Family Business Awards Continued from page 9
Tartt’s approach to education focuses on social, emotional, cognitive, physical and language development, and makes nutrition a priority through the centers’ inhouse food services. “My mother came up from Mobile, a young black woman with polio, and realized a dream,” said Mary L. Reed, second-generation owner. “Four generations of our family, and others’ families, have been through the Tartt’s centers, and we thank you so much for this recognition.” VPNE Parking Solutions, LLC VPNE Parking Solutions began when Kevin W. Leary decided he had had enough of the investment banking business, turned down a promotion, and opted to go into the parking business. Two years later, his son, Kevin J. Leary, joined the business as well. This year, VPNE Parking Solutions is the winner of the First Generation Award; it is the first time the award has been granted. “We have the greatest employees in the world,” said Kevin W. Leary when accepting the award. “There is very little turnover, which is unusual in our industry. The growth of our company is due to them, and to my son. I love working with him, and I’m very lucky to work with my family in a business I love.” The Avedis Zildjian Company Inc. A previous Family Business Award recipient, the Avedis Zildjian Company received the inaugural 2010 Comcast Spotlight Hall of Fame Award. In 1618, an Armenian alchemist created an alloy of copper, tin and traces of silver to create a cymbal with unique clarity and power. A few years later he started his own business in a suburb of Constantinople. Nearly four centuries later, that business has passed through 15 generations of the Zildjian family and is now based in Norwell, Mass. Sisters Craigie and Debbie Zildjian carry on the family legacy in what is recognized as the oldest family-owned business in America. “This is the fourth year we’ve attended the Family Business Awards, and the awards are only four years old,” Debbie Zildjian said. “We’re very honored, and it’s very heartwarming, to see this wonderful organization, celebrating what all of us, as family businesses, do every day. Thanks very much, and congratulations to all.” n
Timothy Van Epps, president, and Wendy (Sandri) Van Epps with others of The Sandri Companies.
Al Rose with three generations of Red Apple Farm.
CASSIDY NORTON MURPHY IS THE ASSOCIATE EDITOR OF CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS FOR THE WARREN GROUP, PUBLISHER OF MASSACHUSETTS FAMILY BUSINESS. 10
Mary Reed and management of Tartt's Day Care Centers.