Small Dog Electronics receives Deane C Davis Outstanding Business of the Year Award

On the morning of May 25, 2011, at the Opening Ceremonies of the Vermont Business & Industry EXPO, Governor Peter Shumlin presented the highly anticipated Deane C. Davis Outstanding Business of the Year Award to Small Dog Electronics of Waitsfield. EXPO is organized by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.

In an effort to recognize and honor Vermont’s best companies, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce and Vermont Business Magazine created the Deane C Davis Outstanding Business of the Year Award in 1990.  Named for the former Governor of Vermont, this annual award honors a Vermont business that shows an outstanding history of sustained growth while displaying an acute awareness of what makes Vermont unique.

Since 1995, Small Dog Electronics has made a name for itself in the competitive electronic retail market.  Recognized by Apple as the most knowledgeable Apple retailer in the US, Small Dog is the only Apple Specialist and Authorized Apple reseller in Vermont.  Founded by Don and Hapy Mayer, the company started with the modest duo and grew over the last sixteen years to a crew of nearly sixty people and almost as many office dogs.  The growth and sustainability illustrated by Small Dog Electronics speaks to the high company standards outlined in their mission statement.  There is a primary focus on, and commitment to, people, planet and profit.   

This bustling Apple specialist business has proven that financial growth and quality of life can go hand-in-hand in Vermont.  While rapid growth is ideal, Small Dog is careful not to jeopardize the core values of their mission: sustainability, profitability and responsibility.  They maintain an ongoing commitment to their employees by creating an inviting workplace that encourages life-long positions.  The principles of the company culture focus on human-canine friendly work spaces, livable wages and the wellness of both human and canine life.  The company offers employees an onsite fitness facility and an outdoor space for their four-legged friends to roam.

This pledge to supporting well-being and social responsibility is extended beyond the employees to the community.  Each employee is encouraged to volunteer their time to community organizations; in fact, they are required to take one paid day off to perform community service.  The company also matches up to $200 for charitable donations to specific charities ranging from Doctors Without Borders to the Puppy Mill Rescue and the Vermont Foodbank.   

“Small Dog has demonstrated many unique qualities that made it stand out in the crowded field of applicants seeking this highly respected award,” said John Boutin, Publisher of Vermont Business Magazine. “The company’s proven track record of success is to be commended.”

The recent economic hardship took a toll on many Vermont retail stores, including the Apple retail company.  However, a strong business sense and a commitment to their employees, community and environment allowed Small Dog Electronics to not only survive the downturn, but to rise to the top.  Sales for the booming business stayed steady throughout uncertainty in 2008 and rebounded impressively in 2010, showing a growth of 24% over the last five fiscal years.  Perhaps one of the secrets to their success is their dedication to the customer.  The mission at Small Dog clearly expresses their intent to make each client a customer for life by creating long-lasting relationships based on superior customer service.   

Given the nature of its business, Small Dog is sensitive to the amount of electronic waste produced on a daily basis.  The company is committed to recycling more than they sell, having a net positive effect on the environment.  Small Dog’s eWaste event accepts electronic equipment from the community and has collected over 500 tons of eWaste in the last four years.   

Small Dog Electronics is yet another Vermont company in a race against the big dogs like Apple Computer’s online store.  The company is able to keep and build their customer base because of Vermonter’s commitment to stay local.  The core values of the company appeal to the Vermont spirit and focus on community and environment, while balancing a profitable bottom line.  This company has easily risen to the top and thus has been named the top business in Vermont.  

Many Vermont companies exemplify the standards by which the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Business Award nominees are judged, but only three could be distinguished as finalists for this 21 year-old award.  The three finalists for this year’s Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business Award were: Green Mountain Power of Colchester, The Foley Family of Companies of Rutland, and Small Dog Electronics of Waitsfield.

Visit the Vermont Business Magazine web site for video of the event and award presentation.

Vermont Business Magazine is the state's most respected business publication. Since 1972, VBM has published statewide business news, economic and political news and commentary, business and individual profiles, data, analysis and statistics in a monthly magazine. For more than a decade it has published online and now reports daily through its industry-leading, free email newsletter. VBM also publishes three annual publications: Vermont Business & Manufacturers Directory; The Book of Lists; and Ask the Experts/Profiles. Along with the Deane Davis Award, VBM sponsors or co-sponsors the Centennial Business Awards, Best Places to Work in Vermont Awards, SBA Small Business Person of the Year Award, 5x5x5 Growth Awards, and the Rising Star Awards. http://www.vermontbiz.com

The Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the largest state-wide private, not-for-profit business organization, represents nearly every sector of the state's corporate/hospitality community. Our mission is to create an economic climate conducive to business growth and the preservation of the Vermont quality of life.