Entrepreneur of the Year

Such an honor to accept this year’s Harold Webster Smith award for Entrepreneur of the Year from the Greater Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce. Great time at Aria for a tasty and fancy breakfast buffet to also celebrate the Small Business of the Year, Prospect Memorial Funeral Home, and Manufacturer of the Year, UniMetal Surface Refinishing.

When I was preparing my short acceptance speech, I made a conscious effort not to tell the story of how my Dad taught me almost everything I needed to know to run a small business. Anyone who knows me and the Sweet Maria story must be super tired of hearing the stories about his barber shop on West Main Street ( it was his father’s since 1923) . I saw first hand how his dedication to his customers never wavered. He taught me all the basics and then some, all with the wit and foresight to know when to step in with his opinion. Of course, I always asked his advice. I may or may not have always followed it.

Most times, people don’t want to hear the same story of your perfect relationship with your no-longer-with-us father. So many people in Waterbury don’t remember him. I was going to make this short speech about entrepreneurship about teamwork.

Then, Jim Smith took to the podium. He began telling sweet, intimate stories about his Dad. After all, the awards are the Harold Webster Smith Awards. Named for his Dad, who at 24, started First Federal Savings ( later Webster Bank) in his living room. I was surprised how emotional it made me! How could I not mention my own Dad who had been so instrumental in my success.

So of course, I started with a huge shout out to my Dad, Carmen Bruscino. He was simply the best.

Here’s the rest of acceptance speech:

Good morning thanks for getting up so early, almost like bakery hours . and thank you to the Waterbury Chamber for this honor.

Entrepreneurship and small business ownership is truly  an amazing and challenging experience.

I remember several years ago at the Business Women’s forum I had the chance to chat with Barbara Corcoran. After I told her about the bakery she commented that “ people that choose to have their own business are crazy 

but people in the food/hospitality business are a different kind of crazy”. 

Maybe it’s the long hot days in the kitchen and the constant struggle  to continue to create a quality product.

I am happy to recognize that this kind of crazy can’t be accomplished alone.

I need to thank every friend and family member that is always there to support and uplift 

they answer every desperate text and call at all hours of the day when  i ask for help

whether it’s to sugar mocha balls, decipher PPP paperwork, or for me to simply vent.

To every staff member that tirelessly works alongside me daily, with a smile, and fresh perspective.

To every supplier that again, answers my call after hours to schlep 10x 10 x 5 boxes, 60 dozen eggs or 200 pounds of sugar into their personal vehicle to help make the Sweet Maria weekend work.

And last but never least, my hometown community that continues to surprise, support and inspire me.

This is the icing on the cake.

xo, Maria

Me and Carmen at the bakery