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YORKTOWN MATTERS A PUBLICATION OF THE YORKTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SPRING 2017 YORKTOWN NEWS CELEBRATES FIVE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY NEW BUSINESSES KEEP YORKTOWN HUMMING MEET THE DRIVERS BEHIND DAS AUTO PARTS AND TACONIC KIA

YORKTOWN MATTERS€¦ · Sal Altavilla, president and owner of Advanced Copier Technology Inc., and his management staff are proud and excited to introduce Kyocera’s copier and

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Page 1: YORKTOWN MATTERS€¦ · Sal Altavilla, president and owner of Advanced Copier Technology Inc., and his management staff are proud and excited to introduce Kyocera’s copier and

YORKTOWN MATTERSA P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E YO R K TO W N C H A M B E R O F CO M M E R C E

SPRING 2017

YORKTOWN NEWS

CELEBRATES FIVE-YEAR

ANNIVERSARY

NEW BUSINESSES KEEP YORKTOWN HUMMING

MEET THE DRIVERS BEHIND DAS AUTO PARTS

AND TACONIC KIA

Page 2: YORKTOWN MATTERS€¦ · Sal Altavilla, president and owner of Advanced Copier Technology Inc., and his management staff are proud and excited to introduce Kyocera’s copier and
Page 3: YORKTOWN MATTERS€¦ · Sal Altavilla, president and owner of Advanced Copier Technology Inc., and his management staff are proud and excited to introduce Kyocera’s copier and
Page 4: YORKTOWN MATTERS€¦ · Sal Altavilla, president and owner of Advanced Copier Technology Inc., and his management staff are proud and excited to introduce Kyocera’s copier and

2 | Yorktown Matters | Spring 2017

CO

NTE

NTS 4 Welcome to Yorktown Chamber of Commerce

6 Chamber Members Making News

8 YorktownNewsCelebratesfiveyears

12 SignatureChamberEvents

14 Wheeling and dealing at Taconic KIA

18 DASAutoPartsstockshometownhospitality

Yorktown Chamber of CommerceP.O. Box 632

Yorktown Heights, NY 10598yorktownchamber.org

This is a MetroMedia Publishers, Inc. publicationCopyright © 2017 MetroMedia Publishers, Inc.

4210 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 314AFairway, KS 66205

To advertise in our next issue, please contact Judy Lanes at [email protected] or call 913-951-8428

CHAMBER STAFFNancy Stingone, Executive Director

[email protected]

Margaret Primavera, Public Relations [email protected]

914-245-4599Linda Friedel, Magazine Editor

Judy Lanes, Sales Executive

YORKTOWN MATTERS YORKTOWN MATTERSYORKTOWN NEWS

CELEBRATES FIVE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

NEW YORKTOWN AREABUSINESSES KEEP

CARS HUMMINGMEET THE DRIVERS BEHIND DAS AUTO

PARTS AND KIA DEALERSHIP

A PUBLICATION OF THE YORK TOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SPRING 2017

ON THE COVERYorktown News Sports Editor Robert Diantonio, Editor Brian Marschhauser

and Designer Gabrielle Bilik. Photo by Tabitha Pearson Marshall

Page 5: YORKTOWN MATTERS€¦ · Sal Altavilla, president and owner of Advanced Copier Technology Inc., and his management staff are proud and excited to introduce Kyocera’s copier and

• Express Service Dealer• Complimentary Car Wash

• Night Drop Envelopes• Local Shuttle Pick up & Drop Off

• Genuine Honda Parts and Accessories

Reigning Honda Customer Service Experience Award Winner

SERVICE DEPARTMENT OPEN ALL DAY SATURDAY

3845 CROMPOND RD. (RTE 202), YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY

914-739-7600www.CurryHondaNY.com

Hundreds of New Hondas and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles to choose from!

proud supporter of The Yorktown Chamber of Commerce

Metro New York and the Hudson Valley’s ONLY 18 Time Recipient of American

Honda’s Highest Honor, the President’s Award

2016

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Page 6: YORKTOWN MATTERS€¦ · Sal Altavilla, president and owner of Advanced Copier Technology Inc., and his management staff are proud and excited to introduce Kyocera’s copier and

4 | Yorktown Matters | Spring 2017

It is my privilege to serve as president of the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce situated in Northern Westchester County, New York, 35 miles from New York City with just over 36,000 residents. It affords me a long-range view of what’s coming to town in months ahead and I am confident the future for Yorktown has never been brighter. Your Chamber of Commerce continues to fulfill its mission to promote and enhance businesses within the five hamlets of Yorktown in a way that strengthens our local community.

The goal of the Chamber is to help all businesses to succeed to their maximum potential. These are very trying times for all businesses so the Chamber is here for all our members. We have many ways to help promote your business by ads added to weekly emails, through constant contacts, which are tremendous media opportunities, through networking meetings and events such as the Annual Yorktown Chamber of Commerce Festival and Street Fair (now grown to over 300 vendors and 20,000 attendees), the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, our newly- created committee for young professionals, our Annual Home Expo and our Auto Show. Members also should know that the Chamber has representation at all town meetings including the planning board, the zoning board and the town board. We are here to help businesses in any way that they

might need to go through a process with the town. We also attend these meetings on behalf of the businesses if they’re having an issue with the various boards. We encourage all members of the Chamber to come to our networking meetings to see what is happening. We have a morning breakfast networking meeting on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30a.m.and one meeting each month at 6 p.m. Please check with the office or on our website to see where they take place.

Your Yorktown Chamber of Commerce connects all businesses and organizations with one specific goal: the welfare and betterment of our community. Each week the Chamber office receives many inquiries for vital information of goods and services and is able to refer members. Our staff is more than happy to find answers for you as promptly and thoroughly as possible.

If you would like to join the Chamber, contact the Chamber office at 914-245-4599 or join on line by visiting www.yorktownchamber.org. It would be our pleasure to welcome you.

Eric DiBartoloPresident

JOIN THE YORKTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Page 7: YORKTOWN MATTERS€¦ · Sal Altavilla, president and owner of Advanced Copier Technology Inc., and his management staff are proud and excited to introduce Kyocera’s copier and

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

ADVANCED COPIER TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Dale Fenimore16 Mt. Ebo Rd. SouthBrewster, NY 10509

845-279-4545dfenimore@advancedcopier.

netCopiers

AMERICAN ARMS, INC.Sergio Esposito

2020 Maple Hill St.Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

[email protected]

Personal protection

CLEARENT, LLC – CREDIT CARD PROCESSINGRobert J. Calilli

222 S. Central Avenue, Suite 700

Clayton, MO 63105914-804-6600

[email protected] Card Processing

DAS AUTO PARTS CENTERJohn Recchia

373 Downing DriveYorktown Heights, NY 10598

[email protected]

Auto parts

DUNKIN’ DONUTS IN BJ’SPaul Sardinha

3303 Crompond Rd.Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

[email protected]

Restaurant

GLAD FOR HEALTH/BEZWAX, INC.

Joanne Beccarelli1750 Darby Street

Yorktown Heights, NY 10598914-980-2828

[email protected]

METROMEDIA, INC.David Small

4210 Shawnee Mission Parkway

Fairway, KS 66205913-951-8413

[email protected]

Publishing

MICHAEL’S TOPNOTCH CONSTRUCTION Michael DeSiervi

31 Nicole WayMahopac, NY 10541

[email protected] improvement

PET SUPPLIES PLUSJeff Cohen

3333 Crompond RoadYorktown Heights, NY 10598

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Pet supplies

ROBERT ROTHBERG ACCOUNTANT

1280 Edcris RoadYorktown Heights, NY 10598

[email protected]

Accounting

VAPE ESCAPELara Galper

2039 Saw Mill River RoadYorktown Heights, NY 10598

[email protected]

E-cigarettes and accessories

YOGA IN THE ADIRONDACKSRhodella Hughes

1 John Brown RoadKatonah, NY 10536

914-556-8258rhodella@

yogaintheadirondacks.com Yoga

YORKTOWN PHYSICAL THERAPY

Greg Besson334 Underhill Avenue, #1A

[email protected]

Physical Therapy

We are pleased to welcome our newest investors in the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce

Spring 2017 | Yorktown Matters | 5

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6 | Yorktown Matters | Spring 2017

BBB RATES MICHAEL’S TOPNOTCH

CONSTRUCTION WITH A+ Michael’s TopNotch Construction in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, is ready to go above and beyond when it comes to helping homeowners with their remodeling projects. “I’m a dependable general contractor who is fully licensed, bonded and insured, as well as rated A+ with the Better Business Bureau,” says Michael DeSiervi,

owner of Michael’s TopNotch Construction. “I offer free written estimates and two-year warranties on all of my work, and I’ll strive to provide you with an outcome that will exceed your expectations.”DeSiervi is available to take to take appointments seven days a week and can handle projects of all sizes. “My rates are fair and besides most major credit and debit cards, I accept personal checks,” he said. “I’m a reliable resource for virtually any type of home improvement.” Services with Michael’s TopNotch Construction range from home remodeling, custom cabinetry, patio construction to siding repair. For more information please contact Michael’s TopNotch Construction at 914-482-7178.

ACT INTRODUCES TOP-PERFORMING KYOCERA COPIER

AND PRINTER LINES Sal Altavilla, president and owner of Advanced Copier Technology Inc., and

his management staff are proud and excited to introduce Kyocera’s copier and printer lines to your office. ACT is the authorized dealer for Kyocera in the state of New York. Kyocera, voted #1 in reliability and highly recommended in 2016, believes in and stands by its copiers.

“Everyone talks about customer service,” says Dale Fenimore, account sales manager with Advanced Copier Technology. “ACT’s focus is to earn your trust.”  

Advanced Copier Technology has been supporting the community for over 30 years.“Lead by Altavilla, we pride ourselves in earning your trust, respect and

building a long-term relationship with your office,” Fenimore says. When customers call ACT, they will speak with an actual staff member instead

of an automated system. ACT offers a fast service of a two to four-hour response time. If ACT does not respond within four hours, they will credit your account $50.

“We offer fast service,” Fenimore says. “Our customers trust us when it comes to adding value, reliability and 100 percent customer satisfaction.” 

All ACT sales and service technicians are certified and trained on the current models at Kyocera’s New Fairfield, New Jersey headquarters. ACT is an A+ accredited business with the Better Business Bureau.

“When asked why, what makes Advanced Copier Technology stand out from the rest, my answer is, ‘Just ask my customers,’” Fenimore says.

Contact: Dale Fenimore16 Mt. Ebo Road South, Brewster, NY 10509Office number: 845-279-4545, ext. 130Cell: [email protected]

CHAMBER MEMBERS MAKING NEWS

Advanced Copier Technology Inc.

Page 9: YORKTOWN MATTERS€¦ · Sal Altavilla, president and owner of Advanced Copier Technology Inc., and his management staff are proud and excited to introduce Kyocera’s copier and

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Spring 2017 | Yorktown Matters | 7

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YORKTOWN NEWS CELEBRATES FIVE-YEAR

ANNIVERSARYPAPER EXPANDS ITS DIGITAL OFFERINGS; LAUNCHES APP THROUGH

TAPINTO NETWORKBy Bob Dumas

8 | Yorktown Matters | Spring 2017

Yorktown News Sports Editor Robert Diantonio and Editor Brian Marschhauser look over the shoulder of Gabrielle Bilik as she designs a newspaper page. Photo by Tabitha Pearson Marshall

Page 11: YORKTOWN MATTERS€¦ · Sal Altavilla, president and owner of Advanced Copier Technology Inc., and his management staff are proud and excited to introduce Kyocera’s copier and

Yorktown News publisher Brett Freeman looked around his office at the stacks of newspapers piled in the corner and shook his head.

“I can’t believe it has already been five years,” he said. “We’ve gone through so many changes in such a short time. I am excited to see what will happen next.”

Halston Media, the paper’s parent company, has come a long way since it launched Yorktown News in May 2012. It now publishes four newspapers, including Mahopac News, The Somers Record and North Salem News, with a combined total of 25,500 papers mailed via the U.S. Postal Service every week.

“You see other newspapers across the country cutting back or closing down,” Freeman said. “We’re thriving.”

A vital part of the success of Yorktown News is its affiliation and partnership with the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce, where the paper is part of the Diamond Club. Members of the Chamber’s Diamond Club are considered top sponsors of the business organization.

“We’re proud to be working so closely with the Yorktown Chamber,” Freeman said. “We share a common mission, which is to help promote the success of our clients and members.”

For the past few years, Yorktown News has partnered with the Chamber to produce specialty publications for its annual Auto Show and Street Fair and the paper donates a portion of the proceeds back to the Chamber.

There is synergy between Yorktown News and the Chamber, which bolsters a mutually beneficial relationship.

“Nobody reaches the community better than Yorktown News,” said Yorktown Chamber of Commerce President Eric DiBartolo, who regularly advertises his business, Yorktown Funeral Home, in the newspaper.

Since its inception five years ago, Yorktown News has become a staple in town, covering municipal and school news, as well as sports, business, crime, as well as profiles of the amazing people who live and work throughout the community.

Award-winning journalist Brian Marschhauser took over as editor of the paper two years ago. He grew up in town and is a graduate of Yorktown High—Class of 2005.

“It’s exciting to be the editor of my hometown paper,” he said. “I think we fill a vital and important role as a watchdog of the community and making sure residents are well-informed. I think we have a great product and I’m proud of what we do.”

Marschhauser doesn’t do it on his own—staff reporter Gabrielle Bilik, sports editor Robert DiAntonio and chief photographer Tabitha Pearson Marshall play essential roles in shaping the paper’s editorial content.

Bilik, a graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh, where she was an editor for the school’s student newspaper, has covered a wide array of stories since joining the staff over a year ago. She reports on news coming out of Town Hall and police beats, and she writes personality profiles on some of Yorktown’s more interesting denizens.

“That’s what I like best—writing the profiles,” she said. “I love meeting cool people who do cool things,

and in Yorktown, there is a lot of them.”Marshall is an award-winning photographer and her work graces

the pages of the paper each week. When asked if she had a

favorite memory of her myriad photo shoots in Yorktown, she recalled the powder-puff football game at Legacy Field several years ago.

“It was hysterical,” she said. “The girls played football

and were coached by the guys. Some of the girls were

real serious and some were like, ‘whatever, we’re just having fun.’

It was quite entertaining.”DiAntonio brings a wealth of

experience to the sports department. He’s a graduate of Siena College and was

a sports reporter for the now-defunct North County News before joining Yorktown News. The school’s sports programs provide him with plenty of fodder.

“I remember in 2014, the lacrosse team won the Class B state championship,” he said. “I photographed that game and it was a pretty awesome experience.”

All of this comes together under the auspices of Faith Ann Butcher, Halston Media’s production manner. The paper’s photos and layouts have won several New York State Press Association Awards.

Soon after its launch, Yorktown News applied for periodical status with the U.S. Postal Service. In order to be approved for periodical status, free newspapers must receive requests from more than 50 percent of their readers. As of this past October, Yorktown News had

We’re proud to be workingso closely with the Yorktown

Chamber. We share a common mission, which is to help pro-

mote the success of our clients and members.

Spring 2017 | Yorktown Matters | 9

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10 | Yorktown Matters | Spring 2017

over 70 percent of its readers request it, and the number keeps going up.

As a periodical, Yorktown News gets special treatment by the post office, including faster delivery. The post office can audit Yorktown News at any time and in order to keep its status, it must maintain a strict ad-to-editorial ratio. This ensures that the paper continues to serve the community and that its advertisers always stand out in the paper.

“If Yorktown businesses really care about reaching potential customers in the community, then Yorktown News is the best vehicle for them to deliver their message,” Freeman said. “We’re delivering it straight to the mailbox. Our account executive, Paul Forhan, who is also a Yorktown resident, likes to say, ‘From the mailbox to the kitchen table, where purchasing decisions are made.’”

In late 2015, Halston Media launched four Internet outlets through TAPinto.net, a network of over 60 hyper-local news websites. Their four sites combined, including TAPintoYorktown.net, received about 1 million page views last year.

In January of this year, Halston Media also released an app for the website that people can download onto their phones.

“Technology is always changing and we keep up to date so we can provide the best service possible for both our readers and advertisers,” Freeman said as he thumbed through the latest edition. “I can’t wait to see what the next five years brings.”

To reach Yorktown News publisher Brett Freeman, call 845-208-8151 or email [email protected].

Photo by Tabitha Pearson Marshall

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12 | Yorktown Matters | Spring 2017

SIGNATURE EVENTS

Left:Yorktown Chamber of Commerce hosts its Annual Holiday Get Together at Frankie & Augie’Z Ristorante in Jefferson Valley in December, 2016. From left are Eric DiBartolo, president, and board members Aaron Bock, Anthony Grasso, RoseMarie Panio, Marc Saidel and Gina Dipaterio.

Go No Sen Karate opened its new location at Parkside Corner, 3565 Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor, in September of 2016. Contact Go No Sen Karate at kidslovekarate.com and 914-734-2461.

Above and Below: Approximately 3,000 area residents rang in 2017 at the Chamber’s annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop in Yorktown Heights. The event featured a DJ, master of ceremonies, food vendors and a fireworks display at the stroke of midnight. The Yorktown Chamber of Commerce sponsored the annual Home

Lifestyle & Family Show on Feb. 18 at Jefferson Valley Mall. The event features home improvement, kitchen and bathrooms, remodelers, heating/cooling, health tips, chimneys and stoves, homebuilders, banks/mortgage lenders, windows/door/siding, roofing, financial planners, entertainment, cooking contest and games.

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JANUARY9th at 12 p.m. Winter Membership Drive “Bring-A-Friend” Luncheon - $25 per person (Free with prospective member)Guest Speaker: Police Chief Robert Noble at Thyme Restaurant, 3605 Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor, NY

10th at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast Networking Meeting – $7 per personYorktown Coach Diner, 340 Downing Drive, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598Guest Speaker: TBA

23rd at 6 p.m. Networking Meeting – Member Free EventThe Counseling Center, 2000 Maple Hill Street, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

FEBRUARY7th at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast Networking Meeting – $7 per personYorktown coach Diner, 340 Dowing Drive, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598Guest Speaker: TBA

13th at 6 p.m. Networking Meeting– Member Free Event

18th from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The York-town Chamber of Commerce Home, Lifestyles & Family ShowJefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Road, York-town Heights, NY 10598

MARCH7th at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast Networking Meeting – $7 per personYorktown Coach Diner, 340 Downing Drive, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598Guest Speaker: TBA

TBA a 6 p.m. Networking Meeting – Member Free Event

APRIL4th at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast Networking Meeting – $7 per personYorktown Coach Diner. 340 Downing Drive, Yorktown Heights, NY 105Guest Speaker:TBA

24th at 6 p.m. Networking Meeting – Member Free EventThe Cortlandt School of Performing Arts, 24 Old Albany Post Road, Cro-ton-on-Hudson, NY 10562

MAY2nd at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast Networking Meeting – $7 per personYorktown Coach Diner, 340 Downing Drive, Yorktown Heights, NY 1059Guest Speaker: TBA

15th at 6 p.m. Networking Meeting – Member Free EventYorktown Teen Center, 1974 Commerce Street, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

JUNE3rd for the Sixth Annual Auto show – Jack Devito Veterans Memorial Field

5th at 6 p.m. Networking Meeting – Member Free EventDML Mortgage Enterprises, Inc., 334 Un-derhill Ave., Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

6th at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast Networking Meeting – $7 per personYorktown Coach Diner, 340 Downing Drive, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598Guest Speaker: TBA

JULYTBA Yorktown Chamber of Commerce 2017 Scholarship Awards Dinner (Invi-tation Only)

AUGUSTTBA Member Appreciation Night

SEPTEMBER5th at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast Networking Meeting – $7 per personYorktown Coach Diner, 340 Downing Drive, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598Guest Speaker: TBA

18th at 6 p.m. Networking Meeting – Member Free EventO’Grady’s Public House, 11927 Com-merce Street, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

OCTOBER3rd at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast Networking Meeting – $10 per personYorktown Frankie & Augie’Z Ristorante, 3673 Hill Blvd., Jefferson Valley, NY 10535Guest Speaker: TBA

8th from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 9th Annual Yorktown Festival & Street Fair

NOVEMBER7th at 7:30 p.m. Breakfast Networking Meeting – $7 per personYorktown Coach Diner, 340 Downing Drive, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598Guest Speaker TBA

DECEMBER5th at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast Networking Meeting – $7 per personYorktown Coach Diner, 340 Downing Drive, Yorktown Heights, NY 1058Guest Speaker: TBA

31st Third Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop

PLAN AHEAD FOR SIGNATURE EVENTS!THE YORKTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2017 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Spring 2017 | Yorktown Matters | 13

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TACONIC KIA OPENS IN CORLANDT MANOR

AS SHOWROOM UNDERGOES RENOVATIONBy Linda Friedel

14 | Yorktown Matters | Spring 2017

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Don’t mind the trailers at new the Taconic KIA in Corlandt Manor. In fact, come on in.

The team at Taconic KIA welcomes clients into its cozy headquarters and is anxious to meet more of Yorktown.

“It’s definitely unique,” said Drew Picon, owner of Taconic KIA. “Everybody’s cozy and snug. Customers can shop and browse. We bring them in the trailer and discuss financing and leasing opportunities.”

Taconic KIA, at 3805 Crompond Road, opened last fall in the former Taconic Chevrolet dealership location. Taconic KIA is busy renovating the former showroom from top to bottom in addition to selling cars. The newly renovated service center is making repairs and the showroom is expected to be completed this fall. The car lot will be repaved once the building is recompleted.

Taconic KIA is Picon’s second dealership that he has renovated in his 30-plus years in the industry. He once converted a diner in Hackettstown, New Jersey, into a Hyundai dealership and repurposed the Midas service center next door as his own. Picon owns a KIA dealership in New Jersey and was looking for a second location when he stumbled upon the vacant auto dealership in Corlandt Manor. It seemed like the perfect fit. The KIA company had been searching for another market, as well, so the business took flight.

“This market had a hole in it,” said Picon. “There was no representation here.”

It has been a great start for Taconic KIA, Picon said. He expects to sell 100 cars per month and nearly achieved that within his first two months. The Optima, Forte, Sorento and Sportage are his top sellers. He said KIAs are a phenomenal car backed by a phenomenal warranty, noting the warranty on the engine and transmission is 10 years and 100,000 miles. It was the warranty that gave Picon strong confidence in the product.

“We are trying to identify us as the KIA dealer in your town,” Picon remarked.

Picon has a passion for the auto industry. He grew up in the family business where his father owned a dealership and inspired him to also go into the profession. He learned the trade from the ground floor up, from detailing to selling. He sold his first car when he was just 16 years old and bought his first dealership at 23, ranking him as one of the youngest dealers at the time.

Picon still gets a thrill from selling cars. He enjoys connecting with customers and educating them on the products. Once he has sold a car, Picon smiles and tell them to be sure to put in a good word to the boss about him.

“I love it,” said Picon. “You meet so many incredible people from so many walks of life. It’s such a unique business. It’s all about a need and filling a need. There’s a certain accomplishment every time you sell a car.”

Spring 2017 | Yorktown Matters | 15

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16 | Yorktown Matters | Spring 2017

Yorktown has been welcoming, Picon says. He describes the community as a hub with lots of diversity.

“It’s a special community with a lot of people with a lot of roots here,” Picon said.

Picon joined the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce, saying the Chamber made him feel right at home.

“The chamber has been so welcoming, overwhelmingly nice and wanting to see us grow and succeed,” he said. “It’s a little humbling.”

Picon joined the Chamber to get involved in the community and to help establish his name. He looks forward to getting more involved with the Chamber, in addition to supporting other local organizations such as youth baseball and high school Broadway shows. Community involvement has always been a priority to Picon. For example while operating a Ford dealership in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina, Picon’s staff organized a community food drive. Then he arranged for a truck deliver it to victims of Katrina.

“I plan to get involved, joining as many community things they have,” he said.

Picon has watched as the auto sales industry has transformed over the past three decades. Customers used to pull up in the family car waving classified ads and the kids climbed in and out of the cars. It was all hands-on, he said. The sales people were the experts.

“It was the personalities that sold the cars and understanding needs,” he said.

Today consumers research cars on the internet. They meet with salespeople armed with information. There is vast new technology, from heated back seats to sensors alerting drivers of the cars next to them, to brakes automatically halting the vehicle as a driver moves too close to an object, Picon said.

“You need to slow the customer down,” he said. “It’s such a big purchase. Technology takes time to

understand the new features. Sales representatives must to be ready to meet customers where they are, he said.

“You really need to be on an even playing field,” said Picon. “The consumer is so educated. The consumers enjoy challenging the car dealers. It’s OK to say I don’t know or

I’ll find out.” No matter what the era is, Picon

says his vision for the business remains constant.

“All of my employees know my vision,” he said. “The customers come first. They are coming to

us for a reason. You need to exceed their expectations. You need to turn them into our customers.

Taconic KIA is the kind of business where anyone is welcome to stop by for a cup of coffee and conversation, Picon says. He wants to build long-term relationships.

“Stop by. Let us show you the products and someday maybe we’ll earn your business,” he said.

You meet so many incredible people from

so many walks of life. It’s such a unique business. It’s all about a need and filling

a need. There’s a certain accomplishment every

time you sell a car.

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18 | Yorktown Matters | Spring 2017

DAS AUTO PARTS STOCKS HOMETOWN SERVICE

By Linda Friedel

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When DAS Auto Parts opened in Yorktown Heights, owner John Recchia knew he was filling a void.

“There is nothing else in the area,” said Recchia. “They were lacking in a retail auto parts store.”

DAS Auto Parts, located at 373 Downing Drive, opened in October of 2016. Recchia combined two 2,000-square-foot stores to create space for his 4,000-square-foot auto parts store. It has been a smooth transition for the seasoned auto parts dealer. From obtaining permits to working with the city and remodeling, Recchia said Yorktown has made it as easy as possible for him to launch the new store.

“Everybody did a really great job,” said Recchia. “It was, ‘How can we help you?’ as opposed to how to make it more difficult – great attitude, helpful attitude.”

Recchia enjoys growing new businesses and owns two other DAS Auto Parts stores in White Plains and Yonkers. He included his employees in the decision to expand in an effort to make sure the team was on board. They all agreed to launch a second location, then the third. DAS employees, Recchia said, treat each other like family and they are committed to success.

“I like to grow,” said Recchia. “I really enjoy bringing a new business to a new town. There is nothing more gratifying than making new relationships with customers.”

new people and having them truly appreciate.” DAS Auto Parts stocks a wide selection of products ranging from LED

lighting, remote vehicle starters, trailer hitches, car cleaning products, car batteries, car audio systems to motor oils.

The service center installs mobile electronics, exterior upgrades, lighting upgrades, performance upgrades, jeep accessories, trailer hitches, bike racks, van accessories, rotors, starters, and creates new car assets and wheels. Other services include battery installations, stereo installations, key cutting, headlights & HIDs, alarm and remote start.

DAS offers a few complimentary services including free windshield wiper blade installation and a hot cup of coffee brewed with locally roasted beans from Ardsley, New York.

These personal touches, Recchia said, are some of the amenities that set DAS apart from larger chain stores. Customers notice the eye-catching hardwood floors, beautiful lighting and quality customer service. Among his employees, Recchia counts 50 years of combined experience in the industry. He said, there is no problem “we don’t have an answer for.”

Recchia has seen repeating customers return for parts and service since opening. That tells him he is doing something right and motivates him to do better.

“Customers say it’s like a breath of fresh air when they walk in,” said Recchia. “We live this business, know what to carry and what not to carry and what the market demands. It’s all about the service. I do think we exceed the bar as far as modern-day retail.”

Recchia has been in the auto parts business for 25 years. He started working at an auto parts store when he was 16 years old to support his Ford Mustang. He liked accessorizing his car with speakers, wheels, tires, upgraded brakes and interior works. He learned early on that he had a knack for the business, eventually working for D.A.S. when it stood for of Discount Auto Supply, before purchasing the business from the original owner.

DAS Auto Parts opened at 373 Downing Drive in October of 2016.

DAS employee, Steven O’Neill, left, assists a customer.

Photo by Andrew Stein

Spring 2017 | Yorktown Matters | 19

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20 | Yorktown Matters | Spring 2017

In addition to his passion for the auto parts industry, Recchia considers himself a “foodie.” A frequent customer to the deli and bagel café/coffee shop located right next door to his auto parts store, he told the owners if they ever decided to sell the place to let him know as he would be happy to have it. He did buy it, and operated it for five years before selling it. It was a good experience and he would like to open a coffee shop in Yorktown.

“I’d love to do a modern-day coffee shop café and pastries,” Recchia said.

Recchia also likes to get involved in the community. He is a member of the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce and recently donated $2,000 for Support Connection during his grand opening with the Chamber. The nonprofit organization supports women with breast and ovarian cancer. In the future he looks forward to hosting a car show and raising more funds for the nonprofit.

“It’s good to be involved,” he said. “I always give back. That’s number one.”

Recchia joined the Chamber to build relationships with other business owners in the community.

“Business is about relationships and networking,” he said. “It’s been great. It’s great to know you have like-minded people and business associates with questions and concerns. It’s a great thing. All business owners should be part of that.”

From left are DAS employees Steven O’Neill and Sylvester Price.

DAS Auto Parts made a recent donation to Support Connection, a nonprofit which supports women with ovarian and breast cancer.

Photos by Andrew Stein

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