Q&A
Catching Up with 2013 914INC Small Business Award Winners
Small businesses—those with 50 or fewer employees—are the lifeblood of the economy here in Westchester (and indeed, in the nation). That’s why we honor them each year, as part of our 914 INC Small Business Awards. The current story is in the works, so submit your favorite Westchester small businesses today right here.
Last year we picked a dynamic group of exemplary Westchester businesses—which you can see here—so we caught up with a few of our favorites to chat about running a small business here in the county. This, our third conversation in the series, is with Mamaroneck-based Murphy Brother’s Construction; read our previous Q&As with American Christmas and Hudson Milk.
MURPHY BROTHERS CONTRACTING, Mamaroneck
|
Chris (left) and Sean Murphy |
Sean Murphy, co-owner
Has being chosen as one of 914INC’s Small Business Awards winners had any impact on your business?
Murphy: Murphy Brothers Contracting is proud to have been chosen in the very first class of 914INC. Small Business Awards winners. We will be talking about this honor for a long, long time. It definitely was the “icing on the cake” of a year where we were recognized with the Business Council of Westchester “Small Business Success” award, and WestFair’s “Family Business Success Award.”
What are the key challenges facing small businesses like yours here in Westchester?
Murphy: Like any business, it’s taxes and regulations. On one hand, it levels the competitive playing field, on the other hand, it a challenge we have to deal with. We are builders… we’d like to see the County and the local municipalities encourage greater cooperation with a view toward sensible development, which in turn will encourage people and businesses to set their roots in Westchester County.
Do you feel that Westchester is a supportive community for small businesses?
Murphy: Our company benefits greatly from our membership in the Business Council of Westchester. The BCW is a very supportive business community within the community, for any small business whether it’s just starting up or been around for generations.
What are some of your favorite Westchester small businesses?
Murphy: Majestic Kitchens, Bilotta Kitchens, Rye Ridge Tile, Leiberts Royal Green, Klaffs of Scarsdale, Green Home Consulting, Patdo Lighting, and dozens of our subcontractor partners (successful construction projects are a result of successful teamwork… our subs are key players).
Know or run an exemplary small business (or nonprofit) in Westchester? Submit here for our 2014 Small Business Awards story, to be featured in the Q3 2014 issue of 914INC.
