MICHAEL Bruno
Company: Windham Antique Center
Title: Owner
Age: 38
Career Highlights: Watching my business grow from an idea into a 7,500 square foot retail store. I feel honored to have such a creative hardworking team to help me see my visions through. The other part of my ventures which have been rewarding has been the revitalization of two downtown buildings in Bellows Falls.
Community Involvement: In the past 12 years I have lived in Bellows Falls, Vermont I have volunteered for the following community organizations;
Bellows Falls Historical Society – Board Member
Stone Soup Group. A group of young shop owners and artists in bellows falls organizing events downtown
Greater Falls Chamber of Commerce- helped organize events
Zoning and Planning Commission of Town of Rockingham, VT – Board Member
Bellows Falls Downtown Development Alliance “BFDDA” – Board Member
Worked with the CLG to coordinate local lectures
Manager Search committee for Town of Rockingham and Village of Bellows Falls.
Hiring committee for Bellows Falls Police Department
Bellows Falls Downtown Design Committee – Chair Current
Bellows Falls Downtown Development Alliance “BFDDA” – President Current
Some Charity events my team has hosted have been to benefit the following;
RAMP-Rockingham Arts and Museum project.
Local Food Shelter
Vermont Children’s Hospital
Historic Rockingham meeting house
Elephant Ivory Ban
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? The decision to live and work in Bellows Falls, Vermont was a combination of the community and level of historic preservation.
Favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is a combination of meeting interesting new people and getting to learn something new every day. Whether it's researching a historical object or learning about a new historic design element I find something of joy every day.
Most inspiring mentor and why: Giada a Jeweler from Italy I started work for when I was 14. She taught me about gemstones and set me on my path to study at the Gemological Institute of America.
What is the best career advice you have received? The best career advice I have received has been to put your all into something you believe in.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I had a pet duck named Sebastian.
What three words best describe you? Ambitious. Dreamer. Collector.
Favorite Vermont escape: A hike to twin falls in Saxtons River
Favorite downtime activity: My favorite downtime activity would be reading about and researching historical objects.
Favorite super hero: Spiderman.
Favorite social media: Facebook, it's still a great way to connect with family and old friends.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with: My brother Christoper. I miss him every day.
If you had unlimited access to funds which cause(s) would you support: With unlimited funds I would support local organizations.
What one song is on your playlist that are you ashamed to tell your best friend? Britney Spears Toxic. Haha.
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years? I see the expansion of my business leading to an additional location and the creation of more jobs. I also see myself continuing to work on restoration of historic downtown buildings.
What career goal(s) would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years? I would like to expand my already amazing team to offer more services in design to our customers. Also I would like to work on restoring more historic buildings.
