Shelton Business Spotlight: The Hide Out

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series we’ve kicked 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.

Business: The Hide Out
Owner: Linda Garamella-Fusco
Address: At the Nike Site: 49 Mohegan Rd. Shelton CT

How did you come up with the name?

When we were developing the program, it was important that the name appealed to the school-aged children that we served. I wanted to make sure that the kids didn’t feel as though this was just another “little kid daycare.” I wanted them to feel that this was more of a “big kid” club. So, the name really spoke to the before and after school children.

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

Originally, there was a “latchkey” program which was located at the Shelton High School and run by another daycare provider. There were some problems and the program closed, however the need for this specific service was still there. A group of parents joined to petition the City to find a location and a provider for the same type of before and after school program. The Nike Site was vacant, except for the Boy Scouts once a week meeting. The Nike Site was a natural selection due to the large open indoor space, but mostly for the expansive outdoor recreational space which included tennis courts, basket ball court , fields and playground.

Briefly, what business are you in?

Childcare

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

Most recently, the implementation of full-day kindergarten (FDK) has forced us to look for new ideas to fill the vacancies that we have suffered as a result of FDK. We saw the interest in FDK a few years ago, and knew that it was a matter of time, so we began to build “ Smart Start Learning Center “ our preschool program in a separate area at The Hide Out for 3 and 4 year old children. The challenge is to get the word out that we now offer full and part-time preschool, pre-k 5, summer camp, and vacation day care. The Hide Out is widely known as a before and after school program, so letting the public know that we have expanded services is our current challenge. Along with that goes the challenge of keeping our staff employed. This weighs most heavily in my heart. My employees are my family, so to have to cut hours because of losing the 1/2 day kindergarteners is most stressful.

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

Never! I love a challenge. I have ALWAYS said that if things go too smoothly for too long, you tend to become stagnant. Challenges are what keeps you on your toes and gets your creative juices flowing. To me, that is the most fun of owning your own business. I love the changes and challenges. It always makes us better!

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

There have been many! But generally, I would say that I am most proud of my staff... past and present. Almost all of my previous “counselors” have grown personally and professionally, and have gone on to be GREAT teachers (and some beyond). One person in particular illustrates an example of this.

Paul, (or as the kids knew him, Paully D) was one of my first counselors. He was working while going to school to become an architect. He was well into his education, when he came to me with a dilemma .... he LOVED being with the kids.... he LOVED making a difference in their lives.... he LOVED being able to help kids understand math and science, and actually turn failing grades to A’s!!! His dilemma was, should he throw away his architect education and begin classes to become a teacher. It was very clear that he would make an OUTSTANDING teacher and that he found his passion, so to me it was a no brainer. He is now a principal in a neighboring town elementary school, and recently awarded a “Person of the Year” of that town.

Additionally, I have great pride in my daughter who literally grew up in the business, began as my helper, then a counselor, my director and then went on to be an AMAZING middle school teacher.

Then there is my current Director who came to the Hide Out so young and with no real background in business or childcare, but with a drive and natural ability in both to pursue the education needed to become my right hand woman and the heart and soul of The Hide Out. I’m so proud of Michelle as well. These are only a few examples of the many, many outstanding teachers, business owners, and directors that began at The Hide Out.

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

This is a hard one to answer because the parent/staff team effort is just how we roll at The Hide Out! So ideas and suggestions are frequently being implemented, however our CIT program would best illustrate how great ideas get developed. Several years ago, a parent was not comfortable letting her 14 year old stay home alone and asked if her 8th grader could attend summer camp. Since our after school program serves children K thru grade 7, she was too old to be a summer camper. The parent then asked if her daughter might be a “helper” in the kindergarten group....and there began our CIT (counselor in training) program. We took this as a life learning opportunity for 14/15 year olds. The child must submit an application and resume followed by an interview, and then participates in first aide training and staff training sessions. Many of these CITs have then become employees.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

OUR difficult customers are different from a typical dissatisfied customer who doesn’t like their meal, or who finds a product not up to their expectations.... OUR customers are parents! When our customers are “difficult”, it is only because they want the very best for their child. Those parents I wouldn’t describe as difficult, more-so just wanting and needing to be totally involved and informed. We need these parents to make us better, so our way of interacting with these parents is to listen and to engage them in order to jointly agree on practices.

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

Aside from the typical financial contributions to health, educational, or sporting organizations, we like to get the children involved in local drives and charities such as Wounded Warrior, Give2TheTroops, or The Friends of The Shelton Animal Shelter...But we are strongly motivated to directly support our families in need. The Hide Out / Smart Start families have suffered several tragedies in recent years…and we have shared in the pain and joined openly and generously with love and support. It is important for us to demonstrate to our children that giving is best when it’s from individuals rather than through hand out government programs. Charity is what should define us as a nation, and it is best at a personal level.

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