicated to improving health and wellness. The beautifully-appointed spa is nearly 10,000 sq. ft. with numerous fireplaces, resting areas and saunas that create the perfect environment for ultimate relaxation.
Our list of services include: Botox, Juvederm, fillers, laser hair reduction, laser vein treatment, IPL for sun damage and facial rejuvenation, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, acne treatments, nail studio for manicures and pedicures, massage, acupuncture, and yoga. Jane Iredale mineral make-up, skin care products, and spa accessories are available in the spa boutique.
How did you become involved in the business/industry? By the request of the patients in our medical practice. It was a culmination of years of research and international travel to determine the most effective modalities available to offer our clients the best possible treatments and services in an environment only found in destination spas.
What sets you apart from competitors? Our vast array of services, exquisite spa environment, highly-skilled physicians performing all aesthetic services, a flawlessly-attentive staff, and a true love for the healing arts. Thinking outside the box is how we have become the spa of choice for the entire area. Clients travel from Canada and NYC to take advantage of the spa services. The best part is that we truly have only just begun.
Hours: Open daily, closed Sunday.
Holiday Inn Express-Albany University Area
1442 Western Avenue, Albany
438.0001; www.expressalbany.com
Owner: Michael C. Hoffman, president Turf Hotels
How long have you been in business? 35 years
How did you become involved in the business/industry? Michael Hoffman graduated from Clarkson College with a degree in Industrial Distribution. He began his lodging industry career in 1975, when he and his family opened a 202-room Best Western hotel. Soon after the hotel’s opening, Hoffman became the hotel’s general manager and in 1987 was responsible for the conversion of the hotel to the Holiday Inn brand.
What sets you apart from competitors? Michael Hoffman describes himself as a simple guy; to him quality is everything. He believes that an owner’s job is to operate hotels that deliver a consistent, quality product and service and to deliver a quality guest experience. He believes that owners need to look at their property, as well as their competition, and ask themselves where they would stay if they were a first-time visitor to that market. Towards this end, a few short years ago, Michael visited competitive hotels of all brands in a 100-mile radius of his home in Loudonville. He drove over 1,000 miles in 3.5 days and visited a variety of hotels. He confirmed his belief that it is not necessarily the age or newness of a hotel that makes it great, but that owner involvement is what it takes to make a great hotel.
Joyelles Jewelers
Main Square Shoppes – Suite 12
318 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
439.9993; www.joyellesjewelers.com
Owner: Mary Vail (second from left)
How long have you been in business? It will be 20 years in June.
Describe your business: Retail jewelry sales, repair and custom design.
How did you become involved in the business/industry? I chose Skidmore for their jewelry design department and continued graduate classes at Indiana University and through the Gemological Institute of America.
What sets you apart from competitors? The close-knit staff is like family; we work well together and care about each and every customer. We have a state-of-the-art laser welder that allows us to do jobs others can’t. We keep prices pretty competitive because we’re a small business.
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30am-5:30pm; Thursday 9:30am-7pm; Saturday 9:30am-5pm; closed Sunday & Monday.
Overhead Door Co. of Albany, Inc.
15 Corporate Drive, Clifton Park
348.0444
Owner: David Ripley
How long have you been in business? Overhead Door Co. of Albany has professionally served the Capital District with an office, showroom, parts department and warehouse in the area since 1989. We have created a solid foundation that the community has come to know and trust.
Describe your business: Overhead Door Co. of Albany, Inc. is a proud distributor for Overhead Door Corporation, the company responsible for pioneering the garage door and opener industry. Overhead Door developed the first upward acting sectional garage door in 1921 and the first electric door opener in 1926. That innovation continues today with a commitment to an ongoing research and development program that continually introduces new, high quality products for residential and commercial applications.
We are a team of professionals consistently providing quality, garage door products, superior workmanship and exceptional customer service to our valued customers.
How did you become involved in the business/industry? I served 20 years in the United States Air Force – the first 10 years as a maintenance specialist and a quality control inspector, the last 10 years in recruiting and supervising the Northeastern part of NY State Recruiting Service. The Overhead Door business fit like a glove. I was able to apply my mechanical and sales skills while also still doing what I enjoyed.
What sets you apart from competitors? Our professionalism and customer satisfaction. We are willing to go the extra mile and provide you with our personal attention from your first contact with us to our prompt response and thorough follow-up.
Wolf’s 1-11 Restaurant & Games
111 Wolf Road, Albany
275.0561; www.wolfs111.com
Owner: Mike Diraddo
How long have you been in business? 3 months
Describe your business: Wolf’s 1-11 Restaurant and Games is three experiences all under one roof!
Our sports bar has 30 HD TVs along with a 100-inch HD projection screen with surround sound and leather couches. Our fully-stocked bar offers a variety of 30 beers on tap and a large bottled beer selection. We offer an extensive menu of chicken wings, juicy burgers and steamed clams, to name a few favorites. Our friendly staff and service make the sports bar at the perfect place to enjoy your favorite sporting event. (Many of the pay-per-view sports packages are available.)
Our elegant dining room is a great place to bring someone special for a quiet dinner. We offer sizzling steaks, robust ribs, seafood and pastas and a 50-bottle wine list.
And there is our “million dollar” game room, which has something for all ages from the newest in video games to the always popular ticket redemption games.
Wolf’s 1-11 can also service parties and meetings of all sizes in our private room.
How did you become involved in the business/industry? I have been in the restaurant industry for over 20 years working for corporations in many capacities. It seemed like the right time to start my own venture with Wolf’s 1-11.
What sets you apart from competitors? We offer something for everyone!
Hours: Restaurant: Sunday-Thursday: 11:30am-10pm; late night menu from 10pm-11pm. Bar open until midnight. Friday & Saturday 11:30am-11am; late night menu from 11pm-midnight. Bar open until 2am.
Capital Region Living Magazine
420 Kenwood Avenue, Delmar
475.9250; www.crlmag.com
How long have you been in business? 7 years
Describe your business: CRL is the leading life & leisure magazine in the Capital Region. We serve the counties of Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Columbia, Fulton, Montgomery, Washington and parts of Warren. Each issue contains regular columns such as fitness, parenting, career, travel, food and book reviews and much more.
How did you become involved in the business/industry? We recognized the need for an independent voice in the community.
What sets you apart from competitors? We are the most distributed full-color glossy, complimentary publication in the area and can be found everywhere our readers shop, eat and are entertained.
Our history proves our commitment to partnering with the area’s locally owned businesses by promoting them in our magazine and supporting things that are important to them. We are also totally committed and very generous with our capital region non-profits.
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm. And whenever there is an event we can support (many evening and weekend hours).