"In Good Company": Westport’s Business Environment Sizzles
Westport is not just a good place to do business; it’s a great place. That was one of the key takeaways from Tuesday night’s inaugural "In Good Company" event. Sponsored by Stifel Investment Services and the Westport Downtown Association, the event took place at the bustling new hi’Amba restaurant/market on Jesup Road.
Three successful business owners—hi’Amba and Kawa Ni restaurateur Bill Taibe, PopUp Bagels founder Adam Goldberg, and Savvy + Grace owner Annette Norton—shared their stories of success and struggle. While challenges existed, the panelists praised local officials, like 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, for fostering a business-friendly environment. They also credited the town itself for resident support and a vibrant community that encourages innovation.
Common Themes
The panelists’ stories revealed several common threads:
- Seek Help and Choose Advisors Wisely: Goldberg credited Taibe for assistance in the early days of PopUp Bagels when they were hand-making bagels.
- Nurture Strong Relationships: Norton noted the importance of good relationships with employees, customers, and community partners for long-term success.
- Lead by Example: Taibe emphasized the importance of a strong, supportive culture starting at the top.
- Embrace Difficult Times: Norton shared how customers and Marpe personally supported her during COVID shutdowns, enabling her to thrive.
- Build Profitability Before Scaling: Goldberg explained how PopUp Bagels grew from a leased kitchen to dozens of locations across 20 states after establishing a solid foundation.
- Approach Partnerships Strategically: Taibe learned the hard way that 50/50 partnerships can be challenging; successful partnerships require a clear plan for resolving disagreements.
- Appreciate Westport’s Uniqueness: All panelists agreed that understanding and embracing Westport’s character, people, and culture is essential for success.
- Collaborate for Collective Impact: They recognized the power of business owners working together to positively impact the community.
As moderator, I found particularly interesting the recognition that Westport’s unique character—its mix of long-standing families and new residents from New York and Brooklyn—contributes to its vibrant, attractive vibe. Our restaurant scene is thriving, with Taibe’s newest venture being a prime example. He welcomes competition, believing it motivates everyone to do better.
We may mourn the loss of mom-and-pop shops, but Westport’s business environment continues to be dynamic and promising.