Al DiGuido is a staple here in Fairfield, owner of Saugatuck Sweets the last five years and for the last 20 years running Al’s Angels. He does so much for the community including running food drives, fundraising for so many organizations, creating a waffle shack at Saugatuck and giving Free Scoops of Ice Cream to pregnant women (yes you read that right, FREE SCOOP for pregnant women)!! You would think he doesn’t have time for much else, but somehow Al is working a full time job, has a big family and loves motorcycle rides!
Read more about this real life Angel here!
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in the area?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn NY….I have lived in Fairfield County – for nearly 30 yearsChildren / Age(s)My children – Rosie -41 , George -39 , Diana – 37
Grandchildren – John, Ryan, Parker, Charlie, Lily, Reagan & Violet
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I ride a Harley Motorcycle & I was an Actor in College
One thing you wish someone would have told you about being a Dad?
How important it is to have a great Mom as a partner in parenting children…No one person can do it alone
Favorite local things to do in Fairfield?
I love the access to the beaches and coastline. Also love so many of the great families that have
chosen to live in this area….There are MANY great and welcoming families
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Fairfield?
The sense of small town America…the closeness of neighborhood…Just how supportive people of Fairfield have been in welcoming and supporting Al’s Angels & Saugatuck Sweets & my family. This doesn’t happen in EVERY town in our country….It’s here in Fairfield
Do you have a favorite family friendly restaurant?
Via Sforza in Westport , Post Road Tavern in FF. Date night? Carl Anthony’s in Monroe
What is your go-to activity for your family?
WE love to do BBQ’s and Pool parties at our house. For yourself? Jump on my motorcycle and head north on back roads to clear my head…
Funniest part that you’ve learned about parenthood?
My kids and grandkids have a lot to say that brings great joy to my heart…All I need to do is to listen….
Best dad hack that makes your life easier?
Always get up earlier than everyone else so you can get “other stuff” done before spending time with family
Tell us about your business, Saugatuck Sweets. When and why did you open Westport and Fairfield?
We do things to bring more small town to both Westport and Fairfield. That has always been my mission….I want kids in this area to have memories that they will always cherish…..that has been my goal in building our businesses….and creating Al’s Angels. We have been so happy that kids love coming to our stores and being a part of our charitable efforts.
Do you still have another job as well? If so, how do you do both?
I am still a professional that provides advisory help to CEO’s and business leaders in the area of marketing, sales etc….I do both because I apportion my day and time accordingly to each task…ie…compartmentalize my day….I can get a lot done by adopting this strategy….Need to find more time in fun activities as well…
You do so much for the community with Al’s Angels, how did that start?
Al’s Angels starting over 20 years ago. My focus was on building an organization that would provide holiday meals & gifts to children and families battling cancer, rare blood diseases and severe financial hardship. Just last year…we provided nearly 12,000 people with their holiday meals and over 20,000 with holiday gifts.
How can people in the community help?
Volunteer – http://www.alsangels.org You can also contribute funds on our site as well…
We are collecting non perishable food items each Saturday at SSF from 10am -4pm as part of the Covid Recovery Food Drive to help families in desperate need with essential food items.
What do you love about your job?
Meeting people and children….getting to know them and bringing joy to their lives.
Challenges you face?
Market conditions impacting our business and helping people thru our actions to be kinder and more loving to each other.
Best advice for dads who experience the inevitable guilt handling a career and helping support a family?
Always do the best you can to balance family and work life..
It’s a tough battle….BE PRESENT – when you are spending time with your family….
( It was always tough for me personally) – Be loving and caring in your actions….Words alone won’t get it done.
Who has most influenced you to be the father that you are today?
My faith in God has always been my greatest influence…
When all else fails…I rely on the teachings of my faith as my primary guide posts
What advice would you share with a new dad or other dads?
Being a great Dad is an ongoing learning effort.
Don’t get down on yourself
You are going to make mistakes – Forgive yourself.
Many will say you’re not doing enough…..don’t let that bother you…
Keep moving forward….
Know that you are loved…
Keep learning.
