Enfield Small Business Spotlight: Patrick Droney, Ambit Energy Consultant

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

Business: Patrick Droney, Independent Ambit Consultant
Owners: Patrick Droney
Website: www.lintayambit.energy526.com
Address: 15 Bobolink Lane, Enfield

How did you come up with the name?

Ambit actually means “circle of influence.” As a direct selling business, we concentrate on what we call “relationship marketing”…friends, family, neighbors specifically. My actual website is named after two of my daughters…Lindsay and Taylor. Clever huh?

Why start a business in this town?

Enfield is my hometown and I’ve lived here for most of my life. I like being in business in my hometown and helping out friends and neighbors.

What business are you in?

We are a third party provider of electric services in Connecticut and 14 other states, including Massachusetts. We also offer solar in four states: MA, NY, NJ and CA. We offer competitive rates against what the incumbent provider offers, sometimes 30% below. There are no hidden costs, no early termination fees and it is 100% guaranteed. We also offer travel rewards and a free mini-vacation just for changing your electric supplier. We also share the opportunity with others to help them develop and build their business.

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

The most difficult thing about network marketing is getting people over the hang up that it is somehow illegal. This model of doing business is taught in many business schools and is becoming more acceptable. Magazines such as Success, Inc and Entrepreneur Magazine have helped alleviate a lot of that. Also the perception created by some less than stellar 3rd party providers who have hurt the whole industry by deceptive practices. Our vision is to be “the finest and most respected retail energy provider in America.” I believe our accolades from the BBB, JD Power and Associates and the Direct Selling Association back that up.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

I was speaking to an elderly woman a little over a year ago, who was referred to me. She was telling me how some months she had to decide between paying her electric bill and other expenses such as food. I found out she was paying nearly triple the rate I could get for her on her electric bill. When I told her how much money she would save, she started to cry and thanked me for helping her out. That was extremely gratifying. I also saved my mom and my in-laws over half on what they were paying.

How does your business give back to the community?

Our company recently started a program called Ambit Cares. We will be working at food shelf locations and soup kitchens throughout the country to give back to our communities. Our local business group, which expands out to Sturbridge, MA is collecting non-perishable food items for the Springfield (MA) Open Pantry and will be donating it during the “Mayflower Marathon” sponsored by Rock 102 WAQY in Springfield prior to Thanksgiving.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email tim.jensen@patch.com.