WOMEN INFLUENCE
Transcription
WOMEN INFLUENCE
AD VER T IS ING S ECTI ON BIZ(941)’ S WOMEN of INFLUENCE These Sarasota-Manatee Women of Influence are professionals we admire—successful leaders who inspire others not only in their own businesses or nonprofits, but also throughout our community. Learn here about these extraordinary women—what motivates them, and how they encourage others to make our business community stronger. INSPIRE. EMPOWER. APPLAUD. JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 37 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E “The Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is here to serve the interests of our 1,500 business professionals. We are proud this year to be celebrating 10 years as the community’s business support and networking organization.” 8430 ENTERPRISE CIRCLE, STE 140 LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL 34202 (941) 757-1664 LWRBA.ORG 38 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 LWRBA WOME N LEADE RS Jessica Tyre Charter One Hotels & Resorts 6731 Professional Parkway Suite 100 Sarasota, FL 34240 (941) 907-9017 x 255 jtyre@charteronehotels.com Nicole Rissler Visit Sarasota County 1777 Main St. Sarasota, FL 34236 (941) 955-0991 nrissler@visitsarasota.org Heather Kasten Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance 8430 Enterprise Circle Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 (941) 757-1664 heatherkasten@lwrba.org Michelle Crabtree Premier Sotheby’s 8141 Lakewood Main St., Suite 101 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 (941) 724-4663 michelle.crabtree@ sothebysrealty.com Wendy Last LegalShield Independent Associate 6801 Turnbery Isle Court Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 (941) 907-6011 legalshieldwendy@gmail.com SALLY ULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY SALLY ULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance LWRBA WOME N LEADE RS Kyanne Merrill Lakewood Ranch Community Activities 6310 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 (941) 757-1530 kmerrill@lwrcac.com Lori Denny LECOM 5000 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211 (941) 756-0690 ldenny@lecom.edu Cherri Kessler BMO Harris Bank 11535 Palmbrush Trail Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 (941) 757-4501 cherri.kessler@bmo.com Lori Ann Devine Fairway Funding Group Inc. 8235 Natures Way Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 (941) 894-6565 lori@fairwayfundinggroup.com Donna Soda Premier Sotheby’s 8141 Main St. #101 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 (941) 961-5857 donnasoda@gmail.com “Lakewood Ranch is becoming the new center of Sarasota and Manatee as population and commerce shift eastward. Our members build awareness and serve as a voice to the different county and government organizations.” 8430 ENTERPRISE CIRCLE, STE 140 LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL 34202 (941) 757-1664 LWRBA.ORG JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 39 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E “Lakewood Ranch has emerged as one of the fastest-growing and best-selling master-planned communities in the nation in just 20 years. Once a landscape of timber and cattle, the 32,000acre, 50-square-mile community is now home to 18,000 residents and 1,200 businesses.” 8430 ENTERPRISE CIRCLE, STE 140 LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL 34202 (941) 757-1664 LWRBA.ORG 40 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 SALLY ULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY SALLY ULLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance LWRBA WOME N LEADE RS LWRBA WOME N LEADE RS Amanda Vercheski LWR Commercial Realty 14400 Covenant Way Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 (941) 757-1678 avercheski@lwrcommercial.com Joni Rametta, CFP® Nepsis Advisor Services 6230 University Parkway, Suite 305 Sarasota, FL 34240 (941) 361-1484 jrametta@nepsisadvisors.com Barbara A. Jones, CPA/CFP® Kerkering Barberio & Co. 9423 Town Center Parkway Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 (941) 365-4617 bjones@kbgrp.com Yasemin Chain ComCenter 9040 Town Center Parkway Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 (941) 782-1200 ychain@comcenters.net Annette Gueli Pro-Motions Notions 4411-301 Bee Ridge Road Sarasota, FL 34233 (941) 952-1119 annette@notionsunlimited.com Veronica Miller Goodwill Manasota 2705 51st Ave. E. Bradenton, FL 34203 (941) 355-2721 veronica.miller@gimi.org Kathy Collums Sabal Palm Bank 5101 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34232 (941) 361-1122 kcollums@sabalpalmbank.com Susan Goldstein Michael Saunders & Company Commercial Division 8325 Lakewood Ranch Blvd. Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202 (941) 350-9747 Susan@srqgold.com CJ Bannister Goodwill Manasota 2705 51st Ave. E. Bradenton, FL 34203 (941) 355-2721 cj.bannister@gimi.org Lana Walsh Grow Financial 11008 Arcade Place Bradenton, FL 34211 (727) 798-8846 lana.walsh@growfinancial.org “Founded in January 2005, the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance is proud to be the voice for our master-planned community’s businesses. We strive to be a driving force behind the growth of the business community.” 8430 ENTERPRISE CIRCLE, STE 140 LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL 34202 (941) 757-1664 LWRBA.ORG JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 41 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E Business Women’s Advisory Group WOME N HE LPING WOME N BACK ROW: Suzy Circle, VP Sales, Alltrust Insurance; Laura Adcock, partner, WBRC Architects; Danielle Roca, CFO, Sarasota Interventional Radiology MIDDLE ROW: CJ Bannister, director of veteran services, Goodwill Manasota; Jayna Hamel, residential lending advisor, Seaside National Bank and Trust; , Lesley Harb, owner, FastNFresh; Rosenda Calloway, regional sales manager, AAA; Trish McConnell, director of community impact, United Way Suncoast BOTTOM ROW: Mary LeMay, director of operations, The Law Place; Veronica Brandon Miller, vice president, Goodwill Foundation; Jamie Aymerich, business sales consultant, Truforte Business Group ABSENT FROM PHOTO: Patricia Meringer, Esq., sole practitioner; Kim Miele, executive director, CEO Council; Linda Nash, VP of operations, Manatee Surgical Center; Cookie Boudreaux, consultant, Mark Kamin & Associates; Maribeth Phillips, CEO, Meals on Wheels Manatee County; and Keren Lefrak Business Women’s Advisory Group (BWAG) connects women with the time and talent of other executive women to support the balance of work and personal life. This aid extends to their families, friends and colleagues and is built upon the concept of “Women Helping Women.” Mary LeMay, director of operations of The Law Place, had a vision: a group of women working together for the sole purpose of helping each other succeed in business. LeMay wanted the forum to serve as a vehicle to help women balance work and family. Four other women shared the same vision, and 42 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 together they built an association: Veronica Brandon Miller, VP of Goodwill Foundation, Patricia Meringer, Esq. Sole Proprietor, Jamie Aymerich, business sales consultant for Truforte Business Group, and Kim Miele, executive director of CEO Council. To kick off this group, they each invited five executive women who were willing to give their time and talent to others in the group. Three years later, the 21 members of this invitation-only group meet monthly to build a strategic relationship with each other. They chose to get involved and to surround themselves with like-minded professional women. Their meetings have an educational component and they always have a businessfocused discussion question each month. This allows them insight into each other’s backgrounds and challenges. Members collaborate and share their expertise and resources to offer business strategies. They discuss and problem-solve the day-to-day challenges someone may be facing and offer strategies utilizing their backgrounds in marketing, advertising, insurance, travel, managing vendors, etc. They use their connections to help friends who are facing personal or business challenges and they support many community causes. This group of confident, competent and charismatic women has developed a deep understanding of each other’s roles in their businesses and has developed a trust level that has produced countless referrals and other business benefits. They support each other and have utilized their connections and their collective wisdom to make a difference in other executive women’s lives. Their friendships have blossomed and they have helped women succeed as they grow their businesses. JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 43 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E Lori Hultman, Christine Sensenig HULTMAN SENSENIG + JOSHI Hultman Sensenig + Joshi was formed by Lori Hultman, Christine Sensenig and Nikhil Joshi because they wanted to practice law differently. The three friends, who together have over 70 years of legal experience, joined forces to create a labor and employment law firm that reflects their personalities and philosophy. The firm provides human resources and employment law advice as well as litigation defense to private and public sector employers in all aspects of the employment relationship. Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see.” The firm practices that by being approachable, using everyday language when advising clients and at conferences, and by treating clients and opposing counsel with respect. Making clients comfortable is important to HS+J. Hultman says, “The biggest compliment a client can give us is to say, ‘You explained things like a real person, not a lawyer.’” The three have been friends for about 16 years; they appreciate the value of long-term relationships. To build those strong relationships with clients, they listen to clients to discern their goals, understand their culture, and HS+J provides cost-effective legal services. All this allows HS+J to live up to its mission, “You + Us = Workplace Solutions.” The “plus” is what the firm focuses on with clients, in that legal advice is not a one-way street. “We work with our clients to find solutions to problems, and assist in avoiding problems in the future with proactive advice,” says Hultman. Most important is that with their own firm, Hultman, Sensenig and Joshi are able to give back to the community by donating time and financial assistance to nonprofit organizations, and encouraging others to do the same. Said Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Lori Hultman, Christine Sensenig 44 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 ACHIEVEMENTS LORI HULTMAN ACHIEVEMENTS Graduate, University of Florida Levin College of Law Florida Bar Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law, 2001-present SuperLawyer, 2008-2010, 2014-2015 CHRISTINE SENSENIG ACHIEVEMENTS Graduate, University of Florida Levin College of Law Florida Trend Magazine Legal Elite, 2009-2014 SuperLawyer, 2015 University of Florida Alumni Leader of the Year, 2009 Nominee, SRQ Magazine Women in Business Award,2014 2055 WOOD ST., SUITE 208 SARASOTA, FL 34237 (941) 953-2828 WWW.HSJLAWFIRM.COM JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 45 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E Zenith Insurance Company WORKERS COMPENSATION SPECIALISTS LORI E. ALLEN, Commercial Insurance Adviser Brown & Brown, one of the largest (ranked sixth largest in U.S. and seventh in the world by Business Insurance Magazine) and most respected independent insurance intermediaries in the nation, provides a variety of insurance products and services through licensed subsidiaries. With 13 years of experience, Lori Allen tailors cost-effective, high-quality insurance, risk-management and surety solutions. “I was fortunate early in my career to work with a woman who embodied all that I wished to attain— integrity, success, acceptance in a man’s world, influence,” Allen says. “She set a standard that I try to meet every day.” CYNTHIA FITZGIBBONS, Commercial Lines Marketing Director Atlas Insurance, named Best Insurance Agency in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, strives to protect its clients, serve the community and build on a tradition of trust, honesty and integrity. Cynthia Fitzgibbons has 20 years of experience in commercial insurance. She enjoys the complexity of the commercial insurance industry and the challenge of finding the best coverage for her clients. “My first manager’s drive and passion really inspired me,” says Fitzgibbons. “Advertising was much more of a challenge. Watching her go through the ups and downs of owning a business was an early learning experience for me.” ANGELA SMITH, Commercial Lines Account Manager Al Purmort Insurance is led by a team with five generations of insurance industry experience. They see every relationship as an opportunity to provide value, understanding, and customized solutions that exceed expectations. Angela Smith has five years of insurance experience with 20 years profes- 46 48 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 sional expertise and experience in accounting operations, sales, marketing, project management and customer relations. “My mother-in-law was a compassionate leader with unbelievable strength and courage,” Smith explains. “She passed away after a battle with cancer. I hope to be half the woman that she was.” TARA WILLIAMS, Business Insurance Agent Ranked No. 1 in overall client satisfaction, BB&T Insurance Services works with individuals and families, small business owners, Fortune 500 companies, and nonprofits across the country. And with each and every one, they listen first. Tara Williams has 16 years of experience in the insurance industry. She is an advocate and adviser who works diligently to design a comprehensive program that protects the businesses her clients have worked so hard to build. “The woman of influence in my life would be my mom, hands down,” she says. “She taught me to walk in my truth and by doing so everything will always work out as it intended to.” ROXANNE SIMA, Licensed Agent Purmort & Martin Insurance Agency, one of the area’s oldest and largest locally owned insurance agencies, has consistently been named Best Insurance Agency by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. In 1993, Purmort & Martin became the first two-time winner of the Insignia Award for superior customer service. Roxanne Sima has 32 years of experience. Her true passion is building long-term customer relationships and solving problems that their businesses may face on a daily basis. “One of the most influential women who touched my life was our office manager,” says Sima. “She guided and supported me through both education and by being a role model of excellence.” KATHLEEN GRATZ, Regional Operations Manager For Bouchard Insurance, founded in 1948, “client first” is the sole purpose. Bouchard Insurance was named Top Workplace by the Tampa Bay Times and one of the Best Companies to Work for by Florida Trend Magazine. With 27 years of experience, Kathleen Gratz manages the large commercial lines departments and operations for the Sarasota and Fort Myers branches. “The woman who most influenced me was my mom,” Gratz explains. “Although she died of leukemia when I was 25, she taught me so much. She always considered how her actions would affect others. She taught me to always stand on my own two feet. She was an amazing role model.” 1390 MAIN ST., SARASOTA, FL 34236 (941) 906-2000 THEZENITH.COM MAKING A DIFFE RE NCE Zenith focuses on developing close relationships with agents and clients. Zenith’s leaders and staff are proud to know and present these inspiring women who are making a difference in the insurance industry and in the community. Combined, these women bring over 110 years of experience and expertise serving their mutual clients. Although these women come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, one of the things they have in common is their desire to provide excellent protection, value and risk-management strategies. They all generously give their time and resources to support local charities and nonprofits. Tara Williams says, “We are happy and committed to give back to a community that has given us all so many opportunities, both professionally and personally.” Zenith Insurance Company, a regionally focused workers’ compensation carrier, salutes these women who are making a difference every day. JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 49 47 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E Super Women of All Faiths Food Bank Karen Mckeivier CABINETSCAPES Left to right: Nicole Double, Aundria Castleberry, Denise Cotler, Lupe Roberton, Fran Talley, Sandy Wick, Sandra Frank, Elaina Mand, Molly Maggio, Erica Enmeier, Susan Michelson Brown, Laura Coyle and Jenna Jones Heonis. The women of All Faiths Food Bank are the driving force behind the Campaign Against Summer Hunger. With educations ranging from finance, psychology and graphic design to graduate degrees in law, business administration, dietetics, and public administration, they are united in just one goal—to feed 21,000 hungry children this summer. They are living examples of women who struggled with adversity and successfully channeled those experiences into a passion for feeding children and families. Combining diversity, talent and a strong work ethic, the women of All Faiths have become leaders of change at the food bank and in the community. When asked what defines them, their response is compassion, collaboration and dedication. Combining these values with expertise in nutrition, fund raising, and program planning, they have inspired new partnerships and strategies to feed even more children. The community is encouraged to join the monumental task of raising enough food and funds. “When the school year ends, hunger begins for 21,000 students.” says CEO 50 48 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 Sandra Frank. “No child should go hungry in a community so graced with the capacity and resources to end hunger.” The recognition of these remarkable women and their achievements can be seen in the face of a well-nourished child. 8171 BLAIKIE COURT SARASOTA, FL 34240 (941) 379-6333 ALLFAITHSFOODBANK.ORG ACHIEVE ME NTS Partnering with 195 agencies and programs providing food to 15,000 children last summer Partnering with the School District to offer 40+ summer meal sites Expanding All Faiths’ backpack program so kids have nutritious food over the summer weekends Deploying well-stocked Mobile Pantries into neighborhoods with highest need ACHIEVEMENTS In 1999, Karen Mckeivier was named “Rookie of the Year” by the Portage County of Ohio Homebuilders. She then went on to specialize in vacant land, land development and land acquisition where she developed a love and passion for homebuilding and building arts. Karen is the Owner and Senior Designer of Cabinetscapes and President of the Sarasota Design District, which both reside in the Rosemary Neighborhood, located just north of downtown Sarasota. Karen Mckeivier is a custom cabinet and furniture designer with over 20 years’ experience in the custom trade industry. Specializing not only in kitchen and bath, Karen also uses her talents to create dream closets and other personal spaces. Karen has a showroom available by appointment to meet with you one-on-one, taking you through a white-glove experience when designing with you and for you. It’s a co-creation that she finds is the most successful approach to designing spaces that inspire and ultimately bring joy to the many clients she has served from Longboat Key to Naples and beyond. Since she moved to Sarasota 12 years ago, Karen is only comfortable doing custom designs that suit each individual client’s needs. She engineers and specs every inch of the design to make sure that each detail complements the others correctly and that the final product satisfies her highest standards through a thorough inspection. Only then does it leave her off-site custom manufacturing facility, located here in Sarasota. Karen’s mission is to create joyful memories with a carefully curated selection of premium products. She is transforming the industry, and people are noticing. 425 CENTRAL AVE. SARASOTA, FL 34236 (941) 925-2500 CABINETSCAPESFL.COM BIZ(941) 49 JUNE JUNE || JULY JULY 2015 2015 BIZ(941) 51 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E CS&L CPAs Dolly Jacobs THE CIRCUS ARTS CONSERVATORY Susan Thompson, CPA; Aubrey Lynch, CPA; Lisa Bristow, CPA; Lisa Johnson, CPA ACHIEVEMENTS 2014 Small Business of the Year, Sarasota Chamber of Commerce 2014 Gulf Coast 500 Honoree, Business Observer 2014 Spirit of Manatee Award, Manatee Community Foundation 2013 Best Companies to Work for in Florida, Florida Trend 2014 Best Places to Work in Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Business Journal 2013 Insignia Award, Sarasota Chamber of Commerce 2014 Small Business of the Year Finalist, Manatee Chamber of Commerce 50 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 What unique strategies have brought CS&L success in working with its diverse clientele? CS&L’s core business model is founded on the principle that every client should be treated as diverse and unique. The firm’s 50-plus professional staff members embrace that each client has different needs and requires a specialized approach. CS&L attributes much of its long-term success to this unique strategy. CS&L has the capacity to provide personal and corporate tax services, international tax solutions, estate planning, auditing, consulting, outsourced CFO and accounting solutions, pension administration, and more. This array of services, combined with a focus to create individual solutions, is a valuable advantage in today’s complex environment. The CS&L leadership group understands that one of the most significant things that truly set the CS&L staff apart is their connection with clients. The team appreciates personal interactions with each and every client—no matter how large or small. This close relationship with each client allows the staff to proactively respond to potential opportunities and challenges as they arise, keeping their clients on the path to reaching their goals. Watching Dolly Jacobs soar above the ring is truly watching poetry in motion; and seeing her smile is like viewing a brilliant sunrise. In both instances, you know that you’re in the presence of an extraordinary individual. Jacobs, acclaimed as one of the world’s premier aerialists, was destined to become circus legend. Her mother, Jean, was a magazine cover girl and circus performer. Jacobs’ father, Lou, is recognized as one of the greatest clowns of all time. Born in Sarasota, Jacobs trained at Sarasota’s Sailor Circus before following her parents’ footsteps, joining the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Years of additional training led to a starring role in The Greatest Show on Earth as well as featured status in circuses world-wide on the Roman Rings. In 1997 Dolly Jacobs and Pedro Reis created what is known today as The Circus Arts Conservatory. It presents performances to showcase many of the world’s finest circus artists. Jacobs continues to dazzle audiences with her spectacular aerial artistry, while earning praise from a grateful community for her leadership role in impactful circus outreach programs. ACHIEVEMENTS 1515 RINGLING BLVD., SUITE 900 SARASOTA, FL 34236 (941) 954-4040 1001 THIRD AVE. W., SUITE 700 BRADENTON, FL 34205 (941) 748-1040 CSLCPA.COM Awarded the prestigious Silver Clown and Le Dame du Cirque from the International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo Inducted into Sarasota’s Circus Ring of Fame, 1997 Inducted into the Circus Hall of Fame, 1999 Inducted into the World Acrobat Society Gallery of Legends, 2013 National Council of Jewish Women “Women in Power” Award, 2013 2015 NEA National Heritage Fellowship Award 2075 BAHIA VISTA ST. SARASOTA, FL 34239 (941) 355-9335 CIRCUSARTS.ORG JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 51 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E Coral Pleas Laura Mattia CUTTING LOOSE SALON FINANCIALLY EMPOWERING WOMEN ACHIEVEMENTS Biz941 People to Watch Top 50 Performing Salons of 2014, American Salon’s Better Business Network Top 200 Salon in America, Salon Today Magazine, five consecutive years Best Hair Salon, Living on the Suncoast, 2012 Founded by master stylist Coral Pleas in 2008, Cutting Loose Salon has quickly garnered a reputation as one of the top salons in the Suncoast with the best-trained team to be found anywhere. Cutting Loose is a full-service hair salon specializing in the French hair-cutting technique and the French balayage highlighting technique. With three locations in Florida and one in Connecticut, Cutting Loose prides itself in offering five-star treatment to guests who leave the salon looking extraordinary and feeling refreshed. Education is at the forefront of the salon’s philosophy. Each month, Cutting Loose hosts an advanced education seminar so hair designers continuously learn the latest techniques and trends. Cutting Loose also has an advanced associate training program named Protégé the Academy that fosters new talent. Pleas emphasizes that Cutting Loose is a family business, with her children, Travis and Taelor, now managing her newest locations. “As a team, we are committed to inspire our guests and our community while enhancing beauty, inside and out,” says Pleas. “As artists, we have a passion for this industry and for what we do, and we want to share that with every person who walks through our door.” Best of Sarasota, Sarasota Magazine, 2010-2014 Best of SRQ Local, SRQ Magazine, 2012 and 2013 Best Young Business of the Year: 2013, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce 52 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 8429 HONORE AVE. BRADENTON, FL 34201 (941) 358-6000 1950 MAIN ST. SARASOTA, FL 34236 (941) 365-5586 5820 RANCH LAKE BLVD., SUITE 112 LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL 34202 (941) 404-7100 EVENTS Evening Symposium Financially Empowering Women Dialogue What is the financial gender gap, why should you care and what can we do about it? Be my guest to join a thoughtful conversation over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Sarasota Yacht Club July 9 from 5:30-7:30pm Free: limited to the first 30 women who sign up. Sign up at financiallyempoweringwomen.com/events Two-Day Workshop Financially Empowering Workshop with Workbook: Evolved from a program developed for Rutgers University. Sarasota Garden Club Oct. 22 & 29 from 7:00-9:00pm or Nov. 5 & 12 from 1:00-3:00pm Sign up at financiallyempoweringwomen.com/events Laura Mattia, CFP®, MBA, Ph.D. candidate, CDFA™, CRPS® is a Sarasota fee-only financial advisor who specializes in women’s issues. Her doctoral dissertation is on the financial literacy gender gap. Few people have the unique combination of financial work and educational experience that Mattia has acquired. Her experience includes advanced financial degrees and certifications, and over 30 years of financial leadership experience as a CFO/controller for Fortune 500 companies, Wall Street firms, individuals preparing for retirement, and as a finance professor at Rutgers University. Mattia is a principal with Baron Financial Group, a fee-only Sarasota firm. Most importantly, Mattia is dedicated to improving financial literacy for women as the radio show host of Financially Empowering Women with Laura Mattia and the author of a monthly finance column appearing in ABC News.com with the same title. Mattia received the Women’s Choice Award for Financial Advisors, the NJBIZ Best 50 Women in Business and the Five Star Wealth Manager awards. She is a Sarasota Chamber of Commerce trustee member, Pine View Association treasurer and volunteer at the Sarasota Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC). (941) 922-1365 FINANCIALLYEMPOWERINGWOMEN.COM BARON-FINANCIAL.COM JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 53 55 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E Veronica Brandon Miller Christine L. Koval, D.M.D. VICE PRESIDENT, GOODWILL FOUNDATION KOVAL & KOVAL DENTAL ASSOCIATES ACHIEVEMENTS Biz941 People to Watch Volunteer of the Year, Project 180 Gulf Coast Leadership Institute Leadership Sarasota Class, Chamber of Commerce Senior Leadership Program, GII Paul Harris Fellow ABC Spirit of Philanthropy Award Veronica Brandon Miller has devoted herself to worthy causes professionally and personally. For more than 25 years, she has helped nonprofits enhance and advance their mission, such as leading ShelterBox USA and helping it increase its donations by 1,000 percent; the Boys & Girls Club, where she founded the Women’s Leadership Council; and the Smithsonian Institution, where she helped complete the campaign for the National Museum of the American Indian. Known as a passionate advocate, she created the Goodwill Ambassadors Program, comprising a cadre of volunteers who donate their time, money and professional expertise. This program has won “best volunteer program” from Goodwill Industries International. In her current role she also gets to use her talents in re-branding the organization’s image and helping to raise significant funds to help change lives through the power of work. “Devotion to worthy causes and raising money for organizations who support those in need is not just what I do for a living,” she says. “It defines me as a person.” In addition to the time devoted to Goodwill, Brandon Miller also is vice chair of the board for the Child Protection Center. Chronical of Philanthropy Marketing Award Fellow, International Academy for Dental Facial Esthetics Sarasota Women’s Alliance Sarasota Civilian Police Academy 54 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 56 Awarded “America’s Top Dentist” annually since 2005 Recipient of 19 Gold Medal Smile Awards from Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Cause Marketing Forum Halo Award Business Women’s Alliance Group ACHIEVEMENTS 2705 51ST AVE. E., BRADENTON FL 34203 (941) 355-2721 EXPERIENCEGOODWILL.ORG Graduate of the Georgetown University School of Dentistry Certified in advanced dental laser technologies Dr. Christine Koval is living her dream: The wife and mother of two is also a highly credentialed and well-respected cosmetic dentist who has helped hundreds of community members enhance their lives by enhancing their smiles. In Dr. Koval’s office, comprehensive care combines technology, science and aesthetics to achieve stunning results. Dr. Koval knew from a young age that she wanted to follow her father’s footsteps into dentistry. When she was a child, she always loved science and art. As a teen, she took every opportunity to work and observe at her father’s oral surgery hospital. After her graduation from Georgetown University School of Dentistry, she and her father opened a practice on Stickney Point Road, where they practiced together until his retirement in 2009. Dr. Koval continues to hone her cosmetic and general dentistry skills with hundreds of hours in continuing education. “Often, what prompts a person to consider improving his or her smile is a major life change. They say, ‘Now it’s time for me!’ I am honored to help my patients start a new chapter with a youthful, healthy and natural smile,” says Dr. Koval. American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Florida Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry American Dental Association Sarasota County Dental Association Advanced training in dental sleep disorders 2477 STICKNEY POINT ROAD, SUITE 216A SARASOTA, FL 34231 (941) 923-5406 KOVALANDKOVAL.COM JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 57 55 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E Mary DeArment Tommye E. Barie, CPA COLLECTIBLE & CUSTOM LUXURY SCARVES MAULDIN & JENKINS, LLC ACHIEVEMENTS Custom Design Working with clients and artisans to fulfill a vision Community Involvement Partnering with local nonprofits to promote their missions Scarves by Mary DeArment™ is a Sarasota-based brand of luxury silk scarves. Screen printing on fine silk allows DeArment, who adores color, free rein with her design passion. Her scarves are part of the American trend to embrace the versatile and elegant square scarf, long a European standard for fashionable women. DeArment’s designs are all created with words, so each scarf is a visual puzzle. She is uniquely positioned to promote Sarasota with several designs made with our town’s name. The artist gives back to her community through collaboration with local nonprofits, designing and donating scarves made with a key word in their mission statements. DeArment’s creative use of words as design elements lends itself to custom family or corporate gifts. Popular wedding gifts are made with couple’s names and/ or surnames. Designs made with business names and mission statements promote branding. DeArment’s passion for the arts inspires her to make beautiful scarves whose feel, drape and movement are as memorable as their appearance. “I am fascinated by language on many levels. Words have both visual structures and symbolic structures. Each word has a profile whose shape is interesting. Fonts can vary a word endlessly and yet, even with tremendous distortion, the text can still be discerned because the brain completes what is incomplete,” she says. Entrepreneurial Spirit Passion for design, appreciation of luxury and spirit of daring fuel this venture Chair, AICPA (20142015); fourth woman to serve as chair Chair, National Accreditation Commission (2008-2011) Top 100 Most Influential People for 2014, Accounting Today President, Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) (2004 - 2005) Chair, AICPA’s finance committee (2011-2013) Member, AICPA board of directors (2010-present) (941) 400-8818 MARY@SCARVEBYMARYDEARMENT.COM 56 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 ACHIEVEMENTS Tommye E. Barie, CPA, is well known among her accounting peers. A partner with Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC, Barie was recently inducted as the 102nd chair of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), where she will serve a one-year term. With 400,000 members, the AICPA is the world’s largest member organization representing the accounting profession. Accounting is in her family’s DNA. Her father was an accountant and her brother is a CPA. But her biggest influence is her mother, a small-business owner “who got me hooked on numbers at age 12,” Barie says. Since starting her career in 1983, Barie has focused on serving governmental entities and nonprofit organizations. She is passionate about providing quality and valuable audit and accounting services to clients, as well as volunteerism to the accounting profession. Her goal as AICPA chair is to make a positive impact every day and be adaptive to the ever-changing global environment. 1301 SIXTH AVE. W., SUITE 600 BRADENTON, FL 34205 (941) 747-4483 MJCPA.COM JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 59 57 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E Debra L’Heureux Cheryl Loeffler MY TOP MATCHMAKER PREMIER SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL At age 49, Debra L’Heureux was hit by Cupid’s arrow, left academia and trained to become a professional matchmaker. Twelve years later, she’s matched all kinds of couples, from retirees to mid-30s career types striking out in the bar scene. Her clients have high expectations, which she encourages. In her office there’s a strict “no settling” policy. She’ll often search the entire state for the right person. “If you’re in love, you know you’d go practically anywhere to meet the love of your life,” she says. Attraction is emotional, physical and intellectual. It’s important to be matched on all three levels. “We handcraft all of our matches, which is the good, oldfashioned art of matchmaking,” she says. “We do not use computers or software.” L’Heureux’s clients are really committed to finding a spouse or being in a serious, monogamous relationship. They do not want to leave the most important decision of their life to chance. If you have been divorced or widowed, you can love again. It will be different, but it’s never too late to pursue love. ACHIEVEMENTS Chair, Board of Trustees, Ringling College of Art and Design Past chair, Campus Master Planning, RCAD Past chair, Library Building Committee, RCAD ACHIEVEMENTS 3 marriages in the past year 2 engagements 15 couples going steady 60 58 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 Finance committee, RCAD 3131 S. TAMIAMI TRAIL, SUITE 206 SARASOTA, FL 34239 (941) 366-1939 MYTOPMATCHMAKER.COM Member, revitalization committee, Longboat Key Director, Longboat Key Foundation Combining a personal touch with technical savvy, Cheryl Loeffler is highly regarded as a skilled real estate professional who helps her clients find their own piece of paradise. As one of Sarasota’s most successful associates, Loeffler has sold close to $2 billion in waterfront condos and luxury properties in the area throughout her 30-year career. Since providing exceptional customer service is one of her top priorities, Loeffler has built a very loyal clientele. With a masters degree in business administration and a background in marketing and finance, she offers her clients extensive business and industry knowledge combined with unsurpassed local real estate expertise. Among other luxury properties and developments, Loeffler is currently marketing the nine-story AQUA condominium on Golden Gate Point overlooking Sarasota Bay, priced from $2,895,000. Loeffler is a founding director of Insignia Bank, a director of Longboat Key Foundation, current chair of the board of trustees of the Ringling College of Art and Design and active supporter of the Asolo Repertory Theatre. She has a rich resume of service on numerous local nonprofit boards and supports many civic and arts organizations. Board of directors, Longboat Key Federation of Condominiums Founding director, Insignia Bank Master’s degree in business and administration (941) 308-6554 CHERYLLOEFFLER.COM JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 59 61 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E Rita Altman, P.A., MPAS. Margaret Barbieri, Mary Anne Servian, Janet Ginn RITA MEDICAL ELITE THE SARASOTA BALLET ACHIEVEMENTS 29 years experience Emory University School of Medicine, P.A., MPAS. 1986 Michigan State University Honors College, B.A. 1982 Top U.S. Injector National Trainer Injectables Dermal Fillers: Radiesse+, Juvederm+, Voluma, Perlane/ Restylane Rita Altman is very proud to own and manage her own aesthetic medical practice. She spent many years perfecting her expertise. Rita takes a lot of pride in respecting and appreciating her clients. As a result, 95 percent of her business is referrals and repeat clients. The practice focuses 100 percent on helping clients achieve facial enhancements. Altman’s reputation as a top injector in the industry has expanded her experience in training many other medical professionals. She has taught plastic surgeons and dermatologists many successful techniques of injectable procedures to reverse facial aging. The ultimate goal is to create a natural look. Says Altman, “I am blessed to have amazing clients that follow me wherever I go. To sculpt a face with injectables and watch the transformation over the years is the most amazing reward. When we feel good and look good, everything in life is better.” Rita Medical Elite is accepting new clients who are welcome to call and schedule a complimentary consultation at (941) 951-2161. “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” —Viktor Frankl MARGARET BARBIERI JANET GINN ARAD, PDTC (Dip) PG Certified Certified fund-raising executive, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015 Principal ballerina, The Royal Ballet, 1965-1990 Awarded Distinction by the University of London, post-graduate certificate in teaching and learning Director, classical graduate program, London Studio Center, London Instrumental in devising the classical ballet course for BA Honours Degree MARY ANNE SERVIAN Bachelor of Arts, Westchester University Mid-career masters, Harvard John F. Kennedy School of Government Neuromodulators: Botox, Dysport, Xeomin City commissioner and mayor of Sarasota, 2001-2007 2161 SIESTA DRIVE SARASOTA, FL 34239 (941) 951-2161 RITAMEDICALELITE.COM 60 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 ACHIEVEMENTS 20 years of senior financial management in banking Managing director, The Sarasota Ballet, 2011-present Harvard Business School, Strategic Perspectives of Nonprofit Management, 2000 Leadership Management Institute, Effective Personal Productivity, 2005 Leadership Management Institute, Effective Supervisory Management, 2007 Leadership Orlando, Organizational Leadership, 2012 The first impression —whether at a networking event or in the studio—sets the stage for a lasting identity. When successful, that first impression can transform an organization. And that’s just the impression the women leading The Sarasota Ballet have presented to the arts community. The artistic excellence is best described by Carrie Seidman as ballet “performed with artistry and polish, which I would willingly match against any other [company] in history.” Made possible by assistant director Margaret Barbieri, her precision in staging ballets has placed The Sarasota Ballet on the map nationally and internationally. With Mary Anne Servian at the helm administratively, the company has seen years of financial growth and stability. Endowments have tripled, and the organization runs fiscally sounder than it ever has in its 25 years. Finally, with Janet Ginn managing donor relations, the company is set to take center stage in the arts community of Sarasota. As a certified fund-raising executive with over 30 years inspiring individuals to create a legacy of hope, Ginn adds a new level of excellence to the organization. Welcome to The Sarasota Ballet. You’re in good hands. Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International, 2013 Association of Fundraising Professionals’ international conference speaker, 2008 Article in The Journal of Gift Planning, 2006 Awarded Arkansas Traveler (International Ambassador for the State of Arkansas) 5555 N. TAMIAMI TRAIL SARASOTA, FL 34243 (941) 359-0099 SARASOTABALLET.ORG JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 61 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E Gail Bowden Jackie Barron, Jeanie Kirkpatrick, Brynne Anne Besio SPERRY VAN NESS, SENIOR INVESTMENT ADVISOR SOUTH FLORIDA MUSEUM ACHIEVEMENTS Top Commercial Real Estate Advisor of the Year, 2014, 2013, 2011 Top producer over $25 Million, 2014 Top Producer over $20 million, 2013 “Success is defined by your ability to reach the goals you have set for yourself,” says Gail Bowden, and success is exactly what she’s achieved as a senior investment advisor with Sperry Van Ness, CAG. Evidenced by her record-breaking numbers, Bowden continues to produce remarkable results. Her determination to get the job done is matched by her ability to remain focused regardless of the circumstances. Bowden’s talent for orchestrating the many components of even the most complex deals while maintaining a demeanor of utmost poise keeps her in high demand among real estate investors and property owners alike. No stranger to success in a maledominated industry, Bowden, prior to relocating to Sarasota, made her mark as a leading executive in the oil and gas industry. Bowden was the first woman in the country to be hired as a facilities manager for one of the nation’s largest oil and gas companies. Bowden insists that balance is an important element of her success. She regularly visits family in Utah and supports numerous local charities including SPARCC and Brides Against Breast Cancer. 27th producer, SVN, nationally Top 5 producer, SVN, Florida, 2014, 2013 62 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 Attendance is up 38 percent since 2012 A Smithsonian Affiliate since 2003 The Connect Campaign reached 80 percent of the $12 million goal before its public launch, including a $1.3 million lead gift from The Mosaic Company Foundation In its 68th year of operation Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2014 Nonprofit of the Year for Culture Top sales transaction, 2014, 2013 Top 2 percent of SVN’s commercial real estate advisors nationally ACHIEVEMENTS 1626 RINGLING BLVD., SUITE 500 SARASOTA, FL 34236 (941) 223-1525 GAILBOWDEN.COM JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 63 Home to Snooty, Manatee County’s official mascot “Dynamic” is a word often used to describe the South Florida Museum. Perfect, then, that it’s also a common description of Jeanie Kirkpatrick, who was recently elected president of the museum’s board—the first woman to hold the position. In her new role, she will expand her involvement in the Connect Campaign for an innovative expansion of the Museum’s facilities and programs. The campaign will fund the first elements of a new Master campus and programming plan that will enhance the organization’s service to the community. Kirkpatrick’s passion for the educational and entertainment value of the Museum is visible in her enthusiasm, and she believes in creating genuine connections with people—which is at the core of the Museum’s mission. She is tremendously pleased to work with other women of influence, including board member Jackie Barron, public affairs manager for The Mosaic Company and a former journalist with NBC’s Tampa affiliate, and Brynne Anne Besio, the Museum’s first-ever female CEO. Kirkpatrick’s leadership style is uniquely collaborative and both Barron and Besio are key parts of the South Florida Museum team. A member of the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership since 1998 All Manatee County fourth graders visited in 2014 for a school field trip 64 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 201 10TH ST. W. BRADENTON, FL 34205 (941) 746-4131 SOUTHFLORIDAMUSEUM.ORG JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 63 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E Dr. Kelly-Anne Shedd-Hartman Susanne S. Wise, Courtney Wise Snyder, Erika Wise Borland SWOR WOMEN’S CARE TAKE CARE HOME HEALTH ACHIEVEMENTS Resident of the year, St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center/Ohio University Residency Ohio University at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, OB/GYN Graduate Colorado State University, BS in Biology Member, American Osteopathic Association, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, ACOG, Jr. Fellow Graduate Lake Erie College of Medicine, Bradenton, FL, DO Guest Appearances: Maternally Yours radio program 64 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 Originally from Boulder, Colo., Dr. KellyAnne Shedd-Hartman (Dr. KASH) grew up on an organic produce farm, along with her four sisters. She attended Colorado State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in biology, and a minor in human anatomy and neuroscience. Dr. KASH completed medical school locally, at LECOM in Bradenton, where she earned her D.O. degree in 2009. After finishing medical school, she completed four years of OB/GYN residency and surgical training at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio. Dr. KASH provides comprehensive OB/GYN care and has advanced surgical training in laparoscopy, Da Vinci robotic and single site technology. She is also certified in contraceptive management and ultrasound, which is performed in-office. Dr. KASH’s philosophy is centered on a holistic approach to women’s health, which is consistent with her choice of becoming an Osteopathic physician. She is a strong proponent of nutritional education, exercise and natural health care. Dr. KASH holds a special interest in prenatal health and education on improving neonatal/infant safety. She has published research on SIDS— “Improving infant sleep safety: Now I Lay Me (Safely) Down to Sleep” (2013). Dr. KASH lives in Sarasota with her husband, Jeff. She and her husband are avid gardeners, and outdoors enthusiasts. They also have a big heart for rescue animals. 1617 S. TUTTLE AVE., SUITE 1A SARASOTA, FL 34239 (941) 330-8885 SWORCARE.COM JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 65 Susanne S. Wise, R.N., M.B.A. is known throughout the Southwest Florida community and highly respected for her caring and generous nature toward clients and employees. As a nurse with keen business acumen, she witnessed first-hand the need for a private duty home health care agency that would uphold higher standards and set precedence for our local community. Twenty years ago, Wise fulfilled her passion and dream and opened Take Care Private Duty Home Health Care. With the influence of her father, a farmer in Michigan, and her mother, a registered nurse, Wise has shaped Take Care to be the premier provider in the Sarasota, Bradenton and Venice communities. She enlisted the support of her daughters, Courtney and Erika, to ensure a continuity of character and consistency of values, which is the stabilizing force that propels the creativity and innovation needed to move Take Care forward. ACHIEVEMENTS Sarasota Magazine, Best of Sarasota, first place, 2015 Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Readers’ Choice first place, 2015 Girls Inc., “She Knows Where She’s Going” award, 2014 Courtney Wise Snyder, M.S.G., executive director of client services Biz941, People to Watch, Courtney Snyder, 2010 Susanne S. Wise, R.N., M.B.A., owner & CEO Business Observer, “40 Under 40,” Courtney Snyder, 2010 Erika Wise Borland, M.A., director of business development Tampa Bay Business Journal, Health Care Heroes Award finalist, Susanne Wise Bradenton Herald, Peoples’ Choice, first place, 2015 Venice Gondolier Sun, Best of Venice, first place, 2014 66 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 TAKE CARE HOME HEALTH (941) 927-2292 TAKECAREHOMEHEALTH.COM HHA LIC #21657096 & 21657096 JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 65 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) WOMEN OF INFLUENCE BIZ(941) W O M E N O F I N F L U E N C E Allison Ward Moore Liz Alpert WARD GROUP PR SAR ASOTA FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY TESTIMONIA L “We hired Allison to generate PR for our April Adult Learn-to-Swim campaign. The result was a 10-to-1 return on our investment. Allison has two decades of experience as a PR professional. She intimately knows how the media industry works and how to shape the message to generate published stories. Her media relationships are currency we leveraged to deliver significant national exposure. Naturally, Allison will continue to help us with other messaging and PR.” —Rob Butcher, Executive Director, U.S. Masters Swimming 66 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 Allison Ward Moore knows how to shine the spotlight on her clients. A skilled public relations strategist, Moore develops highly effective broadcast, print and digital campaigns, as well as engaging special events to advance her clients’ objectives. She brings her unique brand of fun and enthusiasm to every project, helping her clients—including major corporations, growth-oriented Florida businesses and nonprofits— achieve an excellent ROI on their marketing dollars. Moore enjoys positioning her clients as thought leaders, influencers and newsmakers in industries as diverse as science, finance, technology, real estate, health care, nonprofits and the arts. She is a former news writer with NBC Television in New York, before moving into public relations and developing successful programs for clients like General Foods and The Marlboro Country Music Tour. Since forming The Ward Group in 1994, Moore showcased Volkswagen’s launch of the new “Beetle,” and managed a Disney movie tie-in with Burger King. A longtime resident of Sarasota, Moore’s regional clients include U.S. Masters Swimming and the Ringling College Library Association’s acclaimed Town Hall lecture series. As she says, “I deliver results for my clients.” PRACTICE AREAS Collaborative divorce Spousal maintenance Child custody and support Contested and uncontested divorce Family law appeals Paternity issues Prenuptial agreements Wills and estate planning BIZ(941) WOMEN OF INFLUENCE 1800 SECOND ST., SUITE 705 SARASOTA, FL 34236 (941) 954-1700 LIZALPERTLAW.COM Laurie Walmsley ASHTON ANIMAL CLINIC & THE PET RESORT ACHIEVEMENTS (941) 961-3708 GETMOOREPR.COM Attorney Liz Alpert is a family law attorney who will listen, share insight and help you develop a solid strategy for your case. Alpert is a longtime resident of Florida’s West Coast. “I understand the local court systems and I deeply care about the issues my clients face,” she says. Alpert has a wide range of experience, including banking, real estate, retail management, accounting and television news. These varied backgrounds serve her well as a problem solver, negotiator and litigator. Additionally, her experiences running for public office honed her public speaking skills and ability to argue her clients’ positions in court. Call her today. FVMA Distinguished Service Award, 2013 Medical director, Buddy’s Feral Cat Program Director, Kids & Kittens Program w/SCTI Veterinarian, Sarasota K9 Search & Rescue Partner, Southeastern Guide Dogs Dr. Laurie Walmsley graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her ECFVG Internship at Oklahoma State University. Practicing in Sarasota since 1993, she founded Ashton Animal Clinic & The Pet Resort, a full-service small animal veterinary hospital and pet boarding facility. In 2013, she was the first female recipient of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association Distinguished Service Award for exceptional achievements and contributions to the advancement of veterinary medicine. Since 2002, Dr. Walmsley has mentored Buddy’s Feral Cat Program, which has spayed/ neutered more than 15,000 feral/free roaming cats, drastically reducing the number of homeless, unwanted kittens. She believes that saving the life of one animal may not change the world, but it changes the world for that animal. 5660 ASHTON ROAD, SARASOTA, FL 34233 (941) 927-2700 ASHTONANIMALCLINIC.COM JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 67 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) WOMEN OF INFLUENCE BIZ(941) WOMEN OF INFLUENCE Melissa Link Caroline King BR AND ELEVEN ELEVEN EVERGLADES UNIVERSITY Melissa Link founded Brand Eleven Eleven five years ago on the principles of helping clients to create a great brand, convey the right message and connect with the right resources and target markets to make their business successful. The full-service digital marketing agency has delivered results for startup businesses, product companies, professional service organizations and nonprofits, implementing all aspects of research, planning, design and creation. Nimble and personalized in its approach, Brand Eleven Eleven works in partnership with companies to deliver what a client needs, when they need it. ACHIEVEMENTS “40 Under 40,” Business Chapter president, Florida Public Relations Observer Association Gold Addy Award, AdFed ACHIEVEMENTS 3516 N. LOCKWOOD RIDGE ROAD, SARASOTA, FL 34234 (941) 799-9079 BRAND1111.COM BIZ(941) WOMEN OF INFLUENCE Outstanding Business, U.S. Green Building Council Florida Gulf Coast Chapter 212° Award, 2009, 2011 BIZ(941) WOMEN OF INFLUENCE Dr. Myrdalis Diaz-Ramirez Lubo Jenkins COMPREHENSIVE PAIN CENTER OF SAR ASOTA LUNCHBOX ACHIEVEMENTS Castle Connolly Top Doctor in Pain Management, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 Clinical Centers of Excellence Award, American Pain Society, 2011 68 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 Dr. Myrdalis Diaz-Ramirez is a pain medicine physician and anesthesiologist with nearly 15 years of experience. She is medical director for the Comprehensive Pain Center of Sarasota and for Regenerative Medicine Consultants. As clinical professor for the College of Medicine at Florida State University, she educates local medical students. She’s also co-authored and edited books related to pain management. And for the last five years, she has been very active in educating our community through her September Pain Awareness Month Conference series. With an entrepreneurial spirit, she is also partner in the music/entertainment business Lemay Entertainment. 1921 WALDEMERE ST., SUITE 607 SARASOTA, FL 34239 (941) 363-9400 Caroline King serves as Campus Vice President for Everglades University Sarasota. Under her leadership, EU Sarasota has earned a reputation for excellence and has been awarded several national awards, including Most Innovative Program Award and two GREAT Awards for outstanding graduates. EU Sarasota was also awarded the Outstanding Business by the U.S. Green Building Council Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. King supports many great causes: Operation Homefront, Habitat for Humanity, JDRF and the Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program. An advocate for the power of education, her passion is to help students realize their dreams by earning their degree. ACHIEVEMENTS Hispanic Who’s Who Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance Tampa Bay Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce Sarasota Chamber of Commerce 6001 LAKE OSPREY DRIVE, SUITE 110 SARASOTA, FL 34240 (941) 907-2262 Lubo Jenkins, franchisee and president of the Northeast Florida and Puerto Rico market for LunchBOX (A WAXING SALON), already has two locations open in Sarasota and Jacksonville. Impressed with the salons’ upscale, fast-growing concept, Lubo plans to bring even more locations to affluent and progressive communities throughout Southwest Florida and beyond. Before this venture, Lubo opened a successful insurance agency focused on Hispanic agents. Lubo and the LunchBOX salons are very active in charitable organizations, including Brides Against Breast Cancer, LWRMC Auxiliary and Girls Inc. of Sarasota. 5215 UNIVERSITY PARKWAY, SUITE 101 UNIVERSITY PARK, FL 34201 (941) 893-5826 LUNCHBOXWAX.COM JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 69 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) WOMEN OF INFLUENCE BIZ(941) WOMEN OF INFLUENCE Michele Schlossberg Nikki Taylor PAINT NAIL BAR SAR ASOTA MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION, INC. ACHIEVEMENTS Michigan State University, BA Institute for Integrative Nutrition, NYC, CHNC Columbia University Teacher’s College, CHC Former Ms. Fitness Colorado “I believe if you can’t find what you’re looking for—create it,” says Michele Schlossberg, owner of PAINT Nail Bar. PAINT Nail Bar opened in March 2015 and revolutionizes nail care, rejecting traditional nail salon practices and the unpleasant atmosphere associated with that environment—the heavy fumes, dangerous drills, unsanitary whirlpool tubs and contaminated implements. Her goal was to bring to fruition a beautiful, hygienic nail salon that felt like a chic home where guests are welcomed with affordable luxury services, exceptional sanitation standards, and impeccable customer service. With that goal in mind, Michele opened PAINT Nail Bar. BIZ(941) WOMEN OF INFLUENCE 1417 FIRST ST. SARASOTA, FL 34236 (941) 366-8989 PAINTNAILBAR.COM ACHIEVEMENTS Chaired 24-plus charity events Founding President, Designing Daughters of Sarasota Raised $5 million for FPRA Board, AFP member, “To be irreplaceable, you must be different,” said Coco Chanel. Women of Influence are all writers of their own unique stories, and for the past decade, Nikki Taylor has worked to help other young leaders find their own distinct voices while writing her own story in the community at large. “My passion is better health care,” she says. “To improve health care for Sarasota through engagement and philanthropy changes so many things for individuals and communities. Having world-renowned physicians, facilities and clinicians in our back yard requires a dedicated, ongoing effort, and produces outstanding results.” charity since 2000 WOMEN Southside PTO BIZ(941) OFBoard INFLUENCE 1515 S. OSPREY AVE., SUITE B-4 SARASOTA, FL 34239 (941) 917-1286 SMHF.ORG Carrie L. Riley ASID, IIDA, NCIDQ Linda Thomas & Sheila Brannan Longo RILEY INTERIOR DESIGN, INC. THOMAS & BR ANNAN COMMUNICATIONS Riley Interior Design, Inc. was founded in 2004 by Carrie L. Riley, who has over 20 years of experience with high-end design concentrated in residential, yacht design, small boutique design, commercial and sports venue design. Riley Interior Design, Inc. serves its clients with regard to aesthetics and function, creating dramatic and elaborate interiors while also achieving a timeless quality. The well-known firm has accomplished a broad range of design styles and is pleased to provide a complete range of interior design services tailored specifically for each individual client. ACHIEVEMENTS Professionally licensed interior designer Member of ASID for nearly 20 years NCIDQ Certified Philanthropist 70 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 1929 S. OSPREY AVE. SARASOTA, FL 34239 (941) 955-5522 RILEY-ID.COM ACHIEVEMENTS Linda Thomas and Sheila Brannan Longo have received numerous creative awards throughout their careers, but their greatest reward is helping clients achieve their public relations goals. Visit ThomasBrannan.com for a portfolio of their proven results. Years of experience, stellar credentials and sheer talent have made Thomas & Brannan Communications among the most accomplished and respected public relations firms on the Florida Suncoast. Established in 1990 by Linda Thomas and Sheila Brannan Longo, the firm is proud to represent some the area’s finest clients. Linda was the founder and publisher of the Florida Business Journal, the area’s first business publication. Sheila is a former journalist and editor of two business publications, a solid foundation for a segue into copywriting and public relations. She has a B.S. in communications and an M.B.A in international trade. (941) 355-3006 THOMASBRANNAN.COM JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 71 A D VER T IS ING S ECTI ON A D V E R TI S I N G S E C TI ON BIZ(941) WOMEN OF INFLUENCE CONGRATULATIONS Candice McElyea, President to these THREE SIX OH PR One phrase that is ever-present in everything done at Three Six OH Public Relations is this: It’s all about relationships. Good relationships help others achieve their goals. Three Six OH does that better than most because the experts there leverage their relationships to help clients achieve maximum results. By bringing people together to collaborate, it helps build bridges, build trust and build your brand. It also helps Three Six OH tell your story. If you don’t tell it, others will line up to tell it for you. WOMENof INFLUENCE Laura Adcock Lori Ann Devine Wendy Last Michele Schlossberg Lori E. Allen Dr. Myrdalis Diaz-Ramirez Keren Lefrak Christine Sensenig Liz Alpert Nicole Double Mary LeMay Mary Anne Servian Rita Altman Erica Enmeier Melissa Link Jamie Aymerich Cynthia Fitzgibbons Cheryl Loeffler Dr. Kelly-Anne SheddHartman CJ Bannister Sandra Frank Aubrey Lynch Margaret Barbieri Janet Ginn Molly Maggio Tommye E. Barie Susan Goldstein Elaina Mand Jackie Barron Kathleen Gratz Laura Mattia Dr. Sandra Stone Brynne Anne Besio Annette Gueli Trish McConnell Cookie Boudreaux Jayna Hamel Candice McElyea USF SAR ASOTA-MANATEE Gail Bowden Lesley Harb Karen Mckeivier Veronica Brandon Miller Lori Hultman Patricia Meringer Sheila Brannan Longo Dolly Jacobs Kyanne Merrill Lisa Bristow Lubo Jenkins Susan Michelson Brown Aundria Castleberry Lisa Johnson Kim Miele Yasemin Chain Barbara A. Jones Linda Nash Suzy Circle Jenna Jones Heonis Maribeth Phillips Kathy Collums Heather Kasten Coral Pleas Denise Cotler Cherri Kessler Joni Rametta Laura Coyle Caroline King Carrie L. Riley Michelle Crabtree Jeanie Kirkpatrick Nicole Rissler Mary DeArment Christine L. Koval, D.M.D Lupe Roberton Lori Denny Debra L’Heureux Danielle Roca ACHIEVEMENTS AP Award-winning journalist Co-founder, Politically Personal, 2012 Founder Politically Unfiltered 2015 Greater Sarasota Chamber Young Professional of the Year Finalist Mom to two awesome kids BIZ(941) WOMEN OF INFLUENCE THREESIXOH 2032 HAWTHORNE ST. SARASOTA, FL 34239 (941) 232-9046 THREESIXOHPR.COM PR that Counts It didn’t take Dr. Sandra Stone long to make an impact at USF Sarasota-Manatee. Fewer than six months into her tenure as USFSM’s regional chancellor, Dr. Stone has already led the development of a new strategic plan to guide the future for the campus. Although the plan is awaiting final approval, Dr. Stone says it will lay out a clear, focused strategy that will benefit USFSM students and the SarasotaManatee community for years to come. ACHIEVEMENTS Developing comprehensive strategic plan Instituting open forums for campus and community Engaging regional leaders in impactful conversation 72 BIZ(941) JUNE | JULY 2015 8350 N. TAMIAMI TRAIL SARASOTA, FL 34243 (941) 359-4330 USFSM.EDU Roxanne Sima Angela Smith Donna Soda Dr. Sandra Stone Fran Talley Nikki Taylor Linda Thomas Susan Thompson Jessica Tyre Amanda Vercheski Laurie Walmsley Lana Walsh Allison Ward Moore Sandy Wick Tara Williams Susanne S. Wise Erika Wise Borland Courtney Wise Snyder JUNE | JULY 2015 BIZ(941) 73