Bringing People Together
MARCH ISSUE - THE PERFORMERS, A SPECIAL YEAR FOR THE MANSOURS
I can't think of a better way to connect a community than by featuring the community members and the business owners who want to interact with them in the same space.
If you're a resident, we showcase YOUR stories, every month. You are the stars of the show. A different family or group of residents is featured each month as we honor achievement.
If you're a business owner, you won't find a better way to connect with a micro-targeted community of people who benefit from your services every day.
I'm committed and will be your connector. It's what I do. Let's do it together.
subscribe to westwood living
Free to Westwood residents
Click the button below and include your full name and mailing address
From out of town?
Subscribe to Westwood Living and have our hometown magazine shipped directly to your mailbox. Each issue costs $2.00 and the subscription is billed annually for $24.
Click the button below to get started.
Rick Bern - Rick Bern Photography
I'm thrilled to have Westwood resident Rick Bern on board as the Cover and Feature Photographer for Westwood Living. An accomplished and successful photographer, Rick's artistic vision will help shape the look and feel of our monthly publication.
Rick has spent 15 years as one of New England's top executive headshot and family portrait photographers, whose CEO client list includes some the world's largest and most influential companies.
Rick and his wife, Jaimie, have lived in Westwood for the past eight years, with their two sons, Zack and Ari.
Learn More about Rick and enjoy a short sample of his work below.
Conlin Health Care
Casa Loca Mexican Cantina
Mass Elite Football
At Conlin Health Care you'll find a committed and compassionate staff providing the highest quality care in homes, nursing homes, assisted living and other medical facilities.
Mary Carlin, Betty Connors-Gay and Catherine Dunne blend compassion, expertise and service as they make an enduring commitment to best-in-class senior and recuperative home care, partnering the right professional caregiver with every senior they serve.
Mass Elite Football
Casa Loca Mexican Cantina
Mass Elite Football
Mass Elite Football has been providing high quality football skills development for over 12 years. We are always studying the game to be able to teach the safest and most effective techniques that will give our players an advantage over the competition! Our player alumni have gone on and played at top private prep school and at the next level in D1, D2 and D3 programs like, UCLA, MICHIGAN, NORTHWESTERN, BOSTON COLLEGE, PENN STATE, HARVARD, YALE, VILLANOVA, WESLEYAN, TRINITY, BENTLEY AND MANY OTHER TOP QUALITY INSTITUTIONS.
Casa Loca Mexican Cantina
Casa Loca Mexican Cantina
Casa Loca Mexican Cantina
If you haven't been to Casa Loca at 174 University Avenue, it's time to check it out. If you have, I'm sure you're already thinking about the next time you can go to enjoy some truly delicious Mexican dishes and the drinks that accompany them.
Casa Loca hosted the Westwood Living Fall Social in October, 2022 and will be a regular site for Westwood Living gatherings, so stay tuned as we do more and more to bring our community together - with a taste of Mexico! LEARN MORE
Folsom Funeral Service
Eldamaa Accounting & Tax
Casa Loca Mexican Cantina
The Folsoms are experts in the funeral service business and I'm pleased to welcome them as Expert Contrbutors. The family, now led by Bob and Brian, has been serving Metrowest residents for more than 120 years. Started in 1905, the business expanded to Westwood and Dedham in 1959 and the Folsoms have been at their location on High Street ever since.
Eldamaa Accounting & Tax
Eldamaa Accounting & Tax
Eldamaa Accounting & Tax
Maya Eldamaa is the owner and operator of Eldamaa Accounting & Tax. Maya's firm offers a wide range of services to her individual and business clients. Being a relatively small firm, Eldamaa offers clients personalized quality service. LEARN MORE
John Bean Roofing
Kristen Dooher - Westwood IV Therapy
Tiffany O'Connell - O'Connell Law
John Bean Roofing is a company dedicated to community. Since 1982, the Bean family has built a stellar reputation because they are focused on doing quality work and partnering with you to add beauty and increased value to your home. Tom and John Bean, along with Mike Sudbey, want to make sure you have a state-of-the-art roofing system that can withstand even the most inclement weather conditions. LEARN MORE
Tiffany O'Connell - O'Connell Law
Kristen Dooher - Westwood IV Therapy
Tiffany O'Connell - O'Connell Law
Tiff O'Connell opened O'Connell Law in 2010 and believes that estate planning and elder law planning is not just about providing comprehensive and thorough legal documents, but also about getting to know clients on a personal level, working closely with them to understand their concerns and goals, and taking the time to explain options in clear, easy to comprehend language. LEARN MORE
Kristen Dooher - Westwood IV Therapy
Kristen Dooher - Westwood IV Therapy
Westwood Eyecare and Optical - Dr. Cory Lavallee
Kristen Dooher is a Westwood resident, a registered nurse and the founder and owner of Westwood IV Therapy and is a part of Westwood Living's panel of Expert Contributors. Kristen and her team come to you to administer IV therapy - treatments you can use to reboot, recover, boost your immunity and so much more. LEARN MORE
Westwood Eyecare and Optical - Dr. Cory Lavallee
Westwood Eyecare and Optical - Dr. Cory Lavallee
Westwood Eyecare and Optical - Dr. Cory Lavallee
Dr. Cory Lavallee from Westwood Eyecare and Optical joins us an Expert Contributor. Dr. Lavallee and his team work with patients of all ages utilizing cutting edge technology, committed to their mission, "Your Vision. Our Focus." LEARN MORE
Islington Center- Supreme Development
Westwood Eyecare and Optical - Dr. Cory Lavallee
Islington Center- Supreme Development
Islington Center undergoing a renaissance, with restaurants, gyms, condos and more opening their doors for business and welcoming new residents to this revitalized area of Westwood. LEARN MORE
Tania Rooney - Coldwell Banker
Westwood Eyecare and Optical - Dr. Cory Lavallee
Islington Center- Supreme Development
Tania is an active member of the Westwood community, volunteering her time with many organizations. Her interest in real estate is based on integrity and providing quality service. LEARN MORE
Boston Sports & Shoulder Center
Lauren Watson - Watson College Consulting
Lauren Watson - Watson College Consulting
The team at the Boston Sports & Shoulder Center joins Westwood Living as the Expert Contributors in Orthopedics. BSSC is the premier Boston-area orthopedic practice with convenient access in Dedham, Waltham & Boston. The goal of the BSSC team is to get you back to doing what you enjoy. LEARN MORE
Lauren Watson - Watson College Consulting
Lauren Watson - Watson College Consulting
Lauren Watson - Watson College Consulting
Lauren Watson is a Westwood resident and has served close to 700 families as they navigated the process of college admission. Watson College Consultinghelps students through every step of the process and she helps them protect their family dynamic. LEARN MORE
Neroli Mercato and Ristorante
Lauren Watson - Watson College Consulting
Neroli Mercato and Ristorante
Neroli Mercato and Ristorante will revolutionize dining as we know it in Islington. Owned and operated by Westwood resident Mike DiSarro, Neroli Mercato, an authentic Italian market, opened in September. Neroli Ristorante will open right next door on Washington Street before the end of 2022. LEARN MORE
Dream Spa Medical
Neponset River Chamber of Commerce
Neroli Mercato and Ristorante
Diana Broulliard, a Westwood resident, and Leah Mofford are the owners and operators of Dream Spa Medical, a high-end, full-service medical spa, with locations in Canton and Brookline, committed to offering state-of-the-art treatments that create empowering outcomes, in a welcoming and vibrant environment. LEARN MORE
Neponset River Chamber of Commerce
Neponset River Chamber of Commerce
Neponset River Chamber of Commerce
There are few ways to get more connected with the business community in our region than by joining the Neponset River Regional Chamer of Commerce. The Chamber hosts regular networking and educational events and frequently reaches out to support local initiatives. Started more than 125 years ago, the Chamber continues to connect the community. LEARN MORE
The Tinsley Team - Michael Tinsley
Neponset River Chamber of Commerce
Neponset River Chamber of Commerce
We're so happy to welcome Westwood resident Mike Tinsley and the Tinsley Team aboard as presenters of each month's Standout Student of the Month in Westwood Living. Follow what the Tinsley Team is building locally by visiting their website www.liveinwestwood.com
Deborah A. Bondzie, Esq.
Theresa David - Gibson Sotheby's Int. Realty
Theresa David - Gibson Sotheby's Int. Realty
Deborah is our Expert Contributor in the field of Legal Services - Real Estate. She is increasingly known throughout Massachusetts for effectively handling real estate transactions of all kinds. LEARN MORE
Theresa David - Gibson Sotheby's Int. Realty
Theresa David - Gibson Sotheby's Int. Realty
Theresa David - Gibson Sotheby's Int. Realty
Theresa, a Westwood resident, will bring her unique perspective as our Real Estate Expert Contributor. Since moving to Westwood in 2008, she has been a consistent top producer, earning President's Circle Awards. LEARN MORE
Ariel Dangelo - Commonwealth Financial
Theresa David - Gibson Sotheby's Int. Realty
Ariel Dangelo - Commonwealth Financial
Ariel Dangelo is our Expert Contributor in the field of Financial Planning. Her incredible life experiences have made her a well-rounded planner & counselor at Commonwealth Financial Group. LEARN MORE
Sassy - A Unique Boutique
Brian Clinton - Donahue Real Estate
Ariel Dangelo - Commonwealth Financial
Sassy is truly a unique boutique and I love shopping there for all of the women in my life! The team at Sassy, dresses Real Women in chic and on-trend clothing that showcases their style in everyday life. LEARN MORE
Kristen Bender Daaboul Raha Home
Brian Clinton - Donahue Real Estate
Brian Clinton - Donahue Real Estate
Kristen Bender Daaboul is the owner of Raha Home and Kadeema Rentals, located in Walpole. From a furniture proposal to a full-scale renovation product, Kristen can take care of you. LEARN MORE
Brian Clinton - Donahue Real Estate
Brian Clinton - Donahue Real Estate
Brian Clinton - Donahue Real Estate
Brian Clinton is a Westwood resident and licensed real estate agent working out of the office of Donahue Real Estate. Brian will be honored to put his real estate experience to work for you. LEARN MORE
Gillian MacDonald - Premier Health Care
Gillian MacDonald - Premier Health Care
Gillian MacDonald - Premier Health Care
I'm excited to welcome Gillian MacDonald to our panel of Expert Contributors. Gillian is the founder and Director of Premier Health Care in Needham. Since 2006, Premier Health Care has provided expert home care in the Greater Boston area after an injury, operation, or diagnosis LEARN MORE
Islington Pizza
Gillian MacDonald - Premier Health Care
Gillian MacDonald - Premier Health Care
For 19 years, Islington Pizza has been a staple in Westwood, offering some of the best food, from pizza to clubs to salads and full entrees. Located on Washington Street across from the Islington Fire Station, you're bound to run into someone you know when you visit Islington Pizza. LEARN MORE
David White - GEICO, Needham
Gillian MacDonald - Premier Health Care
David White - GEICO, Needham
David White owns and operates the GEICO Insurance office located in Needham. Dave and his team are able to service many insurance needs, including auto, home, life and renters insurance. LEARN MORE
Your CBD Store - Needham
Orangetheory Fitness - Islington
Your CBD Store - Needham
Your CBD Store - Needham is located at 1096 Great Plain Avenue in Needham. Anna Schickel, the owner, started her journey with CBD after experiencing back pain and muscle spasms following a car accident. The CBD products she has used, all of which she sells in her shop, have changed her life. LEARN MORE
J&L Energy
Orangetheory Fitness - Islington
Your CBD Store - Needham
J&L Energy is based in Canton and provides energy audits of your home, with 80-100% covered by your utility company. Reach out directly to J&L Energy to schedule an appointment by calling 781-428-3388. LEARN MORE
Orangetheory Fitness - Islington
Orangetheory Fitness - Islington
Orangetheory Fitness - Islington
Orangetheory Fitness has come to Westwood and is an exciting addition to the new development in Islington. Orangetheory is a heart-rate based HIIT total-body group workout that combines science, coaching & technology to guarantee maximum results from the inside out.
Westwood Family Chiropractic
Westwood Family Chiropractic
Westwood Family Chiropractic
Dr. Peter Kevorkian and his wife, Dr. Patti Giuliano have been treating patients in Westwood for 40 years. They are our Chiropractic Expert Contributors. LEARN MORE
Wegmans
Westwood Family Chiropractic
Westwood Family Chiropractic
I'm excited to welcome Wegmans as the presenting sponsor of our monthly cover story in Westwood Living. Family is important to Wegmans and family is the lifeblood of what makes our publication successful. LEARN MORE
Field Martial Arts
Westwood Family Chiropractic
Ian Brown Land Design
Derek Field joins us as our Expert Contributor in the field of Martial Arts and Self Defense. He's ready to share with you some tips on staying safe and staying in shape. LEARN MORE
Ian Brown Land Design
Ian Brown Land Design
Ian Brown Land Design
If you're looking to upgrade the look of your property, a call to Ian Brown Land Design is a wise move. They're a boutique-sized company with big ideas on how to improve your property. LEARN MORE
Woodland Road Design
Ian Brown Land Design
Woodland Road Design
Erin Hayes and Maureen Grealish, both Westwood residents, have been killing it with their interior design work since the company started in 2016. They know what it takes to make your home look beautiful. LEARN MORE
ARCH Orthodontics
Ian Brown Land Design
Woodland Road Design
Dr. Drew Chase, DMD, MSD joins us as our Expert Contributor in the field of Orthodontics. For Dr. Chase, a Westwood resident, Orthodontics is a family affair. LEARN MORE
Jeffrey Campbell - Lincoln Investment
Jeffrey Campbell - Lincoln Investment
Jeffrey Campbell - Lincoln Investment
Jeff, a Westwood resident, is an expert in financial planning, retirement planning, risk and insurance assessment and more.
The Women's Empowerment Scholarship
Jeffrey Campbell - Lincoln Investment
Jeffrey Campbell - Lincoln Investment
Founded in 2018 by Bailey Medeiros, The Women's Empowerment Scholarship has awarded more than $50,000 to women pursuing careers in fields typically dominated by men. LEARN MORE
Westwood Community Chest
Jeffrey Campbell - Lincoln Investment
Westwood Community Chest
Westwood Community Chest is a community-based, non-profit organization that works to improve the well-being and quality of life of the residents of Westwood, LEARN MORE
Bubbling Brook
Kevin Kielt - Merrill Lynch
Kevin Kielt - Merrill Lynch
Bubbling Brook is a signature establishment in Westwood, no surprise voted one of the Top Ten ice cream shops in New England.
Kevin Kielt - Merrill Lynch
Kevin Kielt - Merrill Lynch
Kevin Kielt - Merrill Lynch
Kevin Kielt is a founding partner of the Kielt Ullo Group and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, a designation awarded by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. LEARN MORE
iLoveDental Care
Kevin Kielt - Merrill Lynch
iLoveDental Care
Dr. Yali Lou joins us as our Expert Contributor in the field of Dentistry. Dr. Lou opened the ILove Dental Care practice in Westwood in 2021, bringing years of experience and expertise to the community. LEARN MORE
HOW DO I DIFFERENTIATE MYSELF IN 2023?
Branding is the Proven Path to Success
"Media and Tech companies are tightening belts."
"People don't watch traditional TV anymore."
"Where Is The Path to Differentiation?"
Yes, I heard or read all of three of those statements in the last 24 hours, so let me share with you some insight on what you should be doing to set yourself apart.
Engage locally, with a true vision and commitment to bolster your brand through consistent and persistent presence in arenas your target audience appreciates. Sponsor a team. Support a local event. Invest in a local endeavor that makes a difference in the community.
Take ownership of something that says more than "Buy from me." People want to hear, "I care about you. I'm invested in this community." Invariably and historically, this approach wins brand loyalty and triggers action, which is why thousands of companies around North America are committing millions of dollars to support local publications that spotlight residents and connect business owners directly to the community in a personal way.
It's really simple. Trust the proven process. There's a reason 2022 saw a 10.2% increase in "traditional" advertising spending.
Digital is an important component. You have to be present digitally, but find a partner who can deliver a robust, multi-platform solution specifically customized to your needs and focused on your long-term growth.
As digital agencies swallow your hard-earned dollars trying to decipher algorithms in a raucous sea of change, remember what got the most popular companies to their highest level of success - BRANDING.
1) Identify a target audience
2) Invest in something of value and importance to that audience
3) Consistently and Persistently position your brand within or around that valuable commodity.
4) Understand branding success is a process that takes commitment. You don't dip your toes in the branding pool fixated on "What's my ROI?" Use coupons for that.
5) Pick partners committed to your growth who are willing to be creative in ways you've never tried before while building your brand. Who do you WANT to work with? Good relationships make your day better.
6) Comprehend more than 50% of people do not provide a true answer when you ask them, "How did you hear about us?" For instance.... two people are together. One sees a print ad and says "Oh, this is my barber, you should try him out." Person 2 goes to the barber. "How did you hear about us?" "My friend told me." Uh... not really.
Thank you to the wonderful companies who joined the Westwood Living Business Network in 2022. I love working with people who will put trust in the process, truly partner and grow together. If that's you, let's do it in 2023. I guarantee we'll have some fun.
Let's Partner and Grow
Joining the Westwood Living Business Network immediately connects you with almost 40 local business owners who are looking to grow and partner with like-minded individuals. You're building your business before a single magazine goes in the mailbox and before a single digital impression is delivered online, on Facebook and on Instagram. Let's grow together.