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 Eppoliti Corporations!
Three questions with Michael Eppoliti, owner of Eppoliti Corporations.
Why did you start your business?
My father actually started our business in 1959. Shortly after emigrating to Ridgefield from Italy in 1955 my father became a mason’s laborer and began working for several local contracting companies. In 1959 he was working on the construction of what is now the CVS shopping center on Main Street. He was a hard worker and started laying bricks and blocks while also tending to the masons on the job. He decided to ask his boss for a five cent per hour raise, arguing that it was justified since he was doing multiple jobs. When the raise was declined he picked up his tools and quit. Shortly thereafter, he started his own contracting firm and, with my mother’s help, by the mid-1980’s his company was one of the largest mason contracting firms in the State of Connecticut. He built buildings all over Connecticut, including the Jesse Lee Methodist Church on Main Street in Ridgefield.
Over the years, the firm transitioned into real estate investment and development which is what we do today. We most recently completed North Salem Commons, a 15 unit apartment building on North Salem Road in Ridgefield and 159 Danbury Road, a mixed-use residential/commercial building near the Ridgefield Recreation Center. We maintain office, retail, service and industrial rentals in our holdings.
I would have to say that our most popular product would be apartment rentals. We are at 100% occupancy and have a waiting list for 1,2 & 3 bedroom apartments. The demand for apartments remains incredibly strong.
Our small inclusive office suite rentals have proven to be popular as well. These newly renovated office suites provide local small businesses with a bright, professional and quiet place to work with convenient parking and a central location.
How many local businesses do you use to support your business and can you name them?
Our development activities rely heavily on several local businesses. Ridgefield Supply is invaluable to our business. They have access to virtually every product that we need and a level of service and detail that is really exceptional.
I have to say that Sonia Schuster of Keller Williams Realty works tirelessly to keep our properties occupied. She was responsible for achieving a 70% pre-leasing of our last project and reached 100% occupancy by the issuance of the certificate of occupancy. She handles all types of real estate, including residential sales and leasing as well as all aspects of commercial real estate.
Eppoliti Corporations is located at 37 Danbury Road, Suite 203. Visit them online here.
Eppoliti Corporations tags Sonia Schuster of Keller Williams Realty.