No Jobs? Fairfielders Create Their Own

Ralph Quintiliano has had a number of jobs in his life — truck driver, bus dispatcher, carpenter. But he says he only came to love his work when he could no longer work at his steadiest job, as a Bridgeport firefighter, and struck out on his own. He founded Ralph’s Black Rock Barbershop last spring, and since then he has enjoyed owning his own business.

"I think one of my happiest moments was when my electrician was able to put my [barber] pole up outside," Quintiliano says. "Then I knew I made it."

Quintiliano is not alone. Unemployment was about 9 percent in the Bridgeport-Norwalk-Stamford metro area in February, the last month for which data is available. But over the last decade, more and more people in Connecticut have become their own bosses. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the state’s number of “non-employers” — businesses with no payroll employees, run by their owners — jumped nearly 20 percent from 2000 to 2007 (the last year statistics are available).

Fairfielder Pete Mazzucco is also one of the thousands who moved out on his own. After working at a larger company for years, in 2005 he founded Mazzucco Electric. He has one employee but does most of his company’s electrical repairs and audiovisual work himself. For him, setting out on his own means longer hours but more freedom.

"Last night I came home after my day and was up until midnight working on paperwork. I’m a slave to my business,” Mazzucco said. "I honestly wouldn't tell someone to go on their own. I'm very happy I did it. I really like what I do. For me, it's the right thing; I like to be in control."

For its part, the town of Fairfield has a number of programs to help its residents start their own companies. The Fairfield Library runs an ongoing series, “Small Business Solutions,” with more in-depth classes and seminars. And the Office of Community and Economic Development offers “Micro-Enterprise Assistance,” ranging from training to financial grants for small business startups.

Mark Barnhart, office director, wrote on the town agency’s website, “Generally, the program seeks to strengthen and enhance these small businesses, with the ultimate goal of increasing employment opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons.”

Do you run your own small business? Tell us about it in the comments below, or send an email to gcanuel@mainstreetconnect.us. You could be featured in TheDailyFairfield!

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