Latest news with #familybusiness
Forbes
13 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
3 Tips To Help Government Contractors Finish The Year Strong
Dennis DuFour is President of TDEC, a business process service provider. He leads the company's growth in the commercial and public sectors. As a government contractor, the first half of 2025 was marked with numerous challenges. The recent reduction of the federal government and layoffs left the contractor community on edge, not knowing what might come next. It's also created a communication void between the government and contractors, as normal channels changed with the reductions in force. Now that we are in the midst of summer, this period of uncertainty appears to be coming to an end, positioning experienced contractors nicely for the second half of 2025. The timing of this revival is advantageous. The federal government fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, and the government will want to book allocated funds before the end of the year. Any funds left unspent are forfeited, and the following year's budget is reduced. As a long-time government contractor and the head of a multi-generational, family-owned business, it will take the right mindset to make the most of the remaining year. If I were giving the half-time pep talk, I'd tell my colleagues and compatriots to stop being firefighters and become fire starters! Now is the moment to drive work to existing contract vehicles and be prepared to respond to new, quick-turn opportunities. Here's how: Focus on building and maintaining relationships. Work quickly to touch base with remaining contacts and past contracting officers, particularly if you have best-of-breed contract vehicles. These contracts are pre-negotiated to facilitate a smoother start and should be featured in your talking points and marketing, so government buyers know how to access your services. And consider speaking directly with the program offices that have the greatest need—often through a request for information or a sources-sought notice. Anticipate potential opportunities. In addition, proposal teams should review historic data to prepare for the number of opportunities that will arise over the next few months. Realistically, the government will need at least 30 days to review proposals and make a source selection decision. That means the proposal activity timeline will be hottest during the peak of summer, from July 1st to August 30th. Explore new tools to communicate your value. Summer prep should focus on clearly explaining your services and value, assembling the right resources and organizing your response. If you haven't used templates, proposal management centers or a compliance matrix for proposal writing, consider them now. If you have underutilized staff due to contract cuts, consider having those employees utilize their network and market intelligence to help identify new opportunities. You may even want to consider offering incentives to encourage purchases before the end of the fiscal year. As a business owner, it's been tough not to feel discouraged by the first half of the year. However, there are opportunities on the horizon, and we have a lot of ground to make up. So, take a deep breath, polish your pitch and be prepared for a surge of activity over the next 60 days. Being in business is far better than being out of it. Let's start some fires and win some business. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
CBS News
14 hours ago
- Business
- CBS News
Pino's Pizzeria reopens in new space in St. Paul months after sudden closure
After 37 years in St. Paul's skyway system, Pino's Pizzeria was forced to shut its doors this spring when the building was condemned. But this week, the family-run business reopened just across the street, with a new space, a renewed energy and the same old soul. Owner Pino Lipari says the closure came suddenly. "Getting that letter and only having seven days, yeah, it was rough," he said. "But then the mayor stepped in." That intervention — and a strong outpouring of community support — helped the Lipari family secure a new space just steps from their original location. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter even stopped by on opening day to greet Lipari and shake his hand mid-interview. The new shop is larger, brighter, and bustling, filled with regulars and first-timers alike. But for Lipari's daughters, Violet and Gianna, the secret ingredient hasn't changed. "He makes pizzas and he makes people smile," said Violet. The family says the new space is already proving to be an upgrade. The opening day lunch rush alone brought in over $1,800 in sales. "Those doors close so better doors open," Lipari said. "And this is a way better door." With help from extended family, friends, and even former partners, Pino's is back — louder, livelier and more loved than ever.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
That's Fencing Celebrates 70th 5-Star Google Review, Reinforcing Position as Best Timber Fencing Melbourne
That's Fencing Achieves Milestone with 70th 5-Star Review Melbourne, Vic, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- That's Fencing, an Australian owned family business renowned for its expertise in timber fencing in Melbourne, proudly announces the achievement of its 70th 5-star review on Google. This milestone underscores the company's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction in Melbourne and surrounding areas. That's Fencing website With over a decade of experience in the industry, That's Fencing has consistently delivered high-quality timber fencing solutions, earning the trust and admiration of its clients. The 70th 5-star review is a testament to the company's dedication to providing exceptional service and craftsmanship. "Reaching this milestone is a significant achievement for us," said Grant Kohler, the Director of That's Fencing. "It reflects our unwavering commitment to quality and the strong relationships we have built with our customers over the years." The company's Google Maps listing showcases the positive feedback and high ratings from satisfied customers who have experienced the superior service and quality that That's Fencing offers. As a leader in the timber fencing industry, That's Fencing continues to set the standard for excellence in Melbourne. The company attributes its success to its skilled team, innovative solutions, and a customer-centric approach that prioritizes the needs and preferences of each client. Looking ahead, That's Fencing remains committed to maintaining its reputation as the best timber fencing provider in Melbourne. The company is dedicated to further enhancing its services and expanding its reach to serve more communities with the same level of dedication and expertise. For more information about That's Fencing and its services, interested parties are encouraged to explore the company's website listing and read the glowing reviews from satisfied customers. About That's Fencing That's Fencing is an Australian owned family business with over 10 years in the industry. We specialise in timber fencing in Melbourne and surrounding areas. Press inquiries That's Fencing Grant Kohler info@ PO Box 283Kerrimuir VIC 3129Australia Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How A Family In Ohio & A French Pot Became America's Oldest Family-Owned & Operated Ice Cream Maker
Selection Of Ice Cream From Graeter's While most of the Midwest region (and the United States in general) was grappling with industrialization and the evolving social dynamics of the Reconstruction Era, in 1870, a young Louis Greater dared to do something that many would call revolutionary and bold. He took to the streets of Cincinnati with two carts in tow, to sell handcrafted ice cream churned just two gallons at a time with a now-antiquated French pot. Snapshot Of The Graeter's Factory Circa 1960 Today, 155 years later, the Graeter name still resonates in the ice-cream industry, a testament to the enduring legacy of the family. The business is now in the capable hands of fourth- and fifth-generation relatives, who continue to uphold the traditions and values set by Louis and Regina Graeter. First Comes Ice Cream, Then Comes Love As the old saying goes, 'behind every great man is a great woman.' However, in the case of Louis Graeter, his wife, Regina, was not just a supportive figure in the background. After their marriage in 1900, the couple relocated their ice cream business to a storefront location, where they both played active roles: manufacturing the ice cream in the back and selling it from the front. Regina Graeter and Children In 1920, after a few decades of marriage and co-running a business with her husband, Regina found herself a widow with two children and an ice cream shop to run. With the odds stacked against them, Regina persevered despite the barriers and struggles set before her. She faced difficulties, gender discrimination, societal expectations, and the loss of her husband. Yet, she managed to expand the empire, opening another location and setting the precedent for what Graeter's has become today. Over the years, they continued to grow, sharing a small joy and luxury with people during tragic times in our nation's history, such as the Great Depression and even during World War II. Remarkably, despite the sugar shortage that followed World War II, they were able to maintain production. Ice Cream That Was Perfect From The Start, Crafted in Small-Batch French Pots Inside The Graeter's Factory Circa 1970 In any business, it's easy to get caught up in what competitors are doing to wipe them out or stay relevant. Despite ongoing changes in the industry, such as factories becoming more modern or cutting costs, Regina and her children were firm that there was only one way to stay ahead: continuing to make ice cream in small-batch French Pots. This old-world method, long forgotten, produces 2 ½ gallons at a time, making it the industry's smallest batch size. Over the course of 155 years, the process has remained largely unchanged. Celebrate National Ice Cream Month (And Day) With Graeter's They may be producing in small batches, but there's big flavor in every scoop. There are 34 flavors available (16 of which use decadent chocolate chips), ranging from Oregon Strawberry to S'mores, Madagascar Vanilla Bean, and Dark Chocolate Brownie. There's also a range of seasonal flavors like Key Lime Pie, Pineapple Passion Fruit, and Peach. If you love sorbet, treat yourself to a delightful scoop of mango, lemon, or raspberry! Graeter's Bourbon Ball Ice Cream Since July is celebrated as National Ice Cream Month, and Sunday, July 20, marks National Ice Cream Day, Graeter's is excited to offer a special sweet deal for everyone to enjoy! They are offering 10% off online orders from now through July 20 with code ICTREAT10. Plus, they are also offering an in-store promo of $1.55 single-dip sugar cones for Graeter's Sweet Rewards Loyalty members from July 18-20. Scoop Of Graeter's Ice Cream Currently, Graeter's has 56 locations and is available in many grocery stores across Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. But fret not. If you're not in the region, the delicious small-batch ice cream can be shipped directly to your doorstep via their website or Goldbelly.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Kenilworth jewellery shop celebrates 45 years in business
The owner of a family-run jewellers, which is celebrating 45 years in business, has said passion and a willingness to move with the times are the key to the shop's Jewellers, which is now in Kenilworth but had previously been in Cheylesmore, opened in Carl Edmonds joined the shop at 16 years old, when his family took over in 1986."I did work experience for two weeks in a newsagents and I just fell in love with retail," Mr Edmonds told BBC Radio CWR. "I don't know why, but I just thought that's something I think I can do." Mr Edmonds said the shop had endured "tough times" but also enjoyed good times."Through it all I have absolutely loved it," he of the reason for the shop's success, in a time when the high streets were hard hit and independent retailers were struggling, Mr Edmonds said: "Without a doubt it's passion, I'm very fortunate that I love what I do. "There's no doubt that you need constant ideas and you certainly need to be agile and move with the times and prepared to make change - and probably over those years we have reinvented ourselves seven times. "You've got to be a harder runner than the next person, you've got to be prepared to get up and go every day, but because I enjoy it so much, that part is actually quite easy." 'The most special thing' Another reason he attributed was a loyal customer base for the jewellers, even after the store relocated from Cheylesmore to Kenilworth."A lot of customers in Kenilworth and the surrounding areas who are finding us are new," he said."But what's been quite overwhelming is the support of our Coventry customers - yes it's a 10 minute drive down the road and HS2 has been a bit challenging until recently - but the support of customers visiting us every day has probably been the most special thing." Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
