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A mother and son re-invent themselves as a Design District Business.

By Irene O’Connor, Linked Media

In August 2024, a mother and son duo – Michael and Regina Gezelman – started on a bold new journey. After decades in the insurance world, they stepped away from corporate America to pursue something completely different: bathroom/kitchen design and remodeling.

Together, they now own CT Shower and Bath, located on New Park Avenue in the Design District of West Hartford, with projects spanning across Connecticut and southern Massachusetts. The company specializes in custom shower enclosures, bathroom design, material supply, and full remodels in collaboration with trusted contractor partners.

A Career Pivot

Michael Gezelman, 38, spent years in insurance sales but always had a passion for building. “My great-grandfather built homes in Connecticut. In college, I framed houses. I liked working outside and being hands-on,” he recalls. “But I ended up in corporate America and quickly realized it wasn’t for me.”

He saw an opportunity when CT Shower and Bath came up for sale from previous owner – and knew just the person to partner with: his mom.

Regina Gezelman, 72, spent her career managing IT and insurance software projects as a senior project manager. “I was ready to retire – or so I thought,” she says. “I wanted something part-time, just to stay busy.” Instead, she now runs the accounting, payroll, and HR side of the business. “It’s different every day. Challenging and fulfilling.”

Despite their very different roles – Michael handles sales and purchasing, while Regina manages operations behind the scenes – they’ve built a balanced and successful partnership. “We complement each other really well,” Regina says. “It’s also just great to see Michael doing something he truly enjoys.”

Design That Transforms Lives

CT Shower and Bath works on 40 to 50 full bathroom remodels a year, with a growing reputation for high-quality, custom frameless glass shower enclosures and accessibility-forward designs. Many of their clients haven’t touched their bathrooms in decades.

“We go in and completely transform spaces into something beautiful, functional and a place that you want to spend time in” says Michael. “Whether it’s for style, comfort, or safety – especially for those who want to age in place – we make bathrooms more livable.”

They install features like:

• Low or zero-threshold showers
• Grab bars
• Wide openings for wheelchair access
• Built-in shower benches

More Than Just Remodeling

With a team of five employees and two in-house designers, CT Shower and Bath focus on customer relationships and personal service. “One of the best parts of the job is meeting new people,” says Michael. “It’s relationship-building work. That’s what makes each day worth it.”

And after years of working remotely from home during the COVID era, Regina enjoys having a physical place to go each day and work with people on a regular basis. “It’s rare to see a mother and son run a business together,” Regina says. “But it works – and we’re proud of what we’re building.”

Interested in Working With CT Shower and Bath?

Visit their showroom in on New Park Aven in the Design District in West Hartford (555 New Park Avenue) to meet Michael and Regina, explore their curated materials, and discuss your dream bathroom or kitchen remodel.

More Happenings in the Design District

Tile America is holding a great opportunity to learn about the latest innovations in Tile Design and Tools with the Ultimate Tile Trade Show open to anyone who wants to learn from the professionals.

The Ultimate Trade Show will feature the most trusted names in the industry such as: MAPEI, TileWare, and Raimondi to name a few.  Choose a time and date that will work for you:

• Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, 5-8pm, 105 Hamilton Street, New Haven, OR
• Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, 585 New Park Avenue, West Hartford

Live Demos, Raffle Prizes, swag, and local food vendors.

Click here to register: ULTIMATE TILE TRADE EVENT

Also, Junk Pot – a ceramics and pottery studio in the Design District – will be starting its fall semester for an 8-week course on Sept. 22.  Registration is still open.

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