Meet the Faces of Haymarket & Gainesville
We’re excited to present the premier edition of FACES of Haymarket/Gainesville!
This separate section of Haymarket/Gainesville Lifestyle focuses on some of the many amazing faces that help make Western Prince William County a truly unique business community. You might recognize some of the folks on these pages as friends and neighbors.
We hope you enjoy FACES of Haymarket/Gainesville — and support the featured businesses.
FACES will be published annually in our December issue and is also available as a digital edition at insidenova.com/ hgfaces.
Thank you to all the businesses for being part of this special section.
Watch for the next FACES in December 2025. If you would like more information, please let us know. Contact:
Kelly | jkelly@whglifestyle.com | 434.987.3542
Thank you for reading, and happy holidays!
A Pup’s Valley
Inspired by their own love of dogs, Jim and Andrea Payne opened A Pup’s Valley in 2022. The award-winning dog daycare which also offers boarding, a grooming spa and a training facility, provides care 365 days a year for pups with a dedicated onsite apartment for an employee.
“We recognized a gap in the market and were inspired to create a place that not only serves our community but also reflects our love for dogs,” Jim said. “We wanted to build a business where we could bring joy to pets and their owners while being actively involved in our neighborhood.”
The Paynes say that their dedication to ensuring that pets never feel alone is what sets A Pup’s Valley apart. They also have amenities like 8-millimeter sealed rubber flooring intended to be gentle on the pups’ joints, private boarding suites for unspayed or unneutered dogs, or those that need a quieter place to stay. In the coming year, the couple also plans to introduce smaller playgroups of 15 or fewer dogs per attendant as well as Day School, a program that gives individualized attention to pups who need it.
“This program will incorporate our PET philosophy—Play, Exercise, and Thinking Activities, ensuring a balanced day with rest periods to prevent overstimulation,” Jim said.
All of the services are made possible by the Paynes’ team of 30 dedicated employees who range from dog daycare attendants, team leads, and overnight residents to groomers, certified dog trainers, and management. While the Paynes appreciate the commitment of everyone on the team, there are a few they’d like to cite for their exceptional contributions.
“Jenny Fuentes, our evening team lead, brings a unique set of skills to our team. In addition to her love and care for dogs, she is fluent in Spanish and is a retired nurse practitioner,” Payne said. “ErinMichelle Owens, our manager, has been with us since the beginning. Her
leadership fosters a fun and positive environment where both our team and clients can thrive.”
The Paynes also contribute to the community in a plethora of ways from sponsoring local athletic teams and
organizations and partnering with the Willing Warrior Retreat by offering free boarding to veteran guest families.
“We believe in supporting our community and making a positive impact wherever we can,” said Payne.
Jim and Andrea Payne
Jim and Andrea Payne with team members at A Pup’s Valley.
Black Cat Wax
In 2014, Denise Coleman began working in the beauty industry at a spa in Haymarket, ultimately moving into management and focusing on esthetics. By 2019, her entrepreneurial spirit motivated her to open Black Cat Wax in Manassas. Only one year later, she relocated to Gainesville.
“I've always wanted to work in business independently so that I could have control over all aspects of the business activity,” Coleman said. “Once I began establishing a loyal clientele it was important to me to offer additional services such as skin pigment lightening, in-grown hair treatments, and permanent make-up to satisfy their needs.”
Black Cat Wax provides full body waxing for men and women, skin pigment lightening treatments, ingrown hair treatments, and permanent
make-up as well as retailing skin care products that allow clients to properly care for their waxed body areas between appointments. Coleman takes pride in the fact that her sole proprietorship allows her to focus on each individual’s needs.
“Black Cat Wax is unique because clients receive a very high-quality, customized skin care service,” Coleman said. “Because of my commitment to providing this type of exceptional experience, there are plans to begin using an exclusive-formula wax blend created only for Black Cat Wax.”
In addition to potentially introducing a proprietary wax blend, in 2025 Coleman plans to introduce an Advanced Waxing Technique Class to her offerings. The class will be intended to give licensed professionals the
opportunity to hone their skills using Black Cat Wax’s premium hard blend wax.
In addition to connecting with clients, Coleman supports the community, as well. She regularly networks with other businesses in the Haymarket/ Gainesville area, contributes to Client Appreciation gift baskets, and donates to a local animal shelter. Plus, she offers a discount to veterans year-round.
“I love getting to know new people and making our unique connection in caring for their skin type,” Coleman said. “It has been a wonderful experience for me to provide waxing service to all of the most loyal guests whom I can eventually consider friends. I really value the connections that have been built through Black Cat Wax with such a variety of wonderful people.”
Black Cat Wax Owner
Denise Coleman
Blackwood Construction Group
Last year, enthusiastic home remodelers Ed and Louise Field purchased Blackwood Construction in Warrenton. The business specializes in residential construction and remodeling including kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. The two have spent this year making updates to the business while continuing to help clients with their remodeling projects.
“We are in the process of remodeling our office, which serves as our working showroom. We have tile, countertop, some plumbing, and cabinetry selections that our customers can select from and we use technology to assist our customers in visualizing the end product,” Louise said. “We have [also] redesigned the logo, updated the website, and rebranded some of the work fleet, which is an ongoing process.”
The Fields remain intent, as they have from the start, on being involved as hands-on owners, utilizing their own extensive experience in remodeling homes. Additionally, Louise brings her love for design and her education specifically in textile design to the business.
The couple also retained all of the employees after the acquisition, offering clients the unique ability to work with an experienced in-house team including painters, electricians, and interior designers. For every project, a dedicated group of team members collaborates with clients, giving homeowners individualized attention throughout their remodel. Ed says that clients appreciate this focused approach and helps them to feel comfortable when the team works in their homes.
Louise is honored by the privilege of working with clients to help them craft spaces in their homes that they love. She also thrives on helping to increase functionality and flow. “Our favorite part is seeing the before and after transformation,” she said.
While the first year of owning
Blackwood Construction has been a busy one, the Fields are appreciative of all that they’ve had the opportunity to experience along the way.
“This has been a year of learning, understanding, growing, and gratitude,” Louise said. “Gratitude to our team and gratitude to our customers, whose referrals drive our business.
Ed and Louise Field
Gameday Mens Health
Gameday Men’s Health in Gainesville is a place where men can reclaim their health in a supportive, welcoming environment. Owner Marshall Carey describes it as a “man cave pharmacy,” designed to make men feel comfortable from the moment they walk in. “We’re here to help men understand what’s going on inside so they can feel like themselves again,” Carey explains.
Marshall, who spent over 12 years as a realtor, sought a new challenge with purpose. “I realized I could actually help men feel better -- especially after hearing so many didn’t even know their testosterone levels,” he says. “They were tired, anxious, struggling with sleep, and had no idea why.” When he found Gameday, he knew he’d found the answer. “I knew we’d change lives, but I
never imagined how meaningful it would feel to witness these transformations firsthand.”
Since opening Gameday in Gainesville in August 2024, Marshall has seen the powerful impact of his work. The clinic not only helps in hormone therapy but also improves their health through natural treatments for conditions like Erectile Dysfunction (ED), weight loss, and muscle recovery without invasive surgery. “Our approach gives guys a path to treat ED organically, which brings back their confidence and quality of life in a big way,” he shares.
The dedicated staff at Gameday plays a major role in each client’s journey. The doctor provides expert care, while PA Rachayl Shaffer and CNA Nancy Ramirez keep things running smoothly every day. “I’m so proud of them,”
Marshall says. “They’re not just doing a job -- they’re truly invested in making a difference.” Nancy’s bilingual skills have been especially valuable in helping Hispanic clients feel comfortable discussing their health in Spanish. Marshall’s commitment to the community extends to veterans as well. “Hormone therapy often isn’t covered by the VA, so helping veterans find solutions is a big part of what we do,” he explains. Working with veteran nonprofits, Gameday reaches men who might not otherwise have access to this care.
Marshall credits much of his success to the support of his wife, Natalie Carey. “Natalie has been my rock through all of this,” he says. “Her encouragement and belief in this venture have made all the difference, and I’m so grateful for her.”
Marshall Carey and the Gameday Men’s Health team.
Highland School
At Highland School, Middle School
Director Sam Stover and his team are all about helping students thrive, lead and serve through a unique mix of skill-building, growth mindset and real-world experiences. Highland’s middle school program is designed to foster not only academic growth but also self-awareness, goal-setting and personal responsibility.
Since joining in 2022, after relocating back to the United States from England, Sam has been inspired by Highland’s supportive community. “The people here are what makes Highland special. It was clear from my first moment on campus that everyone supports one another,” he shared.
This collaborative spirit extends from faculty to students and out into the local community where students and staff frequently lend a hand through food drives and other service projects with local businesses and organizations.
Highland’s Personalized Learning Program (PLP) plays a key role in the school’s approach. Students regularly work on PLP activities to set SMART goals, reflect on their progress and engage with feedback.
“It’s about helping students understand their strengths and where they need to grow,” Sam explains. “They even annotate their own first quarter report cards, which builds metacognition and ownership over their learning.”
The Middle School faculty at Highland is all-in for their students.
“You don’t find this at every school,” Sam notes. “We’re not just teaching; we’re mentoring student leadership groups, organizing field studies, coaching Middle School sports, and leading clubs.” Highland’s commitment to experiential learning takes advantage of its location, with field trips to places like Shenandoah, Washington D.C., and many wonderful locales in between. Teachers and students also partner with local groups, such as TOPSoccer, Fauquier SPCA, and the Fauquier Community Food Bank, for hands-on experiences.
When it comes to welcoming new families, Sam encourages a visit to Highland: “It can be difficult to gauge school culture through a website. I encourage families to come to campus, see us in action, and get a sense of the community.” For Sam, who has taught in the United States and abroad, Highland stands out for its student-centered approach and commitment to growth, both in and out of the classroom. “We’re not just a school – we’re a community.”
Middle School Director Sam Stover
HAYMARKET/ GAINESVILLE
Kemper Carpets
Since opening in 2003, Kemper Carpet & Flooring has earned a reputation as one of the area’s top destinations for quality flooring. This woman-owned business, led by Tammy Titus, proudly offers premium flooring solutions from two convenient locations in Gainesville’s Wegmans Center and Fairfax’s Pender Village Shopping Center. Kemper Carpet & Flooring covers it all -- from hardwood and waterproof luxury vinyl plank to carpet, cork, rubber gym flooring, and commercial options.
Tammy, a flooring industry veteran, started Kemper Carpet & Flooring when the original Kemper Carpet founder retired, leaving clients without a trusted local flooring provider. “I wanted to create the same type of business model I started working for in 1988,” Tammy shares. “There was no flooring company in the area that carried the same important values that I had been taught.”
Today, Kemper Carpet is the only premier flooring center in Virginia,
offering exclusive extended warranties and full replacement options on top brands like Fabrica, Masland, and Dixie Home.
Kemper Carpet & Flooring isn’t just a retail space; it’s a team of skilled specialists and installers. The company’s five showroom flooring experts, many with over a decade of experience, and a dedicated installation crew (including two carpet crews led by women) bring an unmatched level of service.
Tammy’s commitment to her team is evident: “My installation crew have been with us for years!” Some have retired, and some have grown with Kemper. Customers also benefit from their
exclusive white-glove service for dust-free hardwood refinishing, with a thorough cleanup that leaves homes pristine.
Tammy and her team are passionate about their community, supporting causes like the Boys & Girls Club of Fauquier, the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, and local events. When she’s not coordinating perfect flooring designs, Tammy enjoys giving back and building lasting relationships in her community.
For Tammy, the joy of the job lies in creating beauty: “We’re not order takers but beauty makers,” she says. Kemper Carpet & Flooring transforms homes with style, quality, and care.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Kevin King Senior Estimator, Steven Bouchner Gainesville Store Flooring Specialist, Hamed Ghiassi Gainesville Store Flooring Specialist, Craig T Lee Operations Manager
Kemper Carpet & Flooring owner Tammy Titus.
Lifetime Family Medicine
In November of 2006, Theresa Shupe, MD, opened the doors to Lifetime Family Medicine with a vision of being a part of the community and providing a space where all members of a family could receive care. It began as a practice dedicated to the provision of patient-centered medical services like routine health care, preventive care, vaccines, and same-day visits for individuals of all ages. Since then, Lifetime Family Medicine has grown to include behavioral health care, aesthetic services, and weight loss programs provided by its nine licensed team members.
“Our team provides excellent medical care and medical education. We strive to include patients/families in medical decision-making and take time to answer
questions,” said Dr. Shupe. “Our providers are well-trained and up-to-date with new products, technologies, and education to better serve our community.”
While Lifetime Family Medicine has provided aesthetic services like laser treatments and dermal injectables for several years, in September 2023 the practice increased its offerings and added an expansive new space to provide them. Now, patients can also receive treatments that range from facials and fillers to hair removal or Acne Boot Camp.
The comprehensive services at Lifetime Family Medicine are integrated to treat patients holistically and providers regularly collaborate to provide the ultimate in care. “We love working together to achieve the best results for our clients,” Dr. Shupe said.
In addition to providing awardwinning, high-quality health care in the community, Lifetime Family Medicine also gives back. The practice is an active sponsor of area schools and sports teams and makes it a point to participate in Haymarket Day each year.
Outside of the office, the Lifetime Family Medicine team enjoys traveling and taking part in “the pleasures that life has to offer.” Shupe says that they work hard to achieve a balance both at work and on their personal time so that they can provide the best services to their clients.
“We love to see the happy and satisfied faces of our clients/patients and to know that they have been provided the best quality health care and services to meet their needs,” Dr. Shupe said.
Team members at Lifetime Family Medicine
Northern Virginia Orthodontics
Although Dr. Zach Casagrande didn’t end up being a pilot like he thought he would years ago, he and his business have reached heights in the orthodontic world.
Casagrande opened Northern Virginia Orthodontics in February 2008 in Ashburn, and the business now has seven offices across the region, including the newest one, in Gainesville, which opened in December.
NVO is also the No. 1 Invisalign provider in North America and is driven by the demand for clear, comfortable orthodontic care. The doctors and assistants have transitioned the practice into a fully digital operation focused on Invisalign, which uses clear aligners as an alternative to braces.
Since 2019, NVO’s doctors have successfully treated the most Invisalign
patients in North America. Their team can confidently tackle any smile with Invisalign, from mild to complex malocclusions, starting with children as young as 6.
At NVO, which also offers traditional braces in clear and metal options, the entire 50-person team is dedicated to transforming smiles and lives, both inside and outside the office.
Indeed, from forming a bond with a 78-year-old patient proudly wearing Invisalign because “It’s never too late to improve your quality of life!” to seeing patients moved to tears as they share how treatment improved their smiles, confidence and happiness, the staff has experienced many unforgettable moments. The practice also established the NVO Foundation in 2018. It’s a nonprofit dedicated to affecting others by
supporting life-saving cancer efforts and transforming the community. Casagrande and the NVO team have donated more than $1.6 million to local charities, Children’s National Hospital and the Inova Schar Cancer Institute.
In addition, Casagrande is a professor in the Department of Orthodontics at the Medical College of Virginia, where he teaches orthodontic residents. He also serves as the clinical director of Aligners for Smile Doctors, the largest orthodontic organization in the country, where he works with hundreds of Smile Doctors clinics, educating doctors and their teams on best practices and systems.
And, as if that isn’t enough, Casagrande is also the team orthodontist for the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards and Washington Mystics and treats many other area professional athletes.
BY MARISSA GLINKERMAN
Pond Roofing & Exteriors
What does a cherry-flavored soda have to do with putting a roof on your home?
A lot, if you’re talking about the history of Pond Roofing & Exteriors.
The company, which serves Northern Virginia, began 60 years ago, in 1964. It was started by World War II veteran Bob Pond, who had been president of the Arlington-based business that made Cherry Smash soda, one of the largest soft drink brands in the country at one time.
Bob traded soft drinks for roofing shingles, though, and found a recipe for success that continues today. Pond Roofing has grown steadily over the decades by focusing on customer satisfaction, attention to detail and professional workmanship.
In 2000, Bob’s daughter, Betsy, took over the business, and by 2010, Patrick Readyhough merged his roofing
operation with Pond Roofing through a handshake agreement. Betsy and Pat developed a plan for him to assist in managing the company, which led to his ownership two years later.
Pond Roofing now employs a dedicated team of about 50 skilled professionals who help homeowners with roofing, windows, doors and siding.
Pat and his wife and co-owner, Cindy Readyhough, want customers to know that their company is built on a foundation of trust, quality and communication.
“We’ve been providing reliable home exterior solutions for 60 years, and we are known for our professionalism and dedication to providing a peaceful experience,” they said. “Our longevity and expertise set us apart, and we are proud to have earned the loyalty of generations of homeowners.”
They’ve also collected their fair share of memorable stories over the years.
“One recurring theme that always stands out is the interesting – and sometimes unexpected – things we find in attics,” the couple recalled. “From piles of empty beer cans left behind during the original construction to entire families of raccoons (more times than we can count!), we’ve also encountered snakes, squirrels and even bats. There’s never a dull moment up there!”
If they weren’t in the roofing and exteriors business, the Readyhoughs said they’d probably be involved in another hands-on, service-oriented industry, such as construction or home renovation.
“We’ve always had a passion for helping people improve and protect their homes, so we would likely find another way to make a positive impact in our community,” they said.
Studio B Salon and Beauty Bar
Three years ago, Brooke Bailey opened Studio B Salon and Beauty Bar with the goal of providing an upscale space for locals to be pampered by the best in the business. Now, the salon and beauty bar, whose motto is “color, cut, and cocktail time,” is a sophisticated haven for guests to sip seasonal cocktails, shop, and visit for services that range from cuts, color, and hair treatments to makeup, photo sessions, and more. The studio has also expanded by another thousand feet in space to accommodate a glam bar for makeup and waxing and recently began offering a traveling GLAM Team, as well.
While Studio B Salon and Beauty Bar started with seven staff members in 2021, it now has 32 people on the team, all of whom Bailey says are remarkable at what they do, landing the salon a number of awards including Best of NoVA, Best of Prince William, and Best of Virginia.
“Our stylists are top-notch and extremely knowledgeable,” she said. “All of our team members take pride not only in the services we provide but in the experience we all partake in. The moment you walk in the door there is a sense of calmness.”
Bailey’s team is dedicated, also, to using the best products available to ensure that guests maintain healthy hair. Kevin Murphy, Oribe, and Kerastate are some of the salon’s preferred hair products. The salon also specializes in extensions and offers in-depth consultations. Additionally, Bailey says that working with clients with thinning hair, alopecia, or hair affected by chemotherapy is a specialty as well. The salon even offers appointments before or after hours for those who are looking for privacy during their visit.
“Having a place where clients can feel comfortable is so important,” said Bailey. “We believe in building confidence and learning to love yourself and your hair again.”
In addition to creating a comfortable atmosphere at Studio B and supporting the salon’s clients, Bailey and her team reach out to contribute to the community
as well. The salon has donated to the Haymarket Food Bank and the 4th annual Shave the Day event. It also supports the National Lung Cancer Society in honor of
Bailey’s father and donates to Julia’s Grace Foundation. The team enjoys participating in the Haymarket Day Parade and the Haymarket Christmas event, too.
“We absolutely love being a part of the community,” Bailey said. “We love collaborating and getting together with local businesses to build bonds to help create and continue to grow Haymarket.”
Studio B Salon and Beauty Bar owner Brooke Bailey
Summit Roofing
From running into burning buildings to installing new roofs over them, Samuel F. Fullerton Jr.’s journey is one of transformation and dedication. Born and raised in Prince William County, Fullerton spent his early years helping his father in the construction business. After serving as a professional firefighter and emergency medical technician, Fullerton turned his attention to the roofing industry, founding Summit Roofing Contractors Inc. in 1982 at the age of 24.
Today, Summit Roofing stands as one of Northern Virginia’s largest and well-respected roofing companies, headquartered in Manassas and serving the entire Washington metro area.
With a team of about 40 employees –spanning three generations of the Fullerton family – Summit offers a
comprehensive range of services. From installing new roofs and performing repairs to handling siding, replacement windows and gutters. Summit is a trusted name for delivering high quality and value in both residential and commercial projects.
“We are most proud of our longtime dedicated employees and staff,” Fullerton said, noting that many team members have been with Summit for over 25 years. Their commitment to high- quality work has helped the company deliver lasting value to many thousands of satisfied homeowners in Northern Virginia over the years.
The accolades are plentiful. Summit Roofing has been named “Best Roofing Company” in Prince William by InsideNoVa readers multiple times and was honored by the 112th Congress for
its contributions to disabled veterans and housing initiatives in Northern Virginia. Fullerton himself maintains active memberships with many Building Industry Associations.
Beyond the job site, Summit Roofing invests deeply in its community. The company has supported countless youth sports teams, school events and charities, including Habitat for Humanity, Catholic Charities, Project Mend-A-House, Prince William Hospital Foundation, Prince William Red Cross and HomeAid National Capital Region. Their sponsorships reflect Fullerton’s enduring commitment to the county that shaped him.
From firefighting to roofing, Fullerton’s story is a testament to hard work, family values and service to both customers and the community.
Transform Power Yoga
Since opening on June 9, 2014, Transform Power Yoga (TPY) has been a vibrant hub for yoga, training, nutrition coaching, and wellness in Haymarket. Founded by Liba, Sarah, and Nick Spyros, a corporate attorney, TPY started as a family project to bring heated Vinyasa yoga -- a Baptisteinspired practice they discovered in D.C. -- to Northern Virginia. They opened it as a family business and over the years, they’ve expanded to offer yin, restorative, gentle, kids’ yoga, and more.
“Our mission statement is that we are: a community that offers yoga and other wellness services,” Nick said. “TPY is a sanctuary from the craziness in this world, offering a welcoming environment that allows its members to focus on their wellness.”
The team of instructors and front-desk
staff create a welcoming environment, embracing members who they generously feel “grace us with their time.” Every instructor and staff member plays a vital role in TPY’s success, as they explain: “We provided the vision, but our employees are credited with the execution and success of this vision.”
Over the past decade, TPY’s members have celebrated the studio’s impact on their lives, which has earned TPY an impressive string of local awards, including “Best Yoga Studio” in Haymarket/Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine for seven consecutive years. “We have been truly blessed by our community,” the family says.
In 2024, TPY also won “Best Fitness Center” and Liba was honored as “Best Trainer/Instructor.” During the pandemic, they pivoted to free online
classes, earning the title of “Best Fitness Center” in 2020. “We could never have achieved such recognition without the support of our wonderful members,” they said.
TPY encourages people to “take the time to invest in themselves.” They acknowledge that time is precious, especially in Northern Virginia’s fast-paced environment, and believe prioritizing health enhances all aspects of life. “Our health is the most valuable asset we have,” they say.
“We invite people to come by TPY and check us out. We respect your time and honor your choice to walk in our door,” Nick said. “Our community is here to welcome you.” With a dedication to traditional yoga and wellness, TPY is not just a studio; it’s a place to connect, grow, and focus on what matters.
Bria Reed and Liba Spyros
Whitlock Wealth
While Whitlock Wealth is in the business of achieving financial goals for individuals and families, CEO Bennett Whitlock, says it’s he and the team who have been enriched by their clients and community.
Whitlock Wealth is a private wealth advisory of Ameriprise Financial Services LLC. After Whitlock graduated from Elon University with degrees in finance and economics, it took some time for him to create the practice upon which we rely today.
“After bouncing around for a few years in different jobs, I decided it was time to establish a career,” said Whitlock, private wealth advisor and managing principal of Whitlock Wealth. “I had always been fascinated by the stock market and began investing when I was in high school. I was also very entrepreneurial and wanted to build a
business that I could pass on to the next generation.”
Whitlock began as an independent financial advisor with IDS Financial Services when the industry was still in its infancy. Most investment and insurance companies were very siloed and solely focused on their own products and proprietary investments.
As the business sector evolved, Bennett was able to take advantage of the changing landscape. Having built his practice from the ground up, Whitlock expanded his team to create a full-service financial planning firm. Today, with over 30 years of experience, Whitlock Wealth has offices in Lake Ridge and Manassas and a satellite office in Bethesda, Md., with advisors located throughout Virginia and Maryland.
Powered by Ameriprise Financial, the firm offers best-in-class digital tools and
technology to serve clients nationwide. Whitlock Wealth clients come with a variety of financial situations: whether it be preparing to confidently step into retirement, needing support after a family member has passed, or help planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Working with their clients has brought Whitlock Wealth several accolades. The firm was named to the Forbes Best-inState Wealth Management Teams list in 2023 and 2024. Whitlock received the 2024 Five Star Wealth Manager award, which recognizes those committed to helping their clients focus on longterm financial goals. He has also been consistently recognized by Ameriprise Financial as one of the top advisors in the nation earning the Circle of Success Award each year from 2010 to present, having achieved Diamond Ring status beginning in 2019.
Willing Warriors
What started with one pastor tasking a small group within his congregation to develop a unique community service project has blossomed into a Retreat that helps thousands of Warriors... near and far.
In 2006, the vision to create a “taste-ofhome” Christmas celebration for service members undergoing treatment at what is now Walter Reed National Military Medical Center was born. Church members John and Shirley Dominick expanded this concept (along with many helping hands over time) by taking their message to military hospitals around the National Capital Area.
In 2012, the idea was to create a dedicated place where recovering veterans could take a break from their medical treatment. Over the next two years, more than 1,000 people and in-kind donations from 120 contractors and building suppliers helped transform a large, aging house on 37
acres of land into a beautiful retreat.
Since 2015, Willing Warriors has hosted about 2,500 Warriors and their families at the Retreat, consisting of two homes and a Grand Lodge for accommodations. Warriors and their loved ones are welcome for a five-night stay with access to many helpful programs.
Willing Warriors’ mission is to provide cost-free retreat stays and other programs that positively impact the lives of the wounded, ill and injured military service members and their families. It is a place where these heroes and their families can come to relax, spend quality time together and reconnect.
All this is made possible by the ever-growing coalition of individuals, businesses, corporations and other organizations that continue to engage in support of the mission of service. This collective effort is a testament to the power of community and the support for veterans.
Willing Warriors offers more than programs centered around education and recreational activities to help Warriors and their family members return to rebuilding their lives. Career counseling, entrepreneurial, financial literacy and job-skill training are examples of assistance. Some programs focus on the social and emotional well-being of participants.
Willing Warriors partnered with Mighty Oaks for a Post Traumatic Stress program that provides peer-to-peer sessions to promote healing and resiliency. Also, the organization encourages and educates the next generation through The Summer Student Leadership Challenge called “The 9:57 Project.”
The Warrior Retreat at Bull Run is long-lasting, and its impact is never lost to veterans. To capture one Warrior's experience: “Thank you for caring for us. Thank you for supporting us.”