Shelton Small Business Spotlight: Trapfalls Marketing Group

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:

Trapfalls Marketing Group

Owners:

Paul Scalenghe

Website:

www.trapfallsmarketing.com

Address:

38 Treeland Road

How did you come up with the name?

We wanted to connect with local businesses and the history of the Shelton area. The Trap Falls waterway and area, presents itself as a beautiful and strong presence in the area.

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

Having lived in Shelton for almost 20 years, while solidifying our family roots here, it was a perfect match. The local people as well as the local businesses are incredibly gracious and of a strong community connection.

Briefly, what business are you in?

We offer a unique blend of creative development with a strong marketing focus to help support businesses with their marketing goals and objectives.

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

Our start-up was typically a challenge, but working through the rough spots, made us stronger and able to empathize with other start-up businesses. This is the primary reason that we decided to specialize in helping start-up businesses get off the ground. Our long range goal is to help smaller businesses flourish in the area, and grow with them as a partner.

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

Actually second guessing was never an option. Once you commit to a new business venture, you must have a dedicated focus and strong perseverance set in your goals.

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

As with any new business start-up, just getting your name and printed materials together to help market yourself, is always a proud moment. Then when that first project comes in, you have an exhilarating feeling of, “Wow, we really are getting this thing off the ground and we do have great things to offer our local businesses!” When our first Client came back to us and let us know how much of an impact our work had with their successful marketing initiative, we were ecstatic.

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

The idea of integrating our marketing background with our capabilities of merchandising through packaging and POP, was a big turning point for what we can offer as a creative oriented service.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

Our daily mantra is to always put our client and their brands first and foremost. We recognize that in today’s marketplace, pressure is almost constant for our clients, and to get their product to market with a competitive position, can be overwhelming for them at times. So we understand that they can be very demanding and have expectations that are sometimes difficult. We strive to be the agency that has the “Can-do” attitude. When all is said on done, our clients are able to take a breadth, relax for a moment and know that we are there as a partner for their success.

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

Our most recent involvement with the community was with the Center Stage presentation with the Youth Connection and their successful musical of Peter Pan. We created and executed their playbill, with full advertising and cast member details. Many local businesses supported this show and the community came out in large support. It was a fantastic show with very talented young adults, directed by the Scarpa Family.

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