Entrepreneurs Living Their Dream
For Immediate ReleaseContact:
Aaron Kesmetis
(877) 386-4287
tophat@getahaton.com
"We always wanted to run a business, live in a small town. Now we are living in our dream log home, operate our own business and living a dream," said Aaron Kesmetis." - North Conway, New Hampshire - January 2006
In 2003 Aaron and MaryAnn Kesmetis sold their Fifth Avenue home in Lowell, MA, quit their jobs, said farewell and headed north. But their move was neither unplanned nor a whimsical decision, rather it was a well-thought out dream that the couple chose to make a reality. Now three years later the entrepreneur duo is celebrating the third anniversary of their retail hat shop, Aaron Hats and life in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Aaron Hats opened doors on June 28, 2003 and is located in the heart of North Conway in Norcross Circle. As routine Conway-area vacationers, the lifelong Lowell residents said the idea of permanently relocating to the Granite State had always been a reoccurring thought, but it was only recently they decided to seriously weigh their options. They acquired a special fondness for the area and recognized that the only way to move and survive lay in an entrepreneurial endeavor.
Aaron, a product of St. Joseph's High School, goal was to one day operate his own business. With a particular fascination for western hats and love for the state's simplicity it seemed only natural that a hat be their avenue north. "I went to Parrott Hatters all the time; I really respected how a business could do so well for that long. That was always an inspiration for me," remembered Aaron Kesmetis. "My grandfather, Anthony Kesmetis used to go there all the time. That was the place to go - people would come all the way from Boston."
Although Aaron toyed with the idea of purchasing the 75-year old Lowell stronghold and favorite of their grandfathers, Anthony Kesmetis and Victor Tremblay, Aaron said the timing wasn't right. But finally the timing was perfect.
Determined to move north he and MaryAnn scouted out the area. They decided a wooded lot tucked along a Scenic Road beneath Cathedral Ledge was perfect for a custom log home and a storefront in Norcross Circle would suit their specialty shop just fine. "It was kind of now or never," said Aaron Kesmetis. "It was the type of thing that we may never have the opportunity to do again. So we ran with it."
With a strong customer service background and experience in marketing and administration the two were confident they had a recipe for success. But starting-up and building a business from scratch is no easy task. Ahead of the couple lay hours of research, vendor selection, product, price, quality and hat comparisons.
Now fast forward three years. Throw together a few restless nights, stress and a high level of enthusiasm and you have two ecstatic, enthusiastic and proud business owners. They are living proof that doing your homework does payoff.
They clearly tapped into an undiscovered market because after six months (Jan. 04) the hat demand from Valley residents, tourists, and the internet (www.GetaHatOn.com) was so great that Aaron Hats was forced to lease larger floor space. One year later (Feb. 05) they were forced to once again move to a larger space now triple the space they first started with.
"There has been a need for hats in the community that Aaron identified. There wasn't a place in town where you could buy a quality hat, " said Norcross Circle neighbor and owner, Bob Corbett of Courtyard Café. "His arrival overall has raised the bar. He projects a very professional look; he encourages a caliber and quality that folks like to see."
Added Aaron, "Even if you don't like hats you can come in and reminisce about your grandfather in the old days. Hats have a nice way of reminding us of the old days."
The charming shop of caps, hats and much much more is impressive and peaks even a browser's curiosity. Visitors and repeat customers can hardly resist the temptation to try-on the most extravagant of hats imaginable. "We are so thrilled," smiled MaryAnn (Sword) Kesmetis. "It's very exciting meeting people in the Valley. They are so happy with the hat store - we have several repeat customers and people recognize Aaron around town now."
The best seller is Kangol, but also popular are: Bailey, Barmah, Betmar, Dorfman Pacific, Resistol, Stetson, Sunday Afternoons, Tilley Endurables and many more. Hat accessories including hatboxes, brushes, bands and retainers are also available as well as steaming and stretching services.
As Members of the Mt. Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, local business folks will tell you Aaron Hats has become a staple in the community.
"Anytime a community can offer a diverse selection, especially hats, it's a very nice niche to have in the community," said Executive Director, Janice Crawford. "They have a great selection - especially with the Red Hat Society."
Now beneath a luminous blanket of stars Aaron and MaryAnn rock comfortably on their farmer's porch they reminisce about the bold steps they took to make Aaron Hats a reality and the rewards of country living. Gone is the traffic and rigors of city life - now they enjoy the nighttime quietness, an occasional moose appearance and the lax manners of vacationing city-folk.
"Waking up and seeing the woods makes me feel like I have the day off," explained MaryAnn Kesmetis. "Even if I'm having a harried day looking out to the mountains makes me feel so peaceful. It seems almost as if we are closer to the sky."
Saying goodbye to the Mill City, friends and family - including MaryAnn's three children and eight grandchildren was difficult, but they now can safely say their teary-eyed farewells were well grounded.
"We always wanted to run a business, live in a small town. Now we are living in our dream log home, operate our own business and living a dream," said Aaron Kesmetis. Added MaryAnn, "This is like going away to your favorite vacation place and staying forever. The vacation never ends."
Aaron Hats carries hundreds of hats and accessories to fit every style and need. The store is located at: 2729 Main Street, North Conway, NH 03860. For hours and information please call: 1-877-386-HATS. Or shop on the web at: www.getahaton.com
About Aaron Hats
In 2003 Aaron and MaryAnn Kesmetis sold their Fifth Avenue home in Lowell, MA, quit their jobs and headed north to follow their passion: hats. Aaron Hats opened doors on June 28, 2003 in the heart of North Conway, New Hampshire in Norcross Circle. Three years later, the retail hat shop has tripled its floor space, seen sales jump over 67% and now boasts over 25 different brands of headwear including: Kangol, Bailey, Barmah, Betmar, Dorfman Pacific, Resistol, Stetson, Sunday Afternoons, Tilley Endurables and many more. Aaron Hats accessories include: hatboxes, brushes, bands and retainers, as well as steaming and stretching services. For more information, please call: 1-877-386-HATS.
About Getahaton.com
Getahaton.com is a one-stop shop designed for hat lovers, by hat lovers. Owned and operated by Aaron and MaryAnn Kesmetis of Aaron Hats, the website encourages visitors to browse through hundreds of hats and accessories from over 25 leading manufacturers, including: Kangol, Bailey, Dorfman, Pacific, Stetson and many more. Getahaton.com is a colorful, easy-to-navigate site, where hat enthusiasts can shop by brand, by category of look for special deals. For more information please visit: www.getahaton.com.
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