Life and Relationship Coaching near Stamford, CT

Pantheon Electric is a new holding company for several businesses focused on electrical infrastructure, but it is already well-known to investors in Connecticut.

The creation of Pantheon followed a trio of acquisitions last year by one of its companies, copper-products manufacturer International Wire Group, which has been supported for years by investments made by two Connecticut-based private equity firms. Now, after the opening in January of Pantheon’s approximately 5,000-square-foot headquarters in the First Stamford Place complex in Stamford, where 20 employees are based, Pantheon’s leaders believe that the firm is well-positioned to capitalize on the demand for its products.

“In order to facilitate the rapid growth, we really needed a significant amount of financial talent. That was the primary reason why we wanted to locate in this area,” Pantheon CEO Gregory J. Smith said in an interview earlier this month. “We felt like it was the perfect place to put our headquarters.”

Smith has extensive knowledge of the companies in the Pantheon portfolio from his time at International Wire Group. He joined the Camden, N.Y.-based IWG as CEO and president in 2019, and he served in that role until becoming the CEO of Pantheon at the beginning of this year. Last year, Smith oversaw IWG’s acquisition of three companies: Leetsdale, Pa.-based Hussey Copper, Horbach, Germany-based EMS Elektro Metall Schwanenmühle and Gioia Sannitica, Italy-based Special Corde. Hussey manufactures busbar conductors, fabricated components, as well as copper sheets, strips and plates. EMS makes high-current busbar systems and components. Special Corde produces insulated copper-stranded conductors. In total, the Pantheon companies have more than 1,500 employees.

Pantheon expects to generate about $1.5 billion in revenues in 2026. Many of the Pantheon businesses’ products are used in data centers, which are seeing a surge in demand because of the boom in artificial intelligence.

“Wherever power is used, we are certainly interested in providing the largest, most comprehensive bill of materials to those users,” Smith said. “A big part of our business is electrification and power infrastructure. Data centers are in the news every day, and we serve them quite significantly.”

Other major sources of demand for Pantheon’s businesses include electric vehicles, infrastructure for renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, as well as existing and future factories.

“Our dream is to be able to supply new factories,” Smith said. “Anytime there is an opportunity to clean-sheet design, that’s really an opportunity to get the latest and greatest technology and products involved.”

Pantheon’s majority investor is the Stamford-based private equity firm Olympus Partners. In 2023, Olympus acquired, for about $900 million, a majority stake in International Wire Group from Greenwich-based private equity firm Atlas Holdings. Four Olympus executives serve on Pantheon’s board of directors.

“We act as their partner in trying to achieve this vision of this company that drives electrical-infrastructure growth,” Lou Mischianti, an Olympus managing partner and a Pantheon board member, said in an interview. “We support them with our capital and as a thought partner in helping them to develop strategy and execute.”

Atlas Holdings is a minority investor in Pantheon, and two executives from the firm serve on Pantheon’s board. A message left for Atlas was not returned.

Pantheon is not receiving any state funding for opening the offices in Stamford, but state officials have shown their support in other ways. In late January, Gov. Ned Lamont, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and Daniel O'Keefe, commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development, attended a ribbon-cutting event at the offices at First Stamford Place.

“I am excited to welcome a growing company like Pantheon Electric on their office opening in Connecticut,” Lamont said in a written statement. “Their decision to open global headquarters in our state is a testament to our incredibly talented and skilled workforce, particularly in the trades of engineering, manufacturing and finance. Pantheon is developing some of the emerging technologies that will shape the way we live and work, and I look forward to having this growing company as a member of our business community.”

Pantheon officials are exploring opportunities for additional acquisitions. At the same time, the company is hiring for several Stamford-based positions.

“This is an unmatched area for talent,” Smith said. “We are so grateful to have been able to build out the Pantheon administration efficiently. We have an incredible team here now.”

Paul Schott is a business reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group, writing about the issues affecting small- and medium-sized businesses and large corporations based in Connecticut. He previously covered education for Greenwich Time and general assignments for the Westport News. Paul welcomes readers' ideas and suggestions and strives to cultivate a robust dialogue with Hearst Connecticut Media's audience.

The city said the pool will support student programs, public access and health goals as part of Westhill's rebuild.

STAMFORD, CT — City officials said all required local board approvals have been secured for a new indoor pool facility tied to Stamford's Westhill High School construction project. The $18 million pool will serve Stamford Public Schools and the broader community.

According to the city, the facility will be funded through a mix of 60 percent local funding and 40 percent state grants. The city described the pool as a multi-use public resource intended to support student programming, expand community access and promote public health and equity.

The pool is part of the 450,000-square-foot Westhill High School project, which the city said will be one of the largest and most advanced public high schools in Connecticut history. The new school, which is slated to cost $446 million, is scheduled to open in August 2029.

Officials said the project is expected to improve operational efficiency by reducing energy costs and monthly maintenance costs. It also is set to receive a one-time $200,000 rebate from Energize CT for sustainable design features, according to the city.

"This new pool reflects our commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of our community," Mayor Caroline Simmons said in a statement. "It will expand access to swimming education, support our students, and create new recreational opportunities. We are excited about the lasting impact this investment will have on Stamford."

Added Matt Quinones, director of operations for the City of Stamford, "This is a significant milestone for the Westhill project and the city. The inclusion of a new pool enhances opportunities for student learning and athletics, while also supporting broader public use and serving as a valuable resource for the community."

For more information on Stamford’s school construction projects, visit www.spsbuilds.com.

STAMFORD, CT — Families, friends and supporters from across Fairfield County are scheduled to gather on Saturday, May 16, at Stamford’s Cove Island Park for the ninth annual Epilepsy Walk & Purple Picnic for the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut. The walk begins at 9 a.m. and will be followed by a picnic in the park with boxed lunches provided, according to event information from the organization. Organizers also say the event will include activities for kids, inspiring speakers and a dog-friendly walk.

Greenwich residents Danielle Blaine and her daughter, Gabrielle "Gabi" Blaine, are co-chairs of the event. The family said the gathering is intended not only to raise money, but also to connect people affected by epilepsy with others facing similar experiences. Advance registration is available at epilepsyct.com.

Danielle Blaine said the annual walk fills an important need for people who may feel alone after a diagnosis. She joined the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut board of directors last fall, and she and Gabi have spent 15 years volunteering with the group.

"A diagnosis of epilepsy is often kept private for many reasons, which can sometimes leave some feeling isolated," Danielle said. "This walk brings together individuals and families from Fairfield County, allowing them to meet others with a similar diagnosis, connect, and share in a day of community, understanding, and hope. That sense of community is life-changing. No one should face epilepsy alone."

The foundation describes epilepsy as a neurological condition marked by recurrent seizures, including staring spells, uncontrolled movements, loss of consciousness or temporary confusion. According to the event materials, more than 60,000 children and adults in Connecticut live with epilepsy, and one in 26 people nationwide will develop the condition during their lifetime. The materials also say epilepsy is most prevalent among children younger than 2 and adults 65 and older, and that more than 30 percent of people continue to have uncontrolled seizures even while taking medication.

Gabi Blaine, 28, said she understands those challenges through her own diagnosis of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy.

"If others are not educated about seizures or trained in seizure safety, a tonic-clonic seizure can be very frightening to witness," Gabi said. "I feel fortunate that my seizures are generally well controlled on medication, although it took many years and more than six medications to find the right combination. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to volunteer with the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut to support those who face greater challenges."

People interested in attending the May 16 event in Stamford can sign up at epilepsyct.com by selecting the Stamford Walk under the events tab.

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons joined officials from Charter Oak Communities and residents of Stamford Manor on Monday to highlight ongoing renovation work at the city’s largest public housing complex for seniors and people with disabilities.

The 215-unit building, located near Mill River Park, is undergoing a multi-phase rehabilitation project aimed at preserving the property as long-term affordable housing. Work began last year with structural restoration and is expected to continue with the replacement of mechanical and electrical systems.

Stamford Manor was developed in 1965 through the federal low-income public housing program and has provided housing for seniors and non-elderly residents with disabilities for six decades.

City officials say the project comes amid a significant shortage of affordable housing in Stamford. A 2025 needs-based affordable housing assessment commissioned by the city and Charter Oak Communities estimated that Stamford lacks about 4,000 housing units affordable to households with extremely low incomes.

Vin Tufo, chief executive officer of Charter Oak Communities, said roughly 30 percent of senior renters meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s definition of extremely low-income. Of Stamford Manor’s 215 units, about 150 are occupied by senior households.

"This initial work will set the stage for the final phase of the project — a major renovation of the building and its 215 apartments planned for 2028," Tufo said.

The full rehabilitation is expected to cost nearly $60 million. Charter Oak Communities has requested $2 million in city capital funds to support the project.

Simmons said the city is continuing to prioritize investments in affordable housing.

"We remain committed to expanding access to quality, affordable housing in Stamford, as this not only benefits our residents but our city as a whole," Simmons said. "This is why I have proposed $3 million in the FY26-27 capital budget to advance new affordable housing projects, like this one at Stamford Manor, and I hope that the Board will consider this a priority as well when reviewing the budget."

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Public Schools realized that eliminating student parking during construction of a new Westhill High School would be an inconvenience, so last fall officials reached out to the school community to communicate the situation.

Students recently circulated a petition requesting that the district push back the start of construction on the new $446 million, which is scheduled to begin on April 1, to after the school year.

Roughly 90 students will be impacted by losing parking privileges starting in April, though the district is working with city officials to find temporary parking for those students, according to district spokesperson Kathleen Steinberg.

"As we shared with the community back in October, the City of Stamford is working with neighboring organizations in an effort to identify alternative parking for Westhill students," Steinberg told Patch. "My understanding is that an announcement should be forthcoming soon about those efforts."

Students complained that they were not involved in the planning for when student parking at the school would go offline, but Steinberg said families were notified last fall.

"The City of Stamford, Stamford Public Schools, and Westhill administrators hosted voluntary meetings for staff and families back in October to discuss the changes that would occur during the current school year, including the elimination of on-campus student parking for about 90 students who have on-campus parking privileges," Steinberg said. "We wanted everyone to have as much notice as possible about these changes, which is why they were communicated out several months ago."

In an Oct. 24 message, Superintendent Dr. Tamu Lucero spelled out the challenges the district will face during the construction project.

"At the same time, we recognize that these projects will require changes to the daily routines of current students, staff, and families at the schools undergoing construction," Lucero wrote. "Beginning in mid-2026 and until the new Westhill opens, there will be no on-campus student parking areas, the Stamford Regional FFA (agriscience) Program will be unable to operate out of its building, and the athletic and marching band programs will be relocated off campus. As plans for the relocation of school programming, athletics, and band are finalized, they will be shared with the Westhill community.

"These changes will call for flexibility, patience, and cooperation from students, staff, and families. Our district leaders, school leaders, and facilities personnel are working closely with the City of Stamford and the new Westhill project team to minimize disruption to current students, staff, and families. The City and SPS will provide regular updates to the Westhill community throughout construction."

Steinberg reiterated those sentiments to Patch, adding that a delay in a project of this size is not possible. The new 450,000-square-foot school is scheduled to be completed for the 2029-30 school year.

"We recognize that the new Westhill construction project will create disruptions to some daily routines for students, staff, and families," Steinberg wrote. "Unfortunately, delaying a project of this scope and complexity is not an option, as there are simply too many contractual deadlines that must be met, including many related to the state's unprecedented grant funding."

For information on the new Westhill High School, including construction updates, click here.