Three Minutes Across the Counter with Nancy Verdi

“Three Minutes Across the Counter” is a new feature on Patch in which we chat with local business owners. If you would like to be featured, email adina@patch.com with the name of your business.

Today we chat with Nancy Verdi, the owner of Port Washington-based Hummingbird Web Design, a web marketing business.

Patch: How did you get your first start in business?

Nancy Verdi: It happened after I stopped doing what I didn’t love doing. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from SUNY New Paltz, abandoned the notion that I’d make it as an artist and put my creativity towards doing something more practical. I worked for a busy travel agency designing brochures and rack cards. As enjoyable as this was, I really wanted to break into web design so I enrolled at Hofstra University, [and] saw the possibilities of a business and began networking. It wasn’t hard to land that first job because of an eagerness and willingness to provide my services at a very low price. It wasn’t about the money, it was about building relationships. Soon after, I launched Hummingbird Web Design, LLC based on the very thing that got me started, building relationships and offering great web design at affordable prices for small businesses.

Patch: How did your parents influence you as a business owner?

Nancy Verdi: My father was a corporate man for many years and my mother, a stay at home mom. When I was in high school my father was laid off due to company turnover. Living in Dix Hills, a beautiful neighborhood out east, things changed drastically for us. My parents were forced to think outside the box to avoid packing up and moving. They opened a small retail business in Huntington Village. I watched both my parents take a risk and venture out to support four kids. They weathered the storms of self-employment and could proudly say they built something from nothing. I witnessed first-hand their passion and dedication to succeed. I believe it was their hard work and courage that influences me to be the business owner that I am.

Patch: How long have you lived here?

Nancy Verdi: In 1991 my husband and I left a studio apartment in the city where we both worked to move here in Port. We’ve both enjoyed 23 years in this beautiful North Shore community. Our two kids are now in college and beg us not to ever move. You just can’t beat this town and its surrounding communities. It’s a great place for me to provide my services to local small businesses.

Patch: What’s your favorite thing about living here?

Nancy Verdi: I love the small town feel of Port Washington and the beauty of the bay. I also love the big time amenities. Port has great restaurants, shopping, services and parks. This town is loaded with conveniences and let’s not forget, a great school district. I love the fact that in several places you can catch a glimpse of the NYC skyline reminding us all that the greatest city in the world is a quick ride on the LIRR. Of course, no thriving town is complete without its people and Port has very dedicated and generous groups committed to ensuring that this town continues to be a great place to live.

Patch: What’s a business mistake you’ve made that later you were glad you did?

Nancy Verdi: My first client had an extremely tight budget for his new website build. I was so eager to get a signed contract that I priced the job too low. I was stuck trying to produce a quality product on such a tight budget. This forced me to adopt a way of working using the latest content management systems such as Wordpress. I also formed a team of people who all were willing to work for less to accommodate what has become my niche market, small businesses on a tight budget.

Patch: Tell us something about yourself that most of your neighbors don’t know.

Nancy Verdi: I wish I could buy half of our block. It’s not that I don’t like being near my neighbors; they’re all great and considerate people. I just love lots of land and trees, space to stretch out and grow some vegetables and let our three dogs roam. Often aromas from my Italian kitchen permeate the street and I feel a bit guilty not feeding everyone especially when I hear comments like “wow that smells good - what is it you’re cooking?”

Patch: What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Nancy Verdi: My parents always told me to find my passion and follow my dreams. We’ve all heard similar statements coming from successful people. It’s just not magic. If you stick with something you really believe in and it’s true to your heart, then it’s real. You’re going to be successful. My dad also told me to surround myself with good people. Don’t try to do it alone. I have a dedicated talented and supportive team working with me.

Patch: What advice would you give to a small business owner just starting out?

Nancy Verdi: Be patient, take it slow and have a plan. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Another philosophy I like to live by is, First do no harm. This is a guiding principle for medical physicians that states whatever the treatment or procedure is, the patient’s well-being is the first consideration. It’s a code of ethics and I think this code should hold true for every business. Do the right thing for others and you’ll be doing good for yourself.

Patch: What do you look for when you hire?

Nancy Verdi: I look for people who believe in my company’s mission and share my passion. They have a high level of excellence and are technically very skilled. In addition, I’m looking to work with people who love what they do. This goes back to my parent’s advice, be passionate about your craft. In addition, a sense of humor is a great quality. I believe that laughter is healthy and it can level the playing field for a moment and take you away from the seriousness of life.