WATER DAMAGED AND CRACKED SMART PHONES PROVE TO BE EASY FIXINS’ FOR TINKERER TURNED TECHNOLOGY TROUBLE-SHOOTER

Howell, NJ, October 3, 2013 – “I started tinkering at a young age,” recalls Chris Rossi, co-owner of the soon-to-debut CPR Cell Phone Repair. He was only 11 when he figured out how to fix his own Nintendo Entertainment System by resoldering the power adapter. “I always liked taking things apart and figuring out how to make them work again.”

His business partner and friend since kindergarten, Bob Rathschmidt, always dreamed of having a business of his own. .”I invested over 20 years working in corporate America, yet after doing lots of research on franchised businesses, I felt strongly about the solid business model offered by CPR. In fact, INC 500 ranks it 5th as the fastest growing franchise with 150 stores worldwide. When I presented the idea to Chris, we looked at each other and said, ‘Let’s do it!’”

While Chris and Bob prepare for the early November grand opening of their retail store in Howell Plaza Shopping Center on Route 9, they’ve held a soft opening for the last two weeks and are already getting loads of foot traffic.

So far, the most common repair has been cracked phone screens followed by water damaged items. In addition to “emergency” services for damaged smartphones and Apple products, CPR Cell Phone Repair also repairs small electronics including laptops, tablets, cameras, MP3 players and game systems and can even make scratched disks new again.

“Bob and I are looking forward to offering the community a service that is sorely needed. Our goal is to have each item repaired at a reasonable price within the shortest time,” says Chris.

Bob adds, “With two to four Gadget Tech-certified repair specialists on our premises, in most cases, we can turn around and restore items within one hour.”

Chris and Bob were born and raised in Freehold, New Jersey and both attended Rutgers University. Chris earned his degree in Computer Science, followed by a Master’s degree in Management Information Systems from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken. After a long career in the computer field, he and his life-long friend discussed the possibility of making a career move and finally doing something together.

While Bob majored in Exercise Science and Sports Management, his part-time college job at a large supermarket chain turned into fulltime position after graduation since jobs were scarce. He continued to climb the ladder until he reached the corporate level within the retail food business. “It seems like now is the right time to take on a new challenge and to pursue my dream,” explains Bob. “With my expertise in retail management, operations, customer service and sales combined with Chris’ background, it was a natural merger of our talents and interests to open a CPR franchise.”

The duo is full of sage advice that benefits their customers. For instance, while the common fix for a water-laden phone is placing it in a bag of rice, the CPR experts caution that it is not enough. “Rice never gets out all the moisture and it’s critical to completely dry and clean the contacts in a timely fashion – otherwise they become corroded,” explains Chris.

They also recommend another vital step to saving a phone from water damage: remove the battery cover and battery promptly. The many circuits inside the phone will survive immersion in water as long as it’s not attached to a power source (battery) when wet.

“And don’t forget to remove your SIM card if your phone has one, Saving valuable contact information and data could even be more important than saving the phone itself,” Bob adds.

Setting them apart from other similar businesses, Chris says with pride, “We guarantee our work for six months — something most of our competition will not offer”
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For more information about Chris and Bob’s CPR Cell Phone Repair store location, visit www.cellphonerepair.com/howell.

Howell, NJ, August 8, 2013 – “We treat the people we see just like they were pro-athletes,” says Mike Manzo, MPT, and owner of Atlantic Physical Therapy Center, the official physical therapy group for the Lakewood Blue Claws. But even with their frequent treatment of athletes, Mike and his brother — co-owner Dave Manzo — know that getting a grandmother back on her feet to walk up the steps to visit her grandchildren is the World Series in her eyes.

They recently opened their newest office at Howell Plaza on Route 9 South — their sixth in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

It may come as no surprise that Dave and Mike describe Atlantic Physical Therapy as a “Mom & Pop” practice. The two are hands-on with the people they serve and live and breathe their work with a passion, and make sure everyone else at their business does the same. “Our licensed therapists are well-qualified to provide comprehensive clinical exams on every patient we see,” explains Mike Manzo. “We evaluate each individual’s condition to safely and effectively treat them.” The brothers even send their own van transportation to help make getting to appointments easier.

Born and raised in New Jersey, the brothers have worked together since 2001, when they opened their first Atlantic Physical Therapy Center in Freehold, with Mike on the Clinical side of the business and Dave on the Operational side—but they’ve always had an entrepreneurial streak. As kids, they ran a neighborhood business in their hometown of Toms River. Whether it was mowing lawns, power washing, cleaning out gutters or babysitting, the brothers were always busy with odd jobs that gave back to a community they loved.

After attending college in Pennsylvania — Gettysburg and Hahnemann (for a post-graduate physical therapy degree) for Mike and Franklin & Marshall for Dave — the Manzos decided to return not just to their New Jersey roots, but their entrepreneurial roots, as well. Their parents were both educators, but their grandfather (now 91), with whom they grew up spending countless school breaks on Long Beach Island, ran a family-owned locksmithing business that was established in 1910 as a grinding and sharpening enterprise.

Now in their 30s, both brothers live in Wall Township and are committed to supporting New Jersey. Over the past five years, they have donated over $20,000 to the Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center through their Atlantic Physical Therapy business. Additionally, they raised $4,500 in staff donations, which, when combined with the Blue Claws efforts, resulted in over $50,000 to help New Jersey residents for disaster relief post-Hurricane Sandy.

Education is also a priority for these therapy experts who have created a lecture series for the adult retirement communities in the surrounding towns. They offer free presentations on important topics relating to their health and wellbeing.

One of the most popular and well attended lectures is on arthritis. “We really like to spend time educating our neighbors. You’d be surprised how many seniors are afraid to exercise, thinking that it will make their pain worse. By explaining how strengthening and stretching can help improve their range of motion and protect their joints if they follow a properly designed program, it is very positive news for them.” shares Chris Beltran, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Clinical Director at the Howell Plaza location.

“We feel blessed to do what we love doing, everyday and our new Howell location is ideal. With all the adult communities in the surrounding neighborhood, the Aldridge Road access makes it so easy for patients to access our facility,” shares Dave.

Two-Day Community event hosted by Sear’s New Management featuring the Longest Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Town!

Howell, NJ September 12, 2012 – A special two-day event, filled with fun and activities for the entire family is taking place at Howell Plaza, this Friday September 14 and Saturday, September 15. Announcing the new management of the Sears Hardware in Howell Plaza, the community is invited to join Mayor Robert Walsh and local leaders on Friday at 11:00am at the longest ribbon cutting in Howell…. spanning 90 feet.

The ceremony also recognizes the newly renovated and shined up shops at Howell Plaza.
Howell Plaza, unlike other shopping malls along Route 9, has “Main Street, USA” appeal –
You’ll always find the owner in their store and they are part of the local community.

WHAT: Howell Plaza Family and Friends Day

WHEN: Fri., September 14, 2012 10:00 am – 4pm
Ribbon Cutting at 11am
Family-fun Activities, Pet Adoption, Prizes, Free Food
Sat., September 15, 2012 10:00 am – 4pm
Free food, Raffles, Pet Adoption and more!

WHO: Mayor Robert Walsh
Sear’s Hardware Management & staff
Howell Plaza store owners

WHERE: Howell Plaza (Route 9 South, Howell, NJ 07731)

As a community give-back to their friends, customers and neighbors, Sears is organizing the Family and Friends Day which includes: Free food courtesy of Chick-fil-A.
Free Raffles to Win Gift Certificates, Clowns and Balloon giveaways, Face Painting and Faux Tattoo’s. The Army / Navy / Marines will be represented with special Navy vehicle on display and Howell Police Department will also participate.

Attendees will have the opportunity to form a bond with animals needing a home. The SPCA Pet Adoption team will be there to help families make the perfect match.

Howell, NJ June 2012 – If Route 9 was to have a section with Main Street, USA appeal, Howell Plaza would be it!

Why? You can stop by to mail a letter at the post office, drop off your wash and fold laundry, visit the barber, get your watch repaired, bring your kids to their music lesson and/or strike up a conversation with Dan — the shopping center’s onsite maintenance keeper. At each shop, you’ll meet the owners because they are hands-on and working there too!

Three intrepid women — each with a different inspiring story of overcoming obstacles that range from homelessness to widowhood to unexpected divorce — are key Power Women of Howell Plaza. They now run their successful businesses and support their families, as well as their local community.

April’s Story: “Once Homeless, Now I’m Fulfilling an Impossible Dream”

April Bamonte always dreamed of making a difference through dance. When she first started the Howell Academy of Dance over 28 years ago, it really was a dream come true. However, she was not prepared for the struggles that lay ahead. For many years, she worked second and third jobs, just to pay the dance studio rent. At one point she was even homeless. Always exhausted and burdened with huge stress, her love to dance and teach overshadowed all the adversity she was facing. Despite family and friends telling her to shut the dance studio doors and walk away, her indomitable spirit prevailed.

Today, her face lights up when she reflects on what she has accomplished over the past three decades, “I went from a girl that everyone thought would go nowhere, to an adult who owns three successful studios, employs amazing staff and trains beautiful students. I’m so proud and know I have been blessed by having the opportunity to live my dream.  Because of my love of kids, I knew I had to make this work.” She adds, “We all face obstacles in our lives, but when we can stop and enjoy children’s happiness, in the end, that’s all that matters.”

In addition to her dance academies, April founded the “Diamond Dancers Dance Company”, a competitive performance troupe, that showcases their talents nationally, as well as internationally. This invitation-only group will have a new home for their rehearsals in Howell Plaza, opening this summer. “I have a lot of students that are driven and dedicated to their artistic craft, and I am overjoyed to give them varied dance experiences to help them pursue their goals. I was able to live my dream and these kids deserve the same chance!”

Chrissy’s Story:“I Look for the Positive”

After the tragic and unexpected loss of her business partner and husband, Chrissy Pardun has bounced back stronger than ever. “Somehow I’m figuring out how to make happen,” Now the sole owner of Shore Suds Laundromat located in the Howell Plaza shopping center on Route 9, she says “I want to see this business thrive. Despite the hand I’ve been dealt, I try to look at the positive. I keep it going because of my three young kids. My laundromat business gives me the opportunity to be flexible with my time. As their only parent, that time is very precious.”

It’s been over a years since this young widow has run the business on her own, and things are getting brighter. “We’ve needed some repairs and new equipment for a quite some time…so you can imagine just how thrilled I was with the arrival of our new washing machines!”

While being a single parent and business owner could be overwhelming at times, Chrissy is confident with her feat and shares, “The one thing I will tell any one experiencing a similar situation is never underestimate your abilities. You can make things happen, even through extremely difficult circumstances. I am living proof of that!”

Peggy’s Story: “Doing It on My Own”

“Loving what you do and knowing it brighten someone else’s day really gives me the incentive to sustain and improve my business a little at a time. I still have two high school age teens at home and I have to work,” says a determined Peggy Deltuvia, owner of Edible Arrangement. “I know I can do this on my own.”

In July 2011, Peggy and her husband purchased the Edible Arrangements franchise located in the Howell Plaza Shopping Center on Route 9. The former stay-at-home mom was ready to re-enter the workforce after taking a 20-year hiatus from the corporate world in order to raise her family. Excited to the start the business with her husband, an unexpected turn of events just months later, found Peggy in the midst of an ugly divorce. She vowed to remain active in her community and make her business a success despite the legal battle ahead. Failure was not an option.

Her bright outlook is evident when you walk into her immaculate shop. She is clearly passionate about what she is doing and enthusiastically talks about her commitment to her community. “When the local Little League, the schools or civic organizations need a raffle item or support, I’m excited to donate – and not just a small edible arrangement. When I give, I like to give big, since I know it can make the difference between success and simply surviving.” That unstoppable “think big” spirit makes Peggy a triumphant winner!

For press inquiries, contact Roberta Bouer, (212) 996-0443

For information about Howell Academy of Dance, call (732) 370-5520

For information about Shore Suds Laundromat, call (732) 363-8558

For appointments at Edible Arrangements, call (732) 730-0878