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TMI Executive Resources Alerts Job Seekers of Top 10 Common Job Hunting Traps

TMI Executive Resources (http://www.TMIer.com), a firm providing outplacement and career consulting services to thousands of clients around the globe, alerts job seekers of the top 10 most common job hunting mistakes:

1. Lack of Focus. This is probably the most damaging trap. Since most executive positions are found through networking, you should use your existing contacts to find useful new contacts. If you cannot explain where you want to go, it is very difficult for your contact to reach for his rolodex and make appropriate introductions.

2. No Plan/Wrong Plan. Finding a new position is very much like marketing a new product. Once you have identified product features and benefits and your unique value position and some research to identify potential markets, a structured approach using multiple sales channels works best. A search centered around advertisements, the Internet, search firms and direct mail is the usual fallback position and consistently leads to frustration and lack of success.

3. The 200 lb. Telephone. Searching via ads, letters, and the Web is frustrating, but doesn’t put you at risk emotionally. Making a phone call however creates an opportunity to be rejected. so it is easy to defer phone calls. However, some of these long shot phone calls may lead to golden opportunity. The best strategy here is to tenaciously follow every lead.

4. The Executive Ego. Some executives are happy to talk at length about their past successes, and presume the listener will identify their strengths. They miss the opportunity to listen carefully then sell to “customer” problems.

5. The “Honey-do” List. Concern about rejection makes it easy to substitute other things, preempting the job search.

6. The Entrepreneurial Venture. Many clients believe the best way to a new position is through starting or buying a company. An easy trap is to devote 100% of your time to finding a company or finding financing for a startup. Continue to devote your time to a traditional search.

7. Lack of Discipline. Everybody says a job search can be a full time job. In many ways this is true, but there is one big difference – structure. In a job search, you are 100% responsible for the discipline of the search and the quality of your output.

8. Consulting. A reasonably effective search strategy is to use consulting as a door opener. But, if it requires a full time commitment, takes you out of the search effort or doesn’t lead to new skills or new contacts, it should be evaluated very carefully.

9. Finishing the Search. Probably the worst mistake that you can make is stopping your networking and other career management initiatives when you find a new position. Career management is key. Keep up your network, stay marketable, keep in touch with search firms and stay active in industry/professional associations.

10. Doing It Alone. It is surprising how few people have established a support network and sounding board when there are so many resources available from industry/professional associations to colleges and universities to career consulting and outplacement firms.

“If you are in a job search you should carefully assess whether you have fallen into one or more of these traps. For those who have yet to begin their job search, you are now forewarned and forearmed,” explained John Hackett, the company’s executive vice president.

About TMI

TMI Executive Resources is a worldwide organization that provides professional career consulting and career management services as well as entrepreneurship consulting to executives. Founded in 1986, TMI has provided services to over 4,000 clients around the world and has grown to six locations on the East Coast. TMI headquarters is located at 20 William Street, Suite 100 in Wellesley, MA. The company has offices in Boston and Springfield, MA; Hartford, New Haven and Stamford, CT and Washington DC. For more information, contact 877-864-3932 or visit their website at TMIer.com.

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How do you like your pizza cooked– rare, medium or well done?….Outdoor pizza oven adds pizzazz to outdoor kitchen.

CHICAGO, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

Over the last few years, ‘outdoor kitchens’ have taken cooking on the grill from a summer activity to a year-round thing. Now, outdoor cooking has evolved from burgers, dogs, steaks and other carnivorous delights to pizza. That’s right, according to the DirectBuys of Greater Chicago, the leading home improvement and furnishings clubs with direct insider prices, adding a pizza oven has become the latest trend in outdoor kitchens.

“Pizza is a pretty big deal here in the Chicago area. After all, it’s the home of the deep dish pizza. So it’s not surprising that some people have decided to take their love of cooking in the great outdoors step further by adding a pizza oven to their outdoor kitchens,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County. 

For those who may not have the budget for a pizza oven, you can create your own by purchasing a simple pizza stone. Place that over your grill/fire pit area and you’re ready to serve up your family’s favorite pizza with the extra fun of an outdoor pizza cookout. Or, you can host your own “make your own pizza” night outdoors.

DirectBuy sells many of the items and accessories you’ll need to create your outdoor pizza kitchen at manufacturer’s low prices. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists who can provide helpful pointers on selecting the right equipment and setup for your home.

For starters, when it comes to selecting a grill, DirectBuy recommends considering:

●       Stainless steel gas or charcoal grills – outdoor kitchen means just that: outside sun, rain, wind and in some markets, snow. Even covered, your grill will be exposed to the elements to a certain degree and you want a grill made of material that will withstand bad weather and corrosion.

●       Free-standing or under-the-counter refrigeration units – help minimize trips to the “other” kitchen and give you a place to store leftovers for the next cookout.

●       Infra-red burners – make sure the grill you do select uses infra-red burners, which heat up faster.

●       Storage – choose a grill with plenty of shelving and cabinets

“Whether you’re cooking pizzas or the standard barbecue fare, the beauty of the outdoor kitchen is that it reduces trips to the real kitchen to get supplies. This means you can actually spend time with your guests while preparing your meal,” continued Vest. “By adding something novel like a pizza oven or quasi pizza oven, you’re adding to the ways you can get more use and enjoyment out of your outdoor kitchen.”

Since 1971, DirectBuy clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. With several convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Tinley Park), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuychicago.com/.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuychicago.com/. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 N. Stonington Ave Ste. 150 Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 Avondale, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 Highgrove Ste. 136 Naperville, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

How do you like your pizza cooked– rare, medium or well done?….Outdoor pizza oven adds pizzazz to outdoor kitchen.Read More

Cash takes a holiday…New England Trade launches travel division

MALDEN, MASSACHUSETTS…

With the economy in its current state, you might think a summer vacation would be off the table for many small businesses. Thanks to bartering organizations like New England Trade, a summer getaway is still a viable option without laying out serious cash. In fact, trading products and services for vacation getaways, condo rentals and other travel-related services has become so popular, New England Trade has set up a special travel division to accommodate the demand.

“We have a large number of members in the travel industry–hotels, time shares, ski lodges, boat rentals, travel agents, etc. These members put up gift certificates to their establishments in exchange for the services they need to run their organizations, things like upkeep of their facility, IT and advertising. Conversely, many of our members are looking to use their barter dollars to get away. The new travel division helps pair the members from both sides of the equation,” said Ken Meharg, CEO of New England Trade.

The practice of bartering has been around since the days of the caveman (e.g. a plumber does some work for a CPA, who in turn does the plumber’s taxes). In a bartering organization, members have access to the products and services of all the members. So, the plumber can do work for the CPA on barter, but can then choose to “spend” the bartering dollars he’s accrued on another product or service offered by other members. Like use of an ocean-side condo for a week.

There is some exchange of cash involved with barter. A 7.5 percent transaction fee goes to the bartering organization and members are responsible for paying taxes on the “barter dollars they earn. Still, for the most part, a bartering organization makes a vacation possible for many small business owners without dramatically impacting their cash flow.

“In today’s economy, many people are cutting back on vacations. By trading gift certificates for stays at their establishments, our hospitality business members are filling rooms and booking reservations. That helps keeps your staff busy and provides an opportunity to create new business, which hopefully leads to return business and strong word-of-mouth referrals,” said Meharg.

For more information on New England Trade, please visit www.newenglandtrade.com.

Trading up in New England
since, 1980, New England Trade has helped thousands of businesses gain a competitive edge by expanding their revenue and reach with barter. Restaurants, auto services, travel, retail stores, and professional business services such as accounting, legal and advertising/marketing are a sampling of the numerous clients who do business with New England Trade and each other. Maintaining offices at 926 Eastern Avenue in Malden, Mass., as well as 100 West Main Street in Hyannis for its Cape Cod branch (www.CapeCodTrade.com), New England Trade has become the largest barter organization in New England. The company is a founding member of the National Association of Trade Exchanges and a member of the International Reciprocal Trade Association, New England Trade manages more than $5-million in sales annually and has a staff of 10 people. New England Trade is operated by experienced, Certified Trade Brokers who know how to make barter work for business. The company is a long-standing member of the Malden Chamber of Commerce.
For additional information about New England Trade, please visit http://www.NewEnglandTrade.com or call 781-388-9200.

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Getting an education in education…Plymouth North students earn Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s “Driven Student” award for internship program.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

Plymouth North High School recently announced a new pilot internship program for students contemplating a career in education. The program pairs students with teachers as special assistants to give them a taste of what it’s like to be a teacher or school administrator. Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac recognized the 12 students who will participate in this program during the 2009-10 school year as winners of the “Driven Students of the Month” for June.

“There’s no more honorable of a profession than being a schoolteacher. It’s commendable that these students who are considering a career in education would start that training when they’re still students themselves. That initiative alone makes them worthy recipients of this month’s Driven Student award,” said Jeff Tracy, president of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac.

As part of the program, each student will be paired off with a teacher or administrator from a variety of departments: guidance, special education, life skills, journalism, etc. For one period of each school day, the student will work for their mentor to learn more about that particular area of education. For their efforts, these students will earn class credits. More importantly, they’ll receive the experience and background needed to determine if education is a career option they want to pursue.

“We’ve had other successful mentoring and tutoring programs, but this pilot program is our most ambitious effort to date. Essentially, this is the kind of student teaching college students do as part of their degree program. Maybe there are some potential educators in this group, maybe not. But I think teachers and students alike will be learning quite a bit as a result of this program and that’s invaluable,” said Kevin Farrell, Plymouth North’s Freshman House Master.

Students participating in the program include: Elizabeth Lincoln, Christine Rosa, Caleigh Quinn, Michael MacGrath, Johanna Westcott, Catherine Arruda, Kelsey Schranze, Hieu Nguyen, Victoria Ingalls, Mikaela Feroli, Meghan Petrell and Kelsey Lawson. The teachers overseeing the interns include: Bill Burkhead, Justine Naper, Shelly Jaruse, Nancy Rozak, Barbara Gravelle, Brunnie Gethchell and Lee McGee.

As winners of Driven Student of the Month honor, the students and the program’s administrators were treated to a pizza party, courtesy of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac.

Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s Driven Student program recognizes Plymouth high school students for their performance and achievements in and out of the classroom. Awarded on a monthly basis, recipients are selected by faculty and advisors at the student’s given school.

So easy at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac

For more than 80 years and three generations of dealers, the Tracy family has made it so easy for customers on the South Shore and greater Plymouth area to purchase new and used automobiles. Since its beginnings in 1992, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac has emphasized first-rate customer service and straightforward, bottom-line pricing with fair trade-ins every time–without the games or gimmicks you find at other dealerships. For more information on new and used trucks and automobiles, you can go to www.tracymotors.com or stop by the dealership, conveniently located at 137 Samoset Street, just off exit 6 on Route 3. For more information, or to make a service appointment, you can also call (800) 640-2884.

 

Getting an education in education…Plymouth North students earn Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s “Driven Student” award for internship program.Read More

USMMA of Bellingham Announces Summer Camp for Kids & Teens in July

United States Mixed Martial Arts (USMMA) of Bellingham has recently launched a new Summer Camp program for children ages 7 to 12 years old and teens.

Now, girls and boys can learn the fundamentals of Mixed Martial Arts, which is the fastest growing sport in America, in the space of a week at USMMA (http://www.usmma.org).

Summer Camp will be held from July 13-17, 2009 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. for kids age 7 to 12 years old and from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for teens. The cost is $175 per student and $148.75 for USMMA members. A 10 percent discount will be given to students who sign up with a friend.

USMMA’s Summer Camp focuses on safely teaching students Thai Boxing along with the values of strength and conditioning. Kids will also be able to participate in other activities such as Jiu-Jitsu, Hip Hop dancing and indoor and outdoor games.

At the conclusion of the week, students will receive a certificate of completion and a USMMA

t-shirt. They will also be able to participate in an in-house demonstration for their family and friends to show what they have learned during USMMA’s Summer Camp.

“There are many benefits to the structured training techniques of Martial Arts. Martial Arts builds confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline, respect and concentration in kids and teens. Many kids who do not do well in team sports tend to flourish in Martial Arts which is actually safer to participate in than most school sports,” noted Tom Hafers, owner of USMMA.

He continued, “The Summer Camp program is an opportunity for kids and teen to find out more about Martial Arts and all that we offer here at USMMA.”

To register for USMMA’s Summer Camp, stop by the training center at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham or visit the website at usmma.org or contact 508-966-5006.

About USMMA

USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga.

USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.

USMMA of Bellingham Announces Summer Camp for Kids & Teens in JulyRead More

The unkindest cut…How employers can take the sting out of employee pay cuts.

BOSTON, MASS… 

As an employee, it’s a choice you never want to have to make: take a pay cut or possibly lose your job. For employers, the impact can be even more severe. Not only does asking your workers to take a pay cut put a serious damper on morale in the present, it can permanently alter how your employees feel about the company—even if things do turn around.

Boston-based Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C., advises a number of businesses small and large as part of its corporate law practice. When it comes to pay cuts, the Firm offers some suggestions for companies looking for a silver lining for this very dark cloud.

“It’s an incredibly difficult thing for an employer to ask their employees to take a cut in pay. First, it’s an admission that your company is not doing well, which is a tough pill for any business owner to swallow. More importantly, a pay cut will negatively impact the lives of people you work closely with day and day out, in some cases, for many years. Despite what some might think, most owners do care about their workers and asking anybody to take a cut in pay not based on the employee’s performance is difficult,” said William Rodgers, a member of TBHR.

So, how do you soften the blow of asking your workers to take a pay cut?

“There really is no way to make a good situation out of asking your staff to take a pay cut. The best you can hope for is to make it less bad,” said Rodgers.

And how do you accomplish that? For starters:

·         Make pay cuts a last resort – exhaust every possibility before even entertaining the idea of pay cuts. If there’s a way around pay cuts, take it.

·         Give something back – perhaps it’s a shorter work day on Fridays (9 to 4 instead of 9 to 5); maybe a more casual dress code; how about an additional sick day or personal day? Giving something back lets employees know that the ownership does appreciate their sacrifice.

·         Deliver the news in person – this might not always be possible. If it is, do it. And remember to apologize. It’s important for employees to know that this is difficult for everybody and you genuinely feel bad about it.

·         Be forthcoming with news – if the pay cuts are temporary, provide employees with regular status reports on how the company is doing.

·         Do not make promises you cannot keep – stating pay cuts are only temporary is one thing, putting a date on when salaries will be reinstituted is foolish unless you are 100 percent certain it can happen.

Chances are, no matter what measures ownership takes, some employees will take the news worse than others. Some may even seek legal action. Having clearly stated policies in your employee handbooks regarding possible wage reductions and associated issues—e.g. switch from salary to a reduced salary and commission—can alleviate confusion and minimize the risk of potential litigation.

“When it comes to asking your employees to take a pay cut, nobody wins. By dealing with the situation with sensitivity, compassion and honesty you can minimize the bad feelings and that can go a long way with the employees who are still on board after the smoke clears from this recession,” said Rodgers.

About Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C.:

Formed in 1991, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive legal services to its clients.  Featuring a breadth and depth of experience and perspective usually found only at larger law firms, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers. P.C. offers sophisticated legal counsel to entrepreneurs, businesses, individuals, families, and institutions.

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers’ areas of expertise include corporate law and business transactions, litigation and dispute resolution, estate planning, taxation, real estate, municipal law, and hospitality law.

The offices of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. are located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Prudential Center, in Boston, MA 02199. For additional information, or to arrange for a consultation, please call 1-617-218-2000, e-mail info@tbhr-law.com, or visit www.tbhr-law.com.

The unkindest cut…How employers can take the sting out of employee pay cuts.Read More

Bond&Fill, LLC Advises PVC Distributors, Dealers and Consumers to Be Wary of Adhesive Imposters

Advanced TrimWright, Inc. / Bond&Fill, LLC, (http://www.bondfill.com) a leading fabricator of PVC products and adhesives based in Taunton, warns PVC adhesive distributors and dealers as well as the general public of inferior adhesive products being sold by Extreme Adhesives, Inc. under the Bond&Fill name.

On May 21, 2009 an injunction was issued by the Superior Court of Massachusetts prohibiting Extreme Adhesives, Inc. (formerly Adhesive Engineering & Supply) from marketing or selling Bond&Fill products under its own label.  Advanced TrimWright, Inc./Bond&Fill, LLC feels that in early 2009, Extreme breeched its contractual agreements by marketing formulations of structural adhesives owned by Advanced TrimWright, Inc./Bond&Fill, LLC.  Extreme Adhesives, Inc. and its agent, Moxie Sales and Marketing were ordered to immediately cease from offering products using or claiming to be the same formulation as Bond&Fill.

Bond&Fill Structural Adhesives and Sealants continue to be the highest performance products available today for cellular PVC fabrication.  The company’s precise formulations are the result of years of development and testing. Advanced TrimWright, Inc. /Bond&Fill, LLC guarantees reliable and consistent cure rates, color, viscosity, and structural performance.

“Those in the industry should be aware that there are products entering the market with no long-term performance evaluations and deficiencies may not show up until 6-12 months after application,” explained Daniel Andrade, president of Advanced TrimWright, Inc. / Bond&Fill, LLC.

He continued, “OEM users, private label distributors, retail dealers and consumers must not be misled – only Advanced TrimWright Inc./Bond&Fill products are the ‘real deal’. “

About the Company

Founded in 2003, Advanced TrimWright, Inc. (ATW) creates exterior trim products and accessories that stand up to the ravages of sea, salt, and wind. All ATW products are manufactured in the USA and combine traditional old-world craftsmanship with 21st Century innovations to create superior products from 100% ATW PVC TrimBOARD, which is impervious to moisture and insects, yet looks and feels like real wood.

Bond&Fill, LLC, the sister company of ATW, provides a superior line of adhesives and sealants specially formulated to bond, fill and repair exterior or interior PVC trim, vinyl, and aluminum products. Through their commitment to research, design, and innovation, Bond&Fill, LLC continues to expand its high performance product line which includes: Bond&Fill STRUCTURAL, Bond&Fill FLEX and Bond&Fill FOR PAINTERS.

ATW and Bond&Fill, LLC is located at 250 Cape Highway (Route 44) in East Taunton, MA. Their headquarters is comprised of a 40,000 square foot plant and a 3,000 square foot executive office space and showroom.

For more information about ATW or Bond&Fill Inc., call 508-822-7745 or visit their websites at advancedtrimwright.com and bondfill.com.

Bond&Fill, LLC Advises PVC Distributors, Dealers and Consumers to Be Wary of Adhesive ImpostersRead More

Skin Cancer Experts Compile “Less Sunny and Soothing South Shore Sites for the Summer”

Given the recent recognition of unusually high skin cancer rates on the South Shore, South Shore Skin Center, with locations in Cohasset and Plymouth, are compiling a list of “Less Sunny and Soothing South Shore Sites for the Summer”.

The public is encouraged to add to the list which will be published on South Shore Skin Center’s website – http://www.southshoreskincenter.com. Public suggestions may be emailed to sdubin@prworkzone.com. The deadline is June 27th – just after the conclusion of the public school year.

Some initial Less Sunny and Soothing South Shore Sites include South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset, Sam Diego’s tented patio in Plymouth, The Company Theater in Norwell, South Shore Natural Center in Norwell and F1 Boston in Braintree.

Last summer it was reported that some of the wealthiest communities on the South Shore have the highest melanoma skin cancer rates, in some cases more than double the number expected, according to newly released state data.

The latest Cancer Incidence in Massachusetts Report, released by the Department of Public Health, shows that between 2001 and 2005 melanoma occurred well beyond projections in Cohasset, Duxbury, Norwell, Hingham and Milton.

“We are encouraging families to be very careful about sun exposure and focusing on less sunny, yet fun summer events can help minimize that exposure,” noted Dr. Richard Eisen, a board certified dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center, one of the most progressive dermatology practices in Massachusetts with offices in Plymouth and Cohasset.

Dr. Ramzi Saad, also a board certified dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center, added, “Summer means free time to explore and try new things.  The Less Sunny and Soothing South Shore Sites for the Summer program is intended to give families fun and safe ideas.”

South Shore Skin Center

Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services.

South Shore Skin Center’s cosmetic services include Fraxel re:pair and re:store; Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intensive Pulse Light), Thermage and treatments for age spots, acne scarring, birth marks, tattoos and more.  The practice also offers a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Botox, wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels.

South Shore Skin Center offices are located at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340, and 45 Resnik Road, Suite 102 in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711.  For more information, visit their website SouthShoreSkinCenter.com.

Skin Cancer Experts Compile “Less Sunny and Soothing South Shore Sites for the Summer”Read More

The pack grows! BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT®, New England’s premier asphalt maintenance company, welcomes Shattuck Sealcoating and Calvano’s Sealcoating to the BLACK DAWG family, creating one of the largest operations of its kind in New England.

GOFFSTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE…

Shattuck Sealcoating and Calvano’s Sealcoating, two of the asphalt industry’s most respected names in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts, have just joined forces with BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT.  With these new additions, BLACK DAWG now has six franchise locations-making it one of the largest operators of its kind in New England.
Since BLACK DAWG’s inception less than four years ago, Jack Child, a former military officer, pilot and founder of BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT, has set out to transform not only the public’s perception of the asphalt maintenance industry, but to transform the industry itself.  He’s taken two giant steps forward with the blending of the Shattuck and Calvano crews into BLACK DAWG.
Ron Shattuck, owner of Shattuck Paving, has been in the paving and sealcoating industry for over 30 years, taking over the business his father started in 1971. Based in Milford, New Hampshire, Mr. Shattuck has added five new employees since signing up with BLACK DAWG. “We chose BLACK DAWG because we like the look and feel of the company from the top down. The branding of BLACK DAWG is enticing and memorable. That black dog really evokes positive associations and it’s a good intro to my customers,” noted Shattuck.
Mr. Shattuck will continue to operate Shattuck Paving under his own name, but will fold his sealcoat operation into BLACK DAWG. After 30 years of only carrying the family name, putting on the BLACK DAWG uniform was not an easy choice, but it’s one he’s glad he’s made.  “We are now a part of the fastest growing brand anywhere in the industry. This is good news for my business, my family, my employees and my customers.”
Andy Calvano, founder of Calvano’s Sealcoating, is happy to see the positive changes this can bring. “I’m thrilled to pass the torch to Ron and the BLACK DAWG Brand.  I know they’ll take good care of my many loyal customers.”
Pete Christman, owner of the BLACK DAWG franchise in Merrimack Valley, said, “I am excited at the possibilities this expansion brings us. BLACK DAWG is reshaping the industry.” He added, “Even in this economy, my own operation has doubled this year, and with the addition of Ron Shattuck and his 30 year reputation for delivering value, I see nothing but growth for BLACK DAWG.”
Growing in a down economy?  How can that be?  “There’s a lot of ‘diner talk’ where everybody sort of complains about the economy and how they can’t operate a business in this environment,” said Shattuck.  “My answer is this-you make adjustments, stay focused on customer service and you keep an eye open for opportunity and growth. BLACK DAWG is the perfect fit for me and my crews.”
BLACK DAWG’S strategy has been to win market share through superior customer service and a professional approach. In an industry sometimes sorely lacking in attentive service, BLACK DAWG succeeds by placing the consumer first and exceeding their expectations. “Every contact, every conversation with the customer is designed to build trust in us. And that trust saves our customers thousands of dollars because routine maintenance extends the life of their asphalt,” said Child.
This professional, customer service approach touches all aspects of the business. For starters – real people answer the phone. With Child’s military background, it’s no surprise the BLACK DAWG crews are neat, uniformed and professional.  Each team member is trained to the same high standards. Their trucks are clean and distinctive with the eye-catching BLACK DAWG logo and the equipment is state-of-the-art. Child’s efforts were quickly recognized.  Less than two years after launching BLACK DAWG, the company received the Citizens Bank “Not Your Typical Business Award.”
BLACK DAWG franchises use only the finest commercial grade materials for sealcoating and crack filling driveways and parking lots.  And, through BLACK DAWG’s sister company, YELLOW DAWG STRIPING, parking lot line striping services are available as well.  All work is backed by a full Warranty.  The company philosophy is to deliver the most value for the consumer’s hard-earned money.
With the addition of the Shattuck and Calvano operations, BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT’s reach has doubled in size overnight. BLACK DAWG service areas now include southern New Hampshire, the Merrimack Valley and I-93 corridor, the seacoast of New Hampshire, Andover and North Andover, MA, northern Worcester County, MA, northern Middlesex County, MA and Fairfield County, CT.
Every BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT franchisee owns a black dog or sponsors the adoption of one from a local shelter.  No word yet on when Ron will be bringing his new addition home to his seven children.  “I’ve been talking about it with my family, and we’re all excited about the dog, but the business has been hopping since we joined BLACK DAWG, and I haven’t had a chance to really start looking. But that’s a good problem, right?” he added laughing.
BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau (Shattuck brings with him an A+ Rating) and a member of the Exeter, Salem, Souhegan Valley and Fairfield Chambers of Commerce. In addition, BLACK DAWG actively supports local and national non-profit organizations including the PLUS Company, Fisher House for Families of Disabled Veterans, the Easter Seals Veterans Count Auction, Boys and Girls Clubs, the Red Cross, Bedford Little League and the Bedford Humane Society, among others.
For more information on BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT and to see pictures of Olive, “The Boss” – the real live mascot for BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT – please visit www.BlackDawgSealcoat.com. And, if you’re an entrepreneur looking for a unique, high-demand business to own, click on the “Franchise Information” link. Or call 1-800-998-DAWG (3294).

The pack grows! BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT®, New England’s premier asphalt maintenance company, welcomes Shattuck Sealcoating and Calvano’s Sealcoating to the BLACK DAWG family, creating one of the largest operations of its kind in New England.Read More