BizBox Blog on Slate

Won't Be Biz-y For A While

2011-05-26T20:24:12Z

One year ago, I began to write and edit Bizbox. Now, one year later, it's time for Bizbox to stop being quite as biz-y. The site will be going on hiatus.

A thank you to former editor Ben White; who put me in touch with Maggie Muraca.
And a big thanks to Maggie, who hired me.
And to the folks who helped me out behind the scenes with my questions.

And a very big thanks to all who gave their time to speak to me for articles and the
various columnists who wrote for the site.

Bizbox was the little guy. But there is room for the little guy.

I hope we proved that in the past year.

And I hope to see many of you in person or in cyberspace.

Best to all,

Steve Viuker

Wayne's (Rogers) World- A MASH Note to Entrepreneurs

2011-05-25T21:12:50Z

Recently, the U S Chamber of Commerce held their annual small business conference
at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C.

One segment of the conference was “How I Built It” and was hosted by Colleen DeBaise, small business editor of the Wall Street Journal. It was made up of Steven Boal, Founder, President, and CEO, Coupons.com Incorporated; Georgette Mosbacher, CEO and President, Borghese, Inc. and Wayne Rogers, Founder of Wayne Rogers & Co. and CEO and Chairman of Stop-N-Save, LLC. Rogers was the main investor of a group that revived Brooklyn bridal store Kleinfeld’s.

He appears regularly as a member on the Fox Business program ‘Cashin In’ and was on a mildly successful television show in the 1970’s called MASH with a guy named Alda.

Before the conference, I sat down with Wayne to discuss his background in business.

What should a reader expect to learn from your new book- Make Your Own Rules: A Renegade Guide to Unconventional Success
I don’t know if they will learn anything. I was asked to write a ‘How To” book. I don’t write those books. I can write about my businesses and what worked for me. And that’s what the title of my book “Make Your Rules’ is about. Don’t do something because everyone else is.

How did you manage your money while with MASH?
When I began to make some money as an actor, I decided to manage my own money. Among others, John Wayne and Burt Reynolds both had to declare bankruptcy. My friend Peter Falk lost money due to his business manager. So if it was going to happen to me, I was going to be the author of my own demise.

What did you know about wedding dresses when you became involved with Kleinfeld’s?
Nothing. But I’ve been involved in 40-50 businesses in my career and knew very little about any. Ignorance is my best friend. I ask questions. People look at me like I’m an idiot. But I’ll accept that because I learn.

You seem to be in favor in some government oversight in the financial markets. True?
Yes and no. There is a 2200 page bill called the Financial Reform Act. It is also referred to as the Dodd-Frank bill. Four banks in the U S control 54% of the banking assets. That’s not ‘too big to fail’; that’s too big to exist. We have 10,400 community banks in the United States. They are ones funding small business. They are being strangled because the FDIC and the OCC think it’s a regulatory issue. Competition is in control in a free market. But this isn’t a free market we’re in. The banks are protected. It’s the only business in this country where you invest your money and are guaranteed not to lose it. Therefore, it deserves some regulation. But not what these morons have done with the Financial Reform Act.

Were you in favor of the auto bailout?
No. The bailout was a payoff. It was saying, ‘These people are going be out of work and the UAW won’t vote for me.’” Ford Motor Company didn’t take the bailout and made it. Why couldn’t General Motors make it? The reason was they weren’t making the right automobiles. Bad management in a free market system is rewarded by filing for bankruptcy. And G M went into bankruptcy. But the process should have worked itself out in the private sector. Instead, it was the taxpayer that bailed those guys out.

Where do you see the U S economy in five years as it relates world-wide?
I hope we’ll still there. China is becoming one of the leading capitalist nations in the world. Why? Because they are educating their people better than we are educating ours. And they are protecting their businesses as best they can and are competing at a better level than we are. And they will succeed. Does that mean we won’t succeed? No. But it will be difficult. The same situation exists in India.

How did show business help you in your business career?
Being an entrepreneur is a creative process. Acting and writing are also creative. I was in Korea during the actual war but I knew a guy who was held captive in WWII. He and his buddies survived with bribes and stealing and anything needed to survive. So survival teaches you all sorts of creative things you would have never dreamed of.

What do you watch on television?
I watch news; some animal shows and informational programming. I don’t watch many dramatic shows. At Kleinfeld’s, we have a reality show called “Say Yes To The Dress’ that has been on five years. So we have our oar in the water.

A quick take on Warren Buffett
I don’t know him but he’s very traditional. I believe his reason for success were that he saw early on he could buy insurance companies and leverage the balance sheet; more than any other business.

A quick take on Donald Trump
(LOL) Who knows? I didn’t take his run for President seriously. He’s a great showman and promoter. He’s knows how to parlay that into money. He’s like P T Barnum. ‘Enough about me. Let’s talk about me.’

Are you in touch with the cast from MASH?
I see Alan Alda quite a bit when I’m in New York. We have dinner once a month or so.

Pony Up To This Shore Thing

2011-05-25T19:12:56Z

Folks from Jersey (or Joisey) know The Stone Pony in Asbury Park as home of The Boss.

Maybe Springsteen can have his next gig at The Scone Pony in quaint Spring Lake.
Debra Buruchian, is co-owner of the year-old shop with her sister Tara Conaton and it's housed in a former real-estate office. The family had a wholesale bakery business and demand called for a retail shop. Buruchian is a former telecommunications firm owner who describes herself as an "entrepreneur."

Most of the recipes belong to her mother, who ran a bakery in Cliffside Park in the northern part of the state for 25 years. Conaton makes the scones, and there are two other pastry chefs.

The Scone Pony
305 Washington Avenue
Spring Lake , NJ 07762
Phone: 732.280.8887
Fax: 732.359.7242
http://thesconepony.com

Using Your "Bean' to Brew a Success

2011-05-25T18:56:30Z

A year ago, siblings Richard, Martin, and Anne O'Connell had a spat that led to Martin's ouster from longtime Park Slope institution Café Regular. Some on Grub Street went so far as to suggest a "Save Martin" campaign.

However, just six months later, Martin unveiled Café Martin in a Fifth Avenue storefront in Park Slope. The location was formerly the home of a sex-toy boutique. Locals can once again get his famous sneer and cynical comments. The new spot features tables, back issues of The New Yorker and soon- beer and wine.

Drinks are made with top-quality Strongtree brand Arabica beans that are roasted in upstate New York and are certified organic. "I tried 10 different coffees and was served Strongtree in a restaurant," he said. "I knew then this was the coffee."

Said local resident Fran Saunders, "I love his hot and iced coffee. I have it every weekend."

A new voice Guss-ied up for business people

2011-05-25T17:38:12Z

Voice-over talent specialist Marc Guss, a top William Morris voice-over agent for more than a decade, has launched Alpha Voices, a NYC-based voice consulting service.

An entertainment industry veteran, Guss has represented many of the industry's prominent voice-over performers including Lauren Bacall and Whoopi Goldberg.
With Alpha Voices, one-on-one training is now also being extended to business professionals, communicators and leaders in virtually every field who rely on their public speaking and verbal communications skills.

"In addition to working with actors and voice-over artists, as a one-on-one consultant, I am now able to share my training approach as an enhancement for anyone whose livelihood depends on the spoken word," said Guss.
"The need to speak with clarity and confidence is an important asset. By mastering voice-over technique, people can communicate their message with greater control and effect."

In addition to the commercial voice-over industry, Guss points out that the business world relies on a wide range of digital media to communicate, including podcasts, website, YouTube presentations and internet conferencing.

For more info: www.AlphaVoices.com

Small biz climate has deteriorated; says U S Chamber

2011-05-25T15:43:45Z

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce conducted two small business focus groups on April 1, 2011, in Philadelphia, as well as a national survey sample of small business owners through interviews with 900 businesses April 8 -12, 2011. The findings from these studies are highlighted in the inaugural quarterly "Small Business Outlook Survey."

The small business climate has deteriorated. Small business owners almost universally agree—by a 73% to 17% margin—that the climate of the last two years has hindered their growth. Respondents were split in how they view the next two years, with 38% believing it will improve, 37% believing that it will worsen, and the remainder uncertain.

Uncertainty abounds with small businesses. They are worried about current regulations, but are even more concerned about what Washington will do next. 49% say they “really don’t know” if their business’ best days are ahead of them.

Small business continues to be hesitant to hire. 55% of respondents cited economic uncertainty as their greatest hiring obstacle and 35% said Washington uncertainty impacted growth, while 35% cited too little revenue as their greatest obstacle. 70% of respondents do not plan to hire new employees next year, and 9% will continue layoffs.

Two of the top issues of concern are America’s debt and the health care law. 80% said America’s debt and deficit have a negative impact on their business, and 72% of respondents say the health care law has made hiring more difficult.

Small businesses want Washington to get out of the way. In a commanding majority, 79% of small business owners say they want more certainty, and only 14% want more government assistance.

for the complete report:
www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/reports/2011-04-sb-outlook-survey-results.pdf

U.S. Chamber Small Biz Summit to Highlight Expansion & Job Creation

2011-05-20T17:28:46Z

Washington, D C will the site for America’s Small Business Summit 2011; to be held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel on May 23-25.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce will host more than 600 small business owners from across the nation. During the three-day event, attendees will come together to network, hear from top policy experts and business leaders, and discuss strategies for creating jobs and driving economic growth. Attendees will participate in a range of activities including matchmaking meetings between business owners and government contractors and breakout sessions on topics such as improving social media strategy and reaching new international markets.

Panel discussions will allow attendees to hear lessons learned from successful entrepreneurs, understand how to operate their business under the new health care law, and get an outlook on the state of the economy. The Summit will conclude with a rally on Capitol Hill where attendees will meet with members of Congress to address policy issues affecting small business.

Among the attendees will be former MASH star Wayne Rogers. Wayne will be part of the The Wall Street Journal's "How I Built It" panel. Rogers is Founder of Wayne Rogers & Co. and CEO and Chairman of Stop-N-Save, LLC.

For info: http://www.uschambersummit.com/

Work/life options for employees; says Lori Sokol

2011-05-19T23:43:58Z

BizBox contributor Lori Sokol recently tackled a topic that should be of major interest to small business owners

Where’s The Flexibility?
Baby Boomers Want To Know

As the oldest of Baby Boomers turn 65 this year, they are also presenting small and medium-size businesses with opportunities to hire some of the most knowledgeable and skilled workers available today. Referred to as the ‘Encore Stage,’ in Marc Freedman’s recent book ‘The Big Shift: Navigating the New Stage Beyond Midlife,’ the author writes that people at this age are characterized by ‘purpose, contribution and commitment,’ three important qualities that businesses seek-out in new hires.

So why did this age group recently report having to look for work longer than one year before being able to find employment, as revealed in the 2011 study, ‘The New Unemployables,’ by Boston College’s Sloan Center on Aging & Work?

The Society for Human Resource Management, (SHRM), a leading human resource management organization, may have the answer. In its 2010 study, although C-suite leaders responded that the most important issue organizations face today is attracting and retaining talent, they also reported that their number one obstacle to doing so effectively is in their inability to provide enough ‘job flexibility’ options for their employees.

For the aging segment of the workforce, this issue is key. Less defined by their careers, this demographic requires work conditions that provide more quality-of-life options, where telecommuting, job sharing and flex scheduling are integral parts of their job benefits.

And those companies that pay more attention to their employees’ work/life needs will reap the benefits of not only satisfying the older workforce, but also those of all generations. In a 2009 study, 70% of Younger Boomers (age 43 -52), Older Gen X’ers (age 36-42), Younger Gen X’ers (age 27-35), and Millenials (age 26 or younger) said that job flexibility would contribute to their quality of life to a ‘great extent.’

Clearly, the writing is on the wall for all firms, big and small, to provide more modern work/life options for their employees. Now, if we can only get more of them written into employee benefits handbooks.

Lori Sokol, Ph.D., is a work life consultant and co-author of the upcoming book, ‘The Agile Workforce and Workplace – The New Future of Work,’ to be published by Bonnier Corporation in the Fall, 2011. She may be reached at lsokol@worklifematters.info

Biz-Y Week In D C

2011-05-18T15:09:55Z

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed National Small Business Week to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economic well-being of America. As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration recognizes this special impact made by outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners. In 2011, National Small Business Week will honor the estimated 27.2 million small businesses in America. Small businesses are major contributors to the strength of the American economy. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business. They also create 60-80 percent of new jobs in the country. Small businesses drive innovation, create 21st century jobs and increase U.S. competitiveness.

The venue for the 2011 event is the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Conference Center
1330 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20024

for general info: http://nationalsmallbusinessweek.com/

to register: https://www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com/registration/

for the schedule: http://nationalsmallbusinessweek.com/index.php?page=schedule

Tony Ponturo Brews Up a “Magic” Potion on Broadway

2011-05-12T13:28:57Z

When InBev made its historic purchase of American brewery icon Anheuser-Busch in 2008, it gave Tony Ponturo the opportunity to fulfill the dream many a corporate exec yearns to have: to go out on his or her own. For Ponturo, it was Broadway and the Great White Way that called.

Ponturo spent 26 years with A/B before retiring as vice president of global media and sports marketing. Always a power, he was ranked by Business Week as #14 out of the top 100 most influential executives in 2008 and the 12th most influential person in sports by the Sports Business Journal in 2007.

In January 2009 he formed Ponturo Management Group LLC, a New York firm that specializes in consulting, managing, investing in and producing sports, media and entertainment properties.
“I’ve always enjoyed the arts and theatre,” he explained. “I began by becoming involved with “HAIR” as an associate producer, so I could understand the business.”

After “HAIR”, Ponturo was co-producer of “MEMPHIS” with Fran Kirmser. “She approached me to do something related to sports. Obviously, my career with Anheuser-Busch allowed me to have a strong background in that field.” That, in turn, led to “LOMBARDI”- with ex television stars Dan Lauria playing legendary coach Vince Lombardi and Judith Light as his wife. And using his sport background, Ponturo got the NFL to help market the show. The N Y Giants (where Vince Lombardi once coached) gave tickets to some of their long-time fans.

Lombardi is closing on May 22 but Ponturo is already working on his next sports-themed venture: Magic/Bird. This is the story of basketball rivals Magic Johnson and Larry Bird; again by Ponturo and Kirmser. The play will be produced in association with the NBA. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird will participate in the creative process of the play. Written by Lombardi playwright Eric Simonson, it chronicles the lives of the two basketball stars and their influence on sports and pop culture

For Ponturo, , Broadway is home again. He met his wife Ruth, when both were pages at NBC. It appears a new page is being turned for Tony Ponturo.

For more info: http://ponturomanagement.com

Stone Street Perks Up the Coffee Business

2011-05-11T18:54:29Z

When Scott Pugliese of Bagel World in Park Slope needed to upgrade his coffee, Stone Street was suggested. “We were changing our coffee and also upgrading our food offerings,” explained Pugliese. “I went to see Mitch Margulis and I was impressed by his knowledge and passion for coffee.” Soon, both Bagel World stores were on board; selling Stone Street by the cup and by the bag.

“Espresso wasn’t invented in Seattle,” says Margulis. A kid from Queens, he was director of training for Lavazza. He also sold neckties for a living. Most recently, Margulis was co-founder of a microbatch roaster in Farmingdale, Long Island. “We had a roaster and space near Republic Airport. And I went three years without a salary. “
(His wife supplied a regular income)

The business didn’t take off until August 2008, when Harry and Peter Poulakakos, the father-and-son team with a numerous New York financial district eateries were looking for a new private-label coffee supplier for their Financier Patisserie chain. They found Margulis’s Real Coffee Corp. “Harry sat on the couch, had an espresso and we were in business,” said Margulis.

When the 1,000-square-foot suburban operation was too small to supply Financier, the Poulakakos duo bought the company; relocated it to a 16,000-square-foot warehouse on 9th Street in Gowanus, and changed the name to Stone Street. They also invested heavily in high-tech equipment. The facility is now able to supply Financier, new wholesale accounts, and the two Stone Street–branded coffee bars in downtown Manhattan later this year. In addition to a computerized system of roasters, silos, mixers, and packagers, the new plant is outfitted with a kitchen lab with equipment ranging from Chemex carafes to a Yama cold-brew siphon.

Margulis leaves his Long Island home at 5 am every day and roasts to order to guarantee freshness. His coffees are more European in style, by which he means on the darker side. His mission extends beyond roasting the perfect bean. “We’ve been inundated,” he says. “We’re trying to take back coffee on the East Coast.”

Stone Street Coffee Co., has appeared in restaurants like Tao and the Terroir Tribeca. In June, online orders will be available at www.stonestreetcoffee.com

Start-up advice in NYC

2011-05-03T14:38:38Z

New York City is the place for start-up advice this week.

Wednesday, May 04, 2011 from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (ET)
Henry Kaufman Management Center
44 West Fourth Street
Gitlow Amphitheater, Room 1-70
New York, NY
http://nyuess5-eorg.eventbrite.com/

Angel Financing Is A Contact Sport: Know How To Play The Game To Win!
Brian Cohen, New York Angels
Developed Good Cause Communications, the first full-service not-for-profit PR firm designed to meet the needs of struggling non-profits.
http://newyorkangels.com/

Venture Pitch Critique Session
Panelists: Dustin Dolginow, Atlas Venture
Michael Yavonditte, Hashable
Joe Medved, SoftBank
McAdory Lipscomb, Venture Pitch Coach
Rick Heitzmann, FirstMark Capital
Wednesday, May 4th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
General Assembly
902 Broadway, 4th Floor
New York
http://venturepitchcrit.eventbrite.com/
http://www.generalassemb.ly/

Venture capitalists and seasoned founders will provide honest feedback on the venture pitches of entrepreneurs seeking to hone their story.
This is not a discussion of business models or the quality of ideas. It is a forum for the critique of the stories that entrepreneurs tell to potential investors in an attempt to get money.
If you would like to get a critique of your pitch, purchase a "presenter" ticket. Your pitch should be five to ten minutes not counting any Q&A.

Philly 18th Annual Enterprise Awards

2011-05-02T14:02:42Z

Join the Mid-Atlantic elite business community for a night of honors, celebration, and networking. Reserve your table for the 18th Annual Enterprise Awards gala on Wednesday, May 4, 2011, at the Hilton Philadelphia City

CONTACT:
PACT- Greater Philadelphia Alliance for Capital and Technologies
215-790-3800
http://philadelphiapact.com/programs-events/enterprise-awards/

5:00 – Finalists and Sponsor VIP Reception
5:30 – Grand Cocktail Reception
7:00 – Awards Ceremony and Dinner
9:00 – Dessert Reception and Extending the Network

Wednesday, May 4 2011 5:30pm - 9:30pm Eastern Time
LOCATION:
Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue
4200 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131

Springboard 2011 Venture Forum Closes May 2

2011-04-29T08:23:31Z

The Springboard: 2011 Venture Forum is Springboard’s 22nd venture forum program supporting and promoting high growth women-led companies seeking equity investments and/or strategic partnerships.

The deadline for applying is May 2. The forum recruits the most promising investment-ready companies and assists them in their quest to connect with investors and business development opportunities. The program includes a 4-month relationship building and business assessment accelerator. Companies selected to participate in the program are inducted into the Springboard Expert network, receive a team to work with them on their investor presentation and business challenges, and are provided multiple opportunities to meet and pitch to angel, venture, and corporate investors, trusted advisors and strategic partners.

to apply:
http://www.springboardenterprises.org/2011/apply#now

Business Insider Hosts Startup 2011

2011-04-26T00:09:30Z

Henry Blodget and Business Insider have announced Startup 2011, NYC's premier business plan competition and entrepreneurship conference.

The day begins with editor-in-chief Blodget interviewing Union Square Venture's Fred Wilson and continues with top entrepreneurs and VCs taking the stage.

In addition, one startup CEO will win a $100,000 prize for his or her company

For more info:
http://www.businessinsider.com/startup2011

For the agenda:
http://www.businessinsider.com/startup2011/agenda

For tickets:
http://www.businessinsider.com/startup2011/tickets

STARTUP 2011 will be held at New World Stage; located at 340 West 50th St, between 8th/9th avenue at World Wide Plaza.
Parking is located on both 49th and 50th street. New World is a half block from the 50th St C and E subway station and walking distance from Times Square