Robin Halik, former owner of Woodstock Cookie Company, started Nantucket Property Works on Nantucket Island with assistance from SMART Holdings USA. The business provides year-round property care and maintenance services for absentee landowners. SMART Holdings helped develop the business plan and connect Halik with financing. Nantucket Property Works has grown through acquisitions and now employs around 50 people across various services like landscaping, construction, and caretaking. The business aims to help protect properties from damage during storms like the severe one in December 2010 that caused widespread issues on the island.

1. SMART Holdings USA Issue # 5, Winter, December, 2012
NANTUCKET DREAMING
Island of Ideas for SMARTvt Your Issue
SMARTvt Creates Nantucket Property Works Contents
SMARTvt’s Robin Halik, Gabrielle
Meunier, Michael Kipp, Mark Renkert
Create Nantucket Property Works
page 1 - 4
Suzanne Johnson Joins American Red
Cross as Development Officer
Page 2
Changing Faces
Michael Hussey Joins Buffalo, NY
Dessicant Manufacturer, nearly
complete Norwich University MBA
Page 4
Alex Goetz Joins Dominion Tech’s IT
Nantucket Harbor – Home of Oceanside Caretaking
Certification Program, Norwich
Robin Halik and her
the former owner of Woodstock husband Clifford University MBA Program,
Cookie Company, Robin Halik moved from Vermont
who enrolled in SMARTvts to Nantucket after Page 5
Economic Development selling Woodstock
Cookie Company. Her
Program and Started Nantucket husband moved his
Property Works – Meeting The historic preservation,
Needs of Island Property new construction and renovation
Owners – all year long. business to the Island. And Robin
wondered what to do.
…..Nantucket…..
……See story next page 3…
Vermont’s Power Center for Business Idea Creation
consultancy
offering
sustainable
socially
responsible
applications
such
as
Hands-­‐
SMARTvt.org
–
SMART
Holdings
USA
on
Engineering,
Accounting,
Finance,
Marketing,
New
Product
Development,
John
Mayer,
Mark
Renkert,
Michael
Kipp,
Michael
Hussey,
Gabrielle
Meunier
Research,
Medical
Devices
and
Technology,
Pharmaceuticals,
Telephony,
E-­‐
drive
SMART
Holdings
USA
economic
Development
Engine
Creating
US
enterprise,
IT
/
IS
implementation
-­‐
service,
Merger
&
Acquisition,
LBO,
Business
Companies
and
Jobs
.
SMARTvt
created
a
task
force
that
provides
resources,
Valuation,
Forensic
Accounting,
SEC
Compliance,
education,
training,
financing
solutions
to
business
startups
for
approved
plans.
Petrochemical
Extraction,
Defense
Systems,
and
About
SMARTvt.org.
Vermont's
largest
solution
provider
featuring
teams
of
global
manufacturing
enterprises.
subject-­‐matter
experts
with
one
voice
as
one
firm;
SMARTvt.org,
a
global

2. SMART Holdings USA Issue # 5, Winter, December, 2012
SMARTvt’s Suzanne Johnson recently joined the American Red Cross Disaster Services
Division as their Development Officer. Johnson is dedicating this next portion of her
career to securing resources to help the thousands of Vermonters in need each year.
On a recently snowy afternoon, the alarm bells rang and Johnson’s unit was called to a
very large fire in Grand Isle Vermont. Upon arrival fire fighters from
around the region were waging a war against time with a four alarm blaze.
The residents were safe but the family dog was killed in the blaze and
Johnson and the ARC team was there to provide comfort, clothing, shelter,
food, and resources to help this Vermont family get back on track.
Johnson will function as a Development Officer soliciting Vermonters and reminding
them that supporting the ARC means they are supporting a neighbor, family, a business
and a community.
Johnson who is the previous owner of Tilley’s Restaurant in Burlington said she always
knew she would one day serve Vermonters in need and she met her calling in joining the
American Red Cross. American Red Cross
The ARC Disaster Services Division responds to approximately 70,000 disasters in the Director of Development
United States every year, ranging from home fires that affect a single family to hurricanes Suzanne Johnson
that affect tens of thousands, to earthquakes that impact millions.
In these events, the Red Cross provides shelter, food, health and mental health services to
help families and entire communities get back on their feet. Vermont’s Most Powerful
Although the Red Cross is not a government agency, it is an essential part of the response
Crisis Resource for Saving
when disaster strikes. We work in partnership with other agencies and organizations that Lives, Properties, and
provide services to disaster victims.
Restoring Normalcy After
The ARC in Vermont was a major force supporting the recovery of Hurricane Irene which a Tragedy.
damaged thousands of miles of roads and nearly 500 bridges.
Multisorb and SMARTvt’s Mike Hussey
Former US Marine Captain Michael Hussey joined
Buffalo-based Multisorp, a moisture management
technology innovator.
Hussey completed their Management Training
Intensive and now is a front line Supervisor saying
that his time as a US Marine Officer has certainly paid off.
He also credits his successful onboarding with the unique transition
services provided by SMARTvt’s Veterans Services Unit.
Hussey is enjoying Buffalo, NY. He has a five minute commute to work
and is able to enjoy the many outdoor adventure sports and especially
cycling.
Hussey is also on-track to complete his MBA / Finance
Program at Norwich University near the top of his class.
About Multisorb Technologies
Multisorb Technologies has been an innovator in sorbent technology for
over 50 years. Founded in 1961 by John S. Cullen to meet the needs for
electronics markets in protecting against the damaging effects of
moisture.
The World Leader in Active Packaging Technology™ Active packaging
technology is designed to provide superior protection against moisture,
odor, oxygen, and other gases.
A Technology Innovator
2

3. SMART Holdings USA Issue # 5, Winter, December, 2012
SMARTvt Launches New Island Business, by Mark Renkert, Mcsl
Pomerleau Real Estate. Oversight was provided by SMARTvt
Vermont’s the origin of some amazing entrepreneurs. These are leader, Michael J. Kipp, CPA.
business professionals that propagate the values espoused in the
Vermont seal of quality.
Early last fall entrepreneur and former Woodstock Cookie Company
owner, Robin Halik approached the Enterprise Creation division of
SMART Holdings USA and seeking counsel on solidifying and
launching a business she envisioned providing a universal property
care solution for absentee land owners living on weather-damage
prone Nantucket Island.
Halik first envisioned Oceanside Caretaking in the early 90’s while
visiting the family’s vacation property on the Island.
Vermont’s the origin of some amazing entrepreneurs. These are
business professionals that propagate the values espoused in the
Vermont seal of quality. SMARTvt Chair, Mark Renkert, used island contacts to reach
into the Small Business Administration and Cape Cod Five
Early last fall entrepreneur and former Woodstock Cookie Company Cent Bank so that Halik could obtain need financing.
owner, Robin Halik approached the Enterprise Creation division of
SMART Holdings USA and seeking counsel on solidifying and Bench Members, Mark Renkert, Chair, and Gabrielle Meunier,
launching a business she envisioned providing a universal property CFO directly telephoned the island chamber of commerce and
care solution for absentee land owners living on weather-damage got a solid lead for an eager lender.
prone Nantucket Island.
Early last fall entrepreneur and former Woodstock Cookie Company
owner, Robin Halik approached the Enterprise Creation division of
SMART Holdings USA and seeking counsel on solidifying and
launching a new business Halik
CFO Gabrielle Meunier – Investment Banker / Treasury Liason for
SMARTvt Mergers / Acquisitions
envisioned providing a universal property care solution for absentee “We knew the project was viable,” says Renkert, adding,
land owners living on weather-damage prone Nantucket Island. “Kipp’s mentorship of the team was seamless and Meunier as
magnificent working out the Financial Models, Cash Flow
Halik first envisioned Oceanside Caretaking in the early 90’s while Forecast, and financier interface.”
visiting the family’s vacation property on the Island.
Kipp said that the acquisitions alone netted predictable cash
Halik first envisioned Oceanside Caretaking in the early 90’s while flow and economy of scale market prominence.
visiting the family’s vacation property on the Island.
Halik said there were moments when things grew complex and
She later adopted a few small landowner accounts and the business she was happy to have the negotiation power of SMARTvt.
grew.
“Gabrielle’s expertise is incredible,” said Halik, adding, “she
She developed main categories of business from needs of Absentee
power-negotiated the channels of the Small Administration
Property Owners: Caretaking, Cleaning, Maintenance, Security,
with finesse. I could not have done it without her.”
Concierge, Landscaping, Administration. Through acquisition Halik
adds Historic Renovation, Earthmoving, Construction and extends her
“She provided a depth and range of Investment Banker level
reach into Commericial Work. The name of the finished product is strategic advice that was key to this project’s success,” said
called Nantucket Property Works and features a four season Halik reflecting on the process.
employment for staff and expected to generate at least 50 jobs.
Driving the business model was Halik’s knowing Nantucket
The business plan was first started with Halik and SMARTvt’s John
History and safe property worries Islanders and Off-Islanders.
Mayer and the Financial Modeling, Permitting and Financing plan was
developed and launched by Gabrielle Meunire, formerly the CFO for
3

4. SMART Holdings USA Issue # 5, Winter, December, 2012
Nantucket’s many storms have a knack for making property
owners apprehensive. The lesson was hard learned by many
landowners in December 2010. The island received a icing of wet snow at the start of the storm on
Sunday, but turned to icing rain and black-ice overnight, as high
winds swept over Nantucket, bringing down tree limbs and cutting
power to various areas of the island. Huge waves pounded the
shoreline causing severe damage and total destruction to some island
properties.
As of Monday afternoon, heavy winds continued to pound Nantucket,
setting off security alarms across the island, with snow blowing
sideways. A coastal flood advisory alert from the National Weather
Service sent islanders inland and to high ground. Winds of 60 mph
were knocking down trees and tearing off roofs and sand-blasting sident
A high-powered winter storm blasted Nantucket Sunday and and started the major property damage and potential loss of life.
Monday with snow and gale-force winds canceling boat and
plane service, knocking out power to parts of the island and All boat services on both the Steamship Authority and Hy-Line
beaching the former ocean-going fishing vessel Miss China on Cruises were canceled Monday, except for the 6 a.m. SSA freight
Brant Point. boat, which ferried a number of empty cars to Nantucket. Planes
were flying to and from Nantucket sporadically throughout the day,
with the frequency of flights increasing as darkness fell on a near
lightless very dark night.
In addition to the foundering of the Miss China, a large yahct
beached on Francis Street beach, another larger salvage vessel was
sunk near Children's Beach, and several other boats were dashed to
bits, according to harbormaster Dave Fronzuto.
Easy Street was closed with barricades Monday morning, and the
Dreamland Theater lot looked like a massive swimming pool, as the
“We knew something big was coming when all the sea birds hole for the foundation of the building was completely flooded.
enmasse flew inland the day after Christmas,” said Sea Captain
Blair Perkins who knew he had better prepare his ship for the Sustained winds were in the 30-40 mph range overnight and into
worst. Monday afternoon, gusting to damagingly upwards. At the peak of
the storm Sunday night, National Grid reported power was out for
about 80% of customers on the island.
The near-derelict fishing vessel Miss China, owned and lived on by
islander Joe Dooley and unable to move under its own power from
its mooring in Nantucket Harbor, broke loose during the storm
Sunday night and washed ashore on Brant Point. The Coast Guard
stated Monday that the boat was aground on soft sand, and was
anchored to the rocks and the foundation of the lighthouse.
4

5. SMART Holdings USA Issue # 5, Winter, December, 2012
US Army Chemical Officer, Captain Alex Goetz graduates
SMARTvt’s Veteran’s Transition Course and joins an IT / IS
Training Program sponsored by Brian Curtis, and Dominion
Technologies. Curtis is providing Help Desk Technical Training
for Goetz after his SMARTvt
Going down with the ship, stoically Dooley and his dogs refused to
leave the Miss China Sunday, and remained on the boat as of
Monday morning as a large crowd gathered to view the spectacle.
Dooley stubbornly refused several offers of assistance from the
Marine Department and Coast Guard, according to Fronzuto and
Coast Guard Station Brant Point senior chief T.J. Malvesti. Captain transition team discovered that Biology Jobs paying what he
Dooley and his dogs were eventually relieved and there was no loss earned as an Army Officer were nearly impossible to find.
of life.
Goetz discovered he had a natural affinity toward IT and is
During the storm some aircraft left Hyannis Monday morning, air quickly working toward certifications where he’ll likely find
traffic was suspended around 9:30 a.m and hundreds were stranded. good wages.
Dominion Tech is a leader in the Managed Services IT Field and
At the end of this storm, the weather broke and the port opened again is a proud supporter of returning veterans.
and with that opening began the reparations of which Halik
participated. “Life always returns to normal for Islanders,” Halik Goetz is also working toward his MBA from
says, they are tough and resilient like Vermonters proud of the Norwich University. He is also a Cross Fit
heritage and accustomed to perils of the deep dark sea. Instructor and competes in Cross Fit Programs.
“We’re ready for anything now,” says Halik deep in thought. DominionTech was founded in 2001 to provide IT services
“Now,” she says, “ We could tow the Ms. China to a new mooring if targeting clients with mixed network environments to VT area
it were to happen again.” businesses. The company provided seamless integration with
Mac and PC users and focused on increased efficiency using
technology as the back bone.
“The island homes and properties are fragile and Mother Nature can
be a mean Master. Our clients love their properties and Nantucket
In 2004 the demand for managed IT services boomed and
Property Works will be there with them especially when the chips are DominionTech opened it’s first repair depot.
down,” said Halik with a smile.
The location focused on fast service and boasted service
authorizations for Apple, Lenovo and many others.
In 2006 DominionTech upgraded their facility which gave them
Nantucket Property Works the capacity to increase the IT team.
We are there when you can’t be
5