Farmington Startup Strives To Turn Managers Into Leaders

FARMINGTON, CT — A Farmington startup is taking a one-on-one approach to a familiar workplace challenge: helping managers become more effective leaders.

Eels Professional Development, founded in 2025 by Jose Samayoa, is an executive coaching and leadership development firm that works with business owners, human resources departments, and other organizations to provide individualized coaching for employees ranging from first-time managers to senior executives.

The company operates out of The Offices commercial space on Main Street, across from CVS, and works with organizations throughout Connecticut as well as in the Boston, New York City, Providence, and Charleston areas.

It also provides services virtually nationwide, according to the company.

Samayoa, a former corporate senior manager and local business chief operating officer who earned an MBA from the University of Connecticut, said the business grew out of what he saw as a gap in traditional professional development.

While companies may invest in courses and group training, Eels' model is based on giving individual leaders a confidential outside resource to discuss specific situations they encounter at work.

The company says its clients have included organizations in manufacturing, engineering, professional and legal services, food and beverage, and healthcare.

The issues addressed during coaching vary by employee and organization.

Eels typically meets individually with leaders for an hour each week, with engagements generally expected to last at least 12 weeks.

The company's philosophy is that "relationships are the catalyst for performance," with longer-term coaching allowing the coach to better understand the employee, organization, and expectations of the job.

Sessions also emphasize applying lessons to situations employees are confronting at work.

Much of the coaching can take place at clients' workplaces. When included as part of an engagement, an Eels coach may also attend team meetings as a silent observer, allowing subsequent coaching sessions to address behaviors and interactions the coach observed directly.

The company has also developed an artificial intelligence tool, called Eels AI, that is intended to supplement rather than replace its human coaching.

Eels has also sought to build its local presence through sponsorships and advertising, with its name appearing at Farmington High School basketball games and Little League fields.

The company's social media content offering free leadership and career advice has generated as many as 1 million impressions over the past year, according to Eels.

At the center of the company's approach is a straightforward premise: "a better boss can mean a better work life for everyone, and better performance for the company."

More information about Eels Professional Development, its coaching programs, and Eels AI is available at eelsdevelopment.com.