Thinking BIG is second nature to Marjorie Juszczak and her daughter Melissa.nThey are the daughter (and granddaughter) of Bob Malkin – the business man who, with his artist friend Phyllis Prinz created Think Big!®– the line of oversized versions of everyday products that originated with 6-foot pencils and 5-foot Crayola crayons.
Iconic through the 1980s, the Think Big!® retail store originated in SOHO (before it was the SOHO we know) and its products were featured in blockbuster films like BIG and Forrest Gump – both starring Tom Hanks.
Fast forward a quarter century, and the hottest properties have done a 180 – Tiny is Huge. Tiny houses (400 square feet or less) are gaining popularity for their eco-friendly footprint, renewable energy efficiency, and 21st -century technology savvy. Add all this to a secluded, yet connected rural location with spectacular views and awesome day-trip opportunities, and you’ve got one of Greene County’s coolest new businesses in an emerging category driving economic growth – Think BIG! a Tiny House Resort in South Cairo, NY.
Our walk around the property with Marjorie and Melissa started as they were exercising their shelties in the site’s fenced-in dog park, and meandered along a scenic drive flanked by LED street lights that blend into the landscape like they grew up with the trees. Of the four tiny houses sited so far, only one was available for viewing, as the other three housed guests that were due to check out, but decided to extend their stay! And why wouldn’t they? Each Tiny House is more reminiscent of a beloved private vacation home than a rental, and the property itself provides that quintessential Catskill Mountain getaway feeling with all the amenities of home (and then some).
The interiors of these Tiny Houses are 5 Star, and there’s nothing small about the amenities: A modern kitchen with stainless appliances (including a huge refrigerator – freezer, gas cook-top and bake oven as well as a microwave); broadband WiFi, a full size tiled shower, stone countertops, king sized bed in the loft above, and a leather sofa next to a flat-screen and a digital fireplace.
But the real magic is in the surroundings – You can lose yourself overlooking a waterfall that powered the mill wheel of an 18th century bell factory, walk though cathedral forest paths, and even pick your own veg from the garden next to the lending-library of games, books, and other fun items.
Living on the property, Marjorie has become a valued addition to the Cairo Development Association (CDA) – working to both attract new businesses to the town, as well as mentor them along the way.
Our Greene County Office of Economic Development works directly with town organizations like the CDA to provide concierge business support services to assist prospective entrepreneurs as they bring their talents and ambition to our 14 Catskill Mountain, Rural Valley and Historic Hudson River Towns.
If you want to learn more about how to Make It In Greene, check out our free helpful business guides and contact the Invest In Greene team by email or phone at 518-719-3290.
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Topics: Success Stories
