1. Where has the time gone?
Where has the time gone? It seems only a blink ago on January 18, 1978 when I opened
Danby’s A-1 on East Main Street, with Dave Butterfield by my side. I was a young guy with
plenty of ideas, plenty of ambition and not afraid to work. It has been quite a ride! My
family started with the “Mom & Pop” Service Station started by my grandfather a long time
ago and operated by my parents for many, many years. I am truly grateful for their
mentoring and encouragement along the way. In the early 80’s, Kevin Curry became my
business partner and then a few years later my parents retired. Like I said, it has been
quite a ride. We have grown the business further than we could have ever imagined many
years ago - from car service, sales and towing, to Ugly Duckling Car Rentals to real estate
acquisitions and a fuel distribution business in Connecticut and New York with nearly 40
locations serviced.
Believe me, there have been many ups and downs but I am grateful for it all. Being in
business puts a layer of stress on a family that you wouldn’t understand unless you have
been through it. We have worked hard and served some of the nicest families, some for
several generations. I have had the pleasure of working with some wonderful and talented
people, many of whom stood by me for decades. Some that come to mind are Dave
Butterfield, Bruce Heckler, Johnnie Ribera and Jack Benigni. And there are many more!
Thank you. Our vendors and contractors have been the best.
I could not have done it without mentors near and far that have shaped me. One of which
I’m sure many of you remember is Ed Schwartz, whose friendship and mentoring was
priceless. I still ask myself how Ed would handle certain situations. I miss him.
I have been blessed with a great family, a wonderful wife, five children, three and a half
grandchildren, four cats and some great friends.
I have always remembered the little things that people say. Most times they don’t make
sense at the time but sooner or later in life those little sayings “click in!” George Mac has
said many times “how much time do you have and how do you want to spend it?” Well,
hopefully I will have a lot of time in front of me to enjoy life, family and friends.
After great consideration, I have entered into an agreement to sell these business interests
to my business partner, Kevin Curry. I wish him continued success. This has been a tough
decision for me since this career, and Meriden, have been such a big part of my life. To
those I won’t see often, maybe I’ll see you on Facebook.
They say when one door closes, another opens. Let’s see what happens!
Thank you to the countless people who have helped me along the way.
Kevin
203-213-1122
kdanby@yahoo.com