Baldwin Women Leaders 2016 by Gulf Coast Media

BALDWIN

Women Leaders 2016

GULF COAST MEDIA THE COURIER • THE FOLEY ONLOOKER • THE ISLANDER • THE TIMES INDEPENDENT • THE BALDWIN TIMES

1 • Baldwin Women Leaders

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Sheri Brown: Heritage Antique Mall

“But my advice to women who are thinking of starting their own business, is just do it because you’re never going to know if you can do it until you put yourself out there.” – Sheri Brown

rowing up around antiques in her home, it’s no surprise Sheri Brown recently became the owner of Heritage Antique Mall in Foley. However, it was never her plan; in fact, she bought the mall from the previous owners in December 2015. Brown has been a stay-at-home mother, homeschooling her son for eight years. “He was in high school and I thought, ‘What am I going to do when he graduates?’” she said. So she obtained a job as the manager of Heritage Antique Mall and jumped at the chance to purchase it when the topic of closing the store came about. “It was my Christmas gift to myself,” Brown said, laughing. “Now I know what I’m going to do when my son graduates; I won’t be bored.” Brown said the first few months have been an adventure. “The people here are awesome, the dealers are amazing and supportive,” she said. “They’re behind me 100 percent, which is a good feeling.” Managing more than 70 antique dealers, Brown gets to see unique items from all over the world on the shelves in her Foley store … and that’s her favorite part of the job. “The dealers come in every week, change out things and bring in new stuff so it’s fun to come in and see what new things they’ve 2 • Baldwin Women Leaders

brought in,” she said. “We’ve got some extremely cool pieces in the store that bring in a lot of attention; that’s the best part.” For someone — especially women — wanting to pursue this career, Brown has one piece of advice. “You have to love it; you really do,” she said. “But my advice to women who are thinking of starting their own business — not necessarily in antiques — is just do it because you’re never going to know if you can do it until you put yourself out there. It’s a risk, yes, but the rewards are so worth it.”

Heritage ANTIQUE MALL Sheri Brown, Owner

HERITAGE ANTIQUE MALL 802 S. McKenzie St. Foley, AL 251.943.6976 www.foleyantiques.com

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Table of Contents M E E T

Y O U R

W O M E N

L E A D E R S

Sheri Brown: Heritage Antique Mall.......................................... 2 Alicia Barton: Gulf Coast Family Chiropractic............................ 4 Brenny’s Jewelry......................................................................... 5 Bryant Bank................................................................................. 6 Jennie M. Campbell: The Stewart Lodges at Steelwood............ 7 Kim McElroy Clark: K McElroy Salon........................................... 8 Stacy Davis: Gulf Shores Pharmacy & Lillian Pharmacy.............. 9 Brandi Eslava: Coastal Cuisine....................................................10

PUBLISHER Parks Rogers DESIGN Cary Howard Leigh Mitchell ADVERTISING Jeniece Bouzan Frank Kustura LouAnn Love EDITORIAL Destiny Brown Cliff McCollum Allison Woodham

Iris Ethridge: Alabama Charter Fishing Association..................11 Frances Holk-Jones: State Farm Insurance.................................12 Pandora Jorgensen-Heathcoe: Eternal Pet Crematory Inc........13 Mary Messer: Mary Messer Designs...........................................14 Original Oyster House, Geez Louise, OOH Trading Company...15 Regions Bank..............................................................................16 Nadine Strawn: Elberta Hardware.............................................17 Michelle Sulcer: Badcock Home Furniture & More....................18 United Bank................................................................................19 Kim Ward: Kim Ward Realty......................................................20 Mary Younce: The Hotel Magnolia............................................21 Gulf Coast Media........................................................................23 Cheryl Russell: Berkshire Hathaway Cooper & Co.....................24

GULF COAST MEDIA 901 N. McKenzie St. Foley, Alabama 36535 251-943-2151

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Alicia Barton: Gulf Coast Family Chiropractic

“It’s very rewarding when I can invest in a woman’s life and teach them about the amazing opportunity they have to help others.” –Dr. Alicia Barton

r. Alicia Barton, owner and chiropractor of Gulf Coast Family Chiropractic, didn’t know about chiropractic until she was 19, but had been living it her entire life. “I’ve always been athletic my whole life, my dad’s a PE teacher, my family was always involved in exercise and eating right — we always had a healthy lifestyle,” Dr. Alicia said. Your brain controls everything, and as long as the brain is communicating with your body, your body expresses life or health abundantly. “If your brain can’t talk to your body, then your body is going to provide its own way of communication, through symptoms,” Dr. Alicia said. “Most people take medications for these symptoms, when it’s not a medication problem as much as it is ‘the brain not talking to the organs’ problem. If we can reconnect the brain to the organs, the organ works the way it was programmed in the first place.” When Dr. Alicia heard this philosophy, she decided to change her field of study. “I believe we have an amazing intelligence in our body—God created it, put it inside our body, and it runs and controls our body,” she said. Dr. Alicia was in pharmacy school when chiropractic found her. “I say it found me because I didn’t search for chiropractic,” she said. “Chiropractic stumbled into my lap. I actually quit pharmacy school, completed prerequisites the following summer and start chiropractic school the next fall.” Dr. Alicia’s favorite part about her career is being able to help people and serve their needs. “I’m a people person, and I’m a server,” she said. “I’m a fixer, regardless if it’s my husband, my kids, my patients … I’m always trying to fix and help and serve.” In her 11 years as a chiropractor, Dr. Alicia say’s there isn’t one day she doesn’t want to come to work.

4 • Baldwin Women Leaders

“I absolutely love what I do,” she said. “I’ve had four ladies so far that have been patients of mine that are now chiropractors. It’s very rewarding when I can invest in a woman’s life and teach them about the amazing opportunity they have to help others.” Dr. Alicia says this is an fascinating career for a woman. “And for those that own their own business, they can set their own hours,” she said. “You can be a mom at home, a leader in the community and influence other peoples’ lives positively. You’ll also have the opportunity to offer employment — it’s the best of both worlds. Dr. Alicia also said she is eight weeks away from opening a new wellness center, Full Armor Center. “When I designed it, I designed it with the purpose of ‘as a busy mom, what do I need to create balance in my life?’” she said. “I need to take care of myself first. Ultimately, we have to take care of ourselves to take care of other people around us.”

Dr. Alicia Barton, Owner/Chiropractor

GULF COAST FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC 3865 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Suite 5, Gulf Shores, AL 251-948-2225

Opening in June 2016 - Full Armor Center 7369 Alamo Circle, Gulf Shores, AL

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Brenny’s Jewelry Company Inc.

“This is where I’m supposed to be — where God’s put me — and I’m thankful for it.” –Katherine Young

f the 15 employees at Brenny’s Jewelry in Fairhope, 11 are female, and they love every aspect of their job, from the customers, coworkers and their boss, to the product they sell on a daily basis. “I love helping people find that perfect gift,” said Ava Ingersoll. “I like when people are choosing gifts for special occasions, like that once-in-a-lifetime gift.” Lina Thompson has been with Brenny’s for three years and she loves the customer service experience. “I love being able to go from beginning to end with their giftfinding process,” she said. “That connection with the customer is what I love. They are like family. You know your customers and their family.” Katherine Young, the bookkeeper for Brenny’s loves when children come in to buy a gift for Mom. “Helping little kids find that gift is just so sweet,” she said. “They give you that hot, sweaty hand full of money … that’s the best; so sweet and kindhearted.” All of the women agree that no matter how they ended up working at Brenny’s it was a “God thing.” “By degree, I’m a teacher,” Young said. “A former coworker told me about this job five years ago and now I’m the bookkeeper. I’m even going back to school for business and accounting. This is where I’m supposed to be — where God’s put me — and I’m thankful for it.”

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“I came to work for Christmas 26 years ago and never left,” Ingersoll said, laughing. Lynn Reedy came to Brenny’s 10 years ago and knows she’s blessed in her career. “We really are not employees, we are treated like extended family to Mr. Brenny,” she said. Michelle Staab has just hit her one year anniversary at Brenny’s. “I’m very thankful,” she said. “I’ve have not worked with this many ladies before and they’re all so sweet and encouraging.” The women at Brenny’s are like pieces of a watch. “We are all different pieces that if we were anywhere else it wouldn’t work, but since we’re all together it works really well,” Young said. “We all have strengths and weaknesses, know those strengths and weaknesses, work with them and that’s why we all work together … like a watch.”

BRENNY’S JEWELRY COMPANY INC 333 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 251-928-3916 www.BrennysJewelry.com

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Bryant Bank

“We get to be an integral part in the dealings with the customer, making sure we do right by the customer and right by the bank.”

inda Buck, loan administration manager and vice president, has been involved in banking since 1979, and Michelle Baldwin, senior credit underwriter and assistant vice president, has been in banking since she graduated college in 2001. “The bank started about the time I was hired in 2006; I was part of the start-up team for the Baldwin County Market,” Buck said. Baldwin has been underwriting for 15 years and started at Bryant Bank in August of 2012. “I enjoy the fact that it’s a community bank,” Baldwin said. “We get to be an integral part in the dealings with the customer, making sure we do right by the customer and right by the bank.” Buck’s favorite part about her career is the day-to-day challenges. “I look at it as a challenge for me to do the big deals,” she said, “making sure documentation is accurate and that loan assistants know why you do something a certain way.” Baldwin and Buck both agree that it’s important to balance your work life with family life, and it can be done. “It’s easy to get burned out trying to do it all, so it’s important to have a good support system at home and at work so all the burden doesn’t fall on you,”Baldwin said. “It really is a balancing act to leave home at 5 p.m. and to go to a second job, or a third job if you have children,” Buck explained. Buck also advises a college degree to go farther, faster. “I wasn’t able to go to college and I feel like I went to the school of hard knocks to get where I am,” she said. “I feel like if you get that education, you’re going to get there faster. I really feel if you have that in your back pocket, you’ll go farther.”

6 • Baldwin Women Leaders

In addition to a work-life balance, Buck said it’s just as important to be civic minded. “I think being civic minded makes you grow as a person as well,” she said. “It gives you great pride to know that you can accomplish your career, but you can accomplish great things while helping others. It’s important to keep that in mind.” Baldwin echoed Buck’s statement. “We’re fortunate to live in Baldwin County, and I think it’s a great place to live,” Baldwin said. “It’s mostly great because people make it great. Especially with a community bank; it’s important to be involved. Bryant Bank is a privately-owned banking company, which makes us very unique in our markets and provides many advantages for our customers and employees.”

BRYANT BANK

1502 N. McKenzie St., Foley, AL 251-971-4999 1801 U.S. Highway 98, Daphne, AL 251-607-5750 www.BryantBank.com www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com

Jennie M. Campbell: The Stewart Lodges at Steelwood

“I don’t view opportunities or obstacles in business as a gender factor. Rather, I believe you earn respect.” – Jennie M. Campbell

ennie Campbell has been the CEO/President of Stewart Steelwood Investments LLC dba “The Stewart Lodges at Steelwood” for 11 years. “The vision of The Stewart Lodges is simple: to create and deliver a private, exclusive, customized experience for our client, whether for a business meeting, a golf or fishing trip or a family gathering,” Campbell said. “Our goal is to take care of our customers with the utmost respect creating an environment of connection whether personal, business or activity related. I believe in our vision for this investment. I am very proud of the team that has been assembled to implement this vision.” A critical factor in success is having great mentors, learning from our mistakes, having persistence and most importantly, having integrity. Campbell has learned to be open with her career; when new challenges were presented to her throughout her life, she embraced them wholeheartedly. “Through my career and through different adversities in my life, I was able to move past them and realize new doors of opportunities opened up for me,” Campbell explained. “I’m actually very thankful for the adversities. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.” Embracing these adversities has made Campbell a stronger leader. “I believe very passionately about mentoring and giving back,” she said. “I have and I still am the benefactor of a relationship with stronger business and spiritual mentors in both my business and personal life. It’s my turn to give back and to give guidance to the next business person. I’ve been blessed in my career on multiple levels.” Through her years in business, Campbell has seen many changes, in the world and business. “I am a baby boomer, so I saw ongoing change — change in families, change for women, changes in business — I see business as an even playing field,” Campbell said. “I don’t view opportunities or obstacles in business as a gender factor. Rather, I believe you earn respect. You gain progress and move forward in your career by having solid

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integrity and ethics, by having a good attitude, by embracing and most importantly by being thankful for every opportunity; and by constantly growing your knowledge in all areas of business. Knowledge is power. If you become knowledgeable in the area that you’re working, you can engage in conversations with confidence and most significantly, earn the respect of your peers and colleagues. If you can master these traits, no matter who you are, you will be successful.” Campbell’s favorite part about her job is impacting and making a difference with her employees and her customers. “What I hope I have accomplished in my career and life is to be significant by making a difference in other peoples’ lives by mentoring and sharing through my personal experiences and knowledge as my mentor has done for me. It is my time in my life to give back and pass on to the next generation,” Campbell said.

Jennie M. Campbell, CMP, CMM, PMP CEO/President STEWART STEELWOOD INVESTMENTS LLC DBA “THE STEWART LODGES AT STEELWOOD”

32311 Waterview Drive E., Loxley, AL 251-602-1300 www.StewartSteelwood.com

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Kim McElroy Clark: K McElroy Salon

“I’d hate to have to go to a real job every day.” –Kim McElroy Clark

n August, Kim McElroy Clark will begin her 10th year as owner of K McElroy Salon in Gulf Shores. “Always,” McElroy said about wanting to be a cosmetologist growing up. “Even as a little girl, I always wanted to be a hairdresser.” McElroy was offered an opportunity at barbering college in Pensacola and worked as a barber for three years. “I eventually apprenticed under a master cosmetologist at a salon and got my cosmetology license,” she said. While working at another salon as a cosmetologist, McElroy wasn’t able to go into areas she felt there was a need for, and owning her own salon gave her that option. “At that time, I was dealing with patients in chemotherapy, working with the American Cancer Society’s ‘Look Good Feel Better’ program,” she said. “For women going through chemo, we taught them how to do their makeup, deal with their hair falling out, scarring and other topics.” To excel in cosmetology and owning a business, McElroy said you have to be a self-motivator. “You have to be someone that can self-manage and you need to like people and have an open heart to that,” she said. If the cost of school is stopping you from following your dream, McElroy Clark says don’t let it. “If someone can’t afford beauty school, which can be expensive, they should find someone that is willing to apprentice them,” McElroy explained. “Find a salon that will help you and support you in your education … someone that’s got an investment in you.” McElroy’s favorite aspect of her career is simple.

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“The people,” she said. “I love the one-on-one interaction with clients. I’d hate to have to go to a real job every day.” K McElroy Salon is so much more than just a place for hair and nails. McElroy has used her salon to donate to many different community causes across the county like Impact 100, The Christian Service Center, Mary’s Shelter, local Girl Scouts, the area garden club, upstart jewelry designers and Jennifer Claire Moore Foundation. The salon works with Gulf Shores High by providing after-school jobs for senior students in the work program. “We support the Gulf Shores Police Department by making a monthly donation to the ‘Officer of the Month,’ with a certificate for the service of his or her choice,” McElroy said. The salon has also apprenticed two young women into obtaining a state license by allowing them to train on the job. “We hope to continue with another this year,” McElroy said. K McElroy Salon is the recipient of the Small Business of the Year Award by the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber in 2016.

Kim McElroy Clark, Cosmetologist/Owner K McELROY SALON

2305 E. Second St., Gulf Shores, AL 251-968-3737 www.KMcElroySalon.com www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com

Stacy Davis: Gulf Shores Family Pharmacy & Lillian Pharmacy

“Don’t settle for what other people want to tell you are your limitations.” – Stacy Davis

orking at an independent pharmacy in high school not only led Stacy Davis to study pharmacy in college, but also led her to working in an independent pharmacy, and eventually owning two herself. “I always loved the independent pharmacy atmosphere,” Davis said, owner and pharmacist of Gulf Shores Family Pharmacy and Lillian Pharmacy. “I love the ability to have close relationships with patients and the freedom to develop new programs to meet their needs better.” Davis believes that everyone should know their pharmacist and feel comfortable talking with them about medications and their health concerns. Independent pharmacies really do a great job of building those types of relationships. While working at the Lillian Pharmacy, the owner Davis was currently working for decided to sell the business. “He offered to owner finance the store in Lillian for me and I took that opportunity in 2010,” Davis said. As a resident of Gulf Shores, Davis noticed the current Gulf Shores Family Pharmacy was closed and she knew there was an antique soda fountain sitting in it. “I couldn’t stand it going to somebody and getting sold off in pieces and not being a pharmacy,” she said. “So I went ahead and bought the second one.” She acquired Gulf Shores Family Pharmacy in 2012. This location has been the award winner of Sunny 105.7’s People Choice Awards for Best Pharmacy for three years.

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“I love being able to develop the relationships with my patients and their families,” Davis said. “Just the ability to provide a service to them that other people can’t provide. Sometimes I come in after hours or holidays to fill prescriptions for people when nothing else is available.” To Davis, that’s the most satisfying part of her job. For other women that want to pursue a career in pharmacy, Davis recommends reaching out and finding a mentor. “Independent pharmacies are a network of people that provided information and resources to me,” she explained. “They’re always willing to reach out to those trying to get in the profession and to grow. And just like anything else, if you have a dream to do something, just go for it. “Don’t settle for what other people want to tell you are your limitations.”

Stacy Davis, Owner/Pharmacist

GULF SHORES FAMILY PHARMACY 251 Clubhouse Drive, Gulf Shores, AL 251-968-3784 • www.GulfShoresRX.com

LILLIAN PHARMACY

12831 Sixth St., Lillian, AL 251-962-3777 • www.LillianPharmacy.com www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com

Brandi Eslava: Coastal Cuisine

“I love making people happy; when you’re cooking, it’s like giving part of your heart and soul.” –Brandi Eslava

randi Eslava, owner and chef of Coastal Cuisine in Gulf Shores has always enjoyed being in the kitchen. “I loved watching and learning to cook from my grandmothers,” she said. “They made everything from scratch, had gardens where they grew their own produce. I have always had an affinity for the kitchen” Watching cooking shows growing up, and her love of entertaining and cooking for her family was the recipe for Eslava’s future. Culinary arts combined two of her interests, art and science. So in 2012, she attended culinary school at the Gulf Coast Culinary Institute at Faulkner State, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. After graduation, Eslava opened Coastal Cuisine in 2014, specializing in gourmet food to-go and a specialty market. “I wanted to offer the locals and visitors something not available in Gulf Shores; a place that offers fresh, healthy food made in house and fresh pressed juices, we do not own a fryer.” she said. Eslava’s favorite part about her job is seeing the smiles on customers’ faces when they taste Coastal Cuisine’s dishes. “I love making people happy; when you’re cooking, it’s like giving part of your heart and soul,” she said. “I like interacting with the customers. We have a great base of locals that come in now; they have become part of our family.” Coastal Cuisine is unique in that it has an open kitchen to allow the chefs to visit with the customers while cooking. “It can be challenging sometimes but we love having the ability to interact with our customers as they watch their food being prepared right before them,” Eslava said.

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As far as becoming a chef and opening your own business, Eslava has lots of advice for hopefuls. “Make sure you’re at the right point in your life to do something like this,” she said. Research the demographics of the area you want to open your business. “Definitely have a business plan and a financial plan set before opening your doors,” she added. “Research licensing, insurances and other fees and see if it’s worth your while because it is a big commitment. Some business’s offer franchising so that is an option too. I started from the ground up. This is the only one of its kind.”

Brandi Eslava, Chef/Owner COASTAL CUISINE

2200 E. Second St., Gulf Shores, AL 251-948-3844 www.Coastal-Cuisine.com www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com

Iris Ethridge: Alabama Charter Fishing Association

“Each day is welcomed as a gift. Use part of each day to serve others and make them happy.” – Iris Ethridge

hen Iris retired from the Mobile County Public Schools on June 10, 1991, she had no idea how she would spend her retirement years. During that first summer, she and Bill did a lot of fishing. Often times they invited friends to go along with them. Several friends encouraged Iris to get her license and operate a charter fishing boat. In March of 1992, she opened her business, Crosstie Charters. As part of her business plan, she continued her membership in the Orange Beach Fishing Association and joined the Orange Beach Chamber of Commerce. She became the first female captain to fish in the fleet. During the 1990’s, Iris served on several committees for the City of Orange Beach. In 1996 she won a seat on the City Council and served until 2004. In January of 2002, she became the first ‘Ms. Senior Baldwin County’. She was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Mardi Gras Parade of Orange Beach and the Christmas Lighted Boat Parade. Community leaders met in the summer of 2005 to establish an educational foundation on the island. Iris served as the Founding President from 2005 – 2007. The South Baldwin Regional Medical Center invited Iris to serve on their Board of Directors in March of 2008. She has seen tremendous progress in health care, in Baldwin County. Iris is proud to have worked for the Alabama Charter Fishing Association as Office Manager and Secretary/Treasurer since 2009, the same year Captain Iris was honored as a Life Member of the Orange Beach Fishing Association. She also serves on the Executive Board of the Alabama Charter Fishing Association. In February of 2010 she received the Distinguished Service Award from the Chamber of Commerce that bestowed only 2 annual awards at that time. During the spring of 2011, Dr. Ernest Rosado asked Iris to be the speaker at the

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2011 Gulf Shores High School graduation. This honor is one that Iris cherishes. GO DOLPHINS! In 2012, Iris was inducted into the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame as a Permanent Member. Also, the City of Orange Beach named her as its Ambassador in November. At the 2015 Masters Games of Alabama, she was awarded the All Star Award for District VII. Bill and Iris were married for 44-1/2 years and had a daughter and a son. Sandy lives in Tampa with her husband, Rick. Sandy’s son, Joshua, is a recent graduate of Auburn and is employed there. Bill lives in Fairhope with his wife, Michelle, and their daughter, Linda Iris “Lili”. “Each day is welcomed as a gift. Use part of each day to serve others and make them happy.”

ALABAMA CHARTER FISHING ASSOCIATION dba Orange Beach Fishing Association P. O. Box 222 • 26619 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL 36561 251.981.2300

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Frances Holk-Jones: State Farm

“I can wholeheartedly say I absolutely love what I do.” – Frances Holk-Jones

rances Holk-Jones, president/agent of Frances Holk Insurance Inc./State Farm, has been involved with insurance for 37 years in Foley, since 1979. “I feel very strong about relationships and loyalty, expertise and details, that is why being a State Farm agent has been a natural fit for me,” Holk-Jones said. “The most rewarding part of my job is being able to help people, to be there for them and help navigate their family through unforeseen situations.” She is the only fourth generation agent in the company. Her family’s State Farm lineage is also unique in that they were all agents in the same hometown. “I’m very proud of our Foley heritage,” Holk-Jones said. “I could’ve easily chosen another career; I’m thrilled it worked out because I do love what I do.” Helping other people is clearly Holk-Jones’ favorite part of her career. “Every person is unique and therefore their insurance coverage should be as well; I believe in making sure they are protected from life’s uncertainties by actually sitting down with them and meeting their specific needs,” she explained. “State Farm believes in taking a holistic approach; it is a ‘take care of the whole family,’ multiline kind of company.” So what’s Holk-Jones’ advice for others? Do what you love; follow your passion. 12 • Baldwin Women Leaders

“Figuring out what you’re going to do when you grow up is not always easy,”she said.“I think you need to follow your passion. I have always enjoyed taking care of people, being a problem solver and making things better for those around me. Fortunately, my family was in the insurance business so I was able to see firsthand that this would be the perfect career choice for me. I can wholeheartedly say I absolutely love what I do.”

Frances Holk-Jones STATE FARM

315 E. Laurel Ave. Foley, AL 251-943-5031 www.francesholkjones.com www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com

Pandora Jorgensen-Heathcoe: Eternal Pet Crematory Inc.

“I’m very happy to see more women doing what they’re passionate about and doing what they want to do because they know it will happen.” –Pandora Jorgensen-Heathcoe

n 1996, what started as a Sunday afternoon dinner conversation turned into a business. “My mother-in-law had a schnauzer that was 17 years old, and she wanted to have him cremated when he died,” said Pandora JorgensenHeathcoe, owner of Eternal Pet Crematory Inc. “Back then, the closest place was Birmingham, a small facility in Gulfport and a place near Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. My husband never said a word. He just took the information and ran with it.” People care about their pets, and Eternal Pet Crematory assists bereaved families cremate their pets with dignity and respect while keeping their memory alive. “The concept has really progressed,” Jorgensen-Heathcoe said. “We have private services where we give the ashes back in an urn with a cremation certificate, these pets are cremated individually to ensure the pet owner it is their pet they receive back. We even sell caskets for those that want to bury their pets. We have a communal process; if someone doesn’t want the ashes back, we cremate several animals together. I have a rose garden where I spread the ashes. They’re still given respect and to me, I think they deserve that. Pets are no different than our family members and for some pets are their children.” Jorgensen-Heathcoe said they have several repeat customers and vets that recommend them. “We’ve had great support from the community,” she said. “We’ve cremated a black bear from the circus that had cancer, numerous pot-bellied pigs from a lady that rescues them. We cremated the lion at the Gulf Shores Zoo and the

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tiger that recently passed away.” Jorgensen-Heathcoe has also cremated white rats, snakes, pet deer and parakeets. “Don’t be afraid,” Jorgensen-Heathcoe said of opening your own business. “If someone tells you ‘no,’ take it with a grain of salt. I’ve truly been amazed in the last 10 years how Baldwin County has progressed … that there are more women of all ages becoming entrepreneurs and being successful.” Jorgensen-Heathcoe also owns Bohemian Productions LLC and Roadhouse Truck Conversions with her husband. “I’m very happy to see more women doing what they’re passionate about and doing what they want to do because they know they can make it happen,” she said. “I honestly and truly feel grateful that I was able to be part of two small businesses and watch them grow. It was a huge learning experience. Now that I have my third company, not only an I able to do it more efficiently and have more ideas, but I can help others that didn’t have that luxury of ‘coming through the ranks.’ It’s the diversity that helps.”

Pandora Jorgensen-Heathcoe, Owner

ETERNAL PET CREMATORY INC. 13923 Oswalt Lane, Silverhill, AL 251-945-1051

www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com

Mary Messer Designs

“Use your gifts … to me, that’s when you hit the harmonic C in life.” –Mary Messer

oving to the Gulf Coast 15 years ago, Mary Messer, owner of Mary Messer Designs, didn’t know anyone, but started decorating away. Now years later, she’s a nationally acclaimed interior decorator, specializing in complete design. “USA Today and Home Away did a list of top 50 vacation rentals, one in each state and the one in Alabama was one I designed on West Beach,” Messer said. “The Veranda; it’s a wedding destination.” Mary works across both the commercial and residential property sectors, focusing her efforts on structural design, colour schemes, lighting, ventilation, furniture and furnishings. Owning your own business also develops discipline, Messer said. “It gives you the freedom to flow and create, to paint outside the lines,” she said. “When I moved here, I realized that I play a very important part as a designer, with creating happy places for people to come on their vacations. I’ve realized my part in the economy on our Island. Because if they have an enjoyable visit, I have a part in making that visit enjoyable with design.” Mary also takes a serious approach to shopping locally and supporting local vendors. This attitude is appreciated by both clients and local establishments. 14 • Baldwin Women Leaders

Messer said she’s always loved to design. “Always,” she said. “Even as a teenager, I made my clothes different and unique. I love being on the cutting edge and being unique.” Messer’s favorite part about her career is seeing faces light up when she presents the key of a finished project. “Happy hearts and happy faces,” she said, laughing. “That’s what gets me excited about what I do.” Her advice for not only being a designer but also a business owner are simple. “Use your gifts,” she said. “To me, that’s when you hit the harmonic C in life.”

Mary Messer, Owner

MARY MESSER DESIGNS 251-504-0733 Facebook: Mary Messer Designs

www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com

Original Oyster House Boardwalk, Geez Louise & OOH Trading Company

“The store expresses the soulful Southern styles where pearls go with everything and customers can always find colorful, fun clothing from preppy to boho as well as unique pieces with their own individual story.”

uilding legendary restaurants from the grassroots that overcame catastrophic hurricane damage, relocation, reconstruction and challenging economic times, is an amazing success story for a girl who was educated at the school of hard knocks. However for Mary Lou Roszkowski, co-owner and vice-president of operations at the Original Oyster House restaurants, this was just the beginning. With loving support from her husband Joe and her partners, she has since founded several retail stores, helped launch Archangel Catholic Radio, raised a family, served on numerous boards and committees and continues to volunteer. Her achievements are driven by her passions, her faith and by surrounding herself with an incredible extended family as she credits her team for her success. “Having cut my teeth in the restaurant business, it came naturally when Joe and I partnered with Jane and David Dekle and opened our first Original Oyster House in Gulf Shores in 1983. We wanted to create an environment that we would want to work in,” explained Roszkowski. Creating a great environment for workers and patrons paid off as it turned a 60-seat restaurant quickly into two locations that seat over 300 guests per restaurant, and employ over 250 staff members including many who have been there from the beginning. “When rental space opened next to the restaurant, Joe asked if I could create a retail store,” explained Roszkowski. “Not really knowing anything about retail, I began to purchase and sell a lot of kid’s products, women’s jewelry and t-shirts. Five years later another space opened on the Boardwalk and Joe asked me to create a boutique different from the Original Oyster House Trading Company.” In 2010 Mary [Louise] Roszkowski opened her namesake Geez Louise Boutique.

15 • Baldwin Women Leaders

“I wanted the boutique to carry everything; apparel, shoes, jewelry, unique gifts and accessories plus lots of great brands like Free People, Lauren James, Vera Bradley, Jack Rogers and Level 99 to name a few,” explained Roszkowski. “The store expresses the soulful Southern styles where pearls go with everything and customers can always find colorful, fun clothing from preppy to boho as well as unique pieces with their own individual story.” The same year that Geez Louise Boutique was opened, Archangel Radio went live after four years of planning. Both Mary Lou and Joe Roszkowski played an active role as founding board members of Archangel Radio, a media hub for the Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Mobile, AL. Mary Lou Rozskowski currently serves as the active secretary on the board of directors. Roszkowski’s volunteerism has included service in the Mobile Chapter of Legatus, To Be Crisis Pregnancy Center, Cursillo Ministry and the planning committee for One Faith, One Family, Men and Women’s conferences. Although Rozskowski wears a lot of hats she claims her life is simple, “Two children, two restaurants, two retail stores and one husband. And that’s my family and I love them all,” claimed Roszkowski.

ORIGINAL OYSTER HOUSE BOARDWALK, GEEZ LOUISE & OOH TRADING COMPANY 701 Hwy. 59 Gulf Shores, Alabama 251-948-2445 www.originaloysterhouse.com

www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com

Proud of our leaders who make life better. Congratulations, Peggy Nelson, on being named the March 2016 recipient of the Regions Bank Better Life Award. Regions is proud to congratulate Peggy Nelson on being named a recipient of the Regions Bank Better Life Award. Nelson is a Consumer Banking Manager for Regions Bank in Mobile, Ala. The Better Life Award is the top honor given to a Regions associate who lives the company’s mission to make life better for customers, associates and the communities Regions serves. In addition to the recognition, Regions donates $1,000 in the name of the recipient to a nonprofit organization of the winner’s choice. Nelson chose the Making Memories Hunt, an annual outdoor hunting event for adults or children with disabilities. Nelson’s joy in seeing others succeed also drives her to support several other causes across Baldwin County. As an American Red Cross Advisory Board member, she chairs the Bank Baldwin in Blue Jeans fundraiser. She is a charter member of the Central Baldwin Sunset Rotary Club and secretary/treasurer of the Robertsdale Baseball Booster Club. Nelson is assistant finance chair for Rosinton United Methodist Church, where she also supports fundraising for youth programs and global missions.

16 • Baldwin Women Leaders

www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com

Nadine Strawn: Elberta Hardware

“We can never thank her enough or tell you just how much she means to us as we see her tirelessly attend to the jobs at hand, day in and day out. We could not do it without her!”

ome have known her as “Nadine the Hardware Queen.” But we call her Chairman of the Board for the “Biggest, Friendliest, Little Hardware Store in Lower Alabama.” This quiet grand lady, would never talk about herself and wasn’t sure she even wanted this article printed. Nevertheless, it is our way of giving credit where credit is due. Nadine and Mr. Bob moved to the Gulf Coast to “retire,” or so they said. After getting settled and completing some projects around their home, Nadine had started keeping the books for Josephine Baptist Church and Elberta Hardware. They became good friends with Richard and Sandra Staimpel, then the owners of the hardware store. One day when Mr. Bob went to the hardware store to pick up a couple of things, he returned to inform Nadine that he had purchased the hardware store. After all, he said, “retirement is going to kill me if I don’t find something to do!” This was not the priority Nadine had in mind, but as always, she jumped right in to make a great success of the endeavor. The comment was made that they would do it for three years or so. That was in 1998! This was a pattern for the two, who worked together for all the years of their marriage and even before. They were truly a team. From selling Recreational Vehicles for many years, to directing the Recreational Vehicle Dealer’s Association in Washington D.C. for 10 years, Nadine saw that the work was done and done with excellence. After Mr. Bob passed away in October 2013, Nadine continued to work as hard as ever. She has always worked untold hours behind the scenes at home keeping up with the books and records. With her direction and example, Elberta Hardware has thankfully continued to grow through the years.

17 • Baldwin Women Leaders

As a girl from Yuma, Colorado, a community much like Elberta, growing up in the small, rural, farm community prepared her to take on whatever task came to her. Her no-nonsense attention to detail and determination to understand whatever was needed to do the job, has kept up with the many changes and additions made to Elberta Hardware over the years. When she knew the store would be handling pumps and parts for repairs, she asked a local plumber friend to come in and “school” her on just how the pumps work, what the how-to and fix-it answers would be for the customers. To this day, she amazes the customers with her ability to assist them with just the right answers and parts required for all their plumbing needs. We can never thank her enough or tell you just how much she means to us as we see her tirelessly attend to the jobs at hand, day in and day out. We could not do it without her!

Nadine Strawn, CEO

ELBERTA HARDWARE

25320 U.S. Highway 98, Elberta, AL 251-986-5233 www.ElbertaHardware.com www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com

Michelle Sulcer: Badcock Home Furniture & More

“If owning a business is something you want to do, you follow your dream and you make something happen …” –Michelle Sulcer

he Daphne location of Badcock Home Furniture & More was the first location in Alabama, and it was opened by Michelle Sulcer and her late husband, Richie, 32 years ago. “My husband worked at the Badcock Furniture in Milton, Florida, after he graduated high school,” Michelle said. “Opening a store was just something he wanted to do.” So the couple began looking for the home of their new business. “We just ventured out to look for a place,” Michelle said. “We started in Bay Minette and continued to drive down.” They found the current building vacant and for sale … and soon to be the home of the first Badcock Furniture in Alabama. “If owning a business is something you want to do, you follow your dream and you make something happen; work hard and study the benefits of owning a business because it’s life changing,” Michelle said. “If you have a knack for decorating and being around beautiful furniture and helping others, this is a fantastic career. I wouldn’t do anything else.” Michelle admits there are challenges owning and operating your own business, but having a good rapport with all your employees is extremely important. One of Michelle’s employees, Christina Wallace, has been with her company for 28 years. “Working with Badcock Furniture all these years has been so fulfilling,” she said. “I truly love being on the beautiful Eastern Shore.” Michelle’s favorite part about her career is getting to know her customers and helping them decorate their home or office according to their personalities. “Everyone knows what they like but sometimes they are unsure about how to put certain things together and just want a little help,” she said. “I'll have

18 • Baldwin Women Leaders

customers come in and want to see how an entire room looks, so we will start moving furniture around and set it up just like it would be in their house. I love doing this for them! I take pride in getting to know all of my customers and their family; they are like friends when they come into my store. I've seen their kids grow up and now their kids are growing up, three generations shopping with me.” Although he isn’t alongside her anymore, Richie is watching over Michelle. “I learned so much from him as a business leader,” Michelle said. “He was such a kind and smart man; he treated everyone with respect, and I wouldn’t be here today without him. I love and miss his big smile every day and I know he’s watching over me.”

Michelle Sulcer, Owner

BADCOCK HOME FURNITURE & MORE 1201 U.S. Highway 98, Daphne, AL 251-626-2377 www.Badcock.com

www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com

United Bank

Your First Home. Your First Home Loan. With United Bank, First-Time Homebuyers can: • Access Matching Funds1 for Down Payment and Closing Costs2 • For Every $1 You Contribute (up to $1,250), Receive $4 In Matching Funds (up to $5,000)

“Women think differently than men and can bring a different element to business situations.” Casey Zito Visit your local branch or call to find out

nited Bank’s Baldwin County management teammore is comprised situation or working to develop other about eligibility requirements forpeople into the best they can be — of women leaders who have a combined 170 years of experience I just derive a lot of joy from that.” ourofFirst-Time Homebuyer Advantage in the financial services business. In fact, a majority the 112 With 17 bank branches in Southwest Alabama and Northwest year-old bank’s staff are female: 143 of 179 employees, Program seven of nineandFlorida, United Bank’s nine Baldwin locations is more than any other to apply. Baldwin branch managers and two of three executive vice presidents. bank in the county. Zito said even with so many locations, the hometown The Baldwin team includes loan officers, branch managers and spirit of community banking at United Bank has been a tradition since executive leadership. As they’ve risen in the ranks of unitedbank.com/mortgage banking, they 1904. understand a few things remain consistent. “We’re a true community bank,” Zito said. “Our people set us apart 1-800-423-7026 “You can climb the corporate ladder and still be who you are,” said because you can’t bank with them anywhere else.” 494759 Silverhill Manager Liz Martin. Like the entire team of NMLS# UB’s branch 8 Offices in Ba managers, Martin takes pride in serving customers’ needs with consumer loans and personal and small business accounts. She said the most Bay Minette, important part of the role is listening and being a resource and adviser Foley, Lill for her clients. Magnolia Spr United’s Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Officer Casey and Sum Zito said women in leadership roles often bring a different1.perspective Household to income restrictions and other requirements apply. situations in banking and beyond. 2. Loans Subject to Credit Approval. “Women think differently than men and can bring a different element to business situations,” Zito explained. Zito’s favorite part about her career UNITED BANK is coaching and mentoring her employees. “Nine out of ten times, if you give people the skills and you work with 800-423-7026 them to develop them, they’re going to be great employees,” Zito said. 9 Locations in Baldwin County Managing about 100 people, Zito said her joy is seeing her employees www.unitedbank.com succeed. “It’s watching people grow into who they are, overcome some of their fears — whether it’s speaking to a group or handling an uncomfortable

19 • Baldwin Women Leaders

www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com

Kim Ward Realty

“Throughout my real estate career selling lifestyles for almost 15 years, I have experience and knowledge of a beautiful place that I will always call home.”

im Ward, a native of Gulf Shores, has a true love and passion for this place her great uncle George C. Meyer founded in the 1930s. “He was one of the original homesteaders, since he was land rich and cash poor,” Ward said. “So, he would trade out land for the price of a night and a meal in a hotel. He traded 4,522 acres which is now the Gulf State Park that opened in 1939.” Ward said she was proud of his vision, as well as that of Hugh Branyon, who the Backcountry Trail was named after. “We recently just lost Hugh, a long time resident and leader who always wanted to link Gulf Shores and Orange Beach by a trail system to provide access to residents and visitors from all places,” Ward said. Ward said she had a great childhood, adding it was incredible having her backyard as the Gulf of Mexico. Ward said she feels blessed to have grown up here and it was important to her to start a family here. “I raised both of my children in the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach,” Ward said. “My daughter is an educator at Orange Beach Elementary and my son is a farming assistant at Sirmon Farms – they also have a love of the lifestyle here and want to continue their lives here in Baldwin County.” Ward owns and operates Kim Ward Realty, where her passion for helping clients with their property needs is only exceeded by the love she has for this area. “Gulf Shores and Orange Beach both offer so much beauty,” Ward said. “We have our wetlands and marshes which my father, Wade Ward, has always taken a lot of pride in preserving. He created the Wade Ward Nature Park, which is a

20 • Baldwin Women Leaders

lovely stroll on a boardwalk that many enjoy and the magnificent Perdido Bay islands, which I enjoy volunteering my time for.” Preservation of the islands’ natural resource treasures is an important issue for Ward, especially given her family’s history in the area. To her, conservation of the area’s distinct animal populations is also an important part of that equation. “Islands like these in Perdido Bay are home to nesting birds and least ternsmarshes and wetlands, which are amazing,” Ward said. “Our grass beds that surround these islands are home to juvenile crab, shrimp and a variety of fish species. This is a ‘nursery’ and if we don’t preserve the balance, we kill the goose that laid the golden egg.” For Ward, getting to work and live in this paradise is something that brings her joy each and every day. “Throughout my real estate career selling lifestyles for almost 15 years, I have experience and knowledge of a beautiful place that I will always call home,” Ward said. “It’s a place that offers stunning sunsets, watching dolphin, eating fresh local seafood, and so much more.”

KIM WARD REALTY 25637 Canal Road, Suite M Orange Beach, AL 36531 (251)979-7101 kimward@kimwardrealty.com

www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com

Mary Younce: The Hotel Magnolia

“I’ve decided to stay in the present and try something new … I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life.” – Mary Younce

ospitality is in Mary Younce’s blood. Although she’s currently the innkeeper at The Hotel Magnolia, she began working in the hotel business when she was 16 years old. “As a teenager, I worked at The Grand Hotel during the summers and later worked there for several years,” Younce said. “I then took a position with Stouffer Hotels and helped them open the Riverview Plaza.” She was hired to be the reservations manager, and six months later was promoted to the front office manager. Younce worked with The Hotel Magnolia for three years before it closed, and has joined the hotel again when it reopened. “I love meeting all the different people,” she said. “I’ve made some very good friends. It’s a little bit different here at the small bed and breakfast. You get to know people a lot better than you would at a large hotel.” Five years ago, Younce’s husband, Dale, passed away, and she’s working to reinvent herself and the life she loves. When asked to come back to the hotel to help out a year and a half ago, it was a nobrainer she said, but she also wants to try new things. “When you find out you have to recreate yourself, it’s a hard task to decide which way to go and what to do,” Younce said. When starting over, Younce said don’t be afraid. “Losing the love of your life is tragic enough,” she said. “Doing it all by yourself is hard, but you can do it. Recreating myself at this late stage in my life has been a real challenge. I lacked the confidence

21 • Baldwin Women Leaders

I once had. I’ve decided to stay in the present and the best way to handle it is to try something new. Dale and I enjoyed developing property and remodeling old homes, so I decided to take a class in real estate and obtained my license in August. I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life.” Younce is also a real estate agent with Sand Dollar Real Estate.

Mary Younce, Innkeeper

THE HOTEL MAGNOLIA 199 N. McKenzie St Foley, AL 251-952-5005 www.TheHotelMagnolia.com

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Thank you, Baldwin County!

From the Women Professionals at Gulf Coast Media (L to R): Crystal Cole, Destiny Brown, Lynn Ditto, Jessica Vaughn, Amber Kimbler, Jeniece Bouzan, Whisper Edwards, LouAnn Love, Allison Woodham, April Wallace

GULF COAST MEDIA THE COURIER • THE FOLEY ONLOOKER • THE ISLANDER • THE TIMES INDEPENDENT • THE BALDWIN TIMES

901 N. McKenzie St. | Foley, Alabama 36535 | 251-943-2151 www.GulfCoastNewsToday.com 23 • Baldwin Women Leaders

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Cheryl Russell: Berkshire Hathaway Cooper & Co.

“I love what I do and have never regretted joining the real estate family. It’s amazing to me that I fell into this career so easily and it’s made me so happy.” – Cheryl Cooper Russell

fter working at Scott Paper Co., later known as SAPPI, in Mobile for 23 years, Cheryl Cooper Russell was unsure of where to work, but knew she didn’t want to stay at home. Russell had some relatives in real estate, so she called a cousin and asked what he thought about her going into real estate. “He had me in class the next day and I haven’t stopped since,” she said, laughing. “I tell everyone I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up, turned 50 and started a real estate class.” In her 19th year, Russell has sold homes in Baldwin County her entire career as a Realtor and she’s also lived in Baldwin County her entire life. “I have had moments where I thought I wanted to move, but in the end, I couldn’t find a place where I would rather be,” she said. “Now I just enjoy all these wonderful homes that I help buyers and sellers with and at the end of the day, I come home to my home on 29 acres in Rosinton.” Although going from set-hour days to a flexible schedule with more hours, Russell loves it. “It’s a wonderful career, especially for women,” she said. “You can schedule your own hours. If you have children in school, you can work around their activities or take part in their activities. If you really think you want to do anything, I’d say just give it a chance because you will never know unless you do.” Russell says her favorite part about her job is the people. “You make lifelong friends after you help somebody find their dream home,” she said. “I’ve been blessed to have some great clients that I now call friends. It’s a very social career, always meeting new people and going to events.”

24 • Baldwin Women Leaders

When doing a job, it’s important to do it right. Russell gives advice to anyone wanting to dip their toes in real estate. “If I could advise any new Realtors, I would say to always work with honesty and integrity, follow through with customers, have a good contact system, stay organized, dress professionally, support your local community activities, follow the Golden Rule and you will do well,” Russell explained. “I love what I do and have never regretted joining the real estate family. It’s amazing to me that I fell into this career so easily and it’s made me so happy.”

Cheryl Cooper Russell

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY, COOPER & CO., INC. REALTORS 21545 Hwy. 59, Suite F, Robertsdale, AL 251-978-2852 • www.cherylcrussell.com