Editor’s note: This new monthly column will focus on people who are making a difference in the local disability community. To contribute, email times@theday.com.

It’s all about relationships at Flanders Fish Market restaurant in East Lyme.

“Our ability to adapt has been crucial,” says Executive Chef Olivia Formica.

Her parents, state Sen. Paul Formica, and his late wife, Donna, founded the fish market in 1983 and grew it into a thriving establishment known for seafood and service.

Now, Olivia and her sister Ali Coleman are taking on more and more of the restaurant’s day-to-day operations.

Consistency is the secret to four decades of thriving, Coleman says. “Forging relationships with strong roots have been a huge part of our success.”

That’s especially true in a pandemic.

“My dad and Olivia connected with vendors early,” Coleman explains. “We made sure everyone who came through our door felt completely safe.”

Flanders pivoted, stocking groceries and even selling toilet paper when people needed it.

“We were always encouraged to do other things, but it’s always been the family business,” Ali says. “From day one, our dad trained us to come in and make sure the ice makers are working. Check inside the walk-ins. Management by walking around.”

“I spent my younger years following my dad around the kitchen,” Olivia explains, “and then we lost our mom suddenly, and I found myself back in the kitchen.”

“We’re constantly putting out fires,” Coleman says. “Hopefully not literally, but sometimes. There’s the time a squirrel got into the lobster tank wiring. Unfortunately, the squirrel did not make it, but we survived that too.”

Recently, Flanders hired two graduates of The Arc Eastern Connecticut’s microbusiness training enterprises.

“They are determined and task-oriented,” Olivia says of both new hires, Kevin and Pascal. “It changes the whole morale of the kitchen to have them around. I don’t know that we really look at it as hiring people with disabilities.”

“They liaise with the back of the house and the front of the house very easily,” Ali says. “I wish all of our staff were so eager to learn and do new things.”

“When we were kids, there were always people of varied abilities here,” she adds. “This building is such a part of our family’s life. It’s our responsibility to give back to it.”

Kathleen Stauffer is chief executive officer of The Arc Eastern Connecticut. For information on The Arc, go to TheArcECT.org. Stauffer’s latest book, “11 Secrets of Nonprofit Excellence,” is under contract with Business Expert Press: www.BusinessExpertPress.com