Major Takeaways From The WCBS BNB Bank Business Breakfast

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — Two major themes emerged at Thursday’s WCBS BNB Bank Business Breakfast on Long Island — the advantages of being local and getting noticed with your own unique business story.

Joe Connolly hosted the event at the Huntington Hilton and was joined by Mark Burford, co-founder of Blue Point Brewing Co., Kathleen King, founder of Tate’s Bake Shop, and Jaclyn Rutigliano, co-founder and CEO of Hometown Flower Collective, LLC.

.@BluePointBrewer founder Mark Burford says customer feedback is important in improving their product, but you cannot be consumed by online reviews. #WCBSBizBreakfast pic.twitter.com/E2nQtUvx8X

— WCBS 880 (@wcbs880) October 17, 2019

Burford said years ago people would ask if the locally made beer would make them sick and now local is a point of pride.

King built a chocolate chip cookie and bakery empire from scratch, but it wasn’t always easy. She says when she was knocking on doors to get Tate’s cookies into stores, occasionally someone would say “What makes you think these are good?”

“You believe in your own product, you believe in yourself. I love proving people wrong.” – Kathleen King, founder of @TatesBakeShop tells @JoeConnollybiz how she has persevered throughout her career. #WCBSBizBreakfast pic.twitter.com/mx1XARvKf7

— WCBS 880 (@wcbs880) October 17, 2019

Rather than debate with them she would just say, “I think they’re good” and walk out, thinking to herself, “They’ll be calling me someday!”

King says, “You believe in your own product, you believe in yourself. I love proving people wrong.”

Man of the people: @JoeConnollybiz is wading his way into the audience at the #WCBSBizBreakfast! In the traditional “who’s up/who’s down” poll, a majority of the owners are growing their businesses – namely financial services, aviation and technology. pic.twitter.com/03slIqbNB6

— WCBS 880 (@wcbs880) October 17, 2019

Connolly reports it seemed like more business owners compared to the previous breakfast in Junesaid business is up — namely in financial services, aviation and technology.

“When I asked is anybody seeing signs of a slowdown only two business founders raised their hand and one told me later the last eight months have been great it was due to slow,” Connolly said.

Here’s Jaclyn Rutigliano of Huntington’s Hometown Flower Co. in front of “Baby Blue” – the iconic symbol of their digital/mobile florist! #WCBSBizBreakfast pic.twitter.com/bBOAtynF90

— WCBS 880 (@wcbs880) October 17, 2019

When business owners asked for advice on how to get their business noticed, Rutigliano, a rising star in the Long Island business world, asked them, “What is your story?” She said it’s critical for business owner to tell their unique story on their website and “About Us” page because it will make them stand out.

One new business that drew a lot of interest at the breakfast is 3MomsOrganics.com, which sells TickWise — a DEET-free all-natural tick and insect repellent. It was started by two moms from Long Island and they say the third mom is the customer. They’re registered to sell in New York and New Jersey.

New York Mets legend and businessman Ed Kranepool, who is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the ’69 Miracle Mets Championship Season, made a special appearance and shared how to transfer a wining attitude and championship spirit in sports to business.

Neil A. Carousso is the producer of the WCBS Business Breakfast programs hosted by Joe Connolly.