Stafford Associates

Dolores Stafford
Stafford Associates
Stony Brook SBDC

Stafford Associates Computer Specialists, Inc. began doing business in the early 80s, as computer consultant and systems designer to medium sized businesses. Through the next two decades their business expanded tremendously. President and CEO, Dolores Stafford contacted Stony Brook SBDC Business Advisor Gloria Glowacki for help in developing a building commensurate with Stafford Associates'' leadership status in the industry. Gloria’s efforts helped cut through the red tape involved in planning and financing the LEED certified state-of-the art Technology and Data Center. She introduced them to key people in economic development, lending, the SBA- and a few key elected officials. The Staffords consider Gloria their “Guardian Angel” - Vice President, Eugene Stafford said, “…she had connections with everyone…”

The SBDC was able to help Stafford obtain a $450,000 loan in 2007 to help cover operating expenses while the process of coordinating the project participants continued. With business plan in hand and SBDC at their side, the company was able to secure an additional $9,000,000+ in funding from three separate banks. Together with $1,500,000 in owner equity, the project impact topped $11,000,000. In late 2008, the planning and hard work all came together. On November 14th, Stafford Associates hosted a steel raising of The Stafford Technology Center, which fit nicely on the historic 2-acre site in East Setauket. The event was attended by many dignitaries, including Congressman Tim Bishop, Town Supervisor Brian Foley, several Town Council members and representatives from Suffolk County.