Connecticut, US, 14th January 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, Entrepreneur and Greenhub Founder Justin Brewer, originally from Somers, Connecticut, is drawing attention to a broader issue he says quietly affects many local businesses: confusing systems and hidden operating costs that drain time, energy, and margins. In a recent feature interview, Brewer reflected on how this challenge shows up not only nationally, but right across Northern Connecticut and the wider New England region.
“If you don’t understand a system, you can’t control it,” Brewer said. “A lot of businesses are working hard, but systems behind the scenes aren’t helping them.”
Why This Matters Locally
Connecticut is home to a dense network of small and family-run businesses. According to regional economic data:
-
Over 97% of Connecticut businesses are classified as small businesses.
-
Small firms account for roughly half of private-sector employment in the state.
-
In New England, operating costs are consistently 10–15% higher than the national average due to labour, utilities, and compliance burdens.
-
Payment-related expenses are often one of the top three monthly costs for local retailers, after payroll and rent.
-
Many small business owners spend less than one hour per month reviewing service statements tied to payments and software tools.
“These costs don’t show up all at once,” Brewer explained. “They add up quietly, and that’s what makes them dangerous.”
Lessons from the Field to Main Street
Brewer credits his background as a former NCAA Division I athlete for shaping how he approaches these challenges.
“You don’t get results by accident,” he said. “You earn them through repetition and focus.”
That mindset, he believes, is especially important for small-town business owners who juggle multiple roles.
“Most people underestimate what steady effort can do,” Brewer added. “Big change usually comes from doing small things well, over and over.”
Local Action List: 10 Steps You Can Take This Week
Residents and business owners in the Somers–Enfield–Stafford area can take practical steps right now:
-
Review one recent monthly business statement line by line.
-
List every subscription or service paid automatically.
-
Cancel one tool or service that no longer adds value.
-
Block 30 minutes to review costs instead of reacting to them.
-
Ask one local business owner how they manage operating expenses.
-
Write down three systems you don’t fully understand.
-
Choose one of those systems to learn this week.
-
Schedule a weekly “business admin reset” on your calendar.
-
Simplify one process that feels unnecessarily complex.
-
Get outside for a walk to reset your focus before making decisions.
“Just begin, stay consistent, and keep learning,” Brewer said. “That’s how momentum builds.”
Finding Trustworthy Local Resources
To find reliable local help, Brewer suggests starting close to home. Look for:
-
Connecticut-based small business development centres.
-
Local chambers of commerce in Tolland and Hartford counties.
-
Peer-led business groups rather than sales-driven seminars.
-
Advisors who explain systems clearly and answer questions directly.
“If someone can’t explain it simply,” he notes, “they may not understand it themselves.”
A Simple Call to Action
Justin Brewer encourages readers to take one local step today—review one expense, ask one question, or simplify one process. “Clarity creates confidence,” he says. “And confidence creates progress.”
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Justin Brewer
Justin Brewer is the Founder and CEO of Greenhub. Originally from Somers, Connecticut, he is a graduate of Sacred Heart University and a former NCAA Division I soccer player. Brewer began his career in sales and digital marketing before founding Greenhub in 2019. His work focuses on simplifying complex systems and helping businesses operate with greater clarity and discipline.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No North Headlines journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.