Wireless Zone owners Neil Ryan and Scott Gladstone met each other at Keene State College in 1992 and, from there, started their first business together. Within months they opened their first retail store, becoming the eighth franchisee of the Car Phone Store, now known as Wireless Zone. Today they own seven stores located in Rhode Island and throughout Eastern Connecticut.
From the beginning, these dedicated businessmen created a work culture that emphasized not only keeping their customers happy but their employees as well. They fully invest in their employees both financially and emotionally, helping them navigate through life’s challenges, personally and professionally. Many employees stay with Wireless Zone for long periods because of its family feel.
Along with keeping their employees top of mind, Neil and Scott also have a long history of giving back to the community through the Wireless Zone. Every year they participate in numerous fundraising campaigns. In no particular order, examples include The “Culture of Good” Backpack Drive, United Way Food Drive, Toys for Tots, Pandemic Gift Cards, Hospice Donations, Tablets for Seniors, Gift Baskets, and many more. When you visit one of their Wireless Zone stores, you can almost guarantee to find a fundraiser happening. Wireless Zone is always ready to provide!
In mentoring their employees and supporting their Wireless Zone team internally, the dynamic duo owned eleven Wireless Zone franchise locations in Connecticut and Vermont. After over twenty years of success, six stores of those stores were sold to the franchisor in 2015, none in the original Eastern CT locations. With support from their families, friends & community, they seek to expand in their core area again.
Contributing significantly to the local economy, Gladstone & Ryan attribute their success to hard work, a customer-centric mantra, an outstanding team, and, most importantly, an unwavering commitment to their community. With this fervent dedication, their Wireless Zone team raises over $25,000 for local organizations annually and nominates additional nonprofits for Wireless Zone Foundation For Giving grants.
With this totaling another $40,000 per year, they donate over $65,000 per year to support the local community. Some organizations that receive grants each year have included: the Center for Hospice Care, L&M Hospital, Windham Hospital Foundation, American Friends of Kenya, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center, Jewish Federation of Eastern CT, and Waterford Country School.
Gladstone serves as the Co-Chair for the Gary Saunders Memorial Golf Tournament, benefiting the children and families with Waterford Country School. He received the Community Service Award in 2012, as with each passing year, the event continues to grow under Scott’s leadership. In 2015, the single-day tournament raised over $70,000. Gladstone also sits on the Wireless Zone Foundation Board of Directors and is a Corporator for Chelsea Groton Savings Bank.
Ryan is a Trustee for the Eastern CT Chamber of Commerce and sits on the Marketing Committee for Wireless Zone and Stonington Country Club. He was also a founding member of the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation and host of the famous Mystic Irish Parade. Not only has the parade transformed into the largest annual single-day event in the region, but under Neil’s guidance, it donates excess funds to local nonprofits in need.
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