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Entrepreneurship Story - Jamaica Cottage

3/26/2020

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Recently, I received an email from Domenic Mangano, Senior Designer, President and Founder of Jamaica Cottage Shop, Inc. in South Londonderry. It contained a simple note, "Please consider posting the attached blog post submission".  I was thrilled - someone who I never met had heard the message I've been blogging about since October - The Lightning Jar is more than a coworking space - it's an entrepreneurial community  - a community that supports people, dreams and the creative spirit. Without further ado, the below is Domenic's unedited submission which I hope you will enjoy reading as much as I did. Thank you Domenic - and for everyone else - keep pursuing your dreams; be well, be happy.


"The night before closing I took the ultimatum, a commitment that would send me down a rabbit hole of unknown. A path even Alice would be weary of. I had been in business for nine years, the company was doing well. I bootstrapped my way to this point and continued the path of debt. I needed a $100K before I could make the next move, I was under contract and closing was in a few hours. After months of negotiations it was time to shit or get off the pot. I gritted my teeth, took the plunge, and walked over to my own credit card machine and swiped all my personal cards just when I did not think the hole, I dug could get any deeper. 

That was 15 years ago and after a rocky up and down I continue the scrappy routine of growing my business. We have made the INC 5000 two years in a row. There is only one thing you need to understand if you are going to be the master of your own domain and that is you must want it more than anything. No matter what, failure is simply not an option.

Jamaica Cottage Shop, Inc. began in September of 1995, I was 26 years old and fresh off a four-year excursion living out of my car with my two dogs. After seeing 48 of the 50 states I landed back in Vermont where I had graduated college in 1991. Vermont ranks high among desirable states to live. I was broke, it took every penny I had for first, last and security, I was tired of living outdoors and it was getting cold. I was determined not to work for anyone and did not have a plan. 

What’s up with the quirky name? The company name came from the town Jamaica, Vermont. The cottage shop came from an all-inclusive name as I thought I would create a cottage industry from a rented house by the ski resort Stratton Mountain. At the time I did not know what I was planning on doing, I was swinging deals, parting Subaru’s and attempting to sell anything I could get my hands on. For example, welded metal sculptures, a story for another time. The name really did not take meaning until folks began asking for sheds, a coincidence I have always been grateful for.

As a carpenter I began building dog houses from materials sourced from local job sites. This was before cell phones, email and websites. The house I rented sat on bustling route 100 which drew “flatlander” tourists into the yard. I primarily used classified advertising to find new customers. At the climax I had three sizes and 50 dog houses sitting in the front yard. I had the whole process down to one-hour flat start to finish. A good profit when all the materials were free. 

Today I average a gross income of $600K/month. After 25 years the company has expanded by the same means it began bootstrapping and marketing. Currently now with 80 employees this internet marketing slash wood manufacturing company is the largest employer in town. Although we no longer offer dog houses the library of designs are all my own each distinctive and unique, I was adamant that I would run a business with a bit of creativity.

My family tells me I was an entrepreneur before I could pronounce the word. I was seven years old when I collected toy remnants into my old wooden wagon and dragged my sister along to the curb to open a shop. I grew up on a street where if a car drove by, we would run to the window to see who it was. I realized that if I could set up at the intersection, I would get more eyeballs, but I had to convince my parents first. Over a few years I narrowed in on what sells best, raspberries! I was hooked on swinging deals. 

All through high school I was mesmerized by the framing carpenters erecting a housing development in my neighborhood, I still remember vividly the silhouette of the carpenter setting the ridge at sun set, I said to myself that’s what I want to do. Without passion you have nothing, after 50 years of life I have come to realize it does not matter what you do has long as you are passionate about it. I was told at one point and it never left me, “Do what you love, the money will follow” Ain’t it the truth. 

My first website was built in 1998 leads began coming in from around the country. I had to make the decision to be a regional or national company. I chose to kit my buildings to ease the logistical transportation concerns. The engineering and time involved was intense. The first kit cost $50K to develop the cut list. In 2004 after nine years working out of a 150-year-old farmhouse on three acres I was able to purchase the light industrial complex we are in today. 

Mr. Smith an ornery man that owned the mill complex could have sold the property to several qualified candidates, but he chose instead to hold a note for me. At that point he had watched my carpentry operation grow from one man to a crew of 20. 

The company grew as quickly as the manufacturing would allow. I learned that I could only sell what I could produce. But I did enjoy manufacturing as opposed to a contracting. I saw greater potential and opportunity without restrictions or limits. My true passion devotion has been marketing, I can sell ice to an Eskimo. 

Today I run a sophisticated operation that includes CRM, ERP and several KPI’s and all revolves around what the CPL is along with a whole assortment of other alphabet soup acronyms.  When the solution did not exist, we became innovators that sets us apart from the competition. The designs we offer solve a fundamental problem for many individuals regardless of their demographic backgrounds. Every human on the plant requires shelter and essentially that is what is offered. That day I was mesmerized by the skeleton of a house I realized; no other contractor can work until the frame is up. Once I had my designs, I developed the product into DIY plans, kits and fully assembled projects. Each form with its own abbreviation DIY plans, PCK a Precut kit, Frame only, three- or four-season kits, fully assembled or RTA, ready to assemble. In 2019 the company will ship 2,000 buildings across North America. “What is the furthest you have shipped?”, a common question. London England, the Bahamas and the islands in the pacific northwest. 

We sell a big ticket to the end user, a business to consumer distribution model. There was so much trial and error here as many of the procedures that we use today were not common in the industry. Labeling, color coding and the heavy-duty pallets had to be designs, none of these solutions were rocket science however the innovation had to be tested and refined.

 Along the journey which continues today there have been many obstacles and hurdles. The naysayers and the rejection. The regulations and bureaucratic red tape, it is not always unicorns and rainbows it takes hard work, devotion and commitment. I am thankful that I kept my nose to the grindstone and never quit. There has been so many hardships and excuses to quit that I do not care to recall, again if you want to start a business simply look for a niche and fill the void. The money will follow.

 
 
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Restaurant Week - Take Out Week - 3/22 - 3/28

3/23/2020

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Want to support your local restaurants? Normally, this would be Restaurant Week in the Shires; however, on March 16, Governor Scott mandated all bars and restaurants to temporarily close till April 6. Don't despair Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce has declared Restaurant Week to Take Out Week!  So in its own words, "Let’s take a week and celebrate and support those establishments who are our community members, family and friends." Learn more here about regional eateries offering takout.

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Physical Distancing v. Social Distancing

3/23/2020

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You've heard over the past week or so that 'social distancing' is just one front everyone must do to  combat the spread of coronavirus. However, one quickly realizes that, sans the essential trips (i.e. grocery store, pharmacy, etc.), life can get pretty lonely as isolation becomes a reality. However, social distancing and physical distancing are two very different things. Many health organizations are advising that people stay '6 feet apart', or to give you a more visual picture, think of anyone of these actors/actresses between you and the next person: Chris Evans, Brooke Shields, Denzil Washington, Robert Pattinson, John Travolta, Geena Davis, Denzil Washington - you get the picture. This, as well as "flattening the curve" and "self-quarantining" are among other phrases we have all heard in recent media messaging.  

But keeping away from people can be isolating and we humans are social creatures by nature. So take advantage of this time. Be with your family, learn with your children if they are home schooling, learn a new skill, read a book that you've been putting off, reach out to a friend who you've been meaning to call, start a garden, clean out a closet, etc. In Psycology Today, Dr. Kenneth Miller discusses the psychological price tag of social distancing in his article, "Let's Aim for Physical Rather Than Social Distancing". Among a number of adverse health effects of social isolation, Miller advocates for 'physical distancing' as social distancing can be extremely toxic to the human body for a variety of reasons.  

Let us know what you are doing during this time, but by all means, stay connected with others, stay connected with your local businesses (see who is doing take out here) and be well, think of others (don't hoard), and we'll all get through this together. 
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Covid-19 and Cybersecurity

3/20/2020

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According to Inc. This Morning, with offices working remotely, hackers unfortuntately have begun to take advantage of the Covid-19 situation as previously warned by the Federal Trade Commission and Secret Service.

Don't despair - there is good news!! ou can do a number of things to protect yourself, employees and your business - and they can be done quickly and easiy. This past week, Inc.com cybersecurity columnist Adam Levin wrote about such warnings--and how to shore up your company’s data security. As he states, a business is as vulnerable as its least secure employee device stating, “It's a bad situation when you consider that malware on the laptop of just one employee can hit an entire company network via shared files, folders, and email attachments.” Such warnings invclude phishing attacks that specifically go after divided workforces.

Levin offers various possible solutions, but of course Inc. is no stranger to writing about remote data security which is essential in protecting onself . The biggest thing - redundancies and training employees on best practices.  With regard to endpoint security, in February, cybersecurity columnist Neill Feather wrote about this "last line of defense" and warned not to disregard it. Read it here. 

Stay well, be safe and protect yourself, your employees and your company from hackers.
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Response to Covid-19 - Closing

3/19/2020

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In an effort to do our part in protecting our members and the community, The Lightning Jar will be closed starting on March 19, 2020 at 5pm until further notice. Should you have any questions or concerns please call 802-321-3070 or email us. 

Be safe and stay well - together we will get through this!

​The Lightning Jar Team
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The Lightning Jar Email Blast

3/19/2020

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Check out our latest email Annoucement filled with resources! 

Be safe, be well - together we will get through this as a community!

The Lighting Jar Team
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Impacted Businesses - Covid-19 - ACCD Requesting Info

3/16/2020

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​***It is CRUCIAL that ALL impacted businesses notify the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) as soon as possible to establish eligibility for the full suite of assistance services the US Small Business Administration has been authorized to provide to businesses affected by Covid-19.***
 
ACCD is looking for data on impacts in the following areas:
-Economic Injury
-Supply Chain Workforce (including that caused by lack of childcare)
-Business Travel Visitor Travel and Tourism Activities
-Remote Work Capabilities
 
Please share these impacts with ACCD via: 
Email: commerce.covid19@vermont.gov or
Dedicated Hotline: 802.461.5143 (staffed M-F, 7:45 - 4:30pm).
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Coronavirus Impacts & Resources

3/13/2020

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If you are a small businesses that is being affected right now by the corona virus, please contact the SBA district office in order for it to gather details to share with the Governor’s Office to support a request for ​SBA assistance with Disaster Loans when and if they become available. 
 

                                      802-828-4422

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Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce
Covid-19/Corona Virus - Business Resource Guide

                                                   
                                                     
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Announcement - The Lightning Jar Events

Due to recent health concerns over COVID-19/corona virus, March events have either been postponed or canceled. As such, April events will not be scheduled until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Be well. 
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How Do You Start a Nonprofit?

3/10/2020

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When people learn that The Lightning Jar is a 501(c)(3), the next question I usually get is, "How does one start a non-profit?" Honestly, I don't think one should start with the "how" but rather with the "why" you want to start a non-profit. Having said that, I came an article by The Foundation Group that brings up some really good things to consider - "10 Questions you Must Consider Before Starting a Non-Profit".    

Now that you've contemplated those questions, let's get back to the "how". For that, I direct you to, "Steps for Starting a Nonprofit Business" by SCORE.  Of course those steps are just the tip of the iceberg, but, if that article was helpful, check out SCORE's many other resources about forming a non-profit (just type "nonprofit" in the search bar).

Which leads me to talking about SCORE - an amazing resource for any person wanting to start a business. SCORE is an all-volunteer organization, providing free (and confidential) mentoring to help start or grow businesses. The Champlain-SCORE chapter serves Vermont with branches in Burlington, Montpelier, St. Albans, Middlebury & Rutland. But you don't have to go in person to use its services since it also has online counseling for new and existing businesses! Additionally, it offers workshops, seminars, and webinars covering a wide range of topics from how to write a business plan to marketing to business valuations. Its been around for 25 years and has assisted over 5,000 Vermonters in starting, running and growing businesses. 

Hopefully this will get you started in answering the question, "How does one start a non-profit?" as well as introducing you to SCORE. However, please realize that all of these resources are just that, resources, and not 
meant as legal advice. Requirements may vary depending on the type and where you want to locate your nonprofit. To fully understand everything you need to navigate and be aware of, consult with both legal and tax professionals before moving forward.  Cheers!
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Week 6 - The End of Kunlek's Journey

2/14/2020

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Hi Everyone!

We had a huge success hosting the “Pizza & Podcast” event on work/Life balance with United Counseling Service. We truly appreciated everyone who showed up. Your presence made us feel grateful and proud of what we do at The Lightning Jar supporting both entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs in the greater Bennington area. 

Someone recently asked me, “what are you looking forward to in the coming semester?” My answer was “I am really sad that I can’t be at TLJ anymore.” In the blinks of an eye, my field work term weeks were done, but all my experiences have been so rewarding. I learned so much about all the various relationships between businesses and community. TLJ is a perfect example of “social entrepreneurship” - which is my study of focus at Bennington College. I would have never known what it feels like to be part of the Bennington community without interning at The Lightning Jar and meeting so many wonderful people and organizations.

Thanks to Joelle Greenland for being an amazing mentor. This experience would not have been the same if it was not for you - you believed in me so much to even take me into all the meetings with people like Jim Verzino, Nicole Stetson, Jeannie Jenkins (and so many more!); organizations like the Bennington County Regional Commission (BCRC),  Bennington County Industrial Corporation (BCIC), and pushing me out of my comfort zone to speak at the Bennington Rotary Club meeting. I can’t thank you enough for giving me all these learning opportunities.  
​

Lastly, I would like everyone to know that even though I won’t be physically at The Lightning Jar, I will still be in close touch with it and as Joelle reminded me, I will always be a part of The Lightning Jar family!
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