Women In Business

Women in

BUSINESS

24

ARLINGTON TODAY • October 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Mary German

A

s Chief Operating Officer of the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mary German has primary oversight and management of the Arlington Tourism Public Improvement District, the Travel & Sports Legacy Foundation (the 501c3 nonprofit charitable arm of the ACVB), the Entertainment District Banner Program, and Advocacy – and she has additional involvement in transportation initiatives, strategic planning and special projects for the bureau.

In other words, there’s rarely a day that the 26-year ACVB veteran isn’t busy helping enhance the appeal of the city to folks who visit and gather here.

While that’s a formidable task, it’s also a fulfilling one – and something made easier by her adherence to a professional philosophy that has helped pave her success as a woman in business.

“I’m inspired by many world and local leaders whose vision and good deeds have had an indelible impact on civilization and the communities they serve,” she says.

“I try to create opportunities for innovation and growth, strive for excellence and lead with integrity and honor.”

Developing innovative programs has been the hallmark of German’s work. The Travel & Sports Legacy Foundation is an innovative and solution-driven program that addresses community needs and workplace demands in Travel, Tourism and Sports Management. “The foundation focuses on assisting youth with educational attainment, financial support and career opportunities in travel, tourism, and sports management, and providing workforce solutions for tourism industry employers,” she says.

“Many of our youth find an entry-level job at a restaurant, hotel or other related business, and never realize that a rewarding career could develop if they understood the pathway from front desk to management. I think many young people can be candidates for travel and tourism careers if given the opportunity.”

German offers the following advice to women starting out in business: “Think strategically! Write a business plan, demonstrate

financial acumen, seek legal counsel, understand the competition, identify a customer niche, build a support network and be passionate about your business. Lead with purpose, passion, and confidence!”

As a key player in helping Arlington establish and sustain a positive brand, German has an ideal vantage point from which to assess the city’s long-term prospect.

And she likes what she sees.

“In the next 10 years, I see Arlington as one of the Top 10 Tourist Destinations in the country,” she says. “Arlington hosts 14.5 million visitors annually. In turn, our city benefits from visitor spending, and tourism resources that contribute to household savings that ultimately improve the quality of life and place for our residents.

Arlington is an innovative and progressive city as evident in the City’s cross-sector leadership, collaborative partnerships, vision and growth.”

Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau

1905 E. Randol Mill Road • 800-433-5374 • arlington.org arlingtontoday.com • October 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

25

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Melissa Danchak Better hearing takes more than just technology

D

r. Melissa Danchak is the owner of Kos/Danchak Audiology & Hearing Aids – and one of the three doctors of audiology at the practice responsible for diagnosing and helping people hear better.

“I began working at KDA in 1997, and I have owned the practice since 2002,” she says. “Our practice has been helping people hear the best they can for over 32 years. We know that people seeking solutions for their hearing and communication needs want good, consistent service. They want someone that will answer their questions and make them feel confident in their decision making as it relates to a very important health care issue. They want to meet with professionals that have proven their value to the community.”

Danchak says there are two specific reasons why she believes people choose her practice. “First, Susanne Kos, the original owner of the practice, was very well respected in the community and trusted by several area physicians. The physicians that referred to her continue to refer to us for the hearing health care needs of their patients. Second, we provide the most comprehensive hearing health care program in North Texas.

Our Complete Hearing Health Care Program includes all of the follow-up services, including free batteries for the lifetime of your hearing aids.” Danchak also says, “we’ve seen – and

unfortunately continue to see – cheap imitations of hearing care come and go. With over 100 five star online reviews, the people we help hear better have voted (positively) about their experiences with us. That is very humbling and it also tells us that we are doing our job well.”

The mission at Kos/Danchak Audiology is to provide comprehensive and individual hearing health care. “The goal for each person we work with is that they are successful with their investment in better hearing and with Kos/Danchak Audiology.

There is a big difference between hearing aids and hearing health care – and that’s why we take a long-term approach to helping people hear the best they can!”

Kos/Danchak Audiology & Hearing Aids

101 West Randol Mill Road • 817-277-7039 • northtxhearing.com 26

ARLINGTON TODAY • October 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Cami Green

T

he Pilates Effect is a fully equipped pilates studio dedicated to the overall well being of its clients.

Owner Cami Green says The Pilates Effect was formed and created specifically for the pilates community of Arlington.

“We recognize there was a love and passion for pilates to be explored and enjoyed right here in Arlington,” Green says. “As the city was absent of a pilates studio, we created The Pilates Effect. We have the only true Pilates Boutique Studio in Arlington. While The Pilates Effect is an upscale and somewhat private place to achieve your health and fitness goals, we pride ourselves on it being affordable and accessible to all of Arlington.”

Green says that the studio’s staff, which also features instructors Denise Cook, Helen Burnell and Carmen Sivadge, puts emphasis on specific health and fitness goals of all its clients.

“We offer Privates and Semi Privates and small group classes,” she says. “We specialize in all equipment: Reformer, Mat, Cadillac and more.”

Collectively, the staff’s expertise, the specialized classes and the state-of-the-art equipment help clients to strengthen, lengthen and tone all muscle groups, as they set and reach personal fitness goals and begin to enjoy enhanced health.

Green says the team’s inspiration is its clients. “We strive to fulfill their needs and goals; we are here for them, everyday, to improve their quality of daily movement,” she says. “This is more than a profession. It’s our passion.”

As such, the team at The Pilates Effect has adopted a client-first approach to pilates training. “Our philosophy is that we are a group of instructors who customize a pilates program specific to each individual,” Green says. “We are not only a workout facility, but our philosophy is to improve your overall muscular and joint health to achieve not just your fitness goals but to improve your overall quality of health on a daily basis.”

Green, who graduated in 1990 from the University of Texas at

Arlington, also has professional experience in the communications and legal realms. In addition to her role as owner of The Pilates Effect, she is a real estate agent with Hopkins Green Real Estate and is the Recruitment Chapter Advisor for the sorority to which she belonged at UTA, Delta Delta Delta. She says she is proud to be a woman who started her own successful business – and she encourages others to follow her lead.

“My advice is to just do it, put it in motion and not over think it,” she says. “I decided to open The Pilates Effect for a pilates interest in Arlington and so I would have a place to teach and practice my passion in my local community. I opened the doors and took it one day at a time, one week at a time. We now have four instructors and almost 200 clients in less than two years.”

Because she’s doing something she loves – and is doing it with fellow instructors and clients who share her enthusiasm – Green savors her career: “It’s a great day at The Pilates Effect when a client tells us we have made a difference in their daily life, their body and/or we have met their fitness goals.”

The Pilates Effect

2410 W. Abram St., Suite 112 (The Shoppes at Brownstone Village) • 214-558-0996 • thepilateseffect.com arlingtontoday.com • October 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

27

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Amy Cearnal

A

my Cearnal and her husband Spencer started CearnalCo, Realtors® in 2014 when they saw the shift of technology hitting the residential real estate market.

“We felt like traditional brokerages were not staying on the cutting edge of what their agents and clients deserved, so we wanted to try to do it better,” Amy says. “We are excited about the changes coming to make the real estate transaction more efficient with a path to the best property for the situation.”

Though she started as a real estate assistant while in college, Amy didn’t plan to stay in the industry back then. But the same vision and passion that is at the root of her company led her to alter her career plans.

“After getting my MBA and trying corporate life, I realized I missed the people and wanted to come back, she says. “I love helping families through this major transition point in their life.”

Hence the creation of CearnalCo, Realtors®, which is a residential brokerage specializing in buy/sell transactions in Tarrant County and surrounding areas.

Amy not only loves her life’s work, she loves where she does it.

“Honestly, we’re so lucky to be a part of a community in Arlington with so many smart and kind people,” she says. “What a blessing to be surrounded by those who inspire me to do my best work as a business woman, wife and mom that I also get to run into them at Tom Thumb on the regular.”

Amy says her philosophy is “improving lives through real estate – whether it’s a family move or an investor purchase, we want to make sure our clients are getting the best advice to improve their life and hopefully the lives of generations to come.”

To that end, she and Spencer have gotten to know their community by becoming invested in it. “We are involved attenders at Fielder Church,” she says. “It’s a great place to be, and if you haven’t heard about the 10-year vision we’re working on, I’d love to tell you about it. I try to spread into different areas of Arlington to help where I can. Missionally, I’m on the board for Arlington Urban Ministries. I love the work we are doing to help families in transition.

To support AISD, I serve as Treasurer for AWARE Foundation and work with local PTAs. Professionally, I sit on the executive board for Arlington Board of Realtors and on the education committee for the

Texas Association of Realtors. As an advocate for Arlington, I am Chair of Downtown Arlington Management Corporation and am just finishing with the city’s Downtown Arlington Master Plan update. I also love attending the Texas Health Resources Health Exchange group. Some people would call me overcommitted, but I love being involved and definitely have a strategy to it.”

As a successful woman in business, Amy says one important lesson she has learned is: “Get involved and find your people.

Having folks around to bounce ideas off, share in successes or help when it feels like the wheels are coming off is a huge piece to the puzzle. From there, it’s time to put in the work and make it happen.”

She says it’s a great day at the office when she and Spencer get to be part of someone’s story: “Real estate is an awesome business, and we are so excited to share the journey!”

CearnalCo, Realtors®

500 E. Front St., #120 • 817-543-0000 • cearnalco.com 28

ARLINGTON TODAY • October 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Dr. Kristin Robbins & Dr. Lisa B. Fell

A

udiology Experts is celebrating its 10th year as a privately owned audiology and hearing aid practice serving patients in the DFW Metroplex. Dr. Lisa B. Fell and Dr. Kristin Robbins are co-founders of Audiology Experts. They are audiologists, mothers and friends with a shared vision: providing thorough and expert hearing care while being present in the lives of their families.

The work-life balance can be challenging but, together, these co-owners share the responsibilities of their busy practice while being very active in family endeavors such as Cub Scouts, soccer, karate, music lessons, vacations and mission trips. According to Dr. Robbins, “two women starting and operating an audiology practice is somewhat rare in the industry. Especially, since many hearing aid offices are part of a franchise or owned by large corporations.”

By being independently owned, they have the freedom to choose the best hearing instruments to meet individual needs, lifestyles and budgets from a variety of manufacturers. “Our dedication to providing high-quality audiology services and products to our patients is paramount to our success as a small business,” says Dr. Fell.

Since their days as students, Drs. Fell and Robbins have enjoyed parallel careers. They each earned their Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degree from Arizona School of Health Sciences Center and both also hold undergraduate and master’s

degrees from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Prior to founding Audiology Experts, they worked together at an ENT physicians’ office in Arlington as clinical audiologists. Both audiologists are Board Certified in Audiology and are licensed to evaluate hearing and fit hearing aids in Texas.

With Audiology Experts, Drs. Robbins and Fell have built a reputation for providing the highest-quality hearing healthcare through education, compassion and expertise in a comfortable and unhurried environment.

“We encourage our patients to bring a family member to their initial evaluation,” says Dr. Robbins. “A change in a person’s ability to communicate affects the whole family, and often it’s a family member who first notices a change in their loved one.”

This team approach and family inclusion is reflected in the clinic’s atmosphere – warm, friendly, and patient-centered. Dr. Fell and Dr. Robbins are the experts at providing advanced hearing technology solutions for maximizing the consumer’s hearing, listening and communicative abilities so they can continue to be productive in their daily professional and personal activities.

In addition to hearing evaluations and hearing aid fitting, Audiology Experts offers tinnitus evaluation and management, custom solutions for hearing protection, assistive listening devices and hearing aid supplies.

Audiology Experts

1261 W. Green Oaks Blvd., Suite 105 • 817-451-4818 • audiologyexperts.com arlingtontoday.com • October 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

29

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Donna J. Smiedt

A

ttorney Donna J. Smiedt got quite an early start on her career, graduating from Southern Methodist University Law School at the age of 20. She then hung out her shingle, and the The Family Law Firm of Donna J. Smiedt, PLLC, was born.

Since that time, she has provided superior family law services to clients in the DFW area. She has practiced exclusively in the area of family law for 32 years, becoming Board Certified in Family Law after being licensed as an attorney for five years.

Ms. Smiedt has tried many contested custody cases and complex property division cases, many including closely held family businesses. She also provides an option to clients who prefer to keep their divorce case private and resolve their disputes using Collaborative Law. Ms. Smiedt is also a certified family law mediator.

Desaray Muma joined the firm in 2015 and as a busy associate at the firm she handles many divorce and Photo: Hasson Diggs custody cases, as well as being collaboratively trained. services to qualified women that are being provided services at The Collectively the two attorneys specialize in almost all aspects of Gatehouse at Grapevine.” family law, including Divorce, Custody, Child Support; Grandparent As a successful woman in business, Ms. Smiedt serves as a Access; Termination and Adoption. stellar role model for those wishing to follow her lead into the legal Whether she is at the office or in court, Ms. Smiedt has a arena. Her advice to them? “Have a good business plan,” she says, singular philosophy that helps make her a successful attorney: “and run an organized and efficient back office while providing the “Be the very best in everything you do and provide the clients with very best services to clients who in turn will send referrals to you, dispassionate and realistic options for resolving their family law which shall form the backbone of your business. Don’t compete disputes in the most efficient and economic manner, giving them with anyone except yourself!” hope for a brighter tomorrow.”

Though her profession – particularly the area of her profession Likewise, she brings passion and compassion to her life outside in which she specializes – is sometimes challenging, Ms. Smiedt of work, particularly with regard to three favorite causes. “I served takes joy in the victories she has earned over the years. “It’s on the Arlington Animal Shelter Board for six years and continue a great day at the law firm,” she says, “when our hard work to rescue abandoned and abused animals in our community,” she advocating for our clients pays off and we persevere in obtaining a says. “I have also been involved with fundraising for Girls, Inc. wonderful outcome for them and their family.” and the Women’s Shelter, as well as providing Pro Bono legal

The Family Law Firm of Donna J. Smiedt, PLLC

3216 W. Arkansas Lane • 817- 572-9900 • arlingtondivorces.com 30

ARLINGTON TODAY • October 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Valerie Landry

V

alerie Landry, General Manager of The Sanford House Inn and Spa, is one of the region’s foremost authorities on the hospitality industry.

But that’s not surprising – she has been involved with the family owned hotel since her grandparents built it more than two decades ago.

“I’ve done just about every job that could be done, from pulling the weeds to cleaning the rooms to serving the Rooney family [of Pittsburgh Steeler fame] during the Super Bowl,” Landry says. “After I graduated from college, I moved back to Arlington and began working as the Spa Director and Marketing Director for the company. Soon after that, we remodeled the property to accommodate our restaurant and bar, and I shifted into my current role as General Manager. Now, I’m also working to ensure that restaurant506 remains one of the best restaurants in the city.”

The Sanford House also has had the opportunity to expand its offerings through a partnership to manage the Lakeview Event and Conference Center at the Viridian. Managing both venues gives Valerie the opportunity to work with more guests and people interested in bringing their events to Arlington.

Over the past couple of years, Landry’s family has grown to include her daughter Vivian – and, at presstime, she was on a countdown to deliver a second child. Per family tradition, introduction to the workforce starts early. “She came to work with me until she was five months old and had the chance to meet some of our guests,” Landry says. “She makes it so clear what I am working for – a brighter future for our community means a brighter future for my daughter. I am excited to watch her grow and develop and find her own passion in life.”

Landry’s passion, at least professionally, is The Sanford House Inn, which offers luxurious accommodations for overnight stays.

The venue also has the capability to host magnificent outdoor events on the Grand Courtyard or smaller intimate social affairs indoors. The highly acclaimed restaurant506 is located in The Sanford House and features “Inspired American Cuisine.”

Then there is the Sanford Spa, which is a full-service spa and salon that offers full body, facial, nail and hair services for special occasions or “just because.”

Landry says she is devoted to making sure that people who visit The Sanford House – any facet of it – come away not only pleased with their “Sanford House experience” but so enamored that they make a point to return. “Our passion for customer service is what sets us apart as special,” she says.

The Sanford House is just part of Landry’s story, however. She is very active in the community, serving as Chair of the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation Board, and was a member of the Leadership North Texas Class 9.

She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce and has served in various capacities with the Chamber of Commerce Women’s Alliance, and with the Junior League of Arlington. She is past president of the Downtown Arlington Rotary, and this year began serving as Assistant Governor for Rotary District 5790. She also serves on the Board of Symphony Arlington and was in Leadership Arlington’s Class of 2009.

The Sanford House

506 N. Center St. • (817) 861-2129 • thesanfordhouse.com arlingtontoday.com • October 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

31

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Why the Y matters ...

T

he first YMCA of Arlington opened its doors in temporary offices on Oct. 1, 1958, after a $400,000 fundraising campaign led by thenMayor Tom Vandergriff. During the ensuing six decades, the local Y has grown to three branches. Now called the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA, it is the city’s largest provider of child care for school-age children.

And that’s just part of the story.

As it has persistently pursued its mission – “to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all” – the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA has evolved into a cause-driven organization that has taken a lead role locally in promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. At the heart of this vibrant success story is a vision shared by local YMCA administrators, staff and the members they serve: a strong community can only be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors.

At the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA, that Lindsy Fernandez, Pam Young, Heidi Hardy, Irene Johnson and investment manifested in some remarkable Michele Culpepper of the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA Photos: Bruce Maxwell achievements last year. Among the highlights were the more than 84,500 free meals served to children in Y childcare programs; $440,677 in financial assistance coached youth sports teams, and 500 children received backpacks awarded to some 4,184 children, adults and families; 149 gifts to use at school, thanks to the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA. presented to children at Christmas; 9,334 children who remained As is the case in almost every corporate triumph, many people – physically active through YMCA sports programs; and 3,059 and, certainly, many women – played a prominent role in what the children who were nurtured in before- and after-school care Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA was able to accomplish last year programs. and in years past. Likewise, those people – and those women – Additionally, the Y helped 2,912 children learn to swim or improve will play integral parts in ensuring that the Y will continue to be an their swimming skills, while 6,357 senior adults enhanced their lives Arlington area mainstay that stays true to its noble mission. through the YMCA Active Older Adult program. Nearly 100 adults On the next two pages, we introduce five such women who will took part in the Diabetes Prevention program, 1,134 volunteers help lead the way ...

The Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA

Administrative office: 1148 W. Pioneer Pkwy., Suite. H • 817-299-9629 • amaymca.org Central: 2200 S. Davis Drive • 817-274-9622 • Cooper Street: 7120 S. Cooper St. • 817-419-9629 • North: 1005 Skyline Drive • 817-548-9622

32

ARLINGTON TODAY • October 2017 • arlingtontoday.com

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Lindsy Fernandez

Irene Johnson

indsy Fernandez, Chief Financial Officer for the ArlingtonMansfield Area YMCA, has experience with the organization that dates back to high school, when she would work out at the Central Branch in between classes and club soccer matches.

In her current role, Fernandez still keeps score – albeit in a different way. “Between my staff accountant, Shawanna Antoine, and me, we do everything accounting related for the YMCA,” she says. “Our ultimate goal is to provide financials that are an accurate reflection of our impact to the community. ” In the meantime, she also raises three daughters, each of whom are involved in Y sports and parent/child programs.

Fernandez started her career as an auditor at PwC. She left for the non-profit world and arrived at the YMCA in early 2014. “A day before my first day I found out I was expecting our second baby, and days later found out we were expecting our third as well,” she says.

“Being an expecting twin mom, I didn’t know how to expect my first couple of weeks at the Y to be, but it couldn’t have gone any better. The Y was very accommodating, just as I hope the community perceives us.”

Her own experience, as a child and as a mom, have enhanced her appreciation of the YMCA. “It is a home to anyone, no matter your age, color, background, financial means,” she says. “We tap into so many areas many organizations are limited to. The best thing about our Y is that we have so many more areas to develop and explore. We aren’t limited to our scope in helping the community.”

She says the best part of the job is the culture. “It’s an exciting time right now at the YMCA,” she says. “It is hard for that excitement not to be contagious amongst our employees and even our members. As an accountant, you can easily focus on the numbers without seeing your client or the end product but at the Y I can literally look out my window any given day see those we serve, our clients.”

A few more fun facts about Fernandez: • She loves to run; in fact, her latest race was the Boston Marathon.

• She loves to go to Starbucks with her girls and husband on the weekend.

• “And I love just being with my family!”

s Senior Executive Director of the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA Cooper Branch, Irene Johnson has the primary responsibility for overall leadership of the branch, while also providing leadership to strategic initiatives within the Association.

“My responsibilities include community engagement, execution of the strategic/operational plan, fiscal management, and oversight of all membership, programs and services,” Johnson says. Her duties focus on fundraising, strategic planning, program innovation and development, membership retention, and staff development.

Johnson was a “YMCA kid” growing up in West Texas, and much of her childhood is rooted in the Y, where she learned how to swim, participated in her first ballet class, and learned that she could be successful at anything she set her mind to.

“In college, I began my career as a Day Camp Counselor in the YMCA of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Association,” she says. “I was instantly energized by the non-profit work in this cause-driven organization that I benefited from as a child. In the last 25 years, I have served in various capacities in YMCAs across the country.”

She was a Day Camp Counselor, Lifeguard and Childcare Director before moving into a leadership role. Before taking her current position, she served as Senior Executive Director, Director of Quality Assurance and Program Development, and Interim CEO. “In my current role as Senior Executive Director of the Cooper St. YMCA, I have the opportunity to channel my passion for human services into daily opportunities to positively impact the lives of adults, children, and families in the Arlington Mansfield service area,” she says.

Obviously, she loves her job. “The YMCA is special because we are a values-based, character building charitable organization that plays a vital role in contributing to the community,” she says.

“I truly enjoy developing others within our organization to drive the Y movement in the community. The opportunity I have to help individuals reach their highest potential by being involved in the Y is what makes me excited about my job every day. I am blessed to mentor individuals and enable them to better serve others and am committed to motivating them to see their true potential and to work at being the best version of themselves.”

L

A

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Heidi Hardy

H

eidi Hardy is Vice President of Community Engagement – or, as she jokes, “Grand Pooba” at the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA. As such she is responsible for relationship building, partnerships and fundraising.

Before coming here, Hardy had six years of experience working at the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth. She served two years as the Cooper Street YMCA Board Chair and has spent 20-plus years volunteering and working with the YMCA. Asked what makes the Y special, she says, “The words ‘For All’ (in the YMCA mission statement).

The Y puts Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. As a service organization we stand by and live our mission. We are an inclusive organization that strives daily to bring unity and services to the community.”

Hardy believes she has the best job in the world. “My job is to be a resource to our community and to my Y colleagues,” she says. “The fun part is getting to learn more, stretch and grow more and best of all, being surrounded by a truly amazing collective group of people that includes my colleagues, our members, our volunteers, civic leaders, business owners and the community at large.”

Pam Young

P

am Young, Vice President of Human Resources & Risk Management at the ArlingtonMansfield Area YMCA, leads in all areas of Human Resources and aligns HR strategies with Organizational strategies. She also leads the AMA YMCA’s risk management tactics to maintain a safe environment to protect members, guests and staff.

Young, who has worked in Y leadership roles for 17 years, began her career at the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth as a part-time employee in the mid ‘90s. Throughout her career, she has followed this philosophy: “Integrity, honesty, and fairness must guide every decision one makes, and maintaining consistency between one’s values and actions is essential!”

Young appreciates the Y’s focus. “That our mission of ‘putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all’ drives our organization,” she says. “Our measure for success is not about ‘the mighty dollar’ but about service to our community and how many lives we positively affect every day. The Y is a place where everyone is welcome and where our staff and our members develop meaningful relationships and are truly concerned about one another.”

Michele Culpepper

M

ichele Culpepper, Executive Director of the Central YMCA, is responsible for administration of branch operations in accordance with the policies established by the Association as approved by the General Board of Directors. Notably, she is accountable for overall customer impact, the fiscal operation, community relations and all branch programs and fundraising.

“I have been a member of the YMCA my entire life,” Culpepper says. “My parents volunteered at the YMCA, and as a child I participated in sports programs and enrichment activities. Since 1996 I have worked off and on for the YMCA and in a professional capacity since 2003.”

Her experience has taught her that the Y is so much more than a gym. “The YMCA is a place for everyone; we do not turn anyone away,” she says. “We work to foster learning and growing environments for youth and social opportunities for our senior populations. We are connectors of the community, providing direct and indirect resources for those that may need assistance, in various capacities.”

She says there are many gratifying aspects to her job: “The look on a child’s face when you stick your hand out for a high-five; the conversations with the members; the opportunity I get to make a difference in someone’s life.”

34

ARLINGTON TODAY • October 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

T

Julie Short

he Julie Short Team is a full-service real estate team, proficient at working with sellers and buyers. Owner Julie Short says she and her colleagues are focused on customer service and on being available to assist their clients, doing whatever is necessary to ensure a satisfying home buying/selling experience.

“My team and I really work to take the stress out of the process,” Short says. “If we are listing a house, we have a connection to get it ‘Show Ready’ with any repairs and touchups that need to be done, including a total clean from Peachy Clean. We have a wonderful photographer and great inspectors we work with. We have excellent lenders we recommend. When the inspection report comes back, we have a company that coordinates any repairs. If clients purchase a home and want to remodel, we have people for that. We really try to take all the guess work out of the process and take care of as much as the clients are willing to allow.”

Short says her professional philosophy is simple. “I believe in balance in everything and living by the golden rule,” she says.

“I really believe if you will treat others how you would like to be treated, you will never lack for business. I truly enjoy what I do and really care about my clients!”

She says she doesn’t have to look far to find professional – or personal – inspiration. “My husband (Stoney Short) is a huge inspiration to me,” she says. “He has never let his circumstances or his past hold him back. He has always had big vision. It used to scare me when he would share all the things he wanted to do because I know the bigger you try, the bigger you can fail. But, I realized that was my own fear holding me back. Over the years, his ability to dream big has given me that same ability, and now I can share that with others. Not trying is the biggest failure any of us can have. DO NOT let fear of failure hold you back!”

The Julie Short Team, Coldwell Banker 1848 Lone Star Road, #308 • 682-552-4384 thejulieshortteam.com

Stephanie Foster Gilbert

S

tephanie Foster Gilbert started her legal firm, The Law Offices of Stephanie A. Foster, P.C., in 1992 and for nearly three decades she has been devoted to the practice of family law. This past summer, the firm was named an All Star in Arlington Today’s Readers’ Choice poll.

The practice concentrates in family legal issues, including divorce, modifications, custody, child support, spousal support, visitation, enforcement of custody/support, paternity and stepparent adoption.

Stephanie says her dream of having her own law practice was nurtured as a child, as she grew up with a father, John Foster, who was an attorney. “When I was a child,” she recalls, “I would beg him to take me to work with him at his law firm every summer.”

Throughout her career, Stephanie has focused on family law.

“My professional philosophy is divorce with dignity,” she says, noting that she has taken many special measures to serve her clients in the best manner possible. “I was one of the first attorneys trained in collaborative law, in 2008. Collaborative Law is a way to divorce with dignity with no court and no war.”

She believes the collaborative law process is a powerful way to generate creative solutions in family law disputes while minimizing financial and emotional damage to the couple and their children, all the while promoting post-divorce psychological and financial health of the restructured family.

A graduate of Arlington Martin High School, Southern Methodist University and St. Mary’s Law School in San Antonio, Stephanie was named a “Top Attorney” by Fort Worth, Texas magazine in 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

The Law Offices of Stephanie Foster, P.C. 4214 Little Road, Suite 1000 • 817-277-2805 stephaniefosterlawyer.com

arlingtontoday.com • October 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

35

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Carla Sue Worley

C

arla Sue Worley will be the first to admit that her business doesn’t fit in any mold … Her company offers solutions to lower bills and save money on products and services for home and business with little or no out-of-pocket expense to the customer.

Solutions include: Electricity, TV, Internet, Security Alarm Systems, Phone Systems and Wireless Phone Plans.

CS Preferred also offers discounts on Dining, Shopping, Entertainment and Travel. “Why not have some fun while we’re saving money?!”

Worley asks.

Even the way she started her company wasn’t “by the book.”

“My past had knocked me down, and I was feeling sorry for myself,” she says. “I used everything that happened to me (my figurative and literal scars) as an excuse to fail or stay down. I started to believe that I didn’t measure up or matter. But being Photo: Southern Flair Photography a victim and focusing on the past wasn’t very much fun. I decided that what matters is getting back up one more time than you fall.”

She traded her pain for a plan she’d long pondered: Could she build a business where she could get paid by suppliers and vendors to help other people save money on things they actually need and want? CS Preferred has supplied the answer: Yes – and more!

“Customers call me on a regular basis that need more than a lower electric bill or a trip to Italy,” the longtime Arlington resident says. “I’ve talked to, prayed with and cried with customers that have lost spouses or family members, or who are going through divorces or other difficult experiences. When people call I treat them like they are already a friend or family member. It’s easy to do because my business is built on referrals.”

And people keep referring. “I’m amazed at the growth we’ve experienced by just making customers happy,” Worley says.

“We tell our customers, ‘If you’re happy and you know it, tell your friends.’ And they do! I don’t know how my story will end, but nowhere in the text will it ever read that I gave up!”

CS Preferred Savings Solutions

1000 Ballpark Way, Suite 308 • 682-777-4774 cspreferred.com 36

ARLINGTON TODAY • October 2018 • arlingtontoday.com

U

Brandee Kelley

nder the leadership of Brandee Kelley since 2007, the Brandee Kelley Group is composed of seven full-time licensed REALTORS® who have lived in Tarrant County for decades. Affiliated with Keller Williams Realty and certified as a Global Property Specialist and Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Kelley guides a team that brings a wealth of expertise and experience with a personal touch.

Kelley says one key to the success of their business is the ability of the team to build relationships. “We sell approximately 100 homes a year, and over 95 percent of our business comes from referrals,” she says. “We also recognize that every client we serve is unique, so we tailor our efforts to fit your needs, goals, and circumstances.”

Clients Allen and Katherine Graham can attest to what Kelley says. The team recently helped them secure a dream home, and the Grahams shared this testimonial: “We were very pleased and happy with the Brandee Kelley Group, and would highly recommend to others. They were friendly and courteous, and explained everything.”

Kelley credits her husband Clay for being a constant inspiration – both personally and professionally. “He’s involved in sales, and I’ve learned so much from him,” she says. “Of course, Jesus Christ is my absolute inspiration. The Lord has greatly blessed our business.”

Actually, that blessing is two-fold, as Kelley also leads the Keller Williams office in Arlington. Juggling so many balls can be a challenge sometimes, but Kelley says her teams and her clients are sources of constant joy. “I believe in team, and I believe that God gives each of us both strengths and weaknesses,” she says.

“I have plenty of weaknesses, but I get to work with people whose strengths offset those, and who just help make things work. And I just love the people we serve. They help make every day special.”

Brandee Kelley Group

1301 S. Bowen Road • 817-635-1141 brandeekelley.com

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Kathy Howlett (left) and Marie Bosillo (right), with Lisa Rose, president of The Gatehouse Inc., a client of PSK LLP

D

Jennifer McMahon

iet Solution Centers began in Mansfield in 2010 with a mission to help the community get healthy and lose excess weight. DSC is a medically monitored weight loss program that specializes in YOU. The company has grown into three locations with plans for a fourth to open in fall of 2019.

Jennifer McMahon, owner and CEO of Diet Solution Centers, says that the centers offer an array of healthy, proven solutions to help patients reach their health goals. “Other than providing weight loss help, Diet Solution Centers focus on accountability for patients,” she says. “We provide a safe and encouraging environment where patients can be their best self.”

McMahon says persistence and the dream of helping people lose weight gimmick-free helped to make her dream a reality.

“I knew there had to be a way to create a weight-loss center that didn’t treat people like walking wallets,” she says. “Instead, I wanted to create a place where real understanding and help would lead to their success.”

McMahon has found professional success in living by her personal mission statement: To love God, love others, and to help others remember to love themselves.

As a woman who founded and grew a successful business, McMahon has some sound counsel for those following her lead: “My advice is never give up! As cheesy as it sounds, it’s real advice. There will be times you want to quit and there will be times you ask yourself ‘why am I doing this?’ That’s when you need to work your hardest and remember that you are strong and can do it. Also, remember that you can never stop learning.

Read books, articles ... whatever you can get your hands on.

One of my favorite quotes is ‘if you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.’”

Diet Solution Centers

Pantego: 2543 W. Pioneer Pkwy. • 817-277-3438 Mansfield: 920 U.S. Hwy. 287 N., Suite 306 • 817-453-3438 Burleson: 821 S.W. Ashbury, Suite C • 817-295-3438 dietsolutioncenters.com

B

Kathy Howlett, CPA Marie Bosillo, CPA

ased in Arlington, PSK LLP offers accounting, tax, audit, payroll and business consulting services to national and local clients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The firm opened for business in 1964 and is now one of the largest firms in Arlington.

PSK serves clients in transportation, healthcare, construction, manufacturing and the nonprofit sectors, as well as serving churches, family-owned businesses and investor groups.

Although they have a wide range of clientele, they cheerfully always ask “What else can we do for you?” to ensure they are going above and beyond for each client.

Meet Kathy: Kathy is one of the partners at PSK and has been a member of the PSK team since 1991. Kathy provides accounting, tax and business consulting for family-owned businesses – a job she enjoys because of the close relationships she’s developed. Kathy adds value to her clients’ businesses by helping them make strategic decisions and develop tax plans that help them avoid huge penalties.

Meet Marie: Marie, also a partner at PSK, joined the PSK team in 2007 and performs financial statement audits, reviews and agreed-upon procedures for commercial and nonprofit clients. With all her clients, Marie aims to develop a close, professional relationship through quality service and a positive attitude.

PSK is dedicated to providing value to clients through success and development of the PSK team, while maintaining important core values. PSK strives to preserve a unique culture, even as a growing business. This unique culture includes encouraging work/life balance, maintaining a Family-like, small firm feeling, promoting teamwork and open communication while still attracting and retaining the best people and clients in the area.

PSK LLP

3001 Medlin Drive, #100 • 817-664-3000 pskcpa.com arlingtontoday.com • October 2018 • ARLINGTON TODAY

37

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Shilloy Hart, FNP-BC Brenda Iyamu, MD Antresa Weathersby, FNP-BC

Q

uestcare Medical Clinic offers a wide range of family medical services from offices in Arlington and Mansfield.

The practice features quality health care providers, including Shilloy Hart, FNP-BC, in Arlington and Brenda Iyamu, MD, and Antresa Weathersby, FNP-BC, in Mansfield.

Mrs. Hart has been with Questcare for two and half years.

In addition to providing all aspects of family practice care, she is certified in BioTE® hormone replacement.

“I enjoy building collaborative working relationships with my patients,” she says. “I want my patients to know that I support them during illness, on their journey to wellness and in the achievement of their health goals.”

Dr. Iyamu has been in family medicine for five years and at Questcare the past year and a half.

She says there is a special Photo: Bruce Maxwell bond among staff members at the practice – and between the medical team and its patients.

“Our philosophy is to provide great medical care, remain professional at all times and treat each patient as if they are part of our family,” she says.

To that end, Dr. Iyamu says, Questcare staff performs outreach services regarding healthcare for local churches.

Weathersby has practiced family medicine for eight and a half years. She, too, is especially proud of how she and her colleagues at the clinic work in concert with patients. “We are a close-knit group that treat our patients like family,” she says.

She also believes community involvement is an important part of her job and participates in sickle cell awareness community walks and drives and joins fellow team members in embracing March of Dimes and Breast Cancer Awareness endeavors.

Questcare medical providers are highly motivated to improve upon their medical knowledge and skills. Mrs. Hart says they take time to learn from each other and from their patients, every day.

“It’s a great day at the practice,” Dr. Iyamu says, “when we provide excellent care resulting in positive outcomes.”

Questcare Medical Clinic

Arlington: 3215 Omega Drive • Mansfield: 1001 Matlock Road, Suite 101 817-468-1818 • 817-539-0770 • questcaremedicalclinic.com

Photo: Southern Flair Photography

I

Elizabeth Govea

t’s only natural that Elizabeth Govea would wind up as President and CEO of El Gabacho Tex-Mex Grill. She has, after all, been in “the business” her entire life.

“I grew up in a restaurant family,” Govea says. “I guess you could say that I started training when I was three and my mom would get me dressed to go to work with my dad. I was his favorite hostess on Saturday mornings. Our daughter has been doing the same for years.”

Though she took the corporate path for a while, she was brought back to her restaurant roots when she met her husband David, who along with Elizabeth, has been greeting – and pleasing – customers at El Gabacho for years.

While the restaurant is known well beyond Arlington’s borders for its fabulous food and drinks, Govea says what really makes the place special is those who come in to enjoy the food and drinks. ”The best thing about El Gabacho is our clientele,” she says. “They are like family. I love watching as clients come in and inevitably see someone they know.”

Speaking of family, she says her father was a big inspiration personally and professionally. “His passion for his business and his family were undeniable,” she says. She also credits her success to “some amazing mentors in the corporate world that I met along the way that I still turn to from time to time.”

Those bonds helped forge the professional philosophy that Govea brings to work every day: “Surround yourself with good people who share the same passion for their respective roles.”

Elizabeth and David take pride in supporting the community as it has supported them. “We have been the location for school spirit fundraisers, provided food for teacher appreciation luncheons, given gift cards and services for silent auctions and served on committees supporting non-profits and their goals,” she says. “We love our community.”

El Gabacho Tex-Mex Grill

2408 W. Abram St. • 817-276-8160 facebook.com/elgabachotexmex

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Linda Magazzine

L

Brenda Cureton-Smith

B

renda Cureton-Smith, owner of Great Skin Spa & Facial Club, began her career in the skin care and beauty business more than a dozen years ago as the first U.S. franchisee of Canadian-based Faces cosmetics. Taking that experience, she founded Great Skin Spa & Facial Club eight years ago in Arlington, where the company has continued to grow and gain notoriety as an exceptional day spa and skin care provider.

At Great Skin she not only shares her experience in creating and maintaining beautiful skin via state-of-the-industry technology and products; she also has championed the practice of receiving professional spa services as part of personal care, as opposed to a special occasional visit or gift due to affordability. Great Skin Facial Club members receive a wide range of treatment options at the spa, as well as guidance and products they can use at home to maintain fresh, youthfullooking skin.

“I developed the concept of Great Skin based on the goals of the thousands of clients – men and women – wanting to have more beautiful skin and manage the signs of aging skin through treatments, knowledge and skin care.”

As a result, Great Skin offers a full line of award-winning skin care products for anti-aging, acne, hyperpigmentation and general skin care, as well as skin and body care for men, women and teens. GS is also known for its instant slimming treatments, and it now offers a special credit card that can be used specifically for beauty and health services.

Great Skin recently became a franchise company, and Cureton Smith offers a turnkey franchise program that includes everything needed to successfully own and operate your own Great Skin Spa & Facial Club. “It’s about partnership at Great Skin,” she says.

“Our slogan is ‘Relax, Rewind, Renew!, and we are proud to share those values with our clients and franchisees.”

Brenda personally invites each reader of this section, Women in Business, to come in and experience Great Skin and get 50% off any one service they would like to try to experience at Great Skin.

Great Skin Spa & Facial Club

3851 S.W. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-478-2114 greatskin4you.com

inda Magazzine is a broker associate with Ebby Halliday REALTORS® who is consistently among the top-rated real estate agents in the region.

She has been a real estate professional for 40 years, the past 18 of which have been associated with Ebby Halliday. During that time, Magazzine has been the company’s Top Individual or Group Producer for the Arlington office since 2002. She also ranked in the top five nationwide from 1989 to 2003.

Her prowess has been noted often – and even recently, when, in August, for the third straight year, she was named an All Star winner in the Arlington Today Readers’ Choice awards.

She recently joined another Ebby stalwart, Michael Cunningham, to form the Magazzine Cunningham Group, which specializes in luxury living home marketing. This new enterprise has given the venerable Magazzine yet another vehicle to test her proven strategies – and sell more homes.

“My professional philosophy is to give back to your community,” Magazzine says. On that front, she participates as Chair Sales Person for The Salvation Army Inspiring Hope Luncheon, plus she is on the Advisory Committee for The Salvation Army. In the past, she also has been actively involved with the Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers and Sisters, Alliance for Children and the Cancer Research Foundation.

And, of course, she has been a friend to literally thousands of satisfied clients.

“To give real service, you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity,” she says. “As an Ebby agent, I take pride in the fact that I am knowledgeable on the current market, which enables me to inform the consumer wisely and efficiently.”

Magazzine encourages fellow women in business to seek their dream, whatever it is. “And,” she adds, “have a passion for what you are doing.”

The Magazzine-Cunningham Group

1201 W. Green Oaks Blvd. • 817-654-8589 magazzinecunninghamgroup.ebby.com

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Brandy Austin

B

randy Austin established Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC, in 2013, bringing her knowledge and skill to clients who wanted honest, affordable representation.

Austin spent the first five years of her career working for insurance companies after graduating from Baylor Law School.

Today, her full-service general practice law firm features six diverse attorneys who focus their individual practices on areas they each know best, including personal injury, family law, probate and estate law, business law, civil litigation, bankruptcy and criminal law.

“Our firm focuses on clients,” Austin says. “Each team member believes in customer service. We work hard to provide the best experience, even though it may be a difficult time for many of our clients.”

Austin says her professional philosophy is “to educate each and every client about the options available for each legal issue and allow the client to choose the path best suited for his or her life.”

Austin will serve as the President of the Tarrant County Trial Lawyers and is a member of several local organizations, including the Dallas Trial Lawyers, Arlington Bar Association, Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Tarrant County Bar Association and Tarrant County Probate Bar Association.

“I am also a member of Professionals Serving Seniors, a group of professionals of varying backgrounds who serve the elderly community in DFW,” she says. “Supporting the community is important to my firm. We are ongoing supporters of the YMCA, Cooper Street Branch, Leadership Fort Worth, Texas Bar Foundation and the Center for Transforming Lives.”

Austin says she loves practicing law – practically every aspect of it. “It’s a great day at the office,” she says, “when our clients are happy, our team is happy and we get to go home on time.”

Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC

Main office: 2404 Roosevelt Drive, Arlington • 817-841-9906 Branch: 8500 N. Stemmons Fwy., Suite 2008, Dallas • 214-432-6616 brandyaustinlaw.com

Photo: Bruce Maxwell

I

Kim Harmon

n 1989, three dogs, two guys and one $0.59 biscuit cutter created the world’s first bakery for dogs. Its revolutionary idea – 100% natural, wholesome, human-quality ingredients – gave pet owners a new option in healthy feeding. Just like the Arlington location owned by Kim Harmon, the original Three Dog Bakery store was an inviting and exciting place for pets and the people that treasure them. Customers still enjoy the pleasant aroma of fresh-baked pastries, treats and food for dogs in a comfortable setting.

“We specialize in all-natural, fresh-baked dog treats and personalized celebration cakes, as well as premium dog food, toys, collars, and accessories,” Harmon says. “The bakery features favorites that loyal fans have enjoyed over the years. Its popular bakery case treats are sure to wow canine customers, including Pupcakes®, Celebration Cakes, Peanut Mutter Cookies, Lickety Split, Drooly Dream Bars and more. The shop will also carry prepackaged Three Dog Bakery items, including its top sellers, Classic Crèmes and Wafer Cookies.”

Outside of work Harmon is an 19-year veteran and sustaining member of the Junior League of Arlington who also has been involved with the Cinderella Ball and many other non-profit agencies. She says her personal and professional inspiration are her parents for showing her proper work ethic and that it is okay to fail as long as you pick yourself up and start again. “My inspiration for starting this journey are my pups, Max (9), Cash (8), Tinkerbell (2) and Beltre (9 months),” she says. “We’ve been making tails wag since 1989, and today our mission remains the same – feed the souls of dogs and the people that love them.”

To other women who are contemplating starting a business Harmon offers this advice: “Be patient, stick it out and allow yourself to fall flat on your face. For me, everyday is a great day at the bakery – how can you have a bad day when you have all types of pups come in your front door?”

Three Dog Bakery

817 E. Lamar Blvd. • 817-795-3135 threedog.com