Tag Archives: Saatva

Roundup: MLK Day Video, HWH Food Drive, WTF Lambs …

Posted on January 31, 2026 | 1 comment

The inspirational Martin Luther King Day conversation between author/writer/ Columbia School of Journalism dean Dr. Jelani Cobb and Westport writer/ professor Trey Ellis is now online.

Click here; then use password Jelani_Cobb_2026. The video is available through February 27.

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We’re just a week from Homes with Hope’s “Soup-er Bowl” food drive.

The event — next Saturday (February 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Stop & Shop), is sponsored by the Westport Police Department, and the Westport Rotary and Sunrise Rotary clubs.

It’s a way to help our town’s homeless shelter and food pantry stock up on most-needed items, before the game.

They include cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, pasta sauce, canned chicken, peanut butter and jelly, rice, laundry detergent and deodorant.

Not headed to Stop & Shop next Saturday? There’s an even easier way to donate needed items: Just click here, and select from the  Amazon wish list.

They’ll be delivered directly to the food pantry.

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Speaking of great causes: Earth Animal is well known for its care for canines.

But it sure does a lot for their 2-legged friends.

The Post Road store’s 18th annual Mitten Project raised a whopping — and record-breaking — $100,834.62 this holiday season.

The funds — coming from customers and other concerned residents — supports Connecticut Foodshare.

That translates to over 200,000 nutritional meals — and other resources — provided to families across the state.

The campaign was powered by Earth Animal retail sales, “Shop & Give” events with local businesses, donations, and customer support.

A matching contribution from Earth Animal Ventures, headquartered in Norwalk, amplified the campaign’s impact.

Thanks to all who participated — and of course to Earth Animal, for making it happen.

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Speaking of animals: Wakeman Town Farm just received 4 newborn lambs, from Bluebird Farm in Willington.

The southdown babydoll sheep — a sweet and loving breed — are 2 weeks old, all female, and related to the sheep that currently reside at WTF.

Farm educators, headed by Judy Panzer, train volunteers to help patiently teach the babies how to drink from bottles.

Wakeman Town Farm also offers “Lamb Cuddles,” a hands-on experience through which residents cuddle, socialize and connect with the animals while learning about their care and personalities. Click here for tickets, and more information.

To help defray the costs of care and feeding, WTF is running a fun “Name the Newest Farm Babies” contest.For $10, you can submit up to 4 name suggestions (one per lamb — remember, all are girls!). 


Winning names will be drawn February 9. Click here to enter.

 

Awww … too cute!

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We’re just a few days away from the Winter Olympics. The eyes of the world will be on Milan.

Of course, there’s a Westport connection.

Longtime resident/veteran sports and news journalist Dave Briggs has teamed up with Saatva — the  luxury mattress company founded by fellow resident Ron Rudzin, and the official provider of mattresses and bedding for the 2026 and ’28 Olympic and Paralympic Games — on a series of “Superpower” podcasts.

Briggs interviewed gold medalists Tara Lipinski (figure skating), Jessie Diggins (the most decorated American cross country skier), Jessica Long (the Michael Phelps of the Paralympics), and gold medalist Brenna Huckaby (Paralympic snowboarder) — all in bed, on Saatva mattresses.

These are in-depth interviews about the athletes’ lives — including personal challenges. Despite the luxurious and sports-related settings, there are no softball questions. Lipinski, for example, talks about pressure and performance, infertility, pregnancy loss and the LA fires.

Click here or below to see Briggs’ interview with Lipinski. Click here for the podcast on iTunes; click here for Spotify.

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Congratulations to the students involved with Soundings and QED.

Staples High School’s 2 literary magazines have been awarded “Superior” rankings, in the 2025 Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) contest. The honors come from the National Council of Teachers of English.

Publications are evaluated by a panel of judges. Criteria include the quality of writing, variety of genres featured, excellence of art and graphic design, and overall editorial layout.

At Staples, students oversee everything from the initial call for submissions to the final technical production. Editor-in chief Allison Cancro, and associate editors Eva Slossberg and Jack Robinson, worked with faculty advisor Kim Herzog.

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Westport is filled with entrepreneurs.

Plenty of youngsters are excited by the opportunity to run their own business. How can they start?

This Thursday (February 5, 5 p.m., Westport Library), they can head to the Mini Moguls Marketplace.

Staples High School junior Aanya Gandhi organized the event, for students in grades 5-8.

Participants will run their own business by selling a product (handmade items; gently used toys, books and games, etc. — no food please!), and creating posters explaining their product, pricing, and marketing strategy, while learning
valuable financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills.

Families are welcome to attend as customers. Click here for more information. Questions? Email aanyagandhi1213@gmail.com.

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Speaking of the Library: VersoFest audiences tap their feet to the music. Sometimes they dance.

On March 28 (10 a.m.), no one will be in their seats.

The Westport Library’s 5th annual music and media conference and festival welcomes master artist Andoche Loubaki. He’ll lead a lively traditional Congolese Dance and Drum workshop, presented by Brooklyn-based Cumbe Dance.

It’s a great family event. After all, who doesn’t want to dance in a library?

Click here for more information on the Congolese workshop. Click here for the VersoFest home page.

Cumbe Dance

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Club203 — Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities — gets a jump on Valentine’s Day.

Their next event (February 4, 6:30 to 8 p.m., VFW Post 399) includes music, dancing, art by MoCA\CT — plus heart-shaped pizza from Planet Pizza, sweet treats, and plenty of Club203 love.

Parents and caregivers can mix and mingle at the VFW cash bar. Click here for the Club203 website.

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For more than half a century, Larry Silver has been taking photos. They hang in some of the most prestigious galleries and museums in the world.

He’s still shooting. He’s been all over the planet, but Westport remains one of his favorite places.

The other day, Larry was at Old Mill Beach. He sent this image to “06880”:

(Photo/Larry Silver)

The cold continues this weekend. Temperatures will reach only the mid-20s today and tomorrow. Nighttime will see them dip to the low teens. Stay warm!

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Meanwhile, today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a no-brainer.

It’s a scene we’re all (too) familiar with these days:

(Photo/copyright Ted Horowitz)

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And finally … that’s a smooth segue into today’s featured song:

(Looking to warm up — and warm our heart too? Please click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” That’s such a cool thing to do, and we thank you from — well, the bottom of our heart.)

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Posted in Children, Environment, Library, Staples HS

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“For Rent” On Post Road: The 2025 Survey

Posted on August 16, 2025 | 2 comments

Beginning in 2017, Bob Weingarten has regularly surveyed the Post Road commercial scene.

He drives the length of US 1 — from Norwalk to Southport — and counts “For Rent” and “For Sale” signs.

In  2017, the number of units available — single offices, showrooms and entire buildings — was 50.  As of August 1, 2025, it is 59 units.

That number — 59 — is exactly the average number of available units, from 2017-25.

Since the last count, in December 2023 — when 4 bank properties were available — 2 have been reused. One is the Saatva mattress store (Saatra), next to Walgreens. The other — the former Bank of America next to Starbucks — is  under renovation as a Montessori school.

Repurposed space: from bank to upscale mattress store.

There are several major vacancies. They include the former Christian Siriano space, the Bond Veterinary space next to the downtown Starbucks, and the 2 largest: Patagonia and Carvana (previously Dragone Classic Motorcars.

New construction continues, in areas like the foot of Long Lots Road near Pizza Lyfe. Some — but not all — of that commercial space has been rented.

(“06880” often covers Westport’s ever-changing commercial real estate scene. Please click here to help support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local business

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Roundup: Parks & Rec Summer Kickoff, Saatva Olympic Mattresses, Startup Westport Networking …

Posted on May 21, 2025 | 1 comment

This Saturday marks the start of Memorial Day weekend.

And — thanks to Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department — it’s also the kickoff to summer.

Plus the grand reopening of the Compo Beach playground.

The full day at Compo begins with an “unveiling” at the playground, at 10:30 a.m. There’s a special invitation to all who helped renovate it. Wear your team shirts, for a group photo.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the family-friendly “Kickoff to Summer” includes:

  • Touch-a-Truck, with vehicles from Westport Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, and Parks & Recreation Maintenance
  • Face painting
  • Obstacle courses
  • Program info and demonstrations
  •  Raffle prizes, with giveaways from Longshore Golf, Longshore Sailing School, and IST Camp
  • Food trucks: Good Burger. The Parlor Pizza, The Milk Truck, LobsterCraft, Fork in the Road.

But wait! There’s more!

At 8:15 p.m., a bonus Movie Night at the Beach — “Trolls” — begins. Bring a blanket and chairs, for the grand finale of the Kickoff to Summer.

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The “06880” tagline is “Where Westport meets the world.”

It doesn’t get more worldly than the Olympics.

Saatva — the  luxury mattress company whose made-to-order products are hand-delivered by white-glove teams; whose founder and CEO Ron Rudzin is a longtime Westporter, and which last summer opened a store across from the Sherwood Diner —  will be the official provider of mattresses and bedding for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

The cardboard bed frames used in Tokyo in 2020 and Paris last year — selected for sustainability and, some reports said, to collapse under the weight of 2 people enjoying more than sleeping — did not win any medals. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)

You can get the same bedding as Olympians, right next to Walgreens. (Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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It may rain tomorrow.

But the Westport Farmers’ Market is still on: Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot.

“Farmers don’t head inside when it rains,” the Market says. “Produce does not press pause — nor do we.

“While we might not have the perfect sunny day, we have the perfect array of food for your kitchen.”

In addition to 36 vendors, the market features “Get Growing” — educating kids on the value of shopping local through art projects and activities — plus music and more.

A little rain won’t stop the Farmers’ Market. (Photo/Quinn Fitts)

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Vibrant Health — the Westport-based Vibrant Health premium superfood formulas and dietary supplements company — will not officially launch its rebrand until January.

But the new logo design and assorted branding has already won 3 awards.

None of it would have happened though, without Startup Westport.

The town’s public/private organization for tech, innovators and entrepreneurs has a strong networking component.

At one meeting, Ted Schachter introduced Vibrant Health owners Ted and Paige Parker to CJ Yeh from Cinda Media, and their design team.

The design “conveys growth, innovation, and the synergy between science and holistic well-being.” It even includes a new typeface.

Many more success stories can be traced to StartUp  Westport. Learn more about the organization — including upcoming events — here.  (Hat tip: Jay Norris)

From left: Vibrant Health owners Ted and Paige Parker, and the Cinda Media design team, with the rebrand award.

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Speaking of awards: Congratulations to Chloe Robbin, Olivia Whee and Charlotte Naughton.

The Bedford Middle School 6th graders took 2nd place in the international World of 8 Billion student video contest.

More than 3,200 videos were created this year, from around the world. Students could choose to focus on Child Well-being, Rainforest Ecosystems or Sanitation, with at least one idea for a sustainable solution.

The BMS youngsters filmed “The Scoop on Poop.”

Olivia says, “We love animals, and we knew that deforestation was destroying a lot of their homes in the rainforest.”

Research was inspired by Chloe’s grandparents, who had a notebook from Thailand made from elephant feces.

Workshop instructor Sean Murphy helped his students bring their ideas to life. Click on the video below to see their work.

The 2nd place winners!

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Like anyone getting ready to move, longtime residents Carl Addison Swanson and JoAnn Miller are getting rid of some belongings.

Unlike many, that includes several large outdoor sculptures, by 1971 Staples High School graduate Kelley Spearen.

They’ve already donated one to Wakeman Town Farm.

There’s another for sale. It’s $5,000. If interested, email carladdisonswanson@yahoo.com.

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Yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club guest speaker was a familiar face: Westport Library executive diretor Bill Harmer.

He spoke about the effect of technology (research queries are up, because Google does not have all the answers), the success of Verso Studios and Verso University, and an exciting new creative project to be announced soon.

Westport Library director Bill Harmer, at the Rotary Club. (Photo/Alec Foege)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — a swallowtail butterfly — was found warming itself by the side of the Sherwood Diner.

(Photo/Clarence Hayes)

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And finally … in honor of the sculpture for sale by Carl Addison Swanson and JoAnn Miller (story above):

(There’s no question about it: “06880” relies on reader support. Here’s the answer: Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution.  Here’s the follow-up: Thank you very much!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Education, Environment, Library, Local business

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Roundup: School Security, Storm Victim, Saatva Sleep …

Posted on August 24, 2024 | 1 comment

With the start of school Tuesday, the Westport Police Department, Board of Education, and Parks & Recreation Department remind residents about new school security guidelines.

On school days, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., only students, staff and people conducting school-related business are allowed on school property.

This includes Wakeman Park at Bedford Middle School, the Community Gardens at Long Lots Elementary, and all athletic fields on school property.

People involved with Wakeman Town Farm can use the parking area located at Wakeman Park.

School security officers and school security guards will monitor all sites.

Wakeman Field — a popular dog-walking site — is closed to the public when school is in session.

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Officials have confirmed that the body of a man found Thursday in the Aspetuck River, near Easton Road and Bayberry Lane, is that of Westonite Robert Macisaac.

His vehicle was swept away in Fairfield during last Sunday’s torrential rains. It was discovered several hours earlier, behind Aspetuck Falls. A police diver found the car unoccupied.

Macisaac’s body was recovered during a search-and-rescue team led by Fairfield police. Westport, Weston, State Police aviation and K-9 units assisted.

Submerged vehicle, in Fairfield. (Photo courtesy of Fairfield Police)

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I have no idea idea why “I slept like a baby” is supposed to be a good thing.

Babies get up every 2 or 3 hours. So neither they nor their exhausted parents “sleep like babies.”

But last night, I sure slept well.

It was my first night on my new Saatva mattress.

The $500 million company — which emphasizes excellent, no-hassle service, at non-premium prices; sustainability, and free delivery — started online, with a direct-to-consumer model. The goal was to counter the pervasive (and not exactly sparkling) reputation of the mattress industry.

In 2019, Saatva opened their first viewing room, in Manhattan: a relaxed, pressure-free environment

There are now 20, in upscale locations like San Francisco’s Union Square, Washington’s Logan Circle and Boston’s Back Bay.

The newest one opened a month ago — right here in Westport.

Ron Rudzin

It’s about time. The firm’s founder, Ron Rudzin, has lived here for nearly 30 years. (Click here for his back story.)

The site is next to Walgreens, in the former Citibank.

That’s where I met a very helpful, and knowledgeable, mattress consultant. Iranie provided plenty of options, asking questions about my sleeping habits I’d never even thought about.

The process went exactly as promised. Delivery by a “white glove team” was quick, efficient, and exactly when scheduled.

Saatva representatives — in Westport and New York — called several times, to make sure everything had gone okay.

Shopping at Saatva was a wonderful breeze. I made a good, informed decision with the mattress I chose.

And now I can sleep on it.

Saatva’s Westport viewing room.

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One of the many aid organizations that Westporters volunteer their time and money with is Filling in the Blanks.

The non-profit works on a variety of fronts to eradicate childhood hunger in Fairfield and Westchester County. They support 8,600 youngsters, and have distributed 300,000 pounds of food to families in need, primarily in Norwalk and Stamford.

Two Westport moms — Maddy Travers and Ashley Dowling — are chairing a big FITB fundraiser: Plates with Purpose. Westporter Meghan Ready leads the auction committee.

Well-known Westporter Mar Jennings hosts the event. Set for October 5 (The Loading Dock, Stamford), it’s a “culinary adventure” designed by chefs like Anthony Kostelis of The Whelk, Luke Venner (Elm), Damon Sawyer (29 Markle Court), Jared Falco Bar Rosina’s), Andréa Stevenson (Abigail Kirsch), and Hannah Gorman (Revel). plus specialty cocktails, a silent auction and dancing.

VIP tickets include a private cocktail tasting. 

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The 2nd annual MoCA Gives Back and MoCA Summer Camp Kaleidoscope Exhibition opens tomorrow (Sunday, August), with a reception (12:30 to 3:30 p.m.).

The event includes music by DJ Justin and DJ Joe, the Taste of Grill food truck and treats from South Norwalk Ice Cream, plus a fashion show with designs by MoCA Gives Back participants (3 p.m.).

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The “dog days of summer” may already be over.

But don’t tell that to guests at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows a serene scene at Sherwood Island State Park, looking toward Burying Hill Beach.

It’s part of the beauty that is all around us, every day. Take time to enjoy it!

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … in honor of my new Saatva mattress (story above):

(We hope you enjoy this “06880” Roundup, today and every day. Here’s our dream: That every reader feels a part of our online community, by clicking here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Arts, Local business, Police

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New Westport Businesses Boom

Posted on August 7, 2024 | 13 comments

Remember all those empty storefronts and “For Lease” signs?

That was so yesterday.

Every day or two, “06880” posts news of a new restaurant or business opening in town.

(We also make note of closings. But that’s not what this story is about.)

It can be hard to keep up with all the changes.

But @WestportMoms — the multi-platform go-to resource for local moms (and dads) — has kept track.

Yesterday, they posted a very thorough list.

So — with a huge hat tip to hard-working, very-on-top-of-things Megan Rutstein and Melissa Post — here is what we’ve recently welcomed.

And what we can look forward to, in the weeks ahead.

new

159 Main (formerly Rye Ridge Deli)

Brand Nu Apparel (created by Marcelo – DJ and Zumba instructor, opposite Kings Highway Elementary School)

Cava (salads and more, across from Fresh Market)

Ed’s a (pizza and tacos, Westfair Shopping Center)

Saugatuck River Caffe (replacing Winfield Street Deli, Post Road West)

Sweetgreen (also salads, formerly Organic Krush, Compo Acres Shopping Center)

COMING SOON

190 Main (a new restaurant, operated by Nômade, will open here)

2nd Street (second-hand clothes and accessories, Main Street, most recently The Loft)

Big Y Supermarket (Post Road East, where Barnes & Noble was, and Amazon Fresh never moved in)

The Bridge at Saugatuck (Riverside Avenue restaurant, in the old Parker Mansion space)

The Clubhouse (sports simulators, event space and more; Post Road East, site of the former Pane e Bene restaurant

Delamar Westport (on the site of the former Westport Inn; opening late 2024)

Faherty Clothing (Main Street, next to Timothy Oulton)

Henry Lehr Pop-up (Post Road East, next to Middlemarch — and yes, there was a Henry Lehr for many years on Main Street)

Just Salad (soon to replace Salsa Fresca, at the foot of Playhouse Square)

Lyfe Cafe (Pizza Lyfe’s new breakfast café, across Long Lots Road where Gallo Express used to be)

One Medical (Elm Street; an Amazon healthcare company)

Recess (gym by celebrity trainer Eric Johnson)

Riko’s Pizza (Charles Street, where Mystic Market was — and, long before that, where the Arrow made pizzas)

Saatva (custom mattress national company, owned by Westporter Ron Rudzin; next to Walgreens, in the old Citibank)

Spot On Vet (Post Road East, just east of Savvy Smoker and Christian Siriano’s The Collective West)

Sushi Jin (Main Street, just before Mexicue)

What have we missed? What do we need? What are you most looking forward to? Click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

(“06880” is your place for business news: openings, closings, special events, and everything else. Please make it your business to click here, to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, Restaurants

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Saatva Sets Sights On Westport

Posted on June 10, 2024 | 7 comments

Some people have great ideas lying in bed.

Ron Rudzin — founder and CEO of Saatva, the luxury mattress company whose made-to-order products are hand-delivered by white-glove teams — had one sitting at the Sherwood Diner.

Ron Rudzin

He’d already added 18 “viewing rooms” — places where customers can experience Saatva comfort in a relaxed, pressure-free environment before beginning a 365-night home trial — in upscale locations like San Francisco’s Union Square, Washington’s Logan Circle and Boston’s Back Bay.

Now he was looking at Greenwich, for a site to serve all of Connecticut.

But that Saturday morning, having his traditional breakfast in his favorite diner seat, he saw the empty former Citibank building across the Post Road, next to Walgreens.

Rudzin did not sleep on it. He made the decision: Saatva’s newest location will be Westport, where he has lived for nearly 30 years.

It opens this summer.

Saatva’s new Westport location. (Photo courtesy of Google Maps)

That’s great news for anyone looking for a great mattress (and accessories); who wants excellent, no-hassle service; who does not want to pay premium prices — and who prefers not to shop totally online, where Saatva’s business began in 2007.

Rudzin’s story began much earlier. At 16 the Queens native got a job with Jennifer Furniture. The company evolved from 1 location, into a 218-store national chain selling convertible sofas and furniture.

Over 20 years Rudzin worked his way up from sales representative to store manager, then vice president of national sales.

When he left in 2007 he was fascinated by internet businesses like Zappos, the online shoe retailer. Focusing on mattresses, he bought some of the most popular ones, paying between $2,200 and $2,500.

Taking them apart, he realized he could sell them direct to consumers for $1,500 less.

And because he knew all about home delivery, he realized he could do a better job of that too.

Amassing a team of industry veterans and bright young people — combining business acumen with tech savviness — he started Saatva.

The word comes from the Sanskrit “sattva,” which means “goodness” or “purity.”

Saatva sells mattresses in every category …

The idea was to counter the pervasive reputation of the mattress industry. The “S” also positioned it right up with leading companies like Sealy, Serta and Simmons.

Rudzin has overseen tremendous growth. The company owns its factories. It works with 150 companies, who deliver products anywhere in the US, 7 to 15 days after an order is placed.

They make mattresses in every category, with an emphasis on sustainability.

In 2019, Saatva opened their first viewing room on Manhattan’s 3rd Avenue, between 57th and 58th Streets. It’s most likely the lcountry’s argest grossing mattress store per square foot.

But it’s not a traditional one. “We don’t scream ‘50% off!'” Rudzin says.

“I always say, ‘sleep is an activity. You have to prepare for it.’ We don’t rush people.”

… and related products too.

He likens his midtown location — and other viewing rooms — to what Restoration Hardware would be like, if they sold mattresses.

“There’s a lot of energy, when people come to our showroom,” says Rudzin. “Beautiful music, great aroma, 7 or 8 people ready to help.”

That help extends beyond the brick-and-mortar locations, and the online presence.

Very quietly, Saatva supports the communities it is in.

Locally, they’ve provided mattresses to Homes with Hope and A Better Chance of Westport.

In New York, Rudzin sits on the board of Pencil. The non-profit connects business partners and educators, to help mentor students and help them succeed on their paths to college.

During COVID, Saatva produced 75,000 masks a week, and provided them free to first responders around the country.

The supply chain was less of an issue than for many other companies. Saatva owns its own factories, on the East and West Coasts and in the Midwest.

Rudzin is grateful for the success he’s had. Saatva is a $500 million company. It employs 300 men and women directly; 200 more in its factories, and 2,000 truck drivers, deliverers and riggers.

But he never forgets his roots.

“I grew up in Queens,” he says. “Now I see rigs, trucks, mattresses — all from an idea I had years ago.”

Soon, he’ll see it all in the town he has called home for 28 years.

Right across the street from his favorite booth, in his hometown diner.

(“06880” never sleeps. If you enjoy and appreciate our 24/7/365 coverage of Westport, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local business, Restaurants

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Sleeping With The Pope

Posted on October 4, 2015 | 5 comments

As chairman of Westport’s Parks and Recreation Commission, Charlie Haberstroh takes his job seriously. So the other day he read a long Wall Street Journal story titled “The New Mattress Professionals.” Hey, beds are great spots for recreational activities, right?

Charlie plowed through tons of details about Eve and Casper, Leesa and Keetsa. These startups are apparently turning the mattress industry upside down, with new marketing techniques. One of those is “celebrity endorsements or associations.”

Near the end, this caught Charlie’s eye:

Pope Francis was expected to sleep on a memory foam relaxed firm queen-sized mattress by West Port, Conn.-based online luxury mattress startup Saatva’s Loom & Leaf division. The pontiff visited the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary near Philadelphia last weekend, according to Stephen Dolan, the seminary’s chief financial officer. Mr. Dolan said the mattress was donated but declined to comment further and referred questions to the company.

Saatva chief executive Ron Rudzin says he is “simply honored and blessed” by the news.

I could not find a photo of the pope and his mattress. So this will have to do.

I could not find a photo of the pope and his mattress. So this will have to do.

Stuart Carlitz, chief executive of Bedding Industries of America, which manufactures Saatva mattresses, says he was approached by representatives from the World Meeting of Families, who asked if he could supply a bed for the Holy Father…. Mr. Carlitz says he donated the Saatva mattress, which retails for $999.

Today is Sunday. That’s a work day for the pope, so I couldn’t call the Vatican to ask how he slept.

Saatva Ron Rudzin, in a press photo. That's the Saugatuck River behind him.

Saatva Ron Rudzin, in a press photo. That’s the Saugatuck River behind him.

I had never heard of Saatva — let alone known that it’s headquartered right here in 06880.

I checked the company’s website to learn more about their Westport connection. I could not find much — beyond CEO Rudzin saying he likes to fish in the Saugatuck River — but I did find this:

Saatva is the fastest growing online mattress company in the country. Our honest passion for making each customer happy is the daily mantra. Our non commissioned, courteous and expert representatives give honest “no pressure” guidance. Our teams working in our 14 ‘partnering’ American factories are so proud to be building a luxury product that is healthy for the body and safe for the environment.

Additionally, we believe in building long term friendships with our delivery teams throughout our fulfillment centers. We love the culture that we’ve created as we are a wonderfully diverse and spirited group of employees who enjoy doing our part to keep America building.

So where is Saatva located?

There is no address on their website. BBB Business Review says they’re at 8 Wright Street. MerchantCircle.com puts them at 25 Sylvan Lane South, Suite W.

I would have called headquarters to find out.

But it’s Sunday. Everyone is sleeping in.

In addition to sleeping on a Westport mattress, Pope Francis apparently made an unannounced visit to Landtech, the engineering consultant firm in Saugatuck.

In addition to sleeping on a Westport mattress, Pope Francis apparently made an unannounced visit to Landtech, the engineering consultant firm in Saugatuck.

 

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Posted in Local business, People, religion, Saugatuck

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