Posted onJune 16, 2026|Comments Off on Staples Graduation: The Video!
If you missed yesterday’s Staples High School Class of 2026 video — or were there, and want to see it again — you’re in luck! It was just posted to YouTube.
Huge thanks go to Jim Honeycutt. The retired Staples media instructor filmed the entire ceremony — the processional; music; speeches by principal Stafford Thomas, the valedictorian and salutatorian; awarding of diplomas; turning of tassels; tossing of caps; recessional — and edited it last night.
Staples has graduation down to a science. The entire event took less than 90 minutes. Enjoy! And as principal Thomas often says: Go Wreckers!
Gorgeous weather, inspiring words — and of course decorated caps and celebratory cigars — helped make yesterday evening special for the 412 graduating seniors in Staples High School’s Class of 2016.
Staples junior Ryan Allen captured every emotion — the joy, the warmth, the poignancy — of the momentous event.
A memorial bench honors Timari Rivera, Staples ’21. In his remarks, principal Stafford Thomas asked for a moment of silence for Perrin Delorey, who would have graduated with the Class of ’26, and his own executive assistant, Arvinder Chadha, who died this year.
Principal Stafford Thomas carries the ceremonial mace.
The processional begins …
… and includes a hug from one teacher …
… and a high five from Italian teacher Louisa D’Amore to True Moyer Chung.
Choral members — seniors wearing robes, underclassmen without — sing the national anthem, and the tender “The Road Home.”
Principal Stafford Thomas prepares to give remarks.
Valedictorian Isabel Jo …
… and salutatorian Uma Choudhury.
Gabe Hellmann gets his diploma …
… as does Souleye Kebe. He was a student representative on the Board of Education, president of the Staples government — and the Wrecker mascot at football games.
ConGRADulations!
Well done!
Elijah Falkenstein and Kaia Levine announce the turning of tassels …
… and it’s official!
Brendan Allen — wearing his state championship soccer ring — enjoys a celebratory cigar.
After the ceremony: chatting with family, posing for photos …
… and one final moment together, at home plate. (All photos/Ryan Allen)
Lukas Frenes is a Staples High School senior. He spent his internship working with “06880.”
Every member of the Class of 2026 has a story. Lukas’ is unique: This was his only year at Staples. How did it go? Read on!
Entering Staples High School as a senior is an experience few graduates ever face.
When I walked through the sprawling doors last fall, the crisp autumn air wasn’t just signaling my first day of the school year; it was marking my first week ever living in Westport.
I was still figuring out the winding roads, let alone the labyrinthine hallways of Staples.
Lukas Frenes
These first steps into an entirely unfamiliar environment felt worrisome. Trading the hushed, highly structured quads of a tiny boarding school for the massive kinetic energy of a public high school was a profound culture shock.
I had to brace myself for the “Westport way of life,” anticipating Staples to be an intimidating pressure cooker of Ivy League ambitions and impenetrable lifelong cliques. It felt like I had to jump onto a moving train.
The students themselves were the ones who truly dismantled my self-conceived fears. In Children’s Lit, the ice broke not in a stiff classroom setting but on the seats of a rumbling yellow school bus.
We were bouncing along new roads, the thick, nervous air filled with the smell of diesel while we debated whether our assigned elementary kids would actually connect with us.
I was worried about my kid, Jacob. But before I could overthink it a laptop hit
“record,” asking me predictions on our teaching abilities.
The curriculum was demanding, but the growth happened in the small, quiet moments.
Navigating an intense senior year with dyslexia was always going to be an uphill battle, but the Staples faculty met my learning differences with open arms, prioritizing genuine understanding over routine busywork.
Mr. Feagin’s AP Economics classroom, in particular, became a sanctuary. Instead of leaving me to struggle silently with a sea of swimming letters on timed exams, he would meet with me afterward to give me extra time.
He never made me feel the shame I usually felt regarding my dyslexia. I wasn’t a burden; I was supported, allowing me to find my footing, culminating in an Academic Excellence award.
I still recall my first day in the Staples cafeteria. The energy was palpable; a loud, kinetic room of students completely engrossed in years of shared memories, while I passed through crowds of people alone as a first-year senior.
Then members of the Saugatuck Rowing team waved me over to their table. In an instant, I had an anchor.
Lukas Frenes, in action.
Rowing was my community through it, but there were distinct trade-offs. The grueling practice forced us to sacrifice traditional senior milestones, such as many sports events, and build a stronger bond of solidarity.
As senior year winds down, the perspective I gained has been invaluable. Staples wasn’t just a waiting room for graduation; it provided the space to test my abilities, learn about myself, and explore what I want my future to look like.
The profound judgment-free support I received from teachers, combined with the joy of seeing Jacob’s face light up during my Children’s Lit lessons, illuminated my path to pursue educational studies at Colby College next year. I am driven by the goal of helping students like me who would hate the education system without phenomenal teachers like the ones at Staples.
While being fast, challenging and intense, I wouldn’t give up calling myself a Wrecker for anything.
(“Students Speak” is a regular “06880” feature. Any student living or studying in Westport or Weston can submit a piece. Email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this local blog, click here.)
Stacey Henske is a longtime Westporter, and a Homes with Hope food pantry volunteer. She writes:
Many young people do community service because it is required. Then there are those who truly embrace what it means to help others.
That is Parker Resnick.
In April, the Bedford Middle School 7th grader organized a basketball clinic at Staples High School for 30 boys in 3rd through 5th grade.
Staples assistant coach Chris Pickens, along with varsity basketball players Sam Clachko, Matty Corrigan, James Moneyhon, Declan Mayr, Declan Jandora, Ryan Marcus and Arron Schorr came too, to help make the event special for the young attendees.
They got coaching and encouragement. They had a ton of fun. There is something powerful about older athletes taking time to give back to younger kids who look up to them. Parker understood that.
Coach Chris Pickens (center left), with Staples basketball players and young athletes.
But the clinic was about much more than basketball.
The event raised $3,300 for the Homes With Hope food pantry. It was part of his bar mitzvah project. (The ceremony was last Saturday — congratulations!)
What makes Parker’s story especially inspiring is that he did not simply raise money and move on.
He personally made 4 shopping trips to purchase nonperishable food items. Then he went to the pantry, organized shelves and stocked food.
Parker Resnick, helping at the food pantry.
Community service is not always glamorous. Sometimes it is carrying boxes, organizing cans, and quietly doing work when nobody is watching. Parker understood that helping people means showing up in every part of the process.
In a world where young people often hear negative headlines, Parker reminds all of us how great the next generation can be when they lead with kindness, effort and compassion.
Sports can bring people together. Service can change lives. Parker found a way to do both.
Congratulations to Parker Resnick, this week’s Unsung Hero!
(To donate to the Homes with Hope food pantry via their Amazon Wish List — with items delivered directly to the pantry — click here.)
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)
Even without spectacular weather and a stunning venue, last night’s Pops Concert would have been a home run.
But superb talent, off-the-charts energy and the clear love of teenage musicians and their teachers for each other made the event — a beloved tradition, and a gift of the Staples High School music department to the town — a grand slam.
A jam-packed Levitt Pavilion crowd was thrilled by small ensembles, the Symphonic Band & Orchestra, Jazz 1, Choralaires, Sonora, Orphenians and the Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra.
It was hard to tell who enjoyed the evening more: the students, conductors, or the large audience.
As emcee James Naughton said at the end: “What a way to start the summer!”
From left: Levitt Pavilion executive producer Carleigh Welsh, Staples principal Stafford Thomas, orchestra director Jeri Brima, choral director Lauren Pine, townwide arts coordinator Steve Zimmerman.
2-time Tony Award winner James Naughton served as emcee.
Owen Naughton — James’ grandson — on keyboard, with the Jazz 1 group.
He’s spent more than half his life — over 50 years — in Westport.
Yesterday, the pioneering financial firm executive was honored.
Allen grew up in Harlem, attended law school, earned a Fulbright Scholarship, then created the first Black-owned Wall Street firm. He has written 3 books, most recently “How I Pried Open Wall Street in 1962.”
Win Allen
The celebration, at The Bridge at Saugatuck, was organized by Westport 10.
That’s a misnomer. The networking and social group for Black men here now has nearly 70 members.
At least one in attendance yesterday works in financial services. “I’m where I am today because of Win Allen,” he said.
Yesterday’s celebration, at The Bridge. Win Allen is 2nd from right (red jacket). Westport 10 founder Jay Norris is next to him, on the right. (Photos/Dan Woog)
Allen — a longtime Westport Rotary Club member — and his late wife Ruby bought their Burritt’s Landing North home in 1975. Built in 1957, it was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s protégé Roy Binkley. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Happy birthday, Win Allen. And thank you for all you have given to our town, and the world.
For years, the Westport Library has challenged children and adults to read — and sweetened the offer with prizes for minutes spent reading, and number of books read.
Now they’re doing the same for teenagers.
“Plant a Seed, Read: Summer Reading for Teens” runs now through September 6.
For every 60 minutes of reading, participants will receive a digital ticket to enter for a chance to win a basket of gift cards.
300 minutes earns an ice cream from Van Leeuwen. 600 minutes gets a free advance copy of a soon-to-be-published book from the teen librarian.
The Library is also open tomorrow (Sunday, June 7), from 5 to 8 p.m. for a lock-in for high school students only, to study for finals.
Speaking of the Library: If you’re wondering whether AI can help doctors detect cancer earlier — and how to separate genuine AI/cancer care breakthroughs from headlines and hype — head there this Thursday (June 11, 7 p.m.).
Dr. Sanjay Aneja speaks about artificial intelligence’s role in cancer diagnosis treatment today — and tomorrow. For more information, click here.
================================================
We’ve featured a number of spring flowers in our “Westport … Naturally” series. Today it’s a stunningly colorful iris.
And finally … today is the 82nd anniversary of D-Day.
The Allied invasion of Normandy was the largest waterborne invasion in history. Nearly 160,000 troops cross the English Channel, with 5,000 landing and assault craft, 289 escort vessels, and 277 minesweepers participating. They landed on 5 beaches, and gained a treacherous foothold that helped lead to the eventual conquest of Germany.
(Every day, “06880” brings you stories about interesting Westporters, news of the day, upcoming events — and connects you to the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
They offer young riders independence. They save parents the hassle of driving.
Yet few young people — or adults — know e-xactly what’s legal. Or where.
This spring, members of the Westport Youth Commission’s E-bike Safety and Awareness group created a poster awareness campaign.
There are 2 goals. The first is to educate young riders on safe e-bike operating practices.
The second is to educate parents on which e-bikes their children are allowed to ride.
The first stage of the project has begun: a poster campaign targeting parents and youth alike.
One poster …
The Youth Commission has collaborated with the Police Department and Walk Bike Westport on this.
Three posters alert bike users to new laws; direct them to a website built by a member of New Canaan’s youth commission that addresses the issue, and educates bike purchasers about basic e-bike safe riding practices.
… a second …
The posters are being provided to doctors’ offices, schools, bike stores and the media. Yard signs are also being distributed .
The YAC has already begun discussing future plans. This fall, they’ll host biking events to promote e-bike safety and awareness.
But starting right now, remember: Ride safely. And legally.
… and third.
(“06880” regularly reports on Westport’s youth. Our future is in good hands. And this blog’s is too, thanks to reader support. If you’d like to help with a contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
Nolan Francis — a science researcher, violinist, swimmer, honor student and active volunteer in and out of school — has won Staples High’s greatest honor.
He was awarded the Staples Key, at last night’s annual awards ceremony.
Three outstanding students are nominated by faculty, based on superior academic achievement, loyalty to Staples, and contribution to the Staples community Voting is done by members of the senior class.
The other finalists were Gunnar Eklund and Sophie Smith.
Introducing Francis last night, assistant principal Christine Cincotta said, “Nolan’s school counselor describes him as talented, disciplined, and highly personable. His demeanor is calm and jovial, always accompanied by a big smile, and he remains consistently focused on his personal goals. Nolan has served as captain of the boys swim and dive team for 2 years, and advanced to the state finals.
“He was selected to be part of the Link Crew, and is a 4-year member of Staples’ Service League of Boys. He has also served as vice president of the Science National Honor Society, and is the co-founder of our newly reestablished National English Honor Society chapter.
“Through Staples’ research program, Nolan was named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar (one of only 300 in the country).
Nolan Francis
“He is also an accomplished violinist who has received recognition at the state level. Outside of school, Nolan has coached Special Olympics swimmers, served as a camp counselor for children with severe medical conditions at Camp Discovery, and researched rare genetic skin conditions at Yale. He even wrote a children’s book to help kids living with these conditions feel seen and connected to a community.
“One of the things I appreciate most about Nolan is the way he brings humor and a level-headed perspective to every conversation. I am grateful that he is a member of our Staples community.
“Nolan will attend Williams College in the fall to study biology (and bring his banana-bread-baking skills to the Berkshires).
=================================================
Introducing Eklund, Cincotta said: “Gunnar’s school counselor describes him as kind, considerate, intelligent and genuine. He brings a thoughtful approach to everything he does.
“Gunnar has served as president of the Staples Debate Team, worked with the Staples Service League of Boys board to coordinate volunteer events, and collaborated with last year’s ‘We The People’ Constitution team to represent Connecticut as Top 10 national finalists.
“During his summers Gunnar has worked as a lab intern, a camp counselor at Camp Mahackeno, and a courtroom aide for North Carolina’s 4th Prosecutorial District.
“This past year he has become even more involved in the Westport community by contributing to Dan Woog’s ‘06880’ blog, delivering a Veterans Day speech at Town Hall, and helping 2023 Staples alum Addison Moore become the youngest-ever elected RTM official.
“Regardless of these accomplishments and roles, Gunnar says his time at Staples has been shaped most by the extraordinary people he has met. I would add that Gunnar has also shaped those around him over the past 4 years because he is an extraordinary person himself. He will always greet you with a smile and ask how you are doing. He genuinely cares about those around him, and that thoughtful approach is something I will always remember about him.
“Gunnar will study government and biology at Cornell University this fall.
Gunnar Eklund delivers his Veterans Day speech at Town Hall.
In introducing Smith, Cincotta said: “Sophie’s school counselor says she is a wonderful example of what it means to be a well-rounded person. She is an accomplished student in the classroom, actively involved in our community, and looked up to as a leader, all while finding time to give back to others in need. Sophie demonstrates that Staples is a place where students support one another in an encouraging environment.
“She is co-editor-in-chief of Inklings, one of our largest extracurricular activities. As the social media specialist for Business Leaders of America, she actively recruits new members. Sophie is also a member of the varsity squash team and the co-founder and co-president of Peter’s Heart Club, which provides educational support to underprivileged children in Uganda.
“In each of these spaces, Sophie has learned that success is rarely individual; instead, it is built on collaboration. She consistently goes out of her way to support her staff members and teammates while fostering a positive environment.
“From my own experiences with Sophie, I have seen her genuine care for others, as well as the strength and conviction behind her voice. These qualities will undoubtedly benefit those around her.
“Sophie will attend the University of Virginia this fall to study English and public policy.”
To contact Pierce Brown for grill cleaning, text 203-228-2293.
===============================================
The Soundview Summer Stroll returns Sunday, July 26!
For the 3rd year in a row — with the support of “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association — the beach exit road will be closed to vehicles.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westporters can enjoy live music, food, kids’ activities, and a chance to stroll, bicycle, Rollerblade or otherwise enjoy one of the town’s crown jewels.
New this year: non-profits are invited to set up information booths, all along the road.
Earthplace, the Westport Weston YMCA, MoCA\CT and the Westport Swim Club are already in. If your non-profit would like to participate, email 06880blog@gmail.com.
Just a few days after being harassed while leaving The Blondinit — and posting about it on social media — Jonny Daniels returned to the Israeli restaurant on Monday.
This time, he heard no epithets about Israel from across the street. Instead he met the owners — who had closed briefly, after the incident went viral — and wrote:
“Today we had the privilege of meeting an extraordinary couple who proudly embrace and display their Israeli and Jewish heritage. Their warmth, resilience and unwavering pride were truly inspiring.
“The Blondinit serves exceptional Israeli cuisine in a beautiful setting. While the restaurant is not kosher, it offers an authentic and unapologetically Israeli dining experience that deserves to be celebrated and supported.
“Moments like these remind us that hatred and intimidation will never dictate where we go, who we support, or how proudly we live our Jewish lives.
“In the coming days, we will be announcing a very special evening at The Blondinit, where our community will have the opportunity to come together, support this incredible business, and send a clear message: we do not back down, we are not afraid, and we will always stand proudly as Jews.”
Police are conducting SWAT training today at 6 Coleytown Road, near Temple Israel.
There will be increased law enforcement in the area. Don’t be alarmed — it’s for training purposes only.
================================================
Preliminary work is already underway on the Cross Highway bridge replacement, near the entrance to Wakeman Town Farm and the Wakeman fields.
The road will close on or around June 19, through approximately August 20.
Access to Wakeman and Bedford Middle School will be through North Avenue only.
Residents of Cross Highway, Silent Grove North, Half Mile Common, Woody Lane and Whippoorwill Lane will continue to have access, but there will be no through traffic.
Gruel Britannia and Christie’s Service will remain open and accessible.
Questions? Call town engineer Keith Wilberg: 203-341-1128.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport’s “upcycle online” auction ends tonight, at 7:45 p.m. A reflection of their commitment to reduce, recycle and reuse, it’s a chance to share with others, and keep landfills down.
Sports fans (Patriots, Bayern Munich), college grads (Northeastern, Cal), shoe aficionados (Ferragamo, Sperry), china and crystal (Limoges, Wedgewood), clothing (Talbots Liz Claiborne), toys (Lego, Nintendo) and more (Thule luggage rack, live ficus tree) — there’s something for everyone.
For many neurodivergent teenagers, school provides social connections and routine.
That can be tough to replicate in the summer.
NeuroMind — a Westport-based hub for neurodivergent individuals and their families, offering coaching, counseling, support groups workshops, and resources — can help.
Their in-person social group for 15-19-year-olds meets Fridays at 2 p.m., from July 10 through August 28. Led by a licensed social worker, it offers an opportunity to make new friends, find a community, feel supported and judgment-free, and “be yourself!”
The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is tomorrow (Thursday, May 28, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
Speaking of lunch: Emmy Squared just launched a new promotion.
From Monday through Thursday, they’re selling cheese slices for $1, and pepperoni for $2. That’s “cheaper than gas,” they say — a lot cheaper. (For one gallon, anyway.)
Also on tap at the Church Lane restaurant: Trivia Nights.
They run every other Thursday (June 8 and 22, July 6 and 20, August 3 and 17).
Drinks are happy hour prices all night, on those days.
Though if you drink too much, you might not remember all those factoids. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Longtime Westporter George Manchester turns 95 in June.
His son Jeff — now raising his own family, in his home town — has planned a special gift. He hopes at least 95 “06880” readers will send his father “Happy Birthday” cards.
George spends summers in Maine. Going to the post office is an important part of his day. Let’s inundate him (and the PO) with cards!
Send to: George Manchester, PO Box 202, South Bristol, ME 04568. And feel free to pass this on to others!
George Manchester in 2017, just before the old Saugatuck Island bridge was torn down after damage from Superstorm Sandy. Decades earlier he was involved in the construction of that bridge, as president of the Saugatuck Shores Island Association (now the Saugatuck Island Special Taxing District).
Elizabeth “Betty” Auber died Sunday in her Westport home, with her family by her side.
She was born and raised in Queens, the child of immigrant Irish/German parents.
After graduation from high School she married her sweetheart, Dick) Auber, and raised 5 children.
She went back to school and obtained a degree in nursing from Norwalk Community College in 1981, then graduated from Fairfield University 4 years later with a psychology degree.
Betty was highly respected for her nursing expertise and compassion. She ended her career as a psychiatric nurse providing compassionate care to vulnerable patients.
Betty retired when she was 76 years old, but continued to be a medical consultant to family and friends, always willing to listen and offer advice.
She and Dick loved traveling with friends, and enjoyed hosting social activities. She was also an active Senior Center and Westport YMCA participant. She volunteered at St. Luke Parish, beginning in 1976. Until very recently, she hosted weekly bridge and canasta games in her home.
Betty is survived by her children Patricia (Tom), Richard (Tatyana), Ron (Cheryl), Judy (Ferdinand) and Christine (Michael); grandchildren Abby, Steven, Jordan, Anastacia, Matthew, Kevin and Mary; great-grandchildren Colden, Keegan, Beckham and Eleanor; sister Patricia Casey and brother Joseph Schick. She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Richard.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday (May 30, 11 a.m., St. Luke Church).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to he Parkinson’s Voice Project or The Westport Center for Senior Activities.
Elizabeth Auber
================================================
It arrived late. But some of this spring’s colors — like today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo, from Joann Circle — make the wait absolutely worth it.
And finally … Sonny Rollins, the saxophonist who was a giant of the post-war jazz age, died at his home in Woodstock, New York. He was 95. Click here for a full obituary.
(And finally … if you’re in a sentimental mood — or any other kind — please consider clicking here, to support this hyper-local blog. These daily Roundups, and so much more, don’t just fall from the sky 😎)
Our town is filled with men and women who have stepped back from corporate America — or whatever career they were in — to start their own businesses here.
But they’re not the only ones.
Teenagers are also taking the entrepreneurial plunge.
We’re not talking about lemonade stands or lawn moving. These young men and women are the real deal.
Here are a few. Read their stories — and be inspired that our future is in very good, creative and hard-working hands.
=================================================
We’ve highlighted Christian Rinaldi a couple of times.
Less than one year out of high school, he’s rebranded his thriving, and very professional, mobile car detailing business.
Now called Car Concierge CT, Christian and his staff — a well-trained crew, including Kyle Dulak and Justyn Capellan — offer 4 packages.
There’s interior cleaning, exterior polishing and waxing, and rim work, of course. But they’ve stepped up their premium luxury “concierge” service, highlighting multi-step paint correction, ceramic coating, and much more.
Including the engine. You’ll never see it. But Christian does.
Christian Rinaldi, with cars he’s worked on.
Christian bought a van, and outfitted it with water and a power source, to come to customers all over Fairfield County.
He’s fully licensed, insured, and — as an LLC — has an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Their customers trust Car Concierge CT with Lexuses, Audis, BMWs, Porsches, and an Aston Martin Vantage.
Christian recently spent 2 weeks in Atlanta, getting certified by Koch-Chemie, a high-quality German cleaning products firm. He studied chemistry, along with paint reconditioning skills.
This is not a high school start-up. It’s Christian’s full-time business. He’s a perfectionist, putting hours into every aspect of what he calls “my art.”
Taking care of every detail.
He’s honed his people skills too. He communicates easily and efficiently, explaining to customers exactly what they’ll get, and when, and how he’ll do it.
Christian Rinaldi is going places. Including — he hopes — to your driveway.
Two summers ago, going into junior year, Staples friends Will Stoutenburg and Ollie Vynerib were looking for jobs.
Ollie was 15 — too young to work officially — and neither wanted to have a boss.
They brainstormed ideas, and settled on starting a window washing business.
Will’s parents warned it would be a waste of time. But the boys went to a hardware store and bought squeegees, mops and dish soap, plus long poles.
They came up with a clever name: WOW (for “Will Ollie Window-washing”).
They watched “a ton” of online videos to learn about their craft, and door-to-door sales.
It was not easy.
“Getting doors slammed in our faces was actually super good for us,” Will reports.
It was intimidating at first. But by the end of the summer, after multiple 14-plus hour days, their business had generated $10,000. Ollie and Will made $4,000 each.
They promised every customer that they’d donate a percentage of profits to Staples Tuition Grants. Proudly, they did.
Ollie Vynerib (left) and Will Stoutenburg, ready to work.
Still, they knew there was room to improve.
Last summer they scaled things up. They spent nearly all the money they’d made on upgraded equipment — enhancing both their product and their efficiency. (They’re also fully insured.)
They hired 15 employees — all Staples students — and got very good at selling door to door. They cleaned over 200 homes (and some businesses), with Ollie and Will doing all the sales and scheduling.
“It was exhausting days and stressful,” Will says. “But it was working, so we stayed disciplined and kept grinding.
“The amount I learned about business from running WOW the last 2 summers is incredible,” he adds.
“From how to sell, managing expenses and customers, mastering window cleaning and employees, I gained a ton of knowledge.
“It was far from easy, dealing with things like equipment issues, mean customers, etc. But it was all worth it.”
Wow!
This summer they’ve again spent money upgrading equipment, and reinvesting in WOW. They’ve added sales employees to their cleaning staff.
And they’re still just in high school. After graduating in June, Will heads to Tulane University. He’ll study — no surprise — business and entrepreneurship.
And Ollie will attend the Marshall School of Business, at the University of Southern California.
(To learn more, text 203-820-0078.)
================================================
Grill cleaning is a task that nearly everyone needs done.
But few people want to do it.
Pierce Brown and Ben Zwick are happy to fill the need.
Both graduated from Staples High School last year. They were sports captains (volleyball and ski team, respectively), and participated in the Service League of Boys.
While finishing up their first year at college (Queens University and the University of Vermont, respectively), the business/finance majors looked for holes in the Westport service market that needed filling.
Grill cleaning seemed like a great opportunity.
They offer a full, deep clean and polish — including deep inside, and underneath.
Those are places no one ever sees. But Pierce and Ben make them shine just like the hood.
(To learn more, text Pierce at 203-228-2293 or Ben at 203-818-1833.)
Cars are a lifelong obsession. From a very young age he and his father have raced them. And for years, Ben has helped friends and family members source them, for good prices.
He has turned that latter hobby into a business: BZ Auto Advisory. He find cars that are the best fit, negotiates new and used car prices to save thousands of dollars — and monetizes it for himself too.
“Eliminate the stress, inefficiency and risk associated with car buying by working with an unbiased, personal vehicle advisor,” Ben says.
First, Ben helps define the criteria a customer is looking for in a car. Then, he offers specific models to choose from.
Next, he creates spreadsheets from throughout the region, to find the best deals. Then he contacts the seller, and negotiates.
Ben’s pricing analyses show clients a variety of possibilities.
One recent example: a 2018 Volkswagen Golf R. The deal was closed at $6,000 less than market value.
Ben constantly watches the market. His research is very thorough. Clients are thrilled.
He found a Porsche Panamera 4S Turismo. with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $129,000 in 2018, for a client for $56,000. It had only 50,000 miles, and a full Porsche service record.
Ben found a BMW in Boston for $26,900.
Another client says, “BZ helped me find a great 2018 Audi A4, and knew all of the important questions to ask the owner and mechanics. He let me know about expected maintenance and how to identify what cars to walk away from. I was very pleased with his services, and he saved me a bunch of money.”
(“06880” often reports on young Westporters, local businesses- and, like today, their intersection. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: danwoog@gmail.com. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
The curriculum was demanding, but the growth happened in the small, quiet moments.
… and third.
