THE Business Magazine Of Coastal Virginia ®
COVABIZ MAGAZINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017 n
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5 BEST PLACES TO WORK | MOBILE BUSINESSES | FACES BEHIND THE PLACES
COMPANIES WITH FUN AND FULFILLING WORK CULTURES
PLUS
DRIVING SUCCESS MOBILE BUSINESSES MAKING DEALS ON WHEELS SUCCESS LINDSEY GERMONO GET FIT TIPS FOR GETTING TAILORED FAMILY BUSINESS GOODMAN AND SONS SPECIAL SECTION FACES BEHIND THE PLACES—CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT ASSOCIATION VIRGINIA BEACH
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Web Design Services | SEO Reputation Management | Mobile Apps Social Media Management | SEM
For more information contact: William Warford
l
757-422-8979 ext. 152 william@vgnet.com
A DIVISION OF VISTAGRAPHICS, INC.
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CONTENTS
11
40 12
FEATURES
35 2017 Best Places
To Work
The businesses making work fun again.
SPECIAL SECTIONS
24
58 Faces Behind
the Places
DEPARTMENTS 6 8
Publisher’s Note Editor’s Note
15 Pencil It In Upcoming business and networking events.
16 Dress For Success
BIZ REPORT
11 5 Tips Bringing man’s best friend to work.
12 Meet & Eat Cure Coffeehouse and Brasserie.
14 BIZ Book Review Guide to Publishing: 100 Things Authors Should Know.
What Suits You.
17 The Watercooler Trending topics and business news.
20 On the Move Updates on new jobs, promotions, honors and awards.
22 Networking News A recap of recent networking events.
Corrections In our December/January Top Lawyers feature, Joseph F. Verser should have been included in the categories of Personal Injury and Commercial Litigation: Joseph F. Verser, 757-599-0734, www.hovplc.com
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BEYOND THE BIZ
24 Mobile Businesses Entrepreneurs taking their business on the road.
30 Family Business Goodman & Sons Jewelers celebrate life’s most memorable moments.
32 Success Lindsey Germono helps others, including military spouses, find their entrepreneurial way.
66 Created in CoVa Addison Weeks.
In our December/January Family Business article, Window World’s total funds raised for St. Jude should have been listed as over $7 million instead of $8 million.
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THE FACES BEHIND COVA BIZ
FREELANCE WRITERS Barrett Baker
is Creative Content Director at Raoust+ Partners and Senior Writer/Editor at 2BCreative, providing freelance copywriting and editing services.
Jamie McAllister is a freelance writer in Virginia Beach. In addition to writing for publications, she also works with corporate and nonprofit clients. Visit her online at McAllisterWE.com.
Chelsea Sherman is a
freelance writer and communication specialist with an MA in Strategic Communication from Regent University. She lives in Virginia Beach with her husband Jake and their children, Emma and Isaac.
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Frank Moore
brings over 30 years of results-driven sales and marketing experience to his position as Account Manager with CoVa BIZ. Through the years, he gained experience and provided leadership within the consumer goods industry with several companies including 28 years with Associated Distributors where he was Vice President/ Director of Sales for the last seven years. Frank’s commitment to excel, along with his creativity and experience in building brands, prove to be an asset to his customers and make him a champion for new opportunities in CoVa BIZ. Contact Frank for advertising and sponsorship info. 757-213-2491, frank@CovaBIZMag.com
Not an authorized Rolex dealer
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
BEST PLACES TO WORK
Greetings. In this issue, we celebrate some of the best places to work in Coastal Virginia. I congratulate all of those being recognized and applaud you for developing a culture in your company where the employees consider it one of the “Best Places To Work.” As a business owner, I know this is a difficult task. Your accomplishment is enviable. I hope our staff feels that VistaGraphics (publishers of CoVa BIZ) is also a great place to work. I know that I am proud of all of them and how they approach their job. I believe that our workplace is full of energy. It’s noticeable to me when I come into our building versus some other offices that I’ve been in. I think this energy is noticeable to our visitors as well. Maybe it is the nature of our business with one deadline after another, but you get the perception that everyone is “on a mission.” They each bring their own fervor to accomplishing this mission. Their enthusiasm for their work does not diminish their fun-loving or outgoing nature. Over the hum of their excitement for their mission, I generally feel I can “hear” them smiling. Certainly a disgruntled frown or occasional complaint creeps in from time to time, but the positive, forward-thinking attitude ultimately wins out. I credit our leaders in the company for fostering this positive attitude. Many have been with us for over 20 years. They’ve seen the ups and the downs. They share my confidence in our “mission,” whatever that mission may be. They have faith in one another. They trust that each will tend to their business and do their job to the best of their ability. That’s what makes a team successful, and that’s what makes this team a winning team. I don’t know if VistaGraphics is one of the best places to work. I do know that it is one of the places where the best people are working, and that makes me very proud. Congratulations to all CoVa BIZ Best Places To Work!
Randy Thompson, Publisher 757-422-8979, ext. 101 Randy@vgnet.com
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Don’t miss a beat in the Coastal Virginia Business Community—request
your complimentary subscription today!
CoVa BIZ is “networking in print.” A place to meet the business personalities in Coastal Virginia, to be inspired by their successes and to learn from their missteps.
Step up to CoVA BIZ: THE Business Magazine Of Coastal Virginia
Subscribe at www.covabizmag.com #covabiz
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EDITOR’S NOTE THREE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MY JOB: Some days look like this.
I’ve got like-minded coworkers.
We’ve all got spirit.
MAKING WORK FUN
M
y grandfather once told me that when a person finds a job they love, they never have to work again. He meant, of course, that when you enjoy what you do, work doesn’t seem so much like work. It’s important that we find careers that make us feel happy and fulfilled because—let’s face it—we spend a lot of time at work (on average, 90,000 hours over a lifetime, according to a Business Insider article). So, what factors contribute to an enjoyable working experience? The answer varies, depending on whom you ask. We turned to our readers, who submitted online nominations to detail their positive work cultures for our first annual Best Places to Work feature. Starting on page 35, we highlight 10 businesses in Coastal Virginia where employees feel valued and rewarded through various initiatives, whether it’s a company outing to Topgolf, an on-site coffee bar or a complimentary Nerf gun to participate in a friendly, after-work war. We congratulate these business owners and management teams for acknowledging that work can be fun, too. Also in this issue, we feature some local entrepreneurs who are thinking outside the box—and outside the typical brick and mortar establishments—to take their ventures on the road. See our profiles on three mobile businesses, starting on page 24. Both of these features remind us that whether we’re starting on a new project or getting through the seemingly mundane day-to-day tasks, there’s always a different approach to take, and there’s usually a way to make a job seem a little less like work.
Angela Blue, Editor-in-Chief Angela@CoVaBIZMag.com
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ABOUT US THE Business Magazine Of Coastal Virginia ®
1264 Perimeter Parkway, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454 757-422-8979 • www.CoVaBIZMag.com Publisher Randy Thompson Editor-in-Chief Angela Blue Senior Editor, Special Sections Melissa M. Stewart Assistant Editor, Web Ryan Miller Contributing Writer Barrett Baker, Jamie McAllister, Chelsea Sherman
Sales
Vice President of Sales & Distribution Paul Brannock
Account Executive Frank E. Moore Contributing Account Executives Christie Berry, Tony Conti, Brenda Whitlow Customer Service Representative Kiara Davis Lead Sales Graphic Artist Paul Cenzon
Production
Vice President of Production Holly Watters Creative Director David Uhrin Associate Art Director Matt Haddaway Client Relations Manager Stacy Graef Contributing Designers Josh Haralson, Stephanie Martinec, Christina Sinclair, Kaye Ellen Trautman, Brian Woelfel
Web Design and Development
Web Creative Director Chris Murphy Senior Web Developer Brandon Litchfield Web Developer Caleb Whitehead SEO Analyst Michael Saks Internet Marketing Consultant William Warford
Marketing
Director of Marketing Lisa Davenport Web Marketing & Promotions Manager Kathryn Kelly Online Content Editor Rebekah Conley
Photography
Director of Photography & Photo Editor Jim Pile Photo Editor Corey Watson Contributing Photographers Angela Blue, David Uhrin Circulation Manager George Carter Special Events & Style Coordinator Pamela Hopkins COVABIZ Magazine is published by
VistaGraphics Staff
Controller Anita Burns Accounting Manager Dawn Meehan Accounting Clerk Kelsey Stephens Production Manager Robin Cather Office Manager Tracy Thompson Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without permission is prohibited. Opinions in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent management views. Contributing photography supplied by Thinkstock.com MEMBERSHIPS: GHENT BUSINESS ASSOC., OLDE TOWNE BUSINESS ASSOC., TIDEWATER BUILDERS ASSOC., VIRGINIA PENINSULA HOUSING & BUILDERS ASSOC., HAMPTON ROADS REALTORS ASSOC., VIRGINIA BEACH RESTAURANT ASSOC., RETAIL ALLIANCE, HAMPTON ROADS CHAMBER, VIRGINIA PENINSULA CHAMBER, EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA CHAMBER, FRANKLIN/ SOUTHHAMPTON AREA CHAMBER, ISLE OF WIGHT/SMITHFIELD/WINDSOR CHAMBER, WILLIAMSBURG AREA CHAMBER, GLOUCESTER COUNTY CHAMBER, YORK COUNTY CHAMBER, WILLIAMSBURG AREA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
For advertising and sponsorship info: Please contact Frank Moore at 757-213-2491or at frank@CovaBIZMag.com
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Click on the event you’re interested in for information or call 757-357-5182.
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BIZ REPORT FIVE TIPS
Bringing Man’s Best Friend to Work By Angela Blue
S
o, you work for a company that’s lenient on bringing dogs to the office. Consider yourself lucky (and consider nominating your workplace for next year’s Best Places to Work in CoVa BIZ). But before making a cozy bed for Fido next to your desk or stocking your cubicle with treats, consider these five tips for bringing your dog to work. 1. Consider your coworkers. Aside from allergy issues, there’s a disheartening but very vital fact to face—not everyone is a dog lover. Even if there’s no critical health issue, some people are legitimately afraid of dogs. Check with your specific department first to ensure that everyone is cool with canines. 2. Consider your dog. Does your pet have anxiety issues? Or perhaps bad manners like loud barking, rummaging through the trash or, worse, nipping? The minor annoyances that you deal with at home can be major problems at the office, and in any of these cases, it’s best to leave these issues at home. 3. Consider other dogs. If the dog policy is in full effect, it’s likely that your coworkers will bring their pooches, too. Keep in mind that dogs who are pleasant around people can act differently if there’s another dog in the mix. There’s nothing like a pup scuffle to interrupt a workday and cause tension at the office. 4. Examine your productivity. Maybe you have a high-energy dog that loves to run and play, requiring much outside time. Perhaps you’ve got a younger or older dog that needs lots of potty breaks. Or it could be that your coworkers just can’t get enough puppy love, and they’re constantly stopping by your desk to pet and cuddle your pooch. All of these factors can be distracters to your workflow and productivity, so make sure your projects and deadlines won’t suffer because of your four-legged guest. 5. Bring doggie distracters. If you do decide to bring your dog to work, make him or her feel at home. Bring in a comfortable bed for naps, plenty of toys (but not the squeaky kind unless you’re trying to make enemies) and a leash for walks, which can benefit you both.
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BIZ REPORT | MEET AND EAT
MEET AND EAT
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C re B Cu nd a or
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BIZ REPORT | MEET AND EAT
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hite, frosty remnants from Coastal Virginia’s January snowstorm had been lingering for the fourth day in a row. We suddenly found ourselves in need of a communal spot to meet, a peaceful place to work and some sustenance in the form of light fare and hot beverages. Simply put, we needed a cure for our case of cabin fever. We found just that at Cure Coffeehouse and Brasserie. Tucked away from Norfolk’s hustle and bustle along the cobblestone streets of the Freemason Historic District, Cure serves as a delightful retreat for small meetings as well as a cozy spot for getting a little work done outside of the office. We entered a bright and fresh, convivial coffeehouse vibe with soothing walls and vibrant pieces of art, which rotate regularly. Most seating options are two to a table, but six-tops can be rearranged for larger groups to meet and mingle. “We consider ourselves a little neighborhood hub,” said Kari Redman, Cure’s general manager. “We make it a cozy atmosphere for people to come to and be creative, meet people, network.” And even though it’s a great place to network, the scene here is mellow and mostly quiet, aside from light, easygoing music, the occasional click-clacking of keyboards and the gentle whir of the cappuccino machine. Speaking of cappuccinos, we had one, and it was lovely. A delicate, velvety froth, artfully foamed into a feather, topped this ideal hot beverage for a chilly day. Aside from cappuccinos, cortados, macchiatos, Americanos and espresso shots, Cure serves a sweet selection of signature lattes like Lavender Mocha, Crème Brulee and Crazelnut. Craft beer, wine and signature cocktails are available as well. Their lunch menu features assorted salads, sandwiches and snacks like avocado toast, hummus and pita points or mac and cheese with torched cheddar. Sharable items include cheese and charcuterie with rotating housemade accoutrements. They’ve got vegetarian options too: a spinach quinoa burger, grilled pepper jelly and cheddar, and curried chickpeas, which is the dish we chose. The chickpeas melded beautifully with a blend of tomatoes, smoked red onion, mesclun greens and house-made veganaise stuffed between pillowy pitas with slightly charred edges. The flavor was zesty and bright, and the portion size was just enough to be satisfied without overdoing it. For those interested in getting some work done without even the slightest disturbance, Cure grants a reserved co-working space for just $10 a day. Passholders can enter a peaceful room, separate from the rest of the coffee shop, and choose from several tables that provide easy access to outlets for charging laptops or phones. Redman described the co-working room as “a spot where people who want to start up a business can have a beautiful view, a wonderful neighborhood, a great cup of coffee and a space where they can really focus on what they want to do and what their dreams and passions are.”
As well as daily passes, monthly memberships are available for this space: $125 for personal use and $175 for business use. Personal membership includes dedicated wifi, a discount on food orders, unlimited drip coffee or tea, printing services and a private space for phone calls. Business membership includes all this, plus the option to bring up to three guests and a service that enables the café to accept mail for members. “It’s a wonderful, unique atmosphere that you don’t get in just any office,” Redman noted. “You get the communal atmosphere of being in a coffee shop, as well as being able to just focus.” So whether you’re looking for a creative spot to meet or a quiet place to get some work done, this place has got the cure. Cure Coffeehouse and Brasserie is located at 503 Botetourt St., Norfolk. Their hours are Monday–Wednesday and Saturday 8 a.m.–10 p.m., Thursday–Friday 7 a.m.–10 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.–8 p.m. They serve brunch until 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Call 757-321-0044, or visit CureNorfolk.com for more info. OPPOSITE: A frothy cappuccino melts the winter cares away. THIS PAGE FROM TOP: Curried chickpeas on pita is a tasty, light lunch option; Cure expanded its space this year to allow additional seating and a more spacious atmosphere; Check the chalkboards for available lattes, teas and daily specials; Cure is a small café with big personality; Monthly memberships or daily passes are available for access to a quiet co-working space.
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BIZ REPORT | BY THE NUMBERS
BIZ REPORT | BOOK REVIEW
BY THE NUMBERS
Workplace Culture
1 in 4
employees experience high levels of conflict between work and family life. (Inc.com)
9–5
workdays are being replaced with flexible working hours and the option of allowing employees to work remotely.
737,137
employees make up PRA’s Volunteer Council Committee, a group that focuses on creating opportunities for employees to volunteer up to eight paid hours at company-sponsored events. (Learn more on page 46)
BIZ BOOK REVIEW
Pocket Guide to Publishing: 100 Things Authors Should Know By Jamie McAllister Book Details Title: Pocket Guide to Publishing: 100 Things Authors Should Know Authors: John Köehler and Joe Coccaro Publisher: Köehler Books Length: 146 pp Price: $12.95
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hether writing a self-help book that educates or a memoir that inspires, authoring a book is a great way to enhance your professional or personal brand. Adding publishing credits to your résumé not only promotes your business; it establishes you as a thought leader in your industry. Yet most executives don’t have a background in publishing, which is why Pocket Guide to Publishing: 100 Things Authors Should Know, written by John Köehler and Joe Coccaro, is an invaluable resource for professionals looking to share their words with the world. Aptly named, this guide is small enough to fit into a pocket, but don’t be fooled by its size. The pages contain everything a prospective author could ever want to know about the business of publishing, straight from two veteran Coastal Virginia publishers. This bird’s-eye view of the publishing business is both interesting and informative, thanks to the authors’ accessible and humorous tone.
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Köehler and Coccaro make it clear that the first rule of book publishing is to write a great book. Whether you choose to write the book on your own or with a ghostwriter, quality is the first requirement. The authors then delve into the guts of the publishing process, covering rookie mistakes such as rushing to publication or not hiring a professional, experienced editor. The authors provide resources on every aspect of book creation, from formatting to cover design and getting reader reviews. They also include valuable tips for spreading the word about your book and getting it into readers’ hands. Graphs and charts scattered throughout the text highlight key statistics in quick, easyto-digest bursts. The business of publishing and selling books is just that—a business. And like any business, there are guidelines to follow on the path to success. Pocket Guide to Publishing leaves nothing to the imagination. From sample publishing contracts from the authors’ own company, Köehler Books, to online links to even more information, every step in the bookmaking process is dissected. By breaking down publishing into its individual parts, the authors also break down the intimidation factor that often accompanies the desire to publish a manuscript, giving prospective authors the tools they need to get a book noticed by publishers, and, most importantly, readers.
pounds of trash were collected in an environmental cleanup event in which SOLitude Lake Management participated as a company in 2015. SOLitude also recycled 13,030 plastic containers and 524 cubic yards of cardboard, plastics and paper that year. (Page 48)
$20
equivalents are deposited into individual accounts each month at 360IT PARTNERS for employees to publicly recognize and reward one another via the Bonus.ly platform. After accumulating points from co-workers, employees can use their received points to buy gift cards and other prizes. (Page 36)
$500
bonuses are given to TowneBank employees whose ideas are implemented. The company offers a hotline where employees can suggest ways to streamline tasks/procedures so there are less negative impacts on productivity. (Page 50)
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annual paid company holidays are offered at Entercom. (Page 38)
$300 billion
The dollar amount that unhappy employees cost American business each year. These actively disengaged employees fail to be enthralled by their work, are fundamentally disconnected from work and tend to be less productive and less loyal to their companies. (Gallup.com)
90 percent
of workers say that the most valued attributes in workplace relationships are honesty, trust and fairness. (Inc.com)
13.9 percent
The likelihood of job turnover at an organization with rich company culture, versus 48.4 percent probability of job turnover in poor company cultures. (Entrepreneur.com) —AP
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BIZ REPORT | PENCIL IT IN
February/March Events ONE MILLION CUPS
FEB. 1, 8, 15, 22, MARCH 1, 8: Weekly networking events for the Coastal Virginia business community. Times and locations vary by week. 1MillionCups.com/ VirginiaBeach or 1MillionCups.com/ Williamsburg
INDIVIDUAL JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE
FEB. 2, MARCH 2: From resumes to interviews to setting your professional goals, get some individual assistance for your job search. 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Ruth Camp-Campbell Memorial Library, Franklin. 757-562-4801. FranklinSouthHamptonVa.com
RESUME ROUNDUP WORKSHOP
FEB. 3: Join the career workshop to help create a resume or make adjustments to strengthen your current resume. Free. 10:30–11:30 a.m. Little Creek Branch Library, Norfolk. RSVP to GBryant@OIHR.com
757 MAKERSPACE OPEN BUILD NIGHT
ODU FINANCE AND INSURANCE PLANNING CAREER FAIR
FEB. 15: Gather at Old Dominion University for an event dedicated to professions in finance and insurance for companies and students. It is the perfect time to learn more information in the industries and help find internships and careers. Free. 5–7 p.m. Register online. ODU Webb Center, Norfolk. Eventbrite.com
STARTUP NIGHT
FEB. 16, MARCH 16: Network with other Coastal Virginia entrepreneurs, inventors and tech enthusiasts. Free. 6–7 p.m. Hatch, Norfolk. StartWithHatch.com
CONTINUING BUSINESS EDUCATION WORKSHOPS
FEB. 17, MARCH 10, 31: The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation will host three sessions on strategic business planning and management as part of the NEXT Program’s workshop events. $20–$25. Register online. NetworkPeninsula.org
FEB. 3, MARCH 3: A community workspace for education, creation, entrepreneurial and prototyping endeavors—a gym for innovators. Featuring: woodshop, metal shop, 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, textiles, robotics, electronics and more. 7–10 p.m. 757 Makerspace, Norfolk. 757MakerSpace.com
CBDX ANNUAL CASINO NIGHT
GLOUCESTER COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MARDI GRAS BALL
FEB. 20: Join for a lunch with ODU Football Head Coach Bobby Wilder. $20–$25. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. RSVP online. Hits at the Park, Harbor Park, Norfolk. Eventbrite.com
FEB. 4: The annual Mardi Gras Ball will feature a New Orleans dinner, dancing, a raffle/silent auction and the announcement of the Small Business Award Winners. Gloucester area business and chamber leaders, as well as members of the community, are welcome. $45– $50. 6–10 p.m. Abingdon Ruritan Club, Hayes. 804-693-2425. RSVP to ChamberExec@GloGoChamber.org
NSC LUNCH WITH HARRY MINIUM
FEB. 6: Eat lunch with VirginianPilot Sports Reporter Harry Minium. $20–$25. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. RSVP online. Hits at the Park, Harbor Park, Norfolk. Eventbrite.com
SUFFOLK WRITES: AN OPEN WRITERS GROUP MEETUP
FEB. 7, 21: Share your work and grab some advice to strengthen skills for any level of writing at this meeting. Free. 6–7:45 p.m. Feb. 7, North Suffolk Library, Suffolk. Feb. 21, Morgan Memorial Library, Suffolk. SuffolkPublicLibrary.com
FEB. 18: The Central Business District’s Casino Night is a fun-filled event with games, cocktails, music and food. Town Center, Virginia Beach. TheCBDX.com
NSC LUNCH WITH BOBBY WILDER
MILITARY-FRIENDLY JOB FAIR
FEB. 21: Visit the job fair meant for members of the military to meet representatives from different companies and industries. RSVP online. Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach. HamptonRoads. Eventful.com
it takes to succeed professionally. It also gives companies the chance to meet the minds that will help lead business in the future. 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Hampton Roads Convention Center, Hampton. Register online. VaPeninsulaChamber.com
VIRGINIA SHRM STATE CONFERENCE
MARCH 12–15: The Society for Human Resource Management will host the conference as a chance for networking and sharing new information in human resources. Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg. RSVP online. HamptonRoads. Eventful.com
HIRE PENINSULA CAREER FAIR
MARCH 16: Employers and those on the job hunt can come together to learn more about each other at the event. Interview rooms will be provided for businesses, and job seekers are asked to dress for the job and bring resumes to share. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Marriott Hotel, Newport News. Register online. Eventbrite.com
BUSINESS CONNECTION AFTER HOURS
MARCH 23: Share your business cards and ideas while networking with fellow professionals in the area. Free. 5–7 p.m. Stratford University, Newport News. Register online. VirginiaPeninsulaChamber.com
DYNAMIC DIVA TOWN HALL MEETING
MARCH 25: Businesses and residents are welcome to meet members of the charity Dynamic DIVAs to promote awareness and a positive image for multi-cultural females. Activities and sponsorship opportunities will be addressed at the meeting. 1–4 p.m. Kempsville Public Library, Virginia Beach. Register online. Eventbrite.com
BIZCONNECT HAMPTON ROADS MEMBER MEETUP
FEB. 22, MARCH 22: Come as a guest to network and expand business opportunities with the Hampton Roads-based group. 8–10 a.m. Feb. 22, iFLY, Virginia Beach. March 22, Storybook Studios, Chesapeake. BIZConnectHR.com
YOUTH CAREER EXPO—2017
MARCH 2: The 8th annual Youth Career Expo provides Peninsula school division students the chance to meet business members in different fields of work to learn what
See more events online, and submit events to our calendar at
CoVaBizMag.com
To submit your event for the Pencil It In calendar, email Ryan@CoVaBIZMag.com W W W. C O V A B I Z M A G . C O M
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BIZ REPORT | DRESS FOR SUCCESS
DRESS FOR SUCESS
What Suits You CHOOSING A BASIC BUSINESS ENSEMBLE By Ryan Miller
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hether you’re going in for an interview or meeting with new clients, the very first impression you’ll make is with your suit. Choosing the right suit can say a lot about who you are and how much you care about presentation and professionalism. It’s also an investment into your future. When you choose the right suit, you’re setting the tone for how you will regularly present yourself in your career and during important business situations. Shopping for a great suit can be tricky, and you may have some initial questions. How many buttons? What kind of fabric should I look for? Can I pull off a pinstripe? What about shoes to match? Luckily, Raymond Peele from Dan Ryan’s For Men has the answers. He shares with us some quick tips to remember when picking out a stylish and versatile business suit. CHOOSE SOLID COLORS. Look for practical colors such as charcoal, navy blue, or grey. You’ll be wearing this suit with various hues of shirts, and these suit shades are more versatile. These colors also prove to be more approachable. Avoid pinstriped suits that you wouldn’t necessarily wear every day since the stripes would clash with other patterns. WOOL IS BEST. Selecting a wool suit will prepare you for four seasons of suit wearing, providing warmth in winter and breathability in summer, as well. Wool is also easy to care for as it doesn’t wrinkle. OPT FOR A TWO-BUTTONED SUIT. Two buttons add flexibility for movement and more space if you have a larger torso. It’s also a simple, uncluttered look as opposed to suits with three or even four buttons. Button the top button, but always leave the bottom button unfastened. PAIR WITH BROWN OR BLACK SHOES. The same rule applies for your shoes as it does with your suit. Solid colors, such as brown and black, are more versatile and pair with more options of clothing. Black shoes will give the most options for wearing with a solid, dark suit, while brown shoes pair nicely with blue suits. For a great selection and expert advice in suit shopping, visit Dan Ryan’s For Men at Hilltop North Shopping Center, 1612 Laskin Rd., Virginia Beach. Call 757-425-0660, or visit DanRyansForMen.com for store hours and more info.
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BIZ REPORT | THE WATERCOOLER NONPROFIT
CHARITY GOLF CLASSIC This past September the 2nd Annual Langley for Families Charity Golf Classic raised $238,000 for local family charities. WVEC Sports Anchor Scott Cash emceed the event, which was held at the Kingsmill Resort River Course in Williamsburg. Two impressive trips were awarded during a Shoot Out round. Langley for Families Foundation operates outside of Langley Federal Credit Union’s existing charitable giving structure and concentrates on supporting organizations that serve the needs of families, specifically healthcare, housing and human services, safety and security and financial education. Learn more at LangleyForFamilies.org.
CHAS FOUNDATION DONATES TO CHKD’S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAM The Chas Foundation presented a $40,000 gift to CHKD to support staff training and education for CHKD’s pediatric behavioral health program. CHKD offers outpatient pediatric behavioral health treatment at CHKD health centers throughout the region, giving children and families access to mental health services now in unprecedented demand close to home and in the same place they receive trusted care for their physical health concerns. Tucker Corprew, president and founder of The Chas Foundation, says, “The Chas Foundation is dedicated to helping families find effective treatment for their children with behavioral health challenges, and we recognize the importance of early intervention. Supporting the mental health of local children in our community is a priority for us.”
Pam Barefoot and Elizabeth Lankford
(LEFT TO RIGHT): Justin Sweetman of DEI, winner of a trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for the David Ortiz Celebrity Golf Classic; Langley President/ CEO Tom Ryan; Langley for Families Chairperson Marilyn Kuhn, and Will Prince of Thompson & McMullan PC, winner of a trip to Scotland.
BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS
(LEFT TO RIGHT): Karen Gershman, executive director of development at CHKD; Margaret Ballard, Beth Lloyd and Jane Steinhilber, The Chas Foundation board members; Stephanie Osler, director of behavioral health at CHKD, Tucker Corprew, founder and president of The Chas Foundation; and Beau Kirkwood, executive director of The Chas Foundation.
FALL CELEBRATION SUPPORTS INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES Approximately 400 people jammed to bluegrass music by More Perfect Jones and enjoyed barbecue from Malbon Bros., oysters from Welton’s Seafood and craft beer from Tradition Brewing Co. this past September at the first “It’s Fall, Ya’ll” celebration at St. Mary’s Home. The event raised nearly $27,000 to support children and adults with disabilities. PRA Group, Inc., a longtime supporter of the nonprofit and the presenting sponsor of the event, donated $25,000. Spiderman, Captain America and Iron Man appeared during the event, courtesy of the Hampton Roads Superhero Squad, a group dedicated to children with special needs. Learn more about PRA Group in our Best Places to Work feature on page 46.
ROAST ON THE RIVER FOR DANIEL’S GRACE Daniel’s Grace held their third annual Roast on the River in November at Steinhilber’s Restaurant. Attendees enjoyed oysters and other foods, including fried chicken from Sweetwater Cuisine and fried shrimp from Steinhilber’s, along with mixed drinks, pies and cakes. The event raised $127,000 for Daniel’s Grace, a local nonprofit organization that provides sustenance, ease of financial burden and support for daily living for families stricken with cancer. Learn more at DanielsGrace.org.
BLUE CRAB BAY COMPANY SOLD
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amela Barefoot, founder and longtime president of specialty food company Blue Crab Bay Co. in Melfa, has sold the company in an asset sale to Eastern Shore of Maryland native Elizabeth Lankford. Lankford’s family is well-known on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia. Her grandfather Stanley began Lankford Produce in 1964 and soon was joined by her father, Tom, and uncles Fred and Jim. In 1981, Lankford Produce merged with Sysco Corp., of which Lankford-Sysco Food Services, now Sysco Eastern Maryland, became a vital subsidiary. Founded in 1985, Blue Crab Bay has evolved into a nationally recognized, awardwinning specialty food brand, with a line that includes award-winning Virginia peanut snacks, Bloody Mary mixes, seafood seasonings and Blue Crab Stonewear. Barefoot plans to continue to work at Blue Crab Bay for at least two more years.
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BIZ REPORT | THE WATERCOOLER AWARDS
ACCESS College Foundation Receives Bank Of America Neighborhood Builders Award ACCESS College Foundation, a local nonprofit agency that helps students and parents navigate the college admission and financial aid processes, recently received Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders Award. Through the program, Bank of America empowers nonprofits to meet the changing needs in their communities by connecting them to leadership training development and $200,000 in flexible funding. ACCESS was one of 62 organizations from across the country chosen as an award recipient. The organization will use the funding to expand their services and connect ACCESS Scholars with internships and job opportunities. Bonnie B. Sutton, President & CEO of ACCESS College Foundation, accepted Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders Award from Charlie Henderson, Market President of Bank of America.
EDUCATION
Early Education Business Program Nine businesses and 14 participants recently graduated from the Early Education Business Program administered by Virginia Beach GrowSmart and the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce Small Business Development Center. The program is a small business training and mentoring program for owners and directors of early childhood businesses. Centers that participate in the year-long program receive training on best business practices. The primary goal is to create sustainable small businesses that have the infrastructure to fully engage and pursue industry certification through the Virginia Quality Initiative or national accreditation.
OPENING
ADP OPENED NEW SERVICE AND IMPLEMENTATION LOCATION IN NORFOLK ADP, a comprehensive global provider of cloud-based human capital management solutions, formally opened a new service and implementation facility in Norfolk. The company welcomed more than 300 associates to a new signature building, which will eventually hold 1,800 employees. ADP has already hired 23 veterans and seven military spouses in Norfolk, part of a larger team of more than 1,000 veterans who currently work at the company. Once fully staffed, the Norfolk facility will be one of ADP’s largest such centers in the U.S., attracting associates to work with clients on cloudbased services in an environment that includes a company cafeteria, a variety of associate amenities and a tech bar for speedy support with hardware and software challenges. ADP helps companies build better workforces by uniting HR, payroll, talent, time, tax and benefits administration. The company is a leader in business outsourcing services, analytics and compliance expertise. The official ribbon cutting for ADP’s new facility in Downtown Norfolk was held on Dec. 2. More than 100 state and local dignitaries, ADP executives and guests attended the event, including ADP CEO Carlos Rodriguez, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore and Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Cooper Alexander. The ADP building is located at 2 Commercial Place, Norfolk. Learn more at ADP.com.
ALDI OPENED IN VIRGINIA BEACH ALDI opened its first Virginia Beach store in December. The grocery store chain prides itself on offering high-quality products at low prices. The new location features organic produce, USDA choice beef and products from SimplyNature and liveGfree, a gluten-free grocery line. ALDI is located at 1436 Kempsville Rd., Virginia Beach. Visit ALDI.us for more information.
ESCAPE ROOM OPENED PENINSULA LOCATION
2016 Early Education Business Program graduates with Mayor Will Sessoms, who delivered the keynote address. 18
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The creators of Escape Room Virginia Beach opened a second location in Hampton’s Peninsula Town Center in December. Escape Room Virginia Peninsula features four rooms filled with clues that participants will use to solve puzzles to complete a mission. Escape
(LEFT TO RIGHT): Dinora Sanchez, senior vice president, Global Business Transformation; Debbie Dyson, corporate vice president of Client Experience and Continuous Improvement; Todd Haymore, Virginia secretary of commerce and trade; Carlos Robriguez, CEO; Kenneth Alexander, mayor of Norfolk; Nick Maniaci, division vice president, Business Transformation.
Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore, ADP CEO Carlos Rodriguez. Photos courtesy of ADP and Terree Neal Photography, Norfolk.
Room is a popular group activity for families and friends, as well as a fun teambuilding experience for coworkers. Escape Room Virginia Peninsula is located at 4410 East Claiborne Square, Hampton. Call 757915-6240, or visit EscapeRoomVirginiaPeninsula. com to learn more.
AT HOME OPENING IN HAMPTON The At Home store, a home furnishings and décor retailer, is scheduled to open in Hampton’s Riverdale Plaza Shopping Center this spring. The store will be 91,000 square feet and will employ about 25 full- and part-time employees. This location marks the sixth At Home store in Virginia; another Coastal Virginia location is in Chesapeake. At Home will be at 1072 W. Mercury Blvd., Hampton. Visit AtHome.com to learn more.
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BIZ REPORT | THE WATERCOOLER HEALTH
GROUNDBREAKING
New Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center in Chesapeake
Bon Secours Medical Plaza at Taylor Road Centre in Chesapeake Opening This Spring
Sentara Clinical Trial Finds Copper-Infused Products Reduce Hospital-Acquired Infections A 10-month clinical trial at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk has determined that hard surfaces and linens infused with copper oxide compounds contributed to a significant reduce in hospital-acquired infections. Sentara Healthcare partnered with Richmond-based Cupron, Inc., which invented the proprietary copper oxide technology used in the surfaces and textiles, and Norfolk-based EOS Surfaces, LLC, which developed the unique copper oxide-impregnated hard surfaces. EOS manufactured custom-made countertops, bathroom sinks, bedside tables and bedrails that were installed in 124 patient rooms in the newly-built East Tower at Sentara Leigh, plus copperinfused work surfaces at nursing and charting stations, in soil rooms and other common areas. EOS was featured in CoVa BIZ magazine’s June/July 2016 issue as one of the 15 small and innovative businesses on the rise in Coastal Virginia.
(LEFT TO RIGHT): Joseph Oddis, CEO, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center; Julie Kosiorek, administrative director, In Motion Physical Therapy; Sister Christine Webb, CBS; Chris Sanders, Robinson Development; Dr. Richard West, vice mayor, City of Chesapeake; Art Collins, chair, Bon Secours Hampton Roads Board of Directors; Michael Kerner, CEO, Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System; Mark Kuntz, executive director, Bon Secours Medical Group.
TECHNOLOGY
VIRGINIA BEACH LISTED ON BEST PLACES TO LIVE FOR TECH ENTREPRENEURS TechInsurance, a national technology insurance company, recently listed Virginia Beach on their list of the “Best Places to Live for Tech Entrepreneurs.” The report outlines 31 IT destination cities around the country that have a booming tech scene, as well as some distinguishing factor. Virginia Beach was noted on the list as one of the “Best Places for Beach Bums.”
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
In October a new type of orthopaedic center opened in Chesapeake that integrated patient feedback for more services, easier access and more privacy. Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center is already established in the area and now combines three of its offices into a stateof-the-art center in Chesapeake. The center will offer four different services, including orthopaedic, spine, physical and occupational therapy and interventional pain medicine. Patients will see many benefits from the new center, including cost savings, better pain medicine and more services. The new center is located at 501 Discovery Dr., Chesapeake. Call 757-547-5145, or visit SMOC-PT.com to learn more.
Bon Secours Hampton Roads Health System announced that construction has begun on the new Bon Secours Medical Plaza at Taylor Road Centre. The Medical Plaza will be a two-story, 30,000-square-foot medical office space that includes In Motion Physical Therapy (which is relocating from Chesapeake square) and two primary care practices of Bon Secours Medical Group. An official groundbreaking ceremony took place in December. The facility is scheduled for completion in spring of 2017.
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BIZ REPORT | ON THE MOVE
ON THE Inocencio Albrincoles with Hope House Foundation has received the Direct Support Professional Award for Excellence by the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed. The award is given to an individual whose dedication, advocacy, compassion, competence, person-centered approaches and collaboration result in improved quality of life, health and wellness, and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs. Hope House Foundation is the only organization in Virginia that provides support for people with developmental disabilities exclusively in their own homes. Currently, it serves people in Norfolk, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. Jim Bourey, Newport News city manager, has been chosen as chairman for 2017 by the Board of the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance. Surgeon L.D. Britt, MD, MPH, was elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM), becoming the first faculty member from EVMS to receive this distinction—considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine. Dr. Jessica Coleman is the new medical director for the Riverside Center for Excellence in Aging and Lifelong Health. In her role, Coleman will help grow the scale and scope of services offered through the senior citizen-centered nonprofit, including community outreach and education. Kevin Daisey, owner of iD Web in Virginia Beach, was named to the National Small Business Association (NSBA) Leadership Council. Daisey, a recognized leader in the small business community, joins the NSBA Leadership Council alongside other small business advocates from across the country as they work to promote the interests of small business to policymakers in Washington, D.C. Dr. Jeffrey D. Forman has been appointed to chief medical officer of population health for Bayview Physicians Group. Forman will provide leadership and oversight of Bayview Physicians Group’s Population Health Management Programs, which include several new initiatives designed to improve health outcomes for patients.
MOVE
William E. Franczek, a partner at Vandeventer Black LLP, was recently selected as a fellow of the College of Commercial Arbitrators.
Dawn S. Glynn has been named TowneBank’s president and regional executive officer of Chesapeake, Portsmouth/Suffolk and North Carolina. Glynn, a founding TowneBank member with more than 30 years of experience, will work closely with the leaders of the respective regions in commercial lending, branch management, business development and overall relationship management. She also oversees the bank’s private banking division. Reese Jackson has been named the next president and CEO of Chesapeake Regional Healthcare. Jackson is an accomplished healthcare strategist with more than two decades of progressive leadership experience in diverse healthcare settings and organizations across the country. Bill Harrington has been promoted to senior vice president of property operations for The Franklin Johnston Group, a leading Virginia Beach multifamily development and property management firm. Robert A. “Bob” Heely has been selected as the foundation executive director for Harbor’s Edge, a life plan community located in Norfolk. Heely will implement a development plan to improve the quality of life for all current and future residents of Harbor’s Edge. He was previously the vice president for development and community relations at WestminsterCanterbury on Chesapeake Bay following service in the U.S. Marine Corps. Edward “Buzz” Heidt, a lifelong resident of Coastal Virginia and CEO of the PENROD Company, was presented with the Harriman Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service by American Red Cross. Heidt has devoted 33 years of volunteer service to this organization on regional, national and international levels and presently represents the United States on the Governing Board of the International Federation of Red Cross.
Bruce and Carol Horner, Virginia Beach area Travel Leaders and travel agents, were honored as Travel Leaders’ 2016 “Agency of Excellence” award winners at the 2016 Travel Leaders National Meeting in New Orleans.
Krista Hunstein has been appointed to vice president of sales and marketing for the Southeast division of RynohLive, an innovative financial security and management software company specialized for the real estate and settlement industry.
Marie Peace has been promoted to vice president of compliance for The Franklin Johnston Group, a leading Virginia Beach multifamily development and property management firm. Tammy Robbs has been named chief financial officer of VersAbility Resources. She will be responsible for the oversight and management of VersAbility’s budget.
Rebecca Kleinhample has been named executive director of the Virginia Living Museum by the museum’s Board of Trustees. Kleinhample has been serving as interim director since Dec. 1 and has been the museum’s development director since July 2014.
Regina Scott, managing broker of the Barkshire Hathaway HomeServices Towne Realty Peninsula region, was named Women’s Council Coastal Virginia Network 2017 president.
Wendy Lewis has been promoted to senior vice president, mortgage marketing director of TowneBank Mortgage. Lewis has played an instrumental role in TowneBank Mortgage’s merge with Monarch Mortgage in 2016 and has greatly expanded the products and services offered by the marketing department.
Sharon Shoff, Second Act Communities Vice President of Pre-Development Services, was recognized at the 10th Annual Hampton Roads Housing Coalition’s Annual Awards Ceremony for her excellence in providing housing and community development in Hampton Roads.
Eric Miller has been hired as the first executive vice president of business development for the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance. Miller previously served as director of the Industrial Development Office for the Muskogee City-County Port Authority, in Muskogee, Okla.
Rob Shuford, Jr., president and CEO of Old Point National Bank, was named Virginia Association of Community Banks’ Community Banker of the Year for 2016. Nominees were evaluated based on their leadership and community involvement, as well as for their industry advocacy and contributions to the vitality of their bank.
Jeremy Moss was recently elected by the Community Associations Institute as chair of the Virginia Legislative Action Committee. Moss was already serving as vice president of the committee. In his role, Moss will provide accurate, timely and influential input to Virginia legislators and the public at large. James (Jim) B. Oliver, Jr. will be presented with the 2016 Distinguished Service Medal as Norfolk’s First Citizens in Civic Affairs by the Cosmopolitan Club of Norfolk. The presentation will be held at a semi-formal banquet on April 8, 2017 at the Norfolk Yacht & Country Club.
Brian K. Skinner has been named TowneBank’s president and regional executive officer of the Peninsula and Williamsburg. Skinner leads the Peninsula and Williamsburg teams in commercial lending, branch management, business development and overall relationship management. In his expanded role, he will oversee the retail banking, treasury services/merchant credit card and the public finance and community investment divisions of the bank. Glenn Sutch was chosen to manage Norfolk’s Waterside District as president. Sutch, who lives in Norfolk, will oversee all aspects of Waterside, which will ultimately employ about 1,000 people.
Send updates on new jobs, promotions, honors and awards, along with a headshot, to Angela Blue at Angela@CoVaBIZMag.com, with the subject line On the Move. 20
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BIZ REPORT | ON THE MOVE
Scott Tilley has been elected as chairman of the Virginia Manufacturers Association’s Board of Directors. Tilley is general counsel for STIHL Inc. Larry Townsend, a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Towne Realty REALTOR®, was honored by Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® as Realtor of the Year. This highest of honors is bestowed upon the REALTOR® who best represents all that is held in high regard: spirit, commitment, integrity, involvement and accomplishment. Townsend also received the Community Service Award, given to a REALTOR® who has shown outstanding community service achievement and service. Fred Whyte, STIHL Inc. board chairman, was recently honored by the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates with a joint resolution outlining his successful tenure with the company. The resolution outlined Whyte’s career, from his start as one of the company’s first 50 employees to his community leadership across Southeast Virginia, as well as his work as a leader in the outdoor power equipment industry and his service to several national industry trade associations. Henry C. Wolf, retired vice chairman and chief financial officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, has been elected chair of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Board of Trustees. Wolf, who has served on the board since 2007, succeeds Thomas F. Farrell II, chairman, president and CEO of Dominion Resources, whose term as a trustee continues through 2018. Courtney Wolfe was chosen to manage Norfolk’s Waterside District as private events director. Wolfe, a Hampton Roads native, will be responsible for managing events held at Waterside while providing support for various marketing activities. Sylvia Woods, a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Towne Realty REALTOR®, was honored by Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® with the award of Sales Team of the Year. This prestigious award is given to a REALTOR®’s team based upon integrity, sales achievements, character, service, professional knowledge and association involvement. Robert Young, a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Towne Realty REALTOR®, was honored by Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS® with the Code of Ethics Award. This award is given to the REALTOR® who has shown a consistent level of upholding the REALTOR® code of ethics while serving clients and helping peers within the real estate industry.
Don’t think and drive; just think... I’ll drive!
417 Thalia Rd., Ste. #104, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 757-567-0353 • www.getsetgo.us
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BIZ REPORT | NETWORKING NEWS
COVA BIZ TOP LAWYERS RECEPTION
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n Nov. 30, CoVa BIZ held a reception at the Virginia Arts Festival building in Norfolk to recognize the Top Lawyers of 2016–2017. Sweetwater Cuisine provided a delightful assortment of savory and sweet bites for guests to enjoy, and Premier Events set up a photo area for Top Lawyers and their guests to have their photos taken on a faux magazine cover. The list of 2016–2017 Top Lawyers appeared in the December/January issue of CoVa BIZ.
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SPONSORED CONTENT
You started Blu Skyy Realty in 2008 when the housing market crashed. How did you find success and keep your business afloat during this time? My motto was: Be. Here. Now. Being in the moment when BluSkyy was small and nimble allowed me to shift and adjust to changes quickly. Several brokerages were closing around this time, so I took that as an opportunity to build and grow something different. In order to fill the needs of our customers as the industry was changing, I had to be fluid in our systems and processes. Failure wasn’t an option.
FEATURED EO MEMBER:
Frank Tommaso
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Founder and CEO, Blu Skyy Realty
rank Tommaso is the founder and CEO of Blu Skyy Realty, a full service real estate company that uses cutting edge technology to guide clients through any real estate transaction. He’s constantly seeking innovative ways to improve the real estate process and to make good things happen for other people. Tommaso has been a member of EO for five years.
What sets Blu Skyy apart from other real estate businesses in Coastal Virginia? There is a paradigm shift taking place in real estate due to dynamic advances in technology and internet capabilities. More realtors are working from home, and 90 percent of homebuyers are searching online. The Blu Skyy agent-centered model allows our professionals to build their own businesses and careers by working, training and collaborating together in the cloud. We’ve eliminated the costs associated with a typical brick and mortar brokerage, allowing us to give our agents the highest splits possible. A Blu Skyy agent starts with an 80 percent split, with the ability to get to 100 percent very easily. We want our agents to treat their career with BluSkyy as their own businesses. We provide all that any entrepreneur would need in real estate—including a virtual storefront, back-of-the house CRM system, and one-click purchasing of their leads and ads. Our system can easily be navigated
for any part-time or full-time agent, throughout the state of Virginia. Our realtors know our system works, and we encourage them to refer new agents. They receive a $10,000 bonus for every agent they recruit to join Blu Skyy. On the client side, our buyers and sellers benefit from the ease of a consistently smooth transaction and savings by utilizing our preferred providers for mortgage, title, etc. I invite you to drop by TheBluSkyyWay.com to learn more about all the benefits we offer! What’s the most valuable real estate tip you’ve learned since starting Blu Skyy? Answer your phone. It sounds simple, but so many people in this industry are not readily available. What advice do you have for entrepreneurs who are just getting their business off the ground? Communication with your spouse/partner is key. In order to have success, your partner needs to be on board and ride the ups and downs of owning a business. For those that are single—you’re not anymore. You just got yourself into a long-term relationship. How do you feel your EO membership has affected your business? EO has expanded my focus on being not only better at my business but also better for my family and myself. It has changed my view in that now I work on my business rather than in it. The support of like-minded individuals is invaluable and help keeps your sanity in check.
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BEYOND THE BIZ MOBILE BUSINESSES
Driving Success ENTREPRENEURS TAKING THEIR BUSINESS ON THE ROAD By Barrett Baker, Jamie McAllister and Chelsea Sherman
4TH GENERATION LUXURY MOBILE BARBER SHOP By Barrett Baker
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ne good trait of a great barber is having the gift of gab—being able to converse with a multitude of people from different backgrounds and interests with the same enthuAny entrepreneur knows that starting a new business is trysiasm and warmth. Donna Smith, the owner ing. There’s the stress of waiting for customers to find you, of 4th Generation Luxury Mobile Barber Shop brings that to the table and a whole lot more when it comes to getting the worry of finding the perfect location, the expense of seta haircut. For one thing, she still believes in the tradition of ting up a brick-and-mortar site. These three entrepreneurs using a straight razor for shaves. For another thing, she’ll bring are leaving some of these hassles behind them by starting her services right to the front door of your home or office. mobile ventures. Their businesses may not have a perma“I really am a fourth-generation barber,” Smith says. “My dad nent address, and they do have to factor in other costs like and his father still cut hair. My grandfather, at age 84, has been cutting hair for 67 years.” She never knew her great grandfather, vehicle maintenance, but with a drive who passed away before she was born, but she has done some to succeed and a full tank of genealogy searches and has found census reports that prove he’s gas, these business ownwhere it all started. ers are making deals However, the idea for a mobile barbershop came from her father, on wheels. who sent her an article from Facebook that showed how another woman had turned an Airstream trailer into retro hair salon. “It was kind of a joke then,” Smith says. “But after considering it a little more, I thought, ‘That would be rather neat.’” An opportunity fell in her lap in April 2016, and by November she was up and running in a Mercedes Sprinter 3500 van that was completely custom built in Virginia Beach. In addition to an original 1949 barber chair that has been fully restored, the mobile barber experience offers two flat screen televisions—one that has a PlayStation 4 hooked up to it, while the other is reserved for DVDs, if that’s what the customer prefers. She has Sirius radio and charging stations for every kind of electronic device currently used. She even has two leather chairs with seatbelts for passengers, and there is a full workstation in the back of the van. If you want something to drink during your visit, the van comes with a beverage cooler. One might think that such a luxury experience would cost a pretty penny, but Smith keeps her rates very affordable, considering the types of services and convenience provided. A haircut is just $25, military cuts are $20, beard trims are $10, and her famous, straight razor shave is only $35. “Anything you can count on from a regular barbershop, you can get from me,” Smith says. “After every haircut, I always do a hot lather shave around the ears and on the back of the neck, which a lot of barbers don’t do anymore. The straight razor is part of the history and heritage of being a barber, so it’s still important to me to provide that as part of my services.” Operating under the motto: “A modern convenience for today’s busy 24
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professionals,” Smith works primarily in Virginia Beach, but she will schedule appointments in other locations, depending on demand. She hopes to make ties with the military bases so she can make those a regular stop, and she’d like to eventually set up in Downtown Norfolk on a given day so local businessmen don’t have to use up their lunch hour travelling back and forth from their current barber. “I’ll just find a place to park somewhere, and they can come down directly to me.” Credit cards and gift cards are accepted. Extended hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m., and Saturday from 2–7 p.m. To make an appointment, call or text 757-751-5149 or email 4thgenerationbarber@gmail.com. You can also visit Smith’s website at 4thGenBarber.com.
PHOTOS BY JIM PILE
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BEYOND THE BIZ | MOBILE BUSINESSES
DOVE & DAISY SPA By Chelsea Sherman
PHOTO BY MEREDITH RYNCARZ
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PHOTO BY CORY WRIGHT
PHOTO BY CORY WRIGHT PHOTO BY CORY WRIGHT
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hen Patrice Jocson’s grandfather passed down his RV to his son, he never imagined it would be transformed into Coastal Virginia’s first luxury travel spa. But when Patrice and her father, Jerry Dalesandro, began brainstorming what to do with their unused camper sitting in storage, the idea to use it for kids’ parties seemed like a natural fit. “My dad came up with the idea to do birthday parties,” Jocson says. “My family has always worked with children in some fashion, so it was an easy decision. I just ran with the idea and put my own twist on it with the spa, and the idea came to life.” Dalesandro performed the renovations on the RV, transforming it from a drab camper into a fabulous party pad on wheels. Together with Jocson’s mother, Karen, the family spent a year decking it out—thoughtfully choosing every paint tint, curtain and sweet phrase displayed in the traveling spa. “It was important to me that we make it not only a place to have fun but also a place where girls would feel confident and beautiful in their own skin,” Jocson says. The Dove & Daisy Spa became fully operational in January 2016 and has had many uses since. The mobile spa is a great option for girls getting ready for prom and other school dances and events. The girls get treated to a memorable spa day, and parents can rest assured that their daughters are in responsible hands. “Instead of going to the mall makeup counters and getting their makeup caked on, our spa provides a better option. We’ll provide a look that’s beautiful, but we will make sure that it’s age appropriate and that the girls still look like themselves,” Jocson says. The family also rents the spa out to bridal parties. It serves as the perfect bridal suite for brides whose venues do not provide one. Brides can bring in their own stylists and get ready right on site.
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PHOTO BY CORY WRIGHT
PHOTO BY MEREDITH RYNCARZ
BEYOND THE BIZ | MOBILE BUSINESSES
But right away, Jocson realized her niche was parties for girls and young women. The spa offers a plethora of party packages to appeal to girls in a variety of age groups with a range of interests. Girls can choose to have a traditional spa party with makeup and manicures, a fancy tea party, a painting class or a friendship bracelet party. For older girls, Jocson offers skincare lessons, makeup tutorials and a glamorous sweet 16 package. All the parties can be customized with various activities like a photobooth, karaoke, personalized water bottles and a cupcake booth. Whether it’s a group of 5-year-old girls dressing up like princesses and getting the royal treatment or a party of preteens learning to love the skin they’re in, Jocson’s goal is to make it an uplifting experience for the girls. “I’m passionate about helping young girls feel good about themselves and be kind to each other,” Jocson says. “It’s about creating an unforgettable experience for them while building up their self-esteem.” Jocson’s father drives the RV to the party location, and Jocson and her mother host the party and provide all the services. With a background in graphic design and makeup artistry, Jocson has the credentials to provide the spa treatment and lead the art activities. Karen happily handles the decor, snacks and other details that make the parties a flawless experience for the girls. “The girls’ expressions when they get on board makes it so worth it for me,” Jocson says. “They just glow; it’s the best day of their lives.” Learn more at DoveAndDaisySpa.com. W W W. C O V A B I Z M A G . C O M
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BEYOND THE BIZ | MOBILE BUSINESSES
GLAWMOROUS PET PAWLOR By Jamie McAllister
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rooming and bathing an animal can be a tedious chore for even the most devoted pet parent, and many owners hate the thought of leaving their pet at the groomer all day while they are at work. A Glawmorous Pet Pawlor, a mobile grooming unit in Coastal Virginia, takes the hassle and worry out of keeping four-legged family members looking their best. Owner Donna Hall-McPherson became a certified groomer in 2003 and took a job as grooming manager at a veterinarian’s office in Virginia Beach. But when the building housing the vet’s office was torn down, she suddenly had nowhere to work. “I couldn’t find a place that fit my budget and my needs,” Hall-McPherson explains. “I had seen mobile groomers in this area, but there weren’t many, so I decided to go mobile myself.” Hall-McPherson hit the road in 2007 to provide full-service grooming for dogs and cats. She parks her truck outside each client’s home or business, saving a trip to the
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BEYOND THE BIZ | MOBILE BUSINESSES
groomer or an all-day stay. Both of her two trucks contain everything she and her staff need, including a grooming table, bathing area and numerous cubbyholes for stashing supplies. The larger truck holds 100 gallons of water, while the smaller truck holds 40 gallons. Large, selfcontained generators in each vehicle keep things humming. Since Hall-McPherson only schedules one grooming appointment at a time, she can provide highly personalized service to clients. Prior to taking an animal onto her truck, she makes sure she understands exactly what the owner is requesting and can make suggestions based on each animal’s individual needs. Pet parents are also invited to accompany her to the truck to be with their animal during the grooming. “A mobile unit is perfect for animals with temperament or health issues because there are no distractions from other animals,” Hall-McPherson
says. “I really enjoy being able to work with dogs and cats that others don’t have the patience for.” Hall-McPherson has helped numerous pet parents who thought they could never get their animals professionally groomed. “I met a woman whose corgi was aggressive, and no other groomer would touch it,” Hall-McPherson recalls. “She had tears in her eyes when I groomed the dog because she didn’t think it would ever be possible. Many of my clients are so grateful because they were worried they would never be able to find a groomer who could take care of their pets with special needs.” Many of Hall-McPherson’s clients have pets that require special attention, while others are busy professionals who prefer the convenience of curbside service. The Pet Pawlor also serves senior citizens who have mobility issues, are no longer able to drive or don’t own a vehicle. Regardless of why her clients require the ser-
vices of a mobile groomer, Hall-McPherson is happier running a business on wheels. “I love the freedom of not being stuck in one place all day,” she says. “And I love meeting people and their pets.” With freedom comes challenges, including managing expenses when gas prices spike and dealing with hazardous road conditions due to severe winter weather. “I have had to reschedule because of inclement weather, which can have an impact on my bottom line,” Hall-McPherson says. “Repairs to the trucks can also be very expensive.” Working with animals is Hall-McPherson’s passion, and every day she comes to work with a big smile on her face. “I love being able to laugh, sing and kid around with my staff,” she says. “And I love that people share their pets with me.” For more information, visit Facebook.com/ AGlawmorousPetPawlor
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BEYOND THE BIZ | FAMILY BUSINESS
FAMILY BUSINESS
Generations Of Jewelry GOODMAN & SONS JEWELERS CELEBRATE LIFE’S MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS By Barrett Baker
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oodman & Sons began in 1947 when Stanley Goodman retired from the Navy and started a watch and jewelry repair concession at Fort Eustis. He and his wife, Lena, continued to run the business until 1975 when Stanley suffered from a heart attack and had to have bypass surgery. Even though his sons had not anticipated going into the business, the three brothers, Stuart, Ned and Eric, all came together to pitch in while dad was recuperating. “I didn’t have any inkling initially of going into the family business prior to that,” says Stuart Goodman. “I was happy to help here and there, at Christmas and over the summer breaks from school. So I had an understanding of the business, but I had planned on going into the insurance business, to be perfectly honest.” But when his father got back on his feet and wanted to open another watch and jewelry repair shop at Langley Air Force Base in 1977, Stuart and the brothers started to change their career paths. “I was working at Steak & Ale across the street from where our Hampton store is now and going to school at ODU,” Stuart says. “My fiancée at the time, now my wife of 37 years, thought it would be good idea for me to get into the family business. We were struggling students then, and it looked like a pretty good opportunity.” In 1978, Stanley Goodman decided that if they were really going to grow the business, they would have to move away from government bases and get out into the community. They set up their first small store in the Riverdale Plaza, right behind where the Hampton store is now. Over the years, they expanded the business in Hampton and eventually
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opened a new location in Williamsburg at Monticello Marketplace in 1998. In 2005, they moved their Hampton store to its current location on Coliseum Drive. “It really helped us out when they tore the flyover down that used to go to Coliseum Mall before Peninsula Town Center was built,” Stuart laughs. “That really opened up our real estate and gave us a much broader view.” Stuart admits that the earlier years were tough but that they have been very fortunate in building their family business to where it is today. He recalls at one point, when he was disheartened by the long hours, his father sat him down and said, “Do you have any idea what kind of business this is? You’re welcome to go out and look at other businesses, but one of the beautiful things about this business is that you’re always celebrating people’s most memorable moments in life. You need to really look at this business from a people standpoint.” Today, the future looks bright indeed for the Goodmans’ family-owned and -operated business. A third generation of Goodmans is already in place and ready to take the company to the next level. Stuart’s son, Tony, is now the director of opera-
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BEYOND THE BIZ | FAMILY BUSINESS
A case located in Goodman & Sons’ Hampton store shows a sampling of their family business history.
Ned, Eric, Jonathan, Tony and Stuart Goodman.
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tions, and Eric’s son, Jonathan, is acting as a service consultant, working in the shop to help customers with their jewelry repair and maintenance, custom work and purchasing estate jewelry and gold. Obviously, there are pros and cons to working with family, but Stuart is quick to point out that the good parts far outweigh any negatives. “The positive thing about working with family is that you’re dealing with people you know and trust,” he says. “These are people that you feel very confident in knowing that they are looking out for your best interest, the best interest of the business, and the best interest of our employees. We can rely on each other for different things, and we meet regularly to discuss challenges, problems or opportunities that may occur. On the other hand, we are all brothers, and we have our own personalities and thoughts, so trying to make decisions can be challenging sometimes. We used to spend a lot of time going round and round, trying to figure out how to do something, but now we just vote. Since there are three of us, the majority rules.” In the end, it’s the love for each other and their connection to the communities they serve that keeps Goodman & Sons in Coastal Virginia. “All three of the Goodman siblings graduated from Hampton High School,” says Stuart. “We have become a part of the community and have long-term relationships with our customers. We’ve developed a trust with them, which takes years to develop. So if you boil it down, we are branded in the communities we serve. That’s why we didn’t open up a whole bunch of chain stores. Because we wanted to have that relationship with our customers and be a brand in the communities we serve.” Learn more at GoodmanAndSons.com.
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BEYOND THE BIZ | SUCCESS
SUCCESS
In the Market for
Success LINDSEY GERMONO HELPS OTHERS, INCLUDING MILITARY SPOUSES, FIND THEIR ENTREPRENEURIAL WAY By Barrett Baker
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t’s safe to say that Lindsey Germono probably knows the Norfolk Designated Market Area (DMA) better than most. She was born and raised in Norfolk, graduated from Maury High School, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Old Dominion University and her Masters of Business Administration from Regent University. Working as a media rep while attending Regent, she saw that a lot of agencies were “doing it wrong,” and she knew she could do better. So she founded Germono Advertising Company three years ago to prove that hypothesis. And the results have been stellar.
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BEYOND THE BIZ | SUCCESS
“
I love my business, and I love doing what I do, so I work on it every single day.
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CoVa BIZ: Tell us about Germono Advertising Company. Lindsey Germono: The 15-second version is we work with business owners in the Norfolk DMA to help them with their media buying, and we work with anyone in the marketing coaching capacity in branding, marketing and advertising services. The media coaching sessions are for businesses that may not have an advertising budget and need help getting traction. We do a lot of social media management in that space. As a military spouse, I’m really tapped into the military entrepreneurship community, and I serve as an advocate for military entrepreneurship, especially military spouse entrepreneurship. When we started performing our marketing coaching sessions for military spouse-owned businesses, I was thinking, “Wow, these people have really great stories on what they’ve had to do for their businesses when moving with the military. Wouldn’t it be cool if we shared those stories?” So we created a podcast called “Drop and Give Me 20.”
CoVa BIZ: What was the catalyst to start your own company? LG: I didn’t really know what it was like to be a military spouse until we got orders to PCS (Permanent Change Station) to North Carolina. Typically, [military spouses] experience that in their 20s. I was over the 30 hump when I experienced it for the first time, and most military spouses have been through two or three PCSs by that age. But I created my agency because I knew eventually we were going to move, and I wanted to work. CoVa BIZ: Is that a big problem for military spouses? LG: It’s a huge problem. In September 2014, the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) launched the Military Spouse Employment Survey. They found that a large percentage of military spouses were either underpaid or unemployed. The reason being, when someone looks at their resume and sees that they’ve moved every two or three years, it doesn’t look good from a human resources perspective. I know that from an employer standpoint. If I look at a resume and see that, my PHOTO BY JIM PILE
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first reaction is, “They can’t keep a job.” If you dig a little deeper, you’ll find that’s not the case at all. But because military spouses are either often unemployed or take jobs that are way under their skill level, they get depressed because they think they don’t have any other choice. So I also sit on the board of directors for the Milspo Project, a nonprofit that serves to empower and educate military spouse entrepreneurs. CoVa BIZ: How did you manage a successful business in Coastal Virginia while being stationed in North Carolina? LG: I’m back in Norfolk full time now, but I would say 95 percent of my business can be done remotely, including the work performed by my employees. So I have staff in Colorado, Alabama, Florida, Northern Virginia and Connecticut, as well as here. We do virtual meetings each week, and we use a program called Zoom to video conference and keep in touch by instant messaging. CoVa BIZ: What is the secret to your success? LG: First, I work every day. I think that’s hard to wrap your head around, and most people think it’s awful, but to me, it’s not. I love my business, and I love doing what I do, so I work on it every single day. Even when I’m on vacation I’ll set aside some time to check on the agency. Second, I always work 10 steps ahead. We’re more of a boutique agency, and we’re never going to be a Seventh Point, Davis & Company or BCF, so I always have to look at how we’re positioning what we do. Third, “grit” is a word I like to use. Every single day there are obstacles, and you just have to know that you’re going to be swallowing the salty along with the sweet sometimes. You just have to power through that. And finally, I surround myself with like-minded people so our friendships are relatable. If I’m at dinner with someone and check my phone, it’s not because I’m being rude but because I have a business to run. They do the same thing because they have a business to run. That’s just how it is, and it’s helpful to be around other people who understand that. W W W. C O V A B I Z M A G . C O M
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1/21/17 8:55 AM
Best PlacesTo Work Compiled by Angela Blue and Ryan Miller
The Businesses Making Work
Fun Again
Spelling out what makes a great job environment is somewhat of an inexact science. The best people to determine a stellar workplace are the employees who experience it day in and day out. For our first annual Best Places to Work campaign, we asked employees to nominate their companies for consideration. Those featured here, in no particular order, were shared with us by employees and selected for the quality of their
work environments, general company culture, training and development opportunities, tangible and intangible benefits and employee satisfaction, among other things. We congratulate these businesses, as well as their presidents, managers and employees, for creating, advocating and implementing fun, fulfilling and family-forward work atmospheres where employees feel valued and eager to be part of the team.
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360IT 360IT Partners 5269 Cleveland St., Suite 201, Virginia Beach 757-793-2834 • 360ITPartners.com Other location is in Chicago, Ill.
Number of Employees 44 What They Do 360IT PARTNERS is a computer support and IT consulting company providing services to company clients to prevent computer failures and handle technology problems when they occur. Their network support is done remotely or with technicians on site for business in a cost-effective and timely nature. Company Culture 360IT PARTNERS provides employees with opportunities for professional development and decision-making for company policies. There is a focus on advancement through direct interaction with supervisors/ company leaders, recognition of accomplishments and service to the community. The employees at 360IT use a peer rewards and recognition program called Bonus.ly. Each month, the company puts the equivalent of $20 into each employee’s account for coworkers to publicly recognize and reward one another. After accumulating points from coworkers, employees can use those points to buy gift cards and other prizes. Employees celebrate personal events with each other, as well as interact outside of work hours at company events that focus on fun and camaraderie. It’s common for staff members to bring their dog (and sometimes doughnuts) into the office and hang out with their coworkers—on their days off. During a new employee’s first week on the job, that person is given their standard issue Nerf gun to participate in after-hours Nerf wars. Formal Benefits Appropriate compensation Healthcare benefits Opportunities for advancement Retirement/savings options Paid maternity leave
Profit sharing available after one year of employment Holiday bonus Flexibility to work from home Flexible schedules Work Perks Celebration of life events such as marriage, new babies and birthdays Arcade machine, ping pong and dart board tournaments for work breaks Breakroom with artisan coffee, cappuccinos and espressos Stand-up desk for any employee who requests one Out-of-office events (parties, barbecues, Topgolf, family sports nights, etc.) Nerf gun wars Peer rewards program with gifts for recognition of work accomplishments Free computer-based training for many employees Shower facilities available for postworkouts Pot lucks with competitive cooking Texas hold’em in the conference room after work hours
“
…we, the team, are viewed as the company’s most important assets and are highly valued.
”
Why I Love My Job “There is no doubt in my mind that we, the team, are viewed as the company’s most important assets and are highly valued. The people I work with, the energy in the office and the high level of service we provide all make me proud to be a part of the team, and I love going to work.” —Luke Barton, Business Development Director Hiring? Visit 360ITPartners.com/About-Us/ Employment opportunities to learn more. —RM
OPPOSITE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Pastimes like darts, ping pong and classic arcade games break up the work day; 360IT is a pet-friendly workplace. THIS PAGE: Angela Blue, Editorin-Chief for CoVaBIZ, presents a Best Places to Work Award to Luke Barton, Business Development Director for 360IT Partners.
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Enterco Entercom Communications 236 Clearfield Ave., Virginia Beach 757-497-2000 • Entercom.com Other locations are nationwide
Number of Employees 55 full-time employees and approximately 100 with part-time. What They Do Entercom Communications is a national broadcast company that operates several of the area’s radio stations: Z104, 94.9 The Point, 95.7 R&B and 2WD. They also manage events in the media and entertainment
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industry and handle digital marketing for related businesses in the field. They are dedicated to being the best local marketing solutions provider and investing in local talent, news, sports, events, communities and people.
place and rewarding benefits. The company combines its work in the entertainment industry with employee engagement and training by promoting participation in events. These include concerts and company trips for career development.
Company Culture Entercom Communications emphasizes its company values by offering a fun work-
They have an employee advisory council that meets regularly and makes recommendations for how to improve the workplace.
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Entercom is highly diversified in all departments and in all positions, and employees are offered opportunities for advancement. In addition, they’re invested in the community, devoting tremendous resources to community service, including the Children’s Hospital, Toys for Tots, Foodbank, USO and reading initiatives in public schools. They’re also devoted to sustainability and environmental protection and have donated resources to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Elizabeth River Project. Formal Benefits Medical and vision insurance 401(k) Discounted stock purchase plan Student loan reimbursement Quarterly half-day vacation for volunteerism for organization of employee’s choice 13 company/federal holidays Paid vacation Company discounts for cellular phones and other products Work Perks Celebration of life events at work (birthdays, weddings) Company discounts for products and free giveaways from events Free access to entertainment events
om
including in-studio concerts Company flyaways that include professional development and entertainment for top performers Great swag Sponsored community service opportunities Employees are given a survey on level of satisfaction, and any signs of dissatisfaction are immediately addressed Why I Love My Job “I appreciate that we have one common vision, and every resource is given to us to achieve our maximum professional potential. Employees are encouraged to have a healthy work/life balance, and there is great esprit de corps. Employees feel that they can bring any concerns to anyone in the building, and their concerns will be addressed.” —Cheri Pridgen, General Sales Manager Hiring? Yes. Visit Entercom.com/Career_Gateway. —RM OPPOSITE: Employees happily gather to accept their Best Places to Work Award. THIS PAGE FROM TOP: You never know who you’ll meet while working at Entercom; For 11 years, Z104 has partnered with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve: Toys for Tots program to Stuff the Bus. The initiative has collected over 1 million toys for local children in need; Attending concerts is a major perk of a career at Entercom.
“
Employees feel that they can bring any concerns to anyone in the building, and their concerns will be addressed.
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G2
G2 Ops, Inc. 205 Business Park Dr., Suite 200, Virginia Beach 757-965-8330 • G2-Ops.com Other locations are Arlington, Va. and San Diego, Calif.
Number of Employees Approximately 20 What They Do G2 Ops, Inc. is a small business with big capabilities in model-based systems engineering, cybersecurity architectural analysis and strategic consulting. They provide cost-effective solutions to government clients, giving them the tools to model, protect, maintain, grow and optimize their clients’ organizations and critical infrastructures. Company Culture G2 Ops offers benefits normally associated with large businesses while maintaining the cultural aspects normally associated with the high-tech industry and small “mom and pop” businesses. Managers work with each employee to develop a career plan, and the company invests time and resources to help each employee progress on that career plan. At G2 Ops, employees are empowered, encouraged to innovate and recognized for significant contributions to the overall success of the company through bonuses, pay raises, promotions and company parties.
Formal Benefits 100 percent employer-paid medical/ dental/vision insurance Retirement plan Tuition assistance Generous paid time off allowances Work Perks Work/life balance Flexible working hours In-office parties to celebrate events (new contract wins, birthdays, promotions) Off-hours events (scavenger hunts, holiday parties, outings to sporting events) Opportunities for professional development Ability to volunteer for community events during work hours Culture of innovation
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Ops “ We are a fast-growing small business that is focused on the success of its employees, not just the success of its shareholders.
”
Why I Love My Job “G2 Ops has an intimate, family-oriented culture that the owners and managers have fostered … We are a fast-growing small business that is focused on the success of its employees, not just the success of its shareholders.”—Dean Smith, Principal Engineer, IT and Cyber Services Hiring? Yes, they’re always looking for both skilled professionals and college students. Visit G2-Ops.com/Home/Careers to learn more. —AB
TOP: Employees toss a few “ideas” at fun-loving COO Bob Gregorio. BOTTOM: Team building opportunities, like Escape Room Challenge, bring employees at G2 Ops together.
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INIT Inn INIT, Innovations In Transportation, Inc. 1420 Kristina Way #101, Chesapeake 757-413-9100 • INITUSA.com Other locations are worldwide Number of Employees Approximately 90 at their Chesapeake location What They Do INIT is an Intelligent Transportation Systems and Ticketing Systems supplier for public buses and trains. Their services include operating mobile and electronic software for public transportation, including GPS and electronic payment systems. Locally they have partnered with Hampton Roads Transit for The Tide Light Rail to offer advanced statistical and GPS data to make public transportation more efficient. ABOVE: INIT applauds their dedicated, hardworking and innovative employees for their continued success at INIT’s 2016 company retreat at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel. OPPOSITE: Last year INIT formed book clubs where employees were granted two hours weekly to discuss leadership books.
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Company Culture Though they are an international company, INIT uses its resources to emphasize a strong company culture by offering competitive salaries, comprehensive health benefits and recognition of accomplishments.
Work schedules are flexible, and employees are given the opportunity to advance in their profession through company training. Company activities and an open work environment make their work experience more personable and welcoming. INIT gives back to the community through events like Back to School packs, Angel Tree, ForKids fundraiser, FoodBank drives and other company-sponsored initiatives, including contributions to local little league sponsorships. Formal Benefits Appropriate compensation Opportunities for advancement Medical and dental insurance Long- and short-term disability Life insurance Retirement plan Paid maternity and paternity leave
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Paid continuing education, career training and certifications Annual bonuses Stock investments Monetary awards for longevity Educational assistance for trainings or certifications Flexible spending accounts Work Perks Celebration of personal life events Opportunity to travel and work from the company’s headquarters in Germany Parties including Halloween costume contest, chili cook-offs and food truck fiestas Off-site employee retreats In-house brewed Starbucks coffee, as well as specialized coffee, latte, cappuccino and espresso machine
Café style common area for breaks and meetings Volunteer and charity drive opportunities Book clubs for development rather than formal automated training Why I Love My Job “INIT fosters a family atmosphere and completely supports the family life of its employees. Besides the flexible work schedule, team atmosphere and great leadership, the company offers the opportunity to work with an emerging and exciting technology.” —Ann Derby, Marketing & Events Manager
“
INIT fosters a family atmosphere and completely supports the family life of its employees.
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nnovatio Hiring? Yes. Visit their website to see an updated listing of career opportunities. —RM
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“
We want to come to work, and we enjoy working with one another, and that makes all the difference.
M
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Mosquit Mosquito Joe 2829 Guardian Lane, Suite 100, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 1-855-275-2563 • mosquitojoe.com
Number of Employees 26 What They Do Mosquito Joe provides outdoor mosquito treatment for residential and commercial clients. Their team offers responsive customer service as well as on-site technicians to eliminate the harmful pests and make outside fun again. At the workplace they focus on company branding and marketing for franchise development in the industry. Company Culture Mosquito Joe engages employees from the week they start and all the way through upper management by having open communication and planning activities in and outside of the office. They encourage advancement within the company by providing speakers and presenters with continuing education of services in the field and other topics as submitted by fellow employees. Performance-based bonuses, event planning committees and annual franchise conventions are some of the ways the staff can get involved with their work lives. All employees are assigned a fun “Joe” nickname that ties to their role in the company (VP of Franchise Development is “Joe Cool;” Director of Finance is “Joe Money”).
Mosquito Joe has a culture committee called the “Sanity Control Committee,” consisting of five team members and their CEO. The committee comes up with fun events throughout the year to allow employees to spend time together away from the office. Formal Benefits Appropriate compensation Opportunities for advancement Healthcare coverage (dependent and FSA plans) Annual performance-based bonuses 401(k) plans Work Perks Celebrations to recognize personal events (birthdays, weddings)—they have the cookie cake company on speed dial. Lunch and learns with guest speakers for professional development Potluck meals Staff happy hours Fully stocked kitchen Culture committee that plans work outings (Adventure Park, Top Golf) Annual Franchise Convention Work break activities (Warehouse pool table, break room with coffee and chocolate)
Why I Love My Job “From an entry-level position to the Vice President of Marketing—we all feel that we possess value and that what each one of us individually brings to the table is what makes this company’s vision a reality. We want to come to work, and we enjoy working with one another, and that makes all the difference.”—Meghan McConville, Administrative Assistant, Buzz Franchise Brands Hiring? Mosquito Joe is expecting to add some new positions in 2017. Keep an eye on the Mosquito Joe website and/or job sites like Indeed.com locally for positions as they become available. —RM
OPPOSITE TOP: Employees enjoy each other’s company in the conference room. OPPOSITE BOTTOM: A pool table makes for a fun and competitive break time. TOP: Employees find comfortable ways to get their work done. LEFT: CoVa BIZ Editor-in-Chief Angela Blue presents Mosquito Joe staff with a Best Places to Work Award.
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PRA Gro PRA Group
Norfolk Headquarters and Regional Office, 120 Corporate Blvd., Norfolk Hampton Regional Office, 5200 West Mercury Blvd., Suite 285, Hampton 757-519-9300 • PRAGroup.com In addition to their local offices, PRA Group has U.S. operations in Alabama, California, Illinois, Kansas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas, as well as operations in Canada, Austria, Brazil, Finland, Germany, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Number of Employees 1,276 at Norfolk headquarters; 274 at Hampton office What They Do Co-founders Steve Fredrickson and Kevin Stevenson started Portfolio Recovery Associates in 1966 because they saw a genuine need for an ethical
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business in the debt recovery industry. Today, PRA is one of the largest debt buyers in the world. Their services and subsidiary companies offer a broad range of debt-buying solutions, as well as business and government services to a diversified base of financial institutions and government clients.
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Company Culture PRA is based upon the guiding values of treating their people right and rewarding them for a job well done. Every employee is offered an outstanding base pay plus a competitive benefits package. PRA fosters a positive environment by instilling and nurturing a culture of charitable giving. Their Volunteer Day Program, an employee initiative, allows all full-time employees to volunteer up to eight paid hours at company-sponsored events each year. PRA’s Volunteer Council Committee focuses on creating these volunteer opportunities through alliances with company partners across the U.S. Other programs of note include PRA Cares—an acronym that illustrates that the company is always Committed, Accountable, Respectful, Ethical and Successful—which are values that show how PRA treats each of their customers and the world; Achievers—an employee social recognition program; an annual Global Photo Calendar Contest—employees from around the world compete for a chance to have a photo they took featured in PRA’s global corporate calendar; Global Idea Contest—employees are asked to submit their best business ventures for a chance to win cash prizes; and Global Spirit Day— encourages employees to show their PRA spirit by donning their favorite team sports jersey, along with other PRA swag.
Formal Benefits Comprehensive medical insurance Matching 401(k) Life insurance Short- and long-term disability Dental and vision insurance Legal resource insurance Employee assistance Paid holidays Employee referral bonus Flexible spending Work Perks Awards galas and banquets Site picnics Family events Turkey and wine giveaways Free lunches at the end of the month Full-service café at Norfolk site Fully-equipped gym with personal trainers at Norfolk site
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Blood drives on campus, in partnership with the American Red Cross Opportunities for employees to receive flu shots onsite Paid time to volunteer Why I Love My Job “PRA hires the best and the brightest, and the opportunities we offer extend beyond even the best benefits package. PRA offers the opportunity to be a real part of a global team that is truly entrepreneurial. We are committed to promoting from within and giving priority to those employees who work hard and work smart.” —Christine Hicks, Senior Communications Specialist Hiring? Yes. Visit PRABizTek.com to learn about employment opportunities. —AB
…the opportunities we offer extend beyond even the best benefits package.
”
OPPOSITE: The PRA Volunteer Planning Committee discusses their next volunteer project over cups of coffee in the company café. ABOVE: Angela Blue presents a Best Places to Work Award to PRA co-founders Steve Fredrickson and Kevin Stevenson. LEFT: PRA has several kitchen areas and break stations for employees to catch up and re-fuel.
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SOLitud SOLitude Lake Management 2844 Crusader Cir. #450, Virginia Beach • 757-689-8890 11849 Tugboat Lane, Suite D, Newport News • 757-591-8780 SOLitudeLakeManagement.com SOLitude also has offices in Charlottesville, Fairfax and Richmond. Other locations include Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
Number of Employees 22 in Virginia What They Do SOLitude Lake Management provides products and services to improve and sustain lake and pondwater quality. Some of these services include aquatic pesticide applicators, fishery management, water quality testing and GPS lake mapping. They sell high quality lake/pond products that help preserve ecological systems and protect the environment. Company Culture SOLitude hires individuals who create a hardworking, fun-spirited vibe where employees have a true passion for what they do—for their clients, the environment and local communities. As an environmental company, they are passionate about providing sustainable solutions to their clients. Their community outreach program, The SOLution, encourages and rewards employees for volunteering in environmental cleanup events, educating youth on ecology, participating in sustainability and outdoor recreational activities and donating cash and goods to those in need. Formal Benefits Health insurance Life insurance Disability insurance Retirement plan with a company match Quarterly performance incentives Commissions Paid time off Employee assistance program Company vehicle Cell phone reimbursement Employee referral bonuses Discount programs with various retailers Generous profit sharing bonuses
SOL U (SOLitude University) professional development and teambuilding event SOL Savings bonus for employees who discover a way to help the company be more efficient and save money Expenses-paid holiday party weekend getaway for staff and their significant others, which includes fine hotel accommodations, dinners, parties, gifts and awards Milestone Anniversary Dinners with the CEO The SOLution program rewards staff for their volunteering efforts and provides matching donations to charities Paid time off to volunteer Happy hours and team socials Flexible work schedule Telecommuting options Why I Love My Job “SOLitude is the most wonderful company that I’ve ever worked for, with a unique culture and strong set of core values that is encompassed in all that we do.” —Tracy Fleming, Director of Marketing Hiring? Visit SOLitudeLakeManagement.com/ careers to learn about available positions. —RM
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…the most wonderful company that I’ve ever worked for…
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OPPOSITE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The staff from Newport News and Virginia Beach offices gather at the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank once a month from October to April to assemble bags of food for a BackPack program, which provides children in underprivileged neighborhoods with nutritious food to take home on the weekends and holidays; The SOLution is a company-wide program to foster SOLitude Lake Management’s core values both inside and outside of the workplace through volunteerism, activism and fundraising. In 2016, collectively, their staff volunteered 2,288 hours and donated $42,550. BELOW: Every year during the month of Earth Day, SOLitude encourage team members to participate in volunteering activites to benefit the environment. On Earth Day in 2016, the staff in the Virginia Beach office conducted a trash cleanup on their lunch break around their offices at Crusader Circle.
Work Perks Celebration of life events at work (birthdays, newlywed gifts, new baby gifts) Company branded gear
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Towne TowneBank Multiple locations throughout Coastal Virginia TowneBank.com
Number of Employees 866 What They Do TowneBank offers a competitive array of business and personal financial services including banking, lending, investment, retirement planning, insurance, real estate, treasury services, employee benefits and wealth management. Company Culture One word can be used to describe TowneBank’s company culture and philosophy toward employees: family. The company is extremely family-friendly, extending benefits to family members as well as employees themselves. TowneBank has a developed wellness program, Towne For Life, which includes participation in Weight Watchers and on-campus fitness classes at reduced rates; access to race entries for local nonprofit races; free training workshops for employees on work/life balance, time management, nutrition and healthy eats; onsite flu shots, health screenings and more. Opportunities for advancement are unlimited. The bank has an active training department, offering classes like Banking Officer School, Teller Training and Loan Training. Employees are also eligible to take courses through the Center for Financial Training.
OPPOSITE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: TowneBank’s culture of caring leads employees to participate in many giving back initiatives; Best Places to Work Award presented to TowneBank founder Bob Aston and staff; An on-site café serves breakfast and lunch at reduced costs; TowneBank’s Perfect Attendance Days; The company finds positive ways to support local community organizations.
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Bank Formal Benefits Paid holidays Paid vacation time Perfect Attendance Days Birthdays off Flexible scheduling when returning from leave Generous sick and leave policy Member stock purchase plan 401(K) contribution plan with match Profit sharing based on the bank’s prior year financial results Service award recognition for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of service Tuition reimbursement program for employees working on a bachelor’s or master’s Work Perks Paid time off to participate in volunteer projects and activities Scheduled shopping days and clothing allowance for front line employees Annual dinner for bank tellers and new account officers Hotline for employees to offer ways to streamline tasks/ procedures with opportunity for bonuses if an employee’s solution is implemented Family Fun Day Monthly CEO luncheon with Bob Aston On-site café serving breakfast and lunch at corporate campus Fitness facility at corporate campus Meal trains to support employees in good times and bad
Why I Love My Job “TowneBank employees feel a sense of belonging and a sense of caring that comes from the top down. Management makes it clear that employees are valued and cared for. They work side-by-side with employees at all levels during day-to-day activities and at events like the United Way Day of Caring, Habit for Humanity and Roc Solid Builds.”—Kim Ritter, SVP, Director of Human Resources Hiring? Yes. Visit TowneBank.com/About-Towne/About-Us/Careers. —AB
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TowneBank employees feel a sense of belonging and a sense of caring that comes from the top down.
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Two Me Two Men And A Truck 543 Central Dr., Suite 220, Virginia Beach 757-962-6683 • TwoMenVirginiaBeach.com
ABOVE: Each time a move is booked, a staff member at Two Men and a Truck rings a bell, and all employees within earshot take a moment to celebrate—even if they’re in a meeting.. LEFT: Two Men and a Truck employees gather by one of their moving trucks to accept a Best Places to Work Award.
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en Number of Employees 31
What They Do Two Men and A Truck assists both individuals and businesses with all their moving needs, providing comprehensive home and business relocation and packing services. They move apartments, condominiums, homes, businesses and everything in between, offering fully licensed, insured and bonded service, packing and unpacking services, clean trucks with proper equipment and more. Company Culture At Two Men and A Truck, employees are introduced to one of the company’s core values: The Grandma Rule, which says to treat everyone the way you would want your grandmother treated. The company treats employees with respect and gives plenty of opportunities to grow. Their open-door policy allows employees to have an opinion and bring ideas together to improve the business and the workplace. Hard work is regularly celebrated here. Employees ring a bell each time they book a move, and every person within earshot celebrates—even if they’re in a meeting. Formal Benefits Appropriate compensation Marketplace insurance sign-up assistance Monthly bonuses Paid holiday bonuses Work Perks Incentive programs Cookouts Free lunches/dinners Awards events for the crew: bowling, laser tag, Topgolf, paintball Awards events for the staff: paint nights, spa nights, movie nights Staff trips for employees to learn and grow, including visits to the home office for various training Why I Love My Job “I chose to nominate Two Men and A Truck because it’s not always common to look forward to coming to work. The owner of this company gave it her all to make this happen, and we have now come together to really build this location. Two Men And A Truck actually cares about our day-to-day customers, and we do everything we can to make things run as smoothly as possible.” —Kendal Galloway, office manager and customer service representative Hiring? Two Men and a Truck is currently hiring drivers. Visit TwoMen.com/job-opportunities for more info. —AB
Partnering with clients to deliver Cybersecurity Services, G2 Ops leverages proven Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) principles to reduce our client’s risk for financial loss, brand damage and costly business interruption. As a leader in transitioning businesses into MBSE, let our experienced team give you the analytical insight you need to raise the ROI on all your engineering, modernization and integration projects.
205 Business Park Drive, Ste. 200, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 (757) 965-8330 • www.g2-ops.com
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USAA USAA
520 Independence Pkwy., Chesapeake 1-800-531-8722 • USAA.com USAA is based in San Antonio, Texas. Other locations are nationwide.
Number of Employees 563 total employees report to the Chesapeake Claims Office. 364 employees work inside the office and 194 employees work from home. What They Do USAA serves military members and their families by offering options for insurance, banking, investments and retirement. Their exclusive suite of financial products, tools and advice is open to active military, former military, military family members and cadets or midshipmen.
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Company Culture USAA’s core values of service, loyalty, honesty and integrity reflect the values of the military and membership and form the foundation on which USAA employees perform their work and conduct themselves. At USAA, employees are equipped with the tools and the resources to make physical and financial wellness a priority for themselves and their families. USAA invests in the employees and building a wellness culture for the long term by actively creating and supporting behavior change.
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The company has been nationally recognized for its military-focused hiring practices, ranking No. 3 on the Top 100 Military Friendly Employers list by G.I. Jobs Magazine in 2016; recognized on the Best for Vets Employer list by Military Times EDGE magazine in 2016 (for the sixth consecutive year); and recognized as one of the 135 companies on the 2015 U.S. Veterans Magazine Best of the Best List for Top Veteran Friendly Companies (for the fourth consecutive year). Formal Benefits Appropriate compensation Comprehensive group medical, dental, vision and life insurance (coverage extends to eligible family members as well) USAA pays 80 percent of each participating employee’s healthcare premium Healthy Points Program—provides employees an incentive to engage in healthy activities and eat healthy foods (serves as an added bonus for employees to reduce their premiums an additional 5 percent) Retirement/savings options Paid maternity leave Work Perks Onsite fitness center Nursing mothers’ room Energize and relax zones Company store/market Free financial advice days Celebrations for life events (anniversary luncheons) Annual employee family day
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…USAA has enjoyed a rich history of serving our members.
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Why I Love My Job “For more than 90 years, USAA has enjoyed a rich history of serving our members. They have trusted USAA to be there for them when it matters most—during times of record catastrophes and a struggling economy. Through these difficult times, USAA remains financially strong, and our employees stand ready to serve those who serve.”—Aubrey Thomas, Executive Administration – Director Region Site Management Hiring? Yes. Visit USAAJobs.com/Locations. Click search jobs in Chesapeake. Jobs are listed by job title. —AB OPPOSITE: Energize zones come equipped with games like pool and shuffleboard. THIS PAGE FROM TOP: Employees can rest and relax in dedicated zones; Ray LaSalle accepts the Best Places to Work Award for USAA; A marketplace provides mid-day sustenance for employees.
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Starting from the Top P
erhaps your company culture could use a little uplifting but you don’t quite have the space or the budget to install quiet zones, pool tables or a full cafeteria. Here are some quick and cost-effective steps you can take to boost company morale: • Start a conversation. Consider sending a company-wide email with a survey asking employees to offer suggestions for a happier workplace. Another option is forming a committee made up of key employees who will come up with solutions to issues that need to be addressed and new initiatives for teambuilding. • Change things up. Allowing employees to work in different locations in the building can offer more freedom. Look for places with positive energy, like near a window in the breakroom or on a café table outside. • Engage. A little compliment goes a long way. Ensure that no task goes unnoticed, and let your employees know how appreciative you are of their hard work. • Get comfortable. Take one day of the week to dress down or have a T-shirt or jersey day where everyone can represent their favorite team. • Help your employees to help others. Set aside a day or half day where employees can gather for a good cause. It doesn’t cost anything, and a day spent helping others, whether it’s volunteering at a nursing home or picking up trash, can make employees feel connected and part of the team.
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Starting from Within E
ven if you’re not the CEO of your company, there are still initiatives you can take to improve company culture. Here are some ways to brighten your day: • Take a break with a co-worker. Whether you’re having coffee or eating lunch, spend that time to converse about something other than work, and learn more about them. • Take a hike. Go for a brisk walk up and down the hallway, get outdoors for a moment, or simply just get up from your desk and stretch. It will boost your endorphins and could even give you more energy. • Personalize your work space. Do you have a favorite chair, some pictures of families and friends that always make you smile or perhaps a special piece of art? Tailor your office or cubicle to make it your own.
INIT applauds our dedicated, hard-working and innovative employees for our continued success.
INIT Innovations in Transportation, Inc. 1.757.413.9100 • www.initusa.com
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• Have a nutritious snack. Your food and drink choices can have a positive (or negative) impact on your health, so stay mindful of what you’re consuming during the day. A handful of nuts, some fresh fruit or veggies or a cup of your favorite tea can make you feel happier than salty snacks and sodas. • Set goals, both short- and long-term. Be realistic about them, and focus on one thing at a time to stay on task and feel more productive during the day.
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The Royal Chocolate
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Pender & Coward
SPECIAL SECTION
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ZEIDERS AMERICAN DREAM THEATER Zeiders American Dream Theater provides artistic experiences to the community in a forum that introduces new, exceptionally gifted artists, composers, and creative writers. An integral part of the community, we use the arts to encourage individuals to embrace their dreams and to achieve their full potential. We build partnerships with other community arts organizations to provide audiences with a full range of artistic experiences. Zeiders American Dream Theater is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
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Zeiders American Dream Theater 4573 Bank Street Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-499-0317 www.americandreamtheater.org W W W. C O V A B I Z M A G . C O M
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THE FACES BEHIND
ARMADA HOFFLER Armada Hoffler Properties (NYSE:AHH) is a full-service real estate company with extensive experience developing, building, acquiring and managing high-quality, institutional-grade office, retail and multifamily properties throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. Founded in 1979 by Daniel A. Hoffler, the Company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as a real estate investment trust (REIT) that delivers superior value to its shareholders with its unique, vertically-integrated business model. Armada Hoffler Properties also provides general construction and development services to third-party clients, in addition to developing and building properties to be placed in its stabilized portfolio.
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Armada Hoffler Properties 222 Central Park Avenue, Suite 2100 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-366-4000 • ArmadaHoffler.com W W W. C O V A B I Z M A G . C O M
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THE FACES BEHIND
THE ROYAL CHOCOLATE Virginia Beach Town Center is home to one of the most unique chocolate shops anywhere! The Royal Chocolate, owned by Terry Restin and Brenda Tusing, celebrated it's 10th anniversary in December of 2016. Chocolates made in store with Belgian chocolate, an array of truffles, cases of creams, caramels, sugar free, bars from around the world, and exquisite gift baskets await your visit. In addition to a huge selection of gourmet chocolate, The Royal Chocolate features a cozy seating area complete with a fireplace. A perfect area to enjoy a beverage or Chocolate Fondue.
164 Central Park Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-557-6925 | theroyalchocolate.com
Jeanne Evans-Cox, Executive Director
Emily Zak, Program Director
THE FACES BEHIND
CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT ASSOCIATION CBDA supports the growth and development of the business community within Virginia Beach’s Pembroke Strategic Growth Area (SGA). The organization is member based and member driven. We work with government officials to identify and promote this urban core as a primary center for business that offers unique opportunities. Advancements in policies and amenities within the area ultimately benefit the entire city and the region.
One Columbus Center, Suite 611, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 | 757-490-7812 | connect@cbda.net | www.cbda.net 62
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THE FACES BEHIND
TOWN CENTER OFFICE SUITES Town Center Office Suites offers your business a landmark address with all the amenities and services you would expect from a vibrant business center. We offer full-time offices as well as virtual office programs with telephone services, a talented support staff and six conference rooms - all at affordable rates. We are the only executive office suites in the Town Center of Virginia Beach, with lots of free parking, retail, dining, and entertainment options nearby.
Town Center Office Suites
One Columbus Center, Suite 600 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 (757) 490-7800 info@vbtcos.com www.vbtcos.com W W W. C O V A B I Z M A G . C O M
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THE FACES BEHIND
FULTON BANK, N.A.
Fulton Bank has provided strength and support to our community since 1882. As part of Fulton Financial Corporation, a $17 billion financial services holding company, Fulton Bank and our affiliates offer a broad array of retail and business products and services in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.
4429 Bonney Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-463-2265
THE FACES BEHIND
TOWN CENTER CITY CLUB
Virginia Beach's Premier Private Club for Business Professionals. Exclusive, private dining facility with elegant, yet relaxed setting. Come enjoy Town Center City Club overlooking Town Center Plaza!!
222 Central Park Ave., #230, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-490-8317 | TownCenterCityClub.com 64
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PENDER & COWARD Clients value our small firm feel and large firm capabilities. Representing businesses, governmental entities and individuals, our full service law firm is committed to helping businesses and communities thrive in Coastal Virginia. We’re proud to participate in the leadership and business community of the CBDA and CBDX.
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Chesapeake
Virginia Beach
411 Cedar Rd, Suite 6 222 Central Park Ave. Suite 400 Chesapeake, VA 23322 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 (757) 490-2900 (757) 490-3000
Suffolk
117 Market Street Suffolk, VA 23434 (757) 502-7345
www.pendercoward.com W W W. C O V A B I Z M A G . C O M
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BEYOND THE BIZ | CREATED IN COVA
ADDISON WEEKS
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Two Southern designers, Lee Addison Lesley and Katherine Weeks Mulford, originally planned to start a business in web design, building websites for small boutiques. “We built a prototype of a jewelry website to show potential clients what we could do for them, but when we designed it, we actually started selling jewelry off of it,” Lesley laughs. “So we kind of changed our gear, and that was the inception of us as jewelry designers.” The two created jewelry under the name Turq Jewelry for 10 years before deciding they’d rather pursue the design of jewelry but not the production. In 2012, the ladies combined their maiden names to launch their jewelry and home décor design business, Addison Weeks.
Lesley (based here in Virginia Beach) and Mulford (based in Charlotte, N.C.) collaborate with one another to design timeless works of art that is then produced in India. “We’re inspired by things that we both have seen in travel and where we live,” Lesley explains. “Kat has always made the comment that sometimes my colors are more ocean, sea, sand, and hers may be the more big city influence of Charlotte.” Today, approximately 250 stores carry the Addison Weeks line, which has been lauded nationally in Southern Living, Traditional Home, House Beautiful, Garden & Gun and on Good Morning America, as well as being named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things of 2016. Learn more at AddisonWeeks.com. —AB
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