Weston Small Business Spotlight: Gold Coast Connect LLC

WESTON, CT — Our Small Business Spotlight shines a light on local businesses we may not know that well.

• Business: Gold Coast Connect LLC
• Owners: Cari Miller and Randi Lehrman
• Website: goldcoastconnect.com
• Address: 43 Lyons Plains Rd., Weston, CT 06883

How did you come up with the name? Our name, Gold Coast Connect LLC is simple and to the point which is what our vision is for businesses in Fairfield County. We want to help businesses on the "Gold Coast"of Fairfield County connect with other businesses and consumers in a simple, affordable, and productive manner so as to increase their sales, visibility, and likelihood of success.

Why start a business in this town? We believe a need exists for local businesses to cost effectively network and promote their products and services. I was interested in doing this for myself as a portrait and event photographer with a studio in Weston. Focused on expanding my business, I began to think about how to connect with a broader base of people for referrals as well as directly with consumers potentially interested in photography services. Sharing marketing best practices with other business owners was also a goal. I immediately thought of the perfect business partner to join forces with and I reached out to Randi. Randi, who is a practicing malpractice attorney, also has extensive experience in sales and marketing. Having run many promotional events for businesses over the years as well as being the former publisher of a local magazine, she was excited to pursue this opportunity me. And so, Gold Coast Connect LLC was born.

Briefly, what business are you in? There are two aspects to our business currently. We have a Facebook group created for the purpose of online networking, referrals and support for Fairfield County business owners and consumers. This is 100 percent free advertising for business owners who join our group. We also run events that bring the business community and consumers face-to-face to network and showcase their products and services.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner? Learning how to start a business from the ground up and forgiving ourselves when we don't have all the answers.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening? After our kick-off event in May, when people came up to us and thanked us for not only having an amazingly fruitful event from a business standpoint, but a fun and affordable night out. In addition, after our first business expo on July 12th at The Westport Inn, we received a great deal of positive feedback from many of the 250 attendees and exhibitors. The success of the event confirmed that we have identified and are addressing a significant need in the Fairfield County business community.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community? We are involved in the community by focusing on the needs of business owners. We provide a free way to promote their businesses via our almost 4000 person Gold Coast Connect LLC Facebook page as well as the option to pay for an affordable in-person forum for doing so.

Would you like to see your business featured? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.