in BUSINESS Women

BY ANN PARK PHOTOS BY DAWN PAUL

When asked about their career choices, each of the women I reached out to for this year’s Women in Business feature said it came down to their desire to connect with others. Each is dynamic, intuitive, and creative in her career. What sets each apart is the ability to meet people wherever they are in their lives–whether running a well-loved business while building and giving back to the community or teaching, speaking and serving families in need. It was a great privilege and an inspiration to learn about each nominee, and I hope their stories inspire you too.

Charlotte Ekstrom and her husband have been running Pizza Man since 2017. Wellknown for their exceptional crusts, yummy breadsticks and gourmet pizza, they make a constant effort to give back. They sponsor preschool field trips, school and community events, and host Halloween night giving out free mini pizzas to kids. They always clear their calendar for Cherry Days.

Exciting new menu items are coming soon to Pizza Man. Charlotte is working hard to develop a mouth-watering line of dessert pizzas. “They’re in our test kitchens right now. I don’t want to put anything on the menu until it makes you do a happy dance when you eat it. But we’ll have them soon!”

After years of business experience, Charlotte is focused on what’s most important. “My advice would be to never compromise on integrity. Always give 100% reliable quality and service. We take care of our team, our team takes care of our customers, our customers take care of us.”

Amber teaches English at Weber High and has also taught at Orion Jr. High. She is a public speaker addressing efficiency, time management and the roles of women. This fall she will be presenting to the Ogden Weber Chamber Women in Business audience.

Partnering with Hali Larsen, Amber runs a non-profit called The Pledge Jar. Their goal is to help local families with limited financial resources fund extracurricular activities. They provide help with everything from preschool tuition, drill team, tennis, fencing, to a wide variety of other activities. “It means so much to these families,” Amber says. “Our work gives them new opportunities. We love to see the joy it brings.”

They are holding a fund-raising golf tournament on July 14th at the Barn. “We still have spots open if you’d like to participate.” For more info email thepledgejar@gmail.com.

BY ANN PARK

MMichelle Giacoletto has worked for Ovation Homes for four years. She is a key team-member responsible for handling accounting, accounts payable, payroll, bonds, taxes and much more.

Herfocus and attention to detail are vital to the function of this fast-growing company. And she shares a close bond with her fellow team members. “I feel like I found my second family working here,” Michelle says.

During her time with the Ovation family, Michelle has played a vital role in developing company systems, facilitating growth, overseeing the internal processes, and managing collaboration between organizations. Land acquisition and building is a complex process, and Michelle helps keep all the moving parts working together. Ovation Homes has grown rapidly in our area. For over twenty years now, they have specialized in providing single-level floor plans that can be personalized to the needs and tastes of homeowners. “We create homes that allow residents to enjoy the lifestyle they’re looking for,” Michelle says, “every detail of our work goes toward that goal.” Working with numbers comes natural to Michelle, who has always loved math. She loves to figure things out and find solutions to intricate problems. With her background in math and analytics, she runs the financial systems and internal processes that help them continue to grow and serve their customers.

“I worked for another company for many years, and I was ready for a change,” Michelle says. “My network of business connections helped me so much as I advanced in my career. The people working around me, who recognized my abilities and helped me gain more education and skills, were a tremendous support. They helped me move forward, and I’m very grateful to be where I am now. We all need a network. As working women, our friends and coworkers are important.” Her advice to others considering accounting as a career: “Make sure you enjoy a challenge. Accuracy is very important to me and to my company.”

While much of Michelle’s work happens behind the scenes, Ovation Homes wouldn’t be able to run smoothly without her. “I’m excited to see what comes next. I love being part of the growth happening now.”