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Stamford's Justin Ragusa once found himself selling prestigious property in Colorado. When the market turned, he decided to come home and go in a new career direction. And the first order of business was finding someone he had faith in.
I really considered that when I was thinking about going into a new business venture. Who can I trust as a business partner? The answer was my older brother, Jay, and I'm really happy to be working with him, Justin says.
Jay was starting Gofer Ice Cream, a dream he had for years but had put on the backburner as he went to work on Wall Street. Tired of that path, he wanted to try his hand in the frozen treat business, and invited Justin to join him.
In short, it has worked. The brothers have grown the business from one store in Greenwich in 2003 to locations in Stamford, Darien, Fairfield and Bridgeport. Justin focuses on marketing through social media and spreading the company's branding. He manages Gofer's Facebook page and other outlets for pushing promotions. One he mentions is Today is Your Day, where patrons can check a monthly calendar. If his or her first name is marked on a day that month, a visit to the store is rewarded with a free cone.
Gofer Ice Cream is only the tip of Justin's entrepreneurial endeavors since his return to the state. The brothers are entering the energy market as brokers with Gofer Energy. Justin also runs The Sound, a music magazine covering local and national performers. He notes that another publication is in the works. It's a lot of work, he says, but following his passions makes it a little bit easier.
Coming back to Connecticut from Colorado has really allowed me to do the things I want to do, Justin says. Partnering with my brother has really been a great working relationship. We've got the same mindset.
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