For decades, small businesses have been at the heart of South Jersey. Wherever you go to eat, to buy things you need or receive some type of service, there’s a very good chance the person helping you owns that business. And they know your first name. They may even live down the street from you, or your kids go to school together. So you know the commitment they have made to their work. You see firsthand how much they love what they do, the sacrifices they make to be successful, and how often they say yes when asked to support the community you share. While small business owners are living out a dream they’ve always had, they are also forming the foundation of our community. Support them whenever you can. Their success is our success.

Participants:

Sam Thevanayagam Founder & CEO, Parts Life
Anthony Mongeluzo President, PCS
Keith Johnson Owner, Laurel Lanes/Splitz Bowling Bar & Grill
Bill Emerson President, Emerson Group
Kelly Wernersbach Owner, Adjust Your Sleep Mattress Boutique
Jo-Ann Weiner CEO, J. L. Weiner and Associates President/Founder, Women, Words, and Wisdom Author, “A Ragged Journey”
Bonnie-Lynn Schneider General Manager/5th generation family member, Pic-A-Lilli Inn

Tell us about your business

We are a family restaurant. We’re known for our wings and our crab soup. My great-great-grandfather started the restaurant in 1927, so we are at 97 years. What I sell is not only good food, but an atmosphere where you can feel comfortable and makes you feel at home.
Bonnie-Lynn Schneider 

I started in the year 2000. Imagine this – there was no Geek Squad. There was no real door-to-door IT help, so that’s where I came in. I was at Rowan, and I thought I could do it a little bit better for home users. Customers started asking me if I could provide support for their businesses. Of course, I said yes. Once I started doing that, it really lit up for me. At PCS, we go into businesses, around the country and around the world, and we assist people with their technology. We become the IT department for a business, and for larger companies who have an IT department, we can supplement that department.
Anthony Mongeluzo

We are a family entertainment center. Our main attraction is bowling, but we also have an arcade room with virtual reality and an Omni Theater – which nobody has around here – where you can interface with other players across the country while you’re playing. We have a billiards room and a full-scale restaurant. We have Lickety Splitz Ice Cream, which has homemade, alcohol-infused ice cream and also non-alcoholic ice cream. We also have a luxury suite where we have many events. We’re constantly renovating, adding new ideas, new twists because that’s what people are going to remember. We’re offering an experience and a memory.
Keith Johnson

We are a staff and recruiting firm. My parents started the business 53 years ago. We work best with mission-driven companies that operate on a set of core values. We take time with our clients to understand their culture, and then we’ll recruit to that culture the best we can. We feel that’s most important – digging in and finding someone who’s going to last, who’s going to work best within your organization.
Bill Emerson

J.L. Weiner & Associates is a forensic tax accounting firm. My practice consists primarily of tax controversy resolution, and as a Certified Fraud Examiner, I do business litigations and matrimonial matters. My clients are anybody who has a business litigation issue or a matrimonial issue and anybody who has trouble of any sort with the IRS. Dealing with the Internal Revenue Service is quite the challenge. No one should do it by themselves.
Jo-Ann Weiner

My business is Adjust Your Sleep Mattress Boutique, and I picked that name because it told people what I do. I adjust your sleep. So many people don’t sleep well, especially women, so I want to empower women through sleep. I have about 20 models on my floor, but I also do a lot of custom builds. We’ll talk and I’ll figure out if I need to add a layer, take away a layer, firm up a bed, maybe change the size, maybe change the fabric. I could have a menopausal woman who’s dealing with temperature issues at night. I can select a fabric that can help reduce those issues. I love helping everybody with their sleep.
Kelly Wernersbach

I started Parts Life in 2007 in Cinnaminson. We serve the Department of Defense in all five domains – air, land, sea, under sea and space. As assets get older, they need parts that the original equipment manufacturer is not able to supply. That’s where we come in. We do a reverse engineering process, create the technical data package, go to production and then we actually supply that item for the life of the asset. We created a niche, and we do a very good job with it.
Sam Thevanayagam

The need for networking

I heard it said that the U.S. government is the largest buyer of goods and services, but the U.S. government does not buy anything. People within the government do. So it’s very important to get to know them and for them to know you. But it’s very difficult to get to those people, because many of them are in secure facilities. I take part in panel discussions and podcasts, and I have a presence on LinkedIn talking about things that matter, not only business, sometimes it’s leadership, sometimes it’s life. People still love to do business with people they like and trust.
Sam Thevanayagam

PCS was born on networking. If you think about most IT professionals, they’re not your most outgoing people. I was always the only IT person networking. At 21, I joined the Burlington County Chamber. As I met people, they would say, “Why don’t you join this group? Why don’t you come over here and join us?” Networking has been the key to our success.
Anthony Mongeluzo

I have two jobs: 140 hours of networking and 60 hours in the store. I absolutely love networking as much as I love being in the bedding world. I have met a lot of women who are starting their business journeys. Helping them create and reach their goals, in turn, helps me create and reach my goals.
Kelly Wernersbach

The best thing I can do is make sure customers appreciate their dining experience, so they want to come back. One of the greatest things for me is when I see a single woman come into our restaurant by herself – she feels comfortable because it’s a secure place to be. That is super flattering. Networking is the one way that happens.
Bonnie-Lynn Schneider 

The role of philanthropy in business

I always felt if you have a successful business, you should give back. I started a nonprofit, Women, Words & Wisdom, and its mission is to raise money for women in college who are in financial need so they do not drop out and also to bring information from experts to women. We’ve been having a Panel of Power for women for three or four years now, and more events are planned for this year.
Jo-Ann Weiner

We’ve been philanthropic since day one. My parents instilled that in us. It’s critical to give back to the community you live and work in. It builds a stronger community.
Bill Emerson

We do anything that is for the community. We work with the state police and Church by The Bay, where they use our kitchen as a ghost kitchen, and we prepare some of the donated food. Then we also go and feed people, someone just said we did over 7,000 meals last year. If you pay it forward, it pays back twice as much as you ever thought it would.
Bonnie-Lynn Schneider 

It’s important that a corporation does philanthropic work because the nonprofits, they’re struggling. I’ll challenge all the business owners out there: Be selfless and help these nonprofits, because they’re helping to make our communities better. And by helping the community, you create a better business ecosystem, which is good for a business’ bottom line.
Anthony Mongeluzo

You have to give back to the community. And bowling offers such a tremendous opportunity for fundraising. We’ve been fortunate to be involved with some nonprofits, like Katie’s Crusaders. And my stepdaughter started a foundation “Remember the Girls,” which is for girls born with the ALD gene. Most of the ALD focus is on men, so she created this foundation that says, “Hey, folks, remember the girls too. We carry the gene also.” We’re big supporters. It plays a big role in our business.
Keith Johnson

The understanding of generosity is something that is very near and dear to my heart. I believe in the idea of stewardship. Even as we have become wealthier, it’s important for us to cap our lifestyle, so rather than living to the amount of our income, we cap that, so we can give more money away.
Sam Thevanayagam

The family business

I grew up in the business, so I did a little bit of everything, from the bathrooms to bussing to running food to hosting. After college, I moved to Maryland but I got very homesick and was ready to come home. At the same time, my grandfather, who was running the restaurant, was really sick. In 2000, it just seemed like second nature to have me start as a manager. I thought I would do this while my kids were going to bed at 7:30, but 24 years later, I’m still here.
Bonnie-Lynn Schneider 

My degree was in exercise physiology – my parents were great about not forcing us into the business. But then I thought, let me give it a shot. If I don’t like it, I’ll move on. About five years in, I still didn’t know if it was something I really wanted to do. So I took a step back from the business, and I’m glad I did, because it made me realize things I didn’t love about the business, I was going to experience in any business. So when I went back, I had a whole new perspective. That’s when I was like, ok, this is what I want to do.
Bill Emerson

What people don’t know about owning a business

The truth of the matter is there are a lot of things I do that are not sexy. There are things I do that I don’t necessarily enjoy doing, but on the other hand, it is something I need to do.
Sam Thevanayagam

If you love making flowers, guess what? There’s a back of the house for a flower-making business. If you love fashion, there’s a back of house for a fashion business. If you want to be a successful, prosperous corporation, you have to pay attention to that aspect of the business. You have to keep good records. I don’t think a lot of people realize that.
Jo-Ann Weiner

In our business, people think owning a bar or restaurant is a party. But it’s 24/7. Every morning, there’s something else that’s come up. I enjoy it, but it just does not end. If it is your passion and it’s something you want to do, just know you are on all the time.
Bonnie-Lynn Schneider 

They don’t always know the behind-the-scenes stuff. If somebody walks into a business and sees the owner interacting with customers, which is the best part of the business, they don’t see them ordering the supplies, hiring, training, payroll, all those fun things that if you didn’t do them, there would be no business.
Keith Johnson

People don’t know the pressure of responsibility, and that it’s with you 24/7. When things get tough and it’s constantly on your mind, you can’t just quit and go find another job. You have families depending on you. You have to be resilient and willing to take on that kind of responsibility.
Bill Emerson

Some people don’t know the dedication. You have to do a little soul searching and know that this is not a job. It’s here forever. It has to be your passion. I know we use that word passion a lot, but that’s the word I go to because it’s the truth. I eat, sleep and think my journey here. It’s forever.
Kelly Wernersbach

Work Culture

We care about our people, and I truly believe people aren’t coming here just to work. They’re coming here to hang out with their friends. And clients become friends. We laugh about this but we still do Beer 30. Remember, I was in college when I started this business. So every Friday at 3:30 we pop one beverage – just one, no one’s getting crazy. It’s just a thank-you for the week.
Anthony Mongeluzo

We created a program called “Help You Buy.” Let’s say we give $10,000 to a person who shows some promise in our organization. They pay that back through service, so it’s a five-year forgivable loan. That gives them the down payment to buy their first home. I’m happy to tell you a lot of people have taken advantage of it.
Sam Thevanayagam

Culture is critical. I think the companies that had a strong culture prior to Covid survived probably better than those that didn’t. If you had that strong culture in place, you had a team that circled around each other and said, “All right, we’ve got to do what we’ve got to do.” Their culture helped them survived.
Bill Emerson

When Covid came along, it changed everybody. But our work culture actually got better. In most restaurants, you work for your own tips. When Covid came along, we turned into a takeout center. We had people answering phones, food runners and food preparers. Everybody split the tips, because it was a team effort. And they’ve never gone back to being on their own. My staff still likes to work as a team.
Bonnie-Lynn Schneider 

Qualities a business owner needs to be successful

Good times don’t last. Bad times don’t last. But tough people will. A business owner needs to have a lot of patience. Be very versatile. Nothing is guaranteed.
Anthony Mongeluzo

We need to be flexible, we need to be adaptive, we need to be good people. We need to be the leader that people are willing to follow and emulate, that people are willing to say, “Yes, I want to work with this person.”
Sam Thevanayagam

It’s important to have an appreciation for everyone. I have “wow” pins that I give to anyone who goes above and beyond, someone who has, what I like to say, a Pic-a-Lilli heart.
Bonnie-Lynn Schneider 

You need to monitor the health of your organization. I have a program where clients go on a monthly payment plan and I prepare their tax return and monitor what’s going on at the IRS. So if we got you on an offer in compromise, you are bound by the IRS for five years to make payments on time. If anything sets off any bells or whistles, we will now know it ahead of time.
Jo-Ann Weiner

Employees want to feel valued. You’ve got to create an environment where they are excited to come to work every day and not dread being there.
Kelly Wernersbach

You need to deal with the ups and downs of a daily business and be really committed. I’m here mostly every day. I’m very fortunate. I have an unbelievable staff and I have close to 100 folks who work here.
Keith Johnson

What I’ve found works for me is being collaborative with my team, being resilient, patient and positive, and truly caring about our clients and about my team.
Bill Emerson

What running a business has taught them 

People say things happen for a reason. I disagree, but when they do happen, you’ve got to make moves. Don’t let it knock you down, because it’s way harder to get up. Fight it standing up.
Kelly Wernersbach

I wanted to discuss things women face in the workplace day today – knowledge and information I have learned throughout my career. I was driven to write my thoughts down, and that turned into a book, “The Ragged Journey.” It’s a book of fiction based on fact. Mia, who is the heroine, is a federal female government agent, and she talks about what she encounters in the workplace and how she copes. So many people have read it and said, “Is this part real?” You have to read it and decide for yourself.
Jo-Ann Weiner

Business is a mirror of life. In business, you have a lot of decisions you have to make on a daily basis. If you make good decisions, typically, good results will follow.
Anthony Mongeluzo

It’s important to understand seasons and to recognize what are the right seasons. When do you rest, when do you work? There is a time when fishermen have to mend their nets, not necessarily fish. We need to make sure we are getting ready for that right season.
Sam Thevanayagam

Advice for entrepreneurs

Build a good coalition around you. Having trusted advisors is a very important part of business.
Jo-Ann Weiner

Make sure it’s a business that is sustainable. You might have a passion for something, but if it’s not sustainable, if there’s not a market for it, then you’re going to spin your wheels and you’re not going to be successful. Find that balance of something you love that has a market for it – that’s a great combo. I never thought I’d be running a staff and recruiting firm, but I’ve learned over the years to really love what I’m doing.
Bill Emerson 

If you want to open a restaurant or bar, get ready. You don’t get to party with everybody. But if you feel good about making sure they’re having a great time, it’s for you. If you understand that food costs have gone out of control, and you have to keep your head above water, it’s for you. If you’re not dedicated and hard work is not your thing, it’s not for you.
Bonnie-Lynn Schneider

My message for women: Align yourself with like-minded women. Align yourself with women who truly have your back and will lift you. In turn, be there for them. Who you surround yourself with is going to be a big, big part of your success. I know it is mine. I tell my networking buddies, my ladies, all the time that I’m so grateful for them.
Kelly Wernersbach

I would advise anyone to start a business. In fact, my wife and I are starting a new business in Mt. Laurel. It’s a boutique cat hotel. It’s pretty unique.
Keith Johnson

Go out there and do it. I’ve met so many people in my field who think they missed their chance. I’ve been offering them a territory at PCS. I cover their salary and give them the opportunity to earn equity in a different region. The results have been staggering. If you have that passion and you want to do it, you don’t want to wake up 30 – 40 years from now and think, “I could have been something special.”
Anthony Mongeluzo

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