Weatogue Business Spotlight: Academic Insight

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this new, exciting series we’re kicking off at Patch — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Our first business shares their story below.

Business: Academic Insight LLC
Owners: Lisa Frisbie
Website: www.academic-insight.com
Address: 2 Caryn Lane, Weatogue, CT 06089

How did you come up with the name?

I am an independent college counselor - I assist students (and their families) discover, navigate and the entire precollege and college application process (including financial aid). I asked my brothers to assist me with coming up with a company name.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

I meet with students in local establishments (Starbucks, Joe Pizza, Peachberry, the Simsbury Library) so a “home” businesss address is fine.

Simsbury is a wonderful town to start a business. Not only are the demographics “good” for my type of business but there are numerous resources available to small business owners like myself: business related classes/workshops at the Simsbury Library (LinkedIn, Facebook, Excel, etc), wonderful bank support (love my peeps at Bank of America), business networking groups, and a sense of community.

Briefly, what business are you in?

College and financial aid counseling

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Building my client base - a business like mine takes time to build a client base as it is based on word-of-mouth referrals from past clients/families. I have owned a business before and know that it take 3-5 years to “grow” a business, so to speak.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

There was no “second guessing.” If I had to support a family on my income things (cash flow, insurance, etc) would be different, however.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

I am proud of each one of the students with whom I work and have worked - each student is different and brings their own strengths and skills to the process.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

To date, my students and families have not suggested new ideas for me, but I work hard to create new ways to “market” my students to colleges and to provide them with creative tools so they can market themselves.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

To date, all of my students and families have been wonderful - we work as a team.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

I have offered, and will continue to offer, free workshops about various aspects of college admissions and/or financial aid to the public at the Simsbury Library. In addition, I was the college counselor for the boys at the ABC House last year.

Are you a local small business with a story to tell? Send it to us by clicking here.