Member Business of the Month

Meet our fabulous members every month!

October 2020

  Laurie Sullivan

Laurie Sullivan is originally from the Chicago area and loves now living in SWFL. Recently she joined the STARability Foundation as the Operations and Supportive Services Manager. Drawing on her background in social work and higher education administration, she is delighted to be part of this fantastic nonprofit and brings experience in relationship building, program development and management, and cross-functional project management. Laurie received her B.A. in psychology from the University of Notre Dame and her MSW from Washington University in St. Louis.

STARability’s mission is to transform the lives of individuals with disabilities through social, vocational and educational connections to the community, while strengthening awareness and respect for individual abilities. Learn more at starability.org.

August 2020

  Pat Kazor

I’m Pat Kazor,  a mom of three girls and four Grand Children. I have been married to my Husband Joe for 48 years. We moved to Florida 22 years ago from Algonac, Michigan! My profession was a Hairdresser of over 20 years and I still have my license 50 years later. I love helping Women look and feel better. My world was about changed when we started a family. I wanted to be a stay at home Mom but when we needed money I had to make a decision to go back to work.

I  knew a lot of Women were selling different products in Network Marketing so I jumped in with a skincare company called Jafra. I have been a Network Marketer for 38 years and it has brought me to the Company I’m  with now of over 30 years with Arbonne! I know GOD had this plan for me a long time before I made this decisions. I’m so grateful everyday I said yes to Network Marketing. I can’t say it has always been easy but it was worth it. I knew I was looking for a way to help other people grow and to help them build a business.

Our team is currently in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Poland and New Zealand. I would have never known all the blessing’s it was going to gift our family with. In my Journey I have met the most amazing people that I get to do life with. To be able to go to bed every night and not worry about our bills being paid and to DREAM BIG!  Our prayers were answered. AMEN

June 2020

  Katherine Dean

Katherine Dean is owner of Naples Aesthetics and Wellness Institute (NAWI), along with her husband, Dr. Edwin Dean and her brother-in-law, Paul Dean.  They love what they do to make people “Look and Feel Younger Longer.”

Katherine is originally from Malibu, California (and thanks her parents regularly for an amazing childhood in a beautiful place) and went to U.C.L.A for undergrad in history and then later received her MBA.  Prior to delving into the aesthetics world, Katherine held various executives positions as Vice President of Human Resources for Hyundai Motor America (corporate headquarters for North America) and VP, of HR for Endocyte, Inc., a biotech which focused on developing drugs for cancer.

Katherine loves the outdoors, helping others achieve their goals, and life’s adventures…and loves being a member of ABWA.

May 2020

Christin Luckman

Christin Luckman is a Senior Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate who has been in the mortgage industry since 2003. She takes a sophisticated approach to simplifying the mortgage process by combining personalized service with industry leading technology. With Guaranteed Rate, you get a top 10 national lender. With Christin, you get a lending concierge. Christin and her team focus on developing long term relationships with their clients and providing top notch customer service. They take the stress out of the process and exemplify the Guaranteed Rate difference. Christin launched the Naples branch for the company and focuses on business development in both Naples and Chicago. She has served as Chair of the Chicago Association of Realtor’s Golf Committee, serves on the Gala committee for the Starability Foundation in Naples, enjoys Chicago Bears football, loves taking Pure Barre classes, is an avid tennis player, and has a passion for unique food and wine.

April 2020

Photo to come   Susan Treanor

Susan was born and raised near Minneapolis where she was a Top Female Financial Advisor with RW Baird and RBC Wealth Management and moved here 10 years ago. Prior to her Financial Advisor work, Susan loved teaching preschoolers and also founded many successful businesses, including a temp agency, a training company, and a private school.

Susan lights up at opportunities to serve, to help and educate others. Medicare and its Insurance Plans are very complex. She knows that if people understand Medicare, especially with the help of a well trained professional, they will make smart decisions. LIFE & HEALTH INSURANCE, AMERICAN SENIOR BENEFITS Representing many independent Insurance Carriers

Throughout her adult life she has been volunteered and been involved with many charitable organizations including: Rotary, Best Prep, Families Moving Forward, and church curriculum development for preschool through elementary ages. She is a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in Naples.

Susan attended the University of Minnesota, where her undergraduate degrees are in Child Psychology and Business Law. Her Master’s Degree work is in Human Services Administration. Susan enjoys her three, amazing adult children, and four, fantastic grandchildren. When they gather there is much singing, storytelling, tea parties, cooking together, and usually baking sweet treats. In her alone time, she loves her busy Jack Russell dog, Moxie, listening to music, reading, baking, word games, and time with friends and relatives.

February 2020

Juana Rodriguez was born and raised in New York City and came to Florida on vacation and fell in love with the area. She has been a FLORIDIAN since 1998. Juana has a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and food science from Hunter College in New York. She is a mother of two daughters then remarried seven years ago, now added four boys and six grandchildren to her family.

Juana has been certified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant since 1995. She has been helping families with breastfeeding in hospitals ,Neonatal Intensive Care Units and health departments for almost 25 years. She is the sole owner of the Lactation Whisperer company. This is a private consultation practise that comes to the clients home or employment area to discuss breastfeeding and develop a plan to resolve the nursing issue. Most initial home visit take one to two hours to go over health history and support system of the couplet. Juana provides a breast assessment along with oral digital assessment of the infant mouth to rule out tongue tie correction. Juana rents hospital grade breast pumps and sells breast pump parts if replacements are needed.

The convenience of having breastfeeding help come to the client is what is provided by the Lactation Whisperer.

January 2020

Jodi Bisogno

Jodi has been in the nonprofit field for over 20 years in the area of education, training, and curriculum & program development. Her work has included leadership in the areas of healthcare, workforce development and social justice.

Jodi completed her undergraduate degree at University of Delaware in 1995 and received her M.Ed. from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2003. For over 10 years she owned and operated her own business delivering staff professional development and training programs to diverse industries in the tri-state area and Florida. Jodi has been an adjunct professor at FGCU and will continue instructing undergraduate courses in 2020.

Currently she is the Executive Director for Cancer Alliance of Naples. Providing leadership and oversight of financial aid, resources and support for cancer patients and their families in Collier and Lee County. This work is what drives Jodi to assist and help others who are have the greatest need.

Jodi is the proud mom of Brentley, 8, and soon to be step-mom of Caden and Chance. She will marry their dad, Dustin in 2020. Jodi has been an ABWA member for 3 years in Florida and was a member in New Jersey for 2 years. Jodi has recently joined the Hospitality Committee and is actively trying to be more involved in the great work of ABWA.

December 2019

  Robyn Matonti

Dr. Matonti is a Florida native. Southeast Florida has been her home until recently. She obtained a Bachelors of Science from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida and then went onto Seton Hall University in South Orange New Jersey, where she received her Masters of Science in Microbiology. Her degree in Dental Medicine is from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

With her husband, Anthony, it was decided that the west coast of Florida was the exact lifestyle they resonated to. It also gives them the close proximity to the east coast where their families still reside.
Dr. Matonti enjoys treating patients of all ages and takes pride in understanding and listening to the needs of each and every patient. Her knowledge of esthetic and cosmetic dentistry, implant treatment, gum disease, and more allows her to offer excellent individualized clinical care while making patients feel comfortable.

Dr. Matonti and her team devote many hours to continuing education and pass on the benefits of this advanced knowledge to you. We are here to provide you with the tools you need to ensure you achieve and maintain your oral health. We would love to welcome you personally to our friendly office.

November 2019

  Michele Luizzi

Drawing on over 25 years of distinguished experience in the advertising, creative services, print media and product distribution industries, Michele Luizzi, of “Shell Unlimited”, possesses both a creative flair and solid business intuition. She enjoys the challenge of creating unique solutions for her clients’ design needs, always resulting in original and compelling campaigns, designs and creative projects. Michele values communication and collaboration — knowing these are the keys to her clients’ marketing successes.

Originally from Utica, New York, Michele has been living in the Naples/Bonita Springs area for over 10 years helping local businesses grow and reach their audiences. She has one son, Michael. She also likes to cook, travel and play golf as well as spending time with her family and friends.

Shell Unlimited is an advertising & design company that thinks differently. Michele designs and produces business marketing material, distributes promotional products, designs email marketing, websites, brochures, billboards, logos and much more.Visit www.shellunlimited.com to browse through thousands of promotional products for any business type

October 2019

  Susan King

Susan King is a Client Advisor at RMC Group, with over a decade of successful experience in the property & casualty industry. She joined the RMC team in June, coming from Snow & Thomson Insurance Agency in Harwich Port, Massachusetts. Susan has over ten years’ experience as an insurance agent & inspector, and is a licensed Realtor® in her home state of Massachusetts.

Susan specializes in teaming with Realtors® and mortgage brokers to create successful outcomes for their clients by providing insurance quotes and policies, with options to help home buyers in all types of transactions. A native of Martha’s Vineyard, Susan enjoys a good Netflix binge but can also be found on the beautiful beaches of Naples.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to join RMC Group, in a role that utilizes my experience in personal lines insurance, property inspections and valuations, and real estate,” Susan says. “I am excited to become a contributor to the growth of RMC Group.”

September 2019

Nancy Joseph

I’m a Makeup Artist – Born on National Lipstick Day.  God is funny like that. Hi, I’m Nancy Joseph.  Pro Makeup Artist, Image Coach & Speaker BECAUSE EVERY WOMAN DESERVES to feel beautiful & confident, I founded my company. The better people feel about the way they look & feel, the happier they’ll be and the more good they’ll do. That’s where I come in.

I help business women, like you, look & feel incredible, make memorable first impressions and grow a thriving business. I show you how to polish your personal appearance and present yourself like a pro (even if you don’t like the way you look or feel right now)!

You’ll WALK out the front door LOOKING & FEELING incredible,STEP in front of your audience with CONFIDENCE& RUN to the BANK with your CASH!

August 2019

Tricia Mushacke

I have lived in Naples since November 2005.  I relocated from Miller Place, NY.  My husband Fred and I met in high school.  We have two daughters Brooke and Joy and two grandchildren John 10 and Brinley 8 who live in Bear, DE.

I received my BA from Stony Brook University and my MBA from Dowling College.   My whole career has been in non-clinical health care positions.  My last full- time position was as a Healthcare Internal Auditor.  I had to travel 50% of the time all over the U.S.  During that time, I herniated a disk in my back.  It was very painful to sit for 10-12 hours auditing and I needed to do something else.  This was sad because I truly love research.

I am a Eucharistic Minister at St. John the Evangelist and used to bring  home bound parishioners communion. I was also a Big Sister and plan on volunteering for the Guadalupe Center. My friend Carol, from 1^st grade, introduced me to Arbonne.  I fell in love with the skincare after 24 hours.  Since I usually worked a full time and part time job while my girls were growing up, I knew I could do it.   Health from the inside out is so important.

I love helping people choose healthier products for themselves and their families.  Seeing people change, grow and achieve is so rewarding. My team is in NY but I’ve been growing a Florida team as well.   My goal is to become an ENVP with Arbonne and earn my Mercedes Benz by the end of this year.

July 2019

  Alicia Farman

Alicia is a specialist in the financial services industry. Previously working as an insurance and finance manager for the automotive business, Alicia decided to use her expertise towards strengthening her own community. As of Apri 1st, 2019, Alicia took Alliance Financial Group by storm because of the energy she felt from their female leadership. These women, along with the AFG team, have stood behind her with mentorship and encouragement. As Alicia’s passion also lyes in empowering women, she will be hosting several events on financial education to help them take control of their lives with confidence.

Alicia is a young, driven businesswoman who was born and raised in the very best, Southwest Florida. After a divorce in 2018, she began to see the strength in women joining forces. From that moment, she decided to join ABWA, (American Business Women’s Association) to become apart of that movement.

On Alicia’s free time, she enjoys girls nights with friends and being active on any given sports field. Her voice in karaoke is also something you wouldn’t want to miss. Always enjoying the little things in life, Alicia almost always has a smile on her face and looks forward to the next conversation she has with someone new.

June 2019

  JuJu (Judy) Jacobs

JuJu is the owner of Kouture JuJu of Palm Beach and Naples, founded in 2004;  a couture house that creates one of a kind, elegant garments for the more affluent woman.  However, there is a Ready-To-Wear line featured by the company as well.  JuJu is a fashion designer with extensive training and experience in the apparel industry.

Although she is a self-taught designer, she also has formal training in fashion design.  She graduated from Bauder Fashion College in Atlanta with a fashion design degree, and then continued her studies at FIT in NYC, where she studied International Marketing and Fashion Design.

Kouture JuJu opened it’s first boutique in 2006 in Palm Beach.  She sold all original designs and also specialized in custom alterations and pattern making.  JuJu has fashioned many Palm Beach socialites and has been featured in numerous local Palm Beach magazines.  Many of her garments have been sold in stores in Nantucket, Newport RI, and boutiques on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach.  She recently relocated to Naples and works by appointment only.  Her Ready-To-Wear line is now carried in some local boutiques and she is happy to design and create a garment of your choice!

May 2019

Dulce Gonell

Dulce Gonell-Holderby is an evolutionary entrepreneur; her expertise are customer service and
sales training in the hospitality industry she partners with her clients to develop training
programs for their staff that will enhance customer service behaviors and impact revenues.

Before devoting her time to her own company, Dulce served as a Senior Training Account
Manager for 14 years with the largest training company in the USA; her portfolio included
international customers such as The British Colonial Hilton in Nassau, Bahamas , The
Intercontinental Resort in San Juan Puerto Rico and local USA clients like; The Bicycle Casino,
Atlantis, Turning Stone Resort & Casino, The Betsy Hotel, Bahia Principe Resorts and more.

Dulce has a BA in hospitality management and started off work at the world-famous Waldorf
Astoria in New York city. She has also worked for the Doral Golf Resort & Spa (now Trump
Doral) and Hotel Sofitel in Miami. She is fluent in reading and writing Spanish and has an adult
learning certification with the Association of Training and Development, where she is currently
a member and served in 2018 as the VP of membership for the Southwest Florida chapter.
She has written several articles for Training Magazine Inc. and several of her clients have held
the number one ranking within their Trip Advisor competitor set.

Dulce is happily married and lives in Naples, FL with her husband Bill.

April 2019

Ann Kohler
                            Supervisor – Business Outsourced Services

With her deep expertise in cloud-based technology, Ann Kohler helps clients adopt new technologies and employ software to their fullest potential. Ann converts clients’ existing software to Kaufman Rossin Connect’s cloud-based platform, which provides clients with real-time access to their accounting and financial reporting. She also helps clients understand data and financial statements to make thoughtful business decisions.  Moreover, Ann is a QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor and instructs businesses on how to leverage the accounting software to efficiently analyze business performance and compile financial data reports.

She works with clients across a variety of industries, including real estate, healthcare, entertainment and trading companies. Ann also assists precious metal dealers and ticket brokers. Before joining Kaufman Rossin in 2016, Ann served as a controller for a Dallas-based technology company where she oversaw accountants and leveraged cloud-based software to enhance communication efforts and business processes.

Formerly, Ann volunteered as a teacher with Junior Achievement where she helped sharpen young students’ financial literary skills.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Florida Atlantic University and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Barry University.

March 2019

Stephanie Orlikoff

Signature Tree Care is a locally owned Naples tree service serving residential, commercial & municipal clients; offering sustainable solutions. Founded in 2002. Stephanie Orlikoff is the vice- president and Office manager since 2007. Ian, her husband, is the president and lead arborist.

Stephanie graduated from D’Youville College in Buffalo, New York with a master’s degree in Science. She became an occupational therapist with a focus on the geriatric population in a nursing home setting and later the 0-5 special needs population in home care settings.

Stephanie left work as an occupational therapist in 2007 when she began to work for Signature Tree Care but continues to maintain her O.T. license and looks forward to practicing again in the future.  In 2008 she became a certified Master Gardener for Collier County at the University of Florida program and a certified Horticulture professional through the FNGLA industry organization. She continues to take continuing education classes in both the arboricultural and horticultural fields.
Signature Tree Care is Naples, Florida only TCIA Nationally Accredited tree service company.

February 2019

  Enita Kushi

Enita Kushi wanted to be an attorney since she was 6 years old. She has always had the desire to help people and improve their lives, and she has been doing precisely that over the last 9 years as a practicing attorney. Enita works passionately on helping people who have financial problems who are being sued for credit card debt, medical debt, breach of contract cases, landlord/tenant cases and foreclosure cases. For people who are planning for their future and to protect their families, Enita provides clients guidance on estate planning by preparing Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and Designation of Health Care Surrogate. For those who worry about how they will pay for their care, Enita provides comprehensive Medicaid Planning.

This month Enita celebrated 5 years of managing Kushi Law Firm, P.A. Enita welcomes any of the members, friends and family to contact her with questions.

   Jeri Goetz

Jeri L. Goetz serves as Executive Director of Pan-Florida Challenge for Hungry Kids. She has nearly 30 years experience in non-profit management, fund raising, volunteer management, and board development. Prior to serving at Pan-Florida Challenge, Jeri was Director of Development at Canterbury School Fort Myers, Director of Development at The Chestnut Hill School, and Director of Annual Giving at the Fenn School.  She has served in similar capacities at Mount Ida College, Boston Lyric Opera, and Pioneer Institute for Public Policy Research.  A 1991 graduate of Boston College’s Carroll School of Management, Jeri active in Kiwanis, The Charlotte Community Foundation, and has served on the boards of CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education), Women in Development, and the Advancement Alliance of New England.  An avid sailor, Jeri and her husband reside in Port Charlotte, Florida and Dedham, Massachusetts.

Pan-Florida Challenge is a charity on a mission to end childhood hunger in Florida, one meal at a time. Hunger in local Florida children is at epidemic levels – one in five children go hungry in our state. Right here in Collier County, 73% of children are eligible for free and reduced lunch. We provide weekend backpack meals (PFC Power Packs) to 2,500 children in 8 counties who do not where their next meal is coming from. The PFC Power Pack contains 13 kid-friendly, shelf-stable, meals that meet or exceed the USDA recommendations for calories, proteins, and carbohydrates for kids. Since 2014, we have provided more than 4.2 million meals to kids.

If you like to ride or support our event, The Pan-Florida Challenge Ride for Hungry Kids is a charity bike event that takes place on March 30-31.. Riders, volunteers, donors and sponsors welcome! Information on registration and donations at: support.panfloridachallenge.org

January 2019

 Jessica Macera

Jessica Macera and her business partner, Chris Wohlbrandt, established Business Dynamix Solutions, LLC, in 2007 and have been leading business owners to greater success ever since. Macera brings a combination of energy, creativity and skill to the client, combining her extensive education in business, psychology and marketing with the experience of consulting for 200+ companies to inspire and help business owners build their dreams.

Macera is part-owner in several businesses including Business Dynamix Solutions, Golden Realty & Management, Golden Property Management Services, Powur (solar system providers), and Realty Title Services. She is charged with designing overall business strategy and marketing for each company. Her latest budding business project is Women’s Safety Network / Damsel in Defense, an effort to assist families in developing strategies for staying safe across a wide spectrum of life events.

Jessica is passionate about community service, education, economic & workforce development, continuous improvement and lifelong learning. She enjoys traveling and experiencing nature’s wonders and new cultures with her husband and family. She’s interested in just about everything, from religion and politics to environmental stewardship, gardening, reading classic novels, scrapbooking and jewelry making.

December 2018

Jayne Koedding

Jayne has more than 30 years of Business and Marketing experience, and MBA’s from Wharton and University of Miami.  Her passion for everything Organic for her skin began more than 15 years ago when she became allergic to the products she was using.  She was patch tested and found it was the chemicals in the products that were causing the rashes and allergic reactions.  The only solution was to switch to Organic Skincare.  Hence, her passion and commitment to staff and clients to provide Safe, Chemical Free Organic products that work in harmony with, but also provide healthy, safe and ultra-nutritious meals for the skin.

Organic Skincare & Bodyworx, offers 6 lines of Organic Skincare and 3 lines of the cleanest Organic and Natural Makeup on the market. Services include Facials, Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Reflexology, Waxing, Spray Tanning (no chemicals or dyes, all botanical), Microdermabrasion, Eyelash and Eyebrow Tinting, Eyelash Extensions and Makeup Application.

Our mission is to create a safe space for clients and staff to breathe, relax and rejuvenate for healthy skin, body, mind & spirit.  We achieve this by providing the cleanest, most extensive and functional skincare products, and the best services in all of Naples, FL.

Mary Lynn Marr

I was born and raised in Missouri, one of ten kids, five brothers and four sisters. I moved to NAPLES in 1985 and started working for the Ritz Carlton company for the next ten years, traveled to new hotel openings, while setting up, buying, training and merchandising for the retail shops within the hotels.

Next chapter in life: Marriage, a Mortgage, and Motherhood . Married 22 years, live on three acres, raising our son Matthew, a true gift from God.

In 2012 my youngest sister was diagnosed with cancer, and 2013, started a foundation called She Will Fight, a non profit supporting women living a full time fight with in a part time life.  She appointed me as her VP, SADLY SHE LOST THE FIGHT IN 2014. To date myself and a whole lot of fabulous, supporting women, ALL volunteers are keeping the foundation going.   We support all women, all cancers. Women are granted five hundred dollars to use for whatever brings comfort to your Mind, body or spirit!  For more information visit shewillfight.com

November 2018

Lisa Brown

Lisa McDaniel Brown is a former broadcaster having worked at several radio stations in Tucson, Phoenix and Cincinnati as morning show co-host and News Director. She has appeared several times on the Maury Povich Show, the Ricki Lake show, Judge Hatchett and many other TV and radio shows as the Communications Director and DNA expert for the DNA Diagnostics Center that performs paternity testing for the media.
She was a Senior Event Manager at Speaking of Women’s Health and was the Advancement Director at Dress for Success Cincinnati. She’s been a small business owner – in the early 90’s she made wedding cakes while working in radio. She is now the owner of Lisa Brown Presents
Lisa is now a Holistic Health Coach, speaker, media trainer, and a member of the National Speakers Association where she indulges in her passion — sharing her love of health & well-being and public speaking.

  Susan Werner

Susan is the Publisher of N2.

N2
N2 connects with residents to local businesses in unique ways, outside of traditional print and hosts tailored programs that are made For, By & About the residents in each of the below communities.

Pelican Marsh, Bay Colony & Tiburon, Naples
Grey Oaks & Estuary, Naples
Old Naples & Aqualane, Naples
The Vineyards, Naples
Quail West, Naples
Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club, Ft. Myers
The Plantation, Ft. Myers

Building credibility and awareness to the right clientele through unique interaction with residents, Feature Articles, Testimonials & N2 Events.

N2 Design | Our monthly, year-round, publications are strategically designed to create multiple views impressions and views so that your ad is seen more than once each month. We operate year round, working with full-time residents & advertisers throughout the “off season”.

October 2018

      Nina DiSessa-Christensen

Account Manager,  Hilton Naples

Nina DiSessa Christensen has more than 20 years in meeting and event planning, working as an event and meeting planner for a medical device company for 12 years she managed international medical meetings and was an exhibit manager for large medical conventions.   She has worked at the Hilton Naples since 2007, currently is the account manager and is a driving force in the back sales office supporting the clients through in daily communications through emails, telephone and meetings to support their business needs.   She continues to garner accolades from clients and co-workers with her timely responses to client requests, work ethic and ability to maintain and build lasting relationships with over 100 key high level clients.

Nina has been a member of ABWA Neapolitan since 2003 and has been the hospitality chair 2016-2017 and 2017-2018.    She was selected as the Neapolitan Chapter’s Women of the Year and was President in 2007-2008.  Nina has held Chapter numerous positions VP/Membership and Hospitality chair.  ABWA is dear to her heart and she has a passion for the ABWA’s mission to support women to attain their professional and personal goals.  ABWA is a wonderful arena for growing personal friendships and professional alliances.

In June 2016, she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Management at Hodges University, Naples, FL all while working full time and family responsibilities.   Nina is also a member of another professional women’s organization since 2016 the American Association of University Women, Greater Naples Branch.  The organization works to support women in the providing support for efforts to ensure equal pay and fair business practices.

Nina is married and has two adult children who are pursuing their dreams and has a beautiful 5 year old granddaughter.  She enjoys spending time with her family, friends, family fur babies, learning, reading, shelling and walks on the beach.

              Susan Fortner, President, Bowers PR

Susan has over 20 years of experience in public relations, is fully accredited and has won awards with crisis management. She has sat on the accreditation board determining who will be advanced in her industry.   She started her career as a journalist and moved into PR and gained experience at a large agency working with Nestle, Disney and the LA Dodgers.  In 2013 Susan received special honors for her work in crisis management and has also been recognized for setting up creative charitable giveback programs.

In 2008 she opened her own public relations firm with a partner firm in Naples Florida.  Her firm manages accounts throughout the country specializing in health care, beauty, food and packaged and soft goods.  She has also donated her time with ECDI and other start up organizations to help new companies launch.  In addition, she has served the following non-profits in leadership roles; The Junior League, Childhood League, Pleasure Guild of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Franklin Park Conservatory, Cancer Support Community and NAWN.

Bowers PR is recognized as a broker/partner with QVC and HSN shopping networks. It took two years for Susan to build up a reputation and develop a relationship to be considered a full broker with her inside team at both shopping channels.  The teams that she works, each, have over 20 year’s experience with their specific market.

September 2018

Karen Parry  |  Mortgage Loan Originator

Karen was raised in Northern Michigan & relocated to Naples, Florida in late 1984. She began her career in Financial Services in 1997 by entering the field of Mortgage Lending. Frustrated with how other companies were run & feeling that clients’ needs were not always the priority, she opened her own Mortgage Brokerage business, Benchmark Home Mortgage, in 1999. Along with her business partner over the next 7 years, her business grew to 5 offices in Naples, Fort Myers & Germany & 40 employees. In 2006 she was expecting her second child & made what turned out to be a very good decision to sell her share of the company to her then two business partners. She continued to work with them until 2009.

After a few years in Insurance, she decided to join Best Interest Mortgage in 2014 especially because their mission statement put simply is:“We Keep Your Best Interest In Mind!”

Best Interest Mortgage is a brokerage business as opposed to a lender.  As a Mortgage Brokerage Business they work with various lenders & are not confined to just one.  This gives them the ability to search for the lender that best fits the client’s needs.  They do Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, Construction, USDA, Foreign National, Purchase, Refinance & Specialty/Niche products.  They have Fixed & ARM rates available. Their processing is done in-house, hence they deliver hands on, superior service.

Karen, her husband Bill & their two children, Emilie (16) & Jackson (12) live in Naples. They enjoy camping, sailing, power boating, kayaking, biking & travelling.  She is very involved in her children’s schools & her church.

Her direct email address is KParry_Benchmark [at] comcast [dot] net  Her direct phone number is: (239) 289.3080

Roxane Kronon Galati, CPA, CFP®

As financial advisors of Capital Wealth Advisors, team Roxane Kronon Galati CFP®, CPA, and son Jeffrey Galati, CLU®  focus on helping clients with financial planning through a discovery of goals, client education, behavioral coaching, portfolio construction and wealth management.

Previously, Roxane and son Jeff co-founded AmeriPlanning and Investments, LLC – an independent financial planning and investment advisory firm located in Naples, Florida.  Roxane has been in the financial services industry for 40 years. She has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1979 and a Certified Financial Planner since 1992. Jeff has been in the financial industry for over eight years and has a background in business financial consulting, family protection planning, investment advisory, and risk management.

For more information on Capital Wealth Advisors and its services visit capitalwealthadvisors.com or email us directly at roxane [at] cwafgi [dot] com.

August 2018

Two this month!

Liri Basha is currently a Client Advocate for Christian Companies, LLC a well-established Health Care Consulting firm for over 3 years. Prior to this position she owned and operated very successful childcare for 7 years.  Liri has also earned the designation a Realtor with Hallmark Realty Corporation, that she is responsible for the Naples operation of the Real Estate Firm.

As Client Advocate for Christian Companies, LLC, her duties include Coordination of Client Relationships, Planning and Management of the Facility Construction under development including:

• Opening a 3,000 sq,ft Clinic in Bonita Springs, Florida, for The State of Florida, WIC (Women, Infant and Children),
• Underwriting and placement of a Bridge to HUD Loan for a 108 Bed Skilled Nursing Home in Lubbock, TX ,
• Successfully placing an SBA Disaster Loan for a 78 Bed Nursing Facility, Desoto Health & Rehab in Arcadia, Florida and is in the process of underwriting a HUD Loan for the Nursing facility.
• At present time her firm is planning to develop a Continuum of Care which includes Independent Living, Assisted Living Campus and Memory Care in     Valrico, Florida.

Liri’s mission is to develop, improve and assist all communities in Rural Areas and work with government on the Opportunities Zones and New Market Tax Credit (NMTC). Developing  Affordable Housing, Assisted Living with Memory Care, Hospitals, Clinics, Childcare, and more.

AND

 Heather Jennings 

Heather Jennings has always loved Interior Design work. It started when she was a young child in moving her parents furnishings around all by herself, much to her Mother’s surprise.

Heather received a Bachelor’s of Science Interior Design degree at FSU then spent many years in the Retail furnishings industry before moving into the world of custom home building with Arthur Rutenberg Homes, then finally into her own Interior Design Business HJ Designs Naples.

She has more than 25 years experience in the industry and has loved every minute of it.

HJ Designs is a boutique Interior Design firm located in Naples, Florida specializing in residential Interior Design. Heather has created interiors for models, new construction, renovation, and everything in between. She has been published in Home and Design magazine and Naples Florida Design magazine.

July 2018

Jodi Bisogno is our July Spotlight member.

Jodi is the Executive Director of Cancer Alliance of Naples. Prior to this position, Jodi has owned and operated E & J Associates, LLC consulting services providing training, education, and project management both in Southwest Florida and the Tri-state area since 2004. Jodi has served in the nonprofit arena for over 25 years in the roles as manager, director, chief operating officer and now director. Jodi has worked in nonprofit healthcare, workforce development and educational services as well as an adjunct professor at Florida Gulf Coast University for two years. Jodi has presented at the local, state and national level on topics related to cultural competence and serving disadvantaged communities in the area of social services and health care. Jodi holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, from FGCU and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Delaware. Jodi has lived in Naples since 1996.

Jodi started at Cancer Alliance of Naples in 2015. Since, CAN has expanded to serve all of Lee County more than tripling their case load of cancer patients and their families. In addition, CAN has expanded the cancer support group services to include Spanish only groups, instituted CollegeCAN, a junior board of CAN, and has secured funding and resources to ensure no cancer patient be placed on a waiting list. CAN provides a financial safety net for non-medical assistance for children and adults battling cancer during their time of treatment.

May 2018

April 2018 

PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS

Visit Belinda at our upcoming ABWA Dinner Meeting or contact her at 239-298-8210.

Sam Black

Sam Black provides a wide range of services including sales management and sales training, telesales and customer service call center training, retail sales and customer service training, and  assessments to hire and develop the best sales, customer service or telesales teams.  Sam has over 40 years of experience in sales and customer service and in 2018 is celebrating her 27^th year as a consultant.

Sam helps her clients select the right telesales reps, customer service reps, sales staff, and management personnel for the job using state-of-the-art pre-hire selection and post-hire coaching tools delivered via the Internet.  Those tools allow her clients to make informed hiring decisions, provide employees with targeted performance coaching and to build the high-performing teams they need to be successful/profitable and on a growth path in a highly competitive business environment.

She is also the author of the book “How to Build Your Business Using the Phone…Effectively!”  Sam’s clients are local, national and international. She has trained in Mexico City, Bogotá, Melbourne, Mumbai, Seoul, Madrid, Bratislava, St. Lucia, Vienna, New Delhi, Coventry, Wellington and all over the United States.

She is also celebrating 8 years of her business  Design-Your-Gift, an interactive bead and jewelry design store in Bonita Springs offering group parties and individuals the opportunity to create beautiful unique accessories for ages 5 to 105!

You can find Sam at our ABWA Dinner Meetings as well as at www.SamBlack.com and www.facebook.com/SamBlackDYG 

February 2018

Jill Griffin is the owner of Wood ‘N’ Rugs, “Your Unique Flooring Boutique“,  which is a family run business that opened in February 1999. The business is located on Bonita Beach Rd. in Bonita Springs.  Wood ‘N’ Rugs specializes in tile, wood flooring, carpet and area rugs.  Custom area rugs are a large part of the showroom.  Our primary concern is customer service.  Our goal is to make each client feel like they are family and their project or remodel is a number one priority.  Whether the job is small or large, we want every client to feel that their project is just as important as the last or next job.

Jill is originally from Michigan but has made Naples her home since 1999.  She is a leader in our community and was recognized in 2013 as Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women.  Some of her hobbies include boating, reading and swimming.  She loves socializing with friends and family and is active in her church, Emmanuel Lutheran.

Jill is married to Kevin and has two daughters, Charlotte and Kelsey.

Marianne Kearns is Executive Director of the PACE Collier Center in Immokalee, Florida. Ms. Kearns brings to the Center an extensive knowledge of gender specific programs and a long history with PACE Center for Girls. She has significant experience in working with youth involved in the juvenile justice system as well as training other staff in effective program and treatment models. Her previous involvement with PACE included helping start the Lee County PACE Center as Program Director in 2007 and she worked as a Program Manager with the Pasco County PACE Center beginning in 2002.  Ms. Kearns has been with the Immokalee PACE center since 2010. She has earned a M.Ed with Boston University while living in Heidelberg, Germany and a BA from Appalachian State University.

PACE Center for Girls of Immokalee County is part of a statewide organization that includes 19 Centers throughout Florida. PACE Center for Girls, Inc. is a Florida based, not for profit, 501(c) 3 and a leader in recognizing that effective prevention programming for girls must be responsive to their unique needs. PACE’s mission is to provide girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy. PACE values all girls, believing each one deserves an opportunity to find her voice, achieve her potential and celebrate a life defined by responsibility, dignity, serenity and grace. For more information, please visit us at www.pacecenter.org.  Please also “like” our FACEBOOK page that is updated weekly with current center news and events.

 January 2018

Linda Abedrabbo  CreativEnergy seamlessly combines remarkable Marketing, Branding, Creative and Production resources into one leading facility. Our clients can bank on an extraordinary level of economic efficiency and project control—from thought to finish. Founded by Director Linda Abedrabbo in 1983, the company has grown steadily by delivering a pronounced expertise in the production of traditional and alternative marketing and branding.

CreativEnergy is dedicated to creating branding with impeccable quality and comprehensive customer service to each of our clients. Throughout our years in business, our primary objective is to work as a creative partner and develop solutions together.

Whether you’re just starting up, re-branding your company, launching a new product, or looking to strengthen your position in the marketplace, we can customize our services to maximize the effectiveness of your marketing effort.

At CreativEnergy, our goal is to show you how building and maintaining your brand can have a direct positive impact on your company’s performance.

Adele Maria-Cui, currently part-time as Sr. VP Finance at Hollinger Jobs.  Prior experience with a global company and a specialized consulting firm.  30+ years of professional experience in management, operations, human resources, auditing, marketing, public relations and full life cycle system application development and implementation for large and medium sized companies.  Skilled at strategic thinking and detailed analysis.  Adele is on the Advisory Board of Collier Child Care Resources (CCCR) and she is a member of HR Collier.

Each Month we will feature 2-3 members and their businesses.  Please click the links to check out their websites and social media pages.  This is a benefit of being a member of the Neapolitan Chapter of ABWA.  To learn more how you can become a Member Business of the Month, email Roxane Galati at roxane [at] ameriplanning [dot] com