THIS MONTH’S FEATURED ENTREPRENEUR ARTICLE
Building Houses for 46 Years
Once we decided to do a real estate feature on new house construction in this June issue, it was logical to interview Rick McCue who has been building custom homes in New York and Connecticut for 46 years. We had an early morning conversation at his office on Walton Street in Lakeville, CT, before he hit the road to do his daily visit to check […]
Sky King
When did planes first fly from this airport?
A couple of farmers started flying from their potato field here in 1909, not so long after the Wright’s first flight in 1903. The Modolo brothers created an actual airstrip in 1914. In those days it was called “anywhere” airport. Walter Koladza, a former test pilot, purchased the airport at the end of World War II and owned […]
Environmental Problem Solvers
For Main Street’s environmental issue, we interviewed Daniel Rukakoski, head of Environmental Consulting for regional engineering firm Tighe & Bond. The multi-disciplinary firm is known for its expertise in engineering, design, and environmental consulting. In this interview we discover what these specialized consultants do and why environmental consulting might be a career to consider (but not if you don’t like being outdoors).
What do environmental consultants do?
Environmental […]
Dog Whisperer
Lee Sohl has been looking after animals in the Litchfield Hills for thirty years. For Main Street’s annual animal issue we wanted to find out what Animal Control Officers do and learn about the rewards and challenges of the position.
How would you describe your job?
Officially I respond to citizens’ concerns regarding problems with all domestic animals. People contact me directly by phone or email on an […]
LEARN ABOUT LOCAL BUSINESSES
The McKenzie Shoppe in Sharon emphasizes handmade artistry and unique vendors
When Kaleigh Kelley opened The McKenzie Shoppe in Sharon, CT, she wanted to do something different. Given that there are quite a few home goods shops in the region, she wanted to make sure that she was providing something unique to the community.
“I wanted to create a shop that had unique vendors with an emphasis on handmade artistry. There are many great shops within […]
Le Jardin opens dynamic flower studio and shop in Amenia
Originally from France, Romane Recalde moved to Amenia, NY, with her husband in 2020. Romane grew up in the remote French countryside, near Bordeaux, but she never considered herself to be particularly outdoors-y. When she and her husband moved to Amenia, however, she found herself increasingly interested in gardening.
Fast-forward four years later, and Romane not only has a successful flower farm, […]
Rethinking the restaurant: After Hours founder Kevin Kelly brings creative dining experiences and community collaborations to Berkshire County
“I’m not a chef. I’m just a guy who loves to cook. And that, for me, is a huge reason why I wanted to do this,” says Kevin Kelly, founder and owner/operator of After Hours. “I really wanted to take on my own venture. I wanted to be able to have fun and cook and learn along the way.”
The 25-year-old Great Barrington, MA, native has […]
Colter Rule’s Autogalerie is a haven for car aficionados and collectors
24-year-old Colter Rule started his auto consignment business, Autogalerie, by accident. After stepping back from his previous startup, he realized that he wanted to do something with cars, but without a degree, he discovered quickly that he was a “difficult hire for an employer to justify.”
“I figured I would work at one of the online auction houses, but after no responses, I decided to […]
