Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
You're IT Forge Ahead!
Four questions with Michael R. McManus, co-founder of Forge Ahead.
Why did you start your business?
My name is Mike McManus and along with Brenner LeCompte, we are the co-founders of Forge Ahead. Our company was born out of the pandemic with the mindset of promoting positivity and supporting overall healthy lifestyles. I have always viewed myself as a relatively outgoing and extroverted personality type who thrives on being around others. During the darkest days of the pandemic, it truly hurt me to not be able to connect with people in person.
I struggled personally, as I’m sure many others did as well. There were certainly days when anxiety really got the best of me. I’m a father of three little girls and a husband to an amazing wife. I realized that I could either let the anxiety consume me or I could figure out a way, with the support and love of my family, to move beyond those personal struggles…figure out a way to Forge Ahead. I said to myself, “what type of example would I be setting for my kids if I just caved and succumbed to the pressures?” I knew it was time to fight back and move forward.
I reached out to my friend Brenner, who knew what I was dealing with, and I said, “I’ll wager that there are other people out there dealing with this same feeling and in similar situations.” He agreed and we decided that there is a great reason to develop this type of organization. We believe that if we can build a supportive community structure, where people can share their personal experiences about how they have overcome struggles, that maybe those stories could help others to overcome their own challenges. This blueprint, or the Forge Ahead model, only works if people are willing to be part of the team and share.
We use these stories to advance positive dialogue and to assist others going through tough times. We also take pride in our inspiring logo as a symbol of hope and moving forward. When we see others wearing our logo on t-shirts, bracelets, or other forms of merchandise, we know they are like-minded individuals who are willing to help others in need. Separately, we donate 10% of our profits to various mental health and wellness organizations that we admire. Our plan is to continue to build this network, to be a positive force for others, and to do good in our community and others when possible.
What is your best-selling product/service?
To date, our best-selling product would have to be our Military Green Forge Ahead T-Shirt. We chose that as a color to offer, not just because it looks great, but because it helps reinforce a mindset. The servicemen and women of our country have some of the greatest mental fortitude anyone will ever encounter.
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
We love the idea of local. Some companies have generously contributed raffle items to the various events we hold, others have hosted our events and many have played key roles in helping us to grow. The list is rather long, but I will attempt to do my best:
Thank you to:
- Orange Theory Fitness, Ridgefield – speaker, key supporter, and raffle items
- HealthX, Ridgefield – key supporter and raffle items
- Tusk & Cup, Ridgefield – Hosted several of our events and key supporter
- Custom T’s ‘n More, Ridgefield – our primary merchandise supplier and key supporter
- LIFT Health and Performance, Ridgefield – raffle items and key supporter
- Nutmeg & Apple Handmade, Ridgefield – raffle items and key supporter
- Kate Fitzpatrick Consulting, Ridgefield – key supporter and business partner
- Ridgefield Parks and Recreation – raffle items and key supporter
Have you "reimagined" your small business?
Our business continues to evolve with the most notable updates being in the areas of product development and community service. During the pandemic, I joined the Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department. While working with this team, I noticed a few areas where Forge Ahead might be able to assist.
Without giving too much away, stay tuned as we hope to bring something valuable back to this Fire Department (and others) soon. Separately, our community service arm continues to expand and develop. We’re constantly looking for ways to give back to the community and are envisioning some new ways to make service activities not only accessible but fun! As its name suggests, Forge Ahead will continue to move forward and push on, no matter what comes our way.
“Reimaging” our business is something we hope to constantly bring to the forefront for our associates, our key supporters, and for the entirety of The Forge Ahead Brigade!
Visit Forge Ahead online here, and make sure to check out their Facebook and Instagram pages as well!
HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!