Who are you?
UCSA International Inc. - We were one of the first tenants at CI Works.
What is your business?
UCSA International provides tailored business development, marketing, and sales solutions for a wide variety of companies. We customize our offerings based on each of our clients’ needs. For some, we oversee the company’s entire marketing operation, and, for others, we simply assist in the areas where it is needed most.
Is there a story behind your business?
After many years working as an executive in the corporate world helping companies grow their businesses, Michelle Miakos decided to start her own consulting firm focused on business development. In 2008, she established UCSA International Inc. Despite the difficult economic conditions at that time, the company maintained operations. In 2015, UCSA rebranded and added marketing services to its offerings. Our dedicated staff of professionals bring their collective knowledge and experience to each client engagement.
What problem(s) are you/your business trying to help solve?
As a full-service marketing firm, UCSA International assists our customers with all aspects of their marketing needs. We define and create a unique, customized strategic plan to help each of our clients achieve their marketing goals.
Are there any causes you are passionate about? How is your company changing the world?
UCSA International’s mission is to provide unique customer service to each of its clients. Our focus is on helping people. In addition to our business services, the members of the UCSA staff are intimately involved in various charitable endeavors throughout the local community and beyond. During the holidays, we help serve food at homeless shelters, and donate our time to help others that are not as fortunate as we. CEO Michelle Miakos sits on the board of directors of the Wish Project, a charity that supplies furniture, home goods, and clothing to over 50,000 families in the Merrimack Valley. She also has made monetary
contributions to the Arlington Academy of Hope, a K-12 school in Uganda, helping feed 300 of its students. COO Joe Poirier is a co-chairman and Project Manager Caitlin Thayer is a member of the Amesbury 350 Celebration committee. Director of Administration Lynne Osborn is a member of the board of directors of the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Office Manager Jessica Colangelo serves on the board of directors of the Maudslay State Park Association. In addition, she ran the 2017 Boston Marathon, raising $12,000 for Special Olympics. We feel very honored and fortunate to be able to pay it forward.
Why do you like being a part of the bigger CI Works puzzle?
It is a pleasure to be a part of the CI Works community. As small business owners, we understand each other and can relate to the struggles that come with being a startup or a small company. By interacting with the tenants at CI Works, we have been able to expand our business network, gain new clients, and share business referrals with one another.
UCSA Employees Support our Customers and their Events
What’s cool about your team?
UCSA International is like a family. We support and respect each other. Our focus is our work, but we make sure that we have fun while we are doing it. We also understand the importance of ensuring that our employees have time to spend with their families. We have implemented flexible working hours to allow our team to maintain a healthy balance between their work commitments and family obligations. Our staff is measured by what they get done, not by how many hours they spend in the office. We enjoy our company outings--whether it is sailing together, supporting one another at a private event, celebrating a birthday, or spending time with Santa.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Thanks to the perseverance, hard work, and dedication of our team, UCSA International has become one of the up-and-coming marketing firms north of Boston.
What is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear, as the owner of a growing small business, is not being able to maintain a healthy balance between my work commitments and my personal life.
What is something most people don’t know about you/your brand?
I formerly worked at a nuclear facility. That’s why I have such a glowing personality!
UCSA stands for Unique Customer Service Approach
What advice do you have for other small businesses?
Have a plan, and monitor your progress on a regular basis
Stay focused, and be persistent
Network your network
Get advice from successful business owners
Join your local business networking groups