CoVaBiz Magazine June/July 2017

THE Business Magazine Of Coastal Virginia COVABIZ MAGAZINE J U N E /J U LY 2 0 17 â–

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1 S M A LL B US I N E SSE S | B I L L K EL S O | LOV E VA | A L FR E S CO

BIG THINGS COME IN SMALL BUSINESSES 15 LITTLE COMPANIES ON THE RISE $

SILICON VALLEY OF THE EAST COAST?

COVA B I Z M AG .CO M

PLUS At Home Foodbank CEO Ruth Jones Nichols Success Busch Gardens Williamsburg President David Cromwell 5 Tips Make Meetings Matter Special Section Professional Services

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Transatlantic Cables Mean Immediate And Long-Term Economic Benefits

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Web Design Services | SEO Reputation Management | Mobile Apps Social Media Management | SEM

For more information contact: William Warford

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757-422-8979 ext. 152 william@vgnet.com

A DIVISION OF VISTAGRAPHICS, INC.

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FEATURES

31 Small Businesses,

ON THE COVER Joe Weaver, CEO and Augmented Reality Developer at Ario.

Photo by Jim Pile

Big Results

THE Business Magazine Of Coastal Virginia COVABIZ MAGAZINE J U N E /J U LY 2 0 17

Innovation and motivation drive these 15 local companies on a journey to success. PLUS: 47 10 things to consider before starting a business.

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VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1

To The World Broadband initiatives bring big news to Virginia Beach.

COVA B I Z M AG .CO M

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S M A LL B US I N E SSE S | B I L L K E L S O | LOV E VA | A L FR E S CO

48 Connecting

BIG THINGS COME IN SMALL BUSINESSES 15 LITTLE COMPANIES ON THE RISE $

SILICON VALLEY OF THE EAST COAST?

PLUS

At Home Foodbank CEO Ruth Jones Nichols Success Busch Gardens Williamsburg President David Cromwell 5 Tips Make Meetings Matter Special Section Professional Services

Transatlantic Cables Mean Immediate And Long-Term Economic Benefits

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SPECIAL SECTIONS

52 Professionals Serving Professionals

13 DEPARTMENTS 6 8

Publisher’s Note

28 18 Pencil It In Upcoming business and networking events.

Editor’s Note

BIZ REPORT

19 On the Move Updates on new jobs, promotions, honors and awards.

11 Five Tips Make meetings matter.

20 Networking News

12 What’s On Your Desk?

A recap of recent networking events.

Office Digs.

13 Meet & Eat Al Fresco Italian Restaurant.

14 BIZ Book Review Wait, How Do I Promote My Business?

15 The Watercooler Trending topics and business news.

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ASK THE EXPERT

54 Health Matter

Corrective eye surgery can clearly help you enjoy your passions.

24 Better Your Biz LOVEVA App.

25 At Home Now that her career has come full circle, Foodbank CEO Ruth Nichols settles into family life while seeking new ways to be a champion for others.

28 Success Busch Gardens Williamsburg President David Cromwell might have the most fun job in the world.

22 Law What branding and trademark strategies should I consider when launching a startup or small business?

BEYOND THE BIZ

CREATED IN COVA

58 That’s My Jam.

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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

Sales

Vice President of Sales & Distribution Paul Brannock

Account Executives

Frank E. Moore, Kathy Talmage Contributing Account Executives Christie Berry, Lori 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 Digital Marketing Specialist Emily Laucks

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 David Uhrin Circulation Manager George Carter Special Events & Style Coordinator Pamela Hopkins COVABIZ Magazine is published by

Branding Your Business One Bottle of Water at a Time.

Pure Paradise Water of Virginia Beach provides natural artesian water bottled at the source WITH YOUR BRAND ON THE BOTTLE! Available in 12 oz., 16.9 oz., 20 oz. and 1 liter bottles. We can design your label for free! Reinforce your brand image in a prestigious and distinguished way. Email or call today for a quote!

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.

(757) 716-4032 info@pureparadisewatervb.com • pureparadisewatervb.com

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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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESSES

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s a small business owner and entrepreneur, I am the first to advocate for a culture and community that supports small business development and innovation. From this year’s list of small businesses featured in this issue, it is apparent that Coastal Virginia is such a community with a culture that breeds new startups and cultivates growth among them. We are not a hotbed of Fortune 500 companies, but we do have a vibrant economy of service, travel and tourism, technology and medical small businesses that support growth in the region.

My story is not unlike many that you will read inside this edition. VistaGraphics was started as a one-man show literally out of my garageturned-office. An outside office and additional employees did not come until two years into the journey. We were fortunate to find welcoming markets for our products and to create a process that allowed us to model our success in one area and duplicate it in another. We continue to evolve today, expanding our media platform from simply print publications into the web, event management and custom publishing.

I believe one of the draws for me to build a business here was the same draw others have since discovered: Coastal Virginia is a great place to live and work. I, like others, could’ve chosen any area of the country to start a business. I wasn’t born here but rather moved here by choice shortly after college. Many of our 1.7 million residents did the same. Those attributes and assets that attract millions to the region each year for a short vacation are the same assets that we have come to expect and enjoy 365 days a year. Some of the natural resources and opportunities we have can’t be created. We’re blessed that they are here and contribute to Coastal Virginia being a desirable place to start a business.

Small business is now the primary driver of our economy and employment. All state and local economic development initiatives simply must include the cultivation of small business in any plan. There are many ways we can cultivate small businesses in our region by ensuring access to capital, markets for our products, educational opportunities and adequate office space conducive to startup businesses.

My congratulations and respect go out to all the small businesses recognized in this issue and the hundreds of others in our region who have found success and are making a daily contribution to our local economy. I know the combination of risk and hard work that has gone into your success, and I applaud you for it.

Here’s to your bright future!

Randy Thompson, Publisher 757-422-8979, ext. 101 Randy@vgnet.com

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Editor’s Note

The Business Of Telling Stories

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he best part of my job, hands down, is learning people’s stories and sharing them with our readers. Among the many types of narratives we hear and tell, my favorite is the surprise success story—the individual who started out with a mere idea or goal, persevered through strenuous challenges and ultimately triumphed, despite the odds. This issue is filled with those types of stories.

Our second annual small business feature showcases 15 businesses that started with a creative notion and grew into a rewarding company—but not without facing some hurdles along the way. Each of the businesses featured has less than 100 employees, and many have a staff of five or less. And yet, these companies make considerable impacts and innovations and steadily discover ways to change and better their products, services or customer service. We talked with the companies’ founders and owners, who share how their business idea came about, the obstacles they overcame to get to where they are today and the advice they share for those looking to start a small business of their own. Also, for anyone considering establishing their own startup, we highlight 10 tips to consider from the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, as well as a checklist for being your own boss, courtesy of Zack Miller at Hatch.

Another great example of determination can be found in Ruth Jones Nichols. As CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, Nichols focuses her career on feeding others but also feeding their drive to succeed. Realizing that food alone won’t eliminate hunger for good, she sets her sights on how the Foodbank can use its influence and power to make an even greater difference in our community. I first had the opportunity to interview Ruth in 2014 when she was executive director of the YWCA South Hampton Roads. Since then, her personal life and career path has changed, but her positive outlook and commitment to helping others is the same, if not stronger.

No matter where you are on your business journey, whether you’re achieving everything you’d hoped, feeling stagnant in your current career, or wondering how you’ll ever reach your goals, I hope this issue serves as a reminder that no business journey is alike. Shape your story in a way that fits your vision and values. Work hard, and don’t lose sight of your goals. Everything else will eventually fall into place. And if it doesn’t, there are many local resources available that specialize in lending guidance and support for startups and small businesses. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Angela Blue, Editor-in-Chief Angela@CoVaBIZMag.com Corrections In our April/May On the Move section, Tabatha Hargrove’s name was misspelled.

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16 hours

JOIN US ON THE LONGEST DAY® 14 hours

12 hours

Climb for a Cure

Date: June 21, 2017 Time: 7am - 11pm Where: Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium 801 General Booth Blvd., 10 hours Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Contact: Tracy Thompson Email: Tracy@vgnet.com Phone: 757-422-8979 x156

8 hours Together, we can show those facing Alzheimer’s disease they are not alone. Please donate to help the Alzheimer’s Association advance research toward the first Survivor of Alzheimer’s and provide care and support to those facing the disease today.

6 hours

If you are interested in joining Coastal Virginia Magazine’s Team to help #ENDALZ it’s not too late.

All you have to do is go to act.alz.org/goto/coastalvirginiamag and sign up.

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THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS The Alzheimer’s Association Southeastern Virginia Chapter extends its heartfelt gratitude to all those who gathered as a community in April to help make the 5th Annual Reason to Hope Breakfast at the William & Mary College Alumni House in Williamsburg a success. Close to $9,000 was raised to help provide education, care and support to local Alzheimer’s families and to advance research to put an end to this cruel disease. As a community, we are changing the paradigm of Alzheimer’s.

Who you are makes a difference every day.

THANK YOU!

Because of you the light becomes brighter!

6350 Center Drive, Suite 102 Norfolk, VA 23502 800-272-3900 • ALZ.ORG/SEVA

THANKS TO OUR TABLE HOSTS Melissa Bailey – Brookdale Senior Living Solutions Wake Buxton – TrustBuilders Law Group Ed Golden – Comfort Keepers Morgan Hutter – William & Mary College Rick Jackson – Riverside CEALH Dave Masterson – Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center Robert Palmer, MD – EVMS/The Glennan Center Baxter Vendrick – Christopher Newport University Michael White – Ford’s Colony Sylvia Woodcock – WindsorMeade

CHAMPION SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSOR

MEDIA SPONSOR

Magazine

A special thank you to our Mistress of Ceremonies, Janet Roach, 13News Now anchor.

Connect with us!

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Biz Report five tips

Make Meetings Matter

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e’ve all fallen into this professional pitfall at some point in our careers: the unproductive meeting. It’s the “short” session that lingered on for two hours, the meeting created just to be meeting, or the seemingly constructive conference that resulted in … well, no results. While meetings are essential for effective communication, time is a valued commodity and shouldn’t be wasted on poorly planned gatherings. Here are five tips from local professionals on how to prepare and execute focused, productive and efficient meetings:

1. Don’t meet just to be meeting. Know why you are meeting. Be clear on your intentions. Make a couple of goals for the meeting itself. Be clear on your outcomes. Be clear with your ask for the meeting, and send out a very clear agenda ahead of time with any relevant material that participants may need to review to weigh in. —Shelley Smith, Owner of Premier Rapport, Inc. 2. Start on time. State how long the meeting will be. Finish on time.

Ask people their opinion during the meeting. — Bennett Zier, Vice President of Entercom 3. Limit Seating. Ensure 100 percent of chairs are filled with the right people in the right meeting at the right time. Consider everyone’s time and the company’s budget to be sure that each person seated in a chair brings value to the meeting. —Angela D. Reddix, Founder, CEO/ President of ARDX

4. Keep your meetings action oriented. It’s easy in a group of people to say, “Yes, let’s do this and this,” but without identifying the next steps and their owners, progress will stall. Each person in the meeting should be focused on capturing their action items, with an optional group recap at the end. —Drew Ungvarsky, CEO and ECD of Grow 5. If you are testing an idea with a client or business partner, consider a two-page max executive summary. It should

outline the concept and how it lines up to their objectives. The days of long PowerPoints are gone. Give your business partners something they can easily summarize in under five minutes, as oftentimes there will be multiple decisionmakers that may not be in the room. —Kari Jacobs, President and General Manager at WVEC ABC13 —AB

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Biz Report | what’s on your desk?

What’s On Your Desk?

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person’s desk says a lot about them. After all, a desk contains the objects that we surround ourselves with day in and day out. Some items are necessities required for getting work done while others are the mementos that remind us why we’re working so hard in the first place.

As we began pondering the people in Coastal Virginia who may have the most fascinating desks, one of the first who came to mind was Dr. William (Bill) Kelso, head archaeologist of the Jamestown Rediscovery Project. Kelso’s fascination with Jamestown led him to begin excavations in 1994 at a site where he assumed the original fort of the Jamestown colonists to be. Since then, he’s unearthed hundreds of thousands of early 17th-century artifacts, palisades and other foundation structures and skeletal remains of some of the first colonists. Keslo has authored several books on American archeological projects, including his most recent, Jamestown, the Truth Revealed (2017). Here are just a few of the fascinating findings on his desk.

Slate: In 2009, Kelso and his team found a slate tablet in James Fort, dating back to 1610. The writings had been erased, but each sketch left grooves in the surface of the slate. The original slate is now on display at Historic Jamestown. Kelso keeps this piece of slate on his desk to experiment by writing on it with different objects, such as a piece of clay pipe stem, which acts as chalk.

“Once you scratch on it, you can never quite erase anything,” he says. “That was one of the most intriguing artifacts that we’ve found.”

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Book: So far at Jamestown, Kelso’s most unexpected disovery has been “Jane.” In 2012, a mutilated human skull, dating to 1610, was found in a trash deposit at a James Fort cellar or kitchen. Forensic analysis determined that the bones were the remains of a 14-year-old girl, whom the archaeologists came to call Jane. “It’s proof positive that there was survival cannibalism going on there during a time of great starvation,” Kelso says. “And I never really believed it. There were records … but I didn’t believe it.” In Kelso’s latest book, Jamestown, the Truth Revealed, the cover portrays a forensic sculpture reconstruction of Jane’s face, and the sixth chapter details Jane’s discovery.

Jug: This ceramic German Bartmann jug was the container of choice during the late 16th and 17 centuries.

This particular jug is modern, but it resembles many of the Bartmann jugs that Kelso has discovered throughout the years, some of which were found intact.

Etched Glass Figurines: A laser technique was used to create these intricate, 3D etchings. One is a rendering of the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, one of the oldest libraries in Europe. As a historian, Kelso has researched documents at Bodleian, including records of Jamestown. “I’m a cardcarrying Bodleian Library user,” he says. The other is a rendering of a church at Dresden, the capital city of Saxony in Germany, which was bombed during World War II. “I have them because of the technique,” he says. “I think it’s incredible.”

Medal (not pictured on desk): In 2012, Kelso received an Honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). This order of knighthood is one of Britain’s highest honors.

The CBE is a degree of chivalry and is awarded for prominent national or regional roles and to those making distinguished or notable contributions in their own specific areas of activity. Kelso’s degree is honorary because he is not a British citizen. Queen Elizabeth II toured Historic Jamestown with Kelso in 2007 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of America’s first English settlement.

—Angela Blue

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Biz Report | meet and eat

meet and eat

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Al Fresco Italian Restaurant

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want to slow down and enjoy the little things in life,” Jim Pile, our staff photographer, remarks as we drive from a photoshoot. Jim is approaching retirement after 32 years with our publishing company, where he’s taken millions of photographs and traveled hundreds of thousands of miles. If anyone deserves to slow down a little, it’s Jim. Having wrapped up this edition’s final photo, we’re already planning the next issue’s photography assignments. Most often we communicate about photography needs via phone or email (and recently via text, as Jim has savvied up and purchased his first smartphone). But now with our meeting opportunities dwindling and with the next issue being the last one we’ll plan together, we take this opportunity to meet in person for lunch.

Today’s rainy weather amplifies our appetites, so we opt for Italian fare at Al Fresco, located at Oyster Point Square in Newport News. Inside, white tablecloths and sophistiPHOTOs By jim pile

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cated black chairs contribute to the upscale atmosphere, while full-sized murals on each wall blissfully transport patrons to Italy. The cuisine here is inspired from Northern and Southern Italy, featuring modern interpretations of traditional dishes.

We begin with mussels sautéed with roasted red and yellow peppers in a delicate cream sauce. The mussels are plump, tender and perfectly prepared, and the sauce just begs to be sopped up with the garlicky, herbed bread that comes standard with each meal. Next, I order the salmon picatta with Roma tomatoes, mushrooms and capers served in a bright, tangy lemon and white wine sauce and topped with a cluster of fresh basil. Jim chooses the rich and creamy lobster ravioli. Lobster finished with drawn butter, herbs and ricotta mousse is piped into ravioli pods and finished in a light pink cream sauce. A circle of shrimp embellishes the center of the dish. Both meals are hearty, but with flavors so satisfying, neither of us have room for regrets. We do, however,

have room for dessert. Al Fresco’s tiramisu is a luscious layering of soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone and drizzled chocolate—a sinfully divine treat that, alone, is worth a trip here.

During our meal, we notice several other business lunches in progress, and the serene atmosphere here makes it an ideal place to do so. As the lunchtime crowd fades and meetings conclude, we watch satisfied professionals sprint back to finish the workday. On any ordinary outing, Jim and I would do the same.

But for today, we take time to slow down and enjoy the little things.

Al Fresco is located at 11710 Jefferson Ave., Newport News. Call 757-873-0644, or visit AlFrescoItalianRestaurant.com for more info and to book a reservation. For larger meetings, Al Fresco offers the Terrazza Room, a sunlight-filled indoor patio, which can seat up to 60 guests.

—AB

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Biz Report | book review

BIZ Book Review

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Wait, How Do I Promote My Business?

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Book Details Title: Wait, How Do I Promote My Business?

100+ Attention-Grabbing Templates for Websites, LinkedIn, Press Releases, Crowdfunding & More Author: Danny Rubin Publisher: News to Live By Price: $16.99

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CovaBiz Mag.com

oastal Virginia author Danny Rubin wastes no time getting to what readers need to know in his newest book, Wait, How Do I Promote My Business? 100+ Attention-Grabbing Templates for Websites, LinkedIn, Press Releases, Crowdfunding & More. Loaded with ready-to-use templates and advice, Rubin offers practical promotion tips using everything from business e-mails to fundraising appeals.

A follow-up to his first book, Wait, How Do I Write this E-mail?, Rubin does more than tell readers how to communicate better; he provides real-world examples. Before and after samples of e-mails that have been edited help readers see the power of promotion through concise, compelling messages while also learning how to apply those new writing skills to their own business dealings.

The book isn’t just for recent graduates or emerging professionals. Seasoned business professionals will also find a wealth of knowl-

edge among the pages. From keeping up with changing technology, such as social media and crowdfunding, to honing a fundraising pitch, Rubin leaves no stone unturned in his quest to help business professionals promote themselves through the written word.

In addition to schooling readers on how to write better, Rubin also lifts the veil to provide an in-depth look at media. Based on his years in the news industry, Rubin explains just what goes on in the newsroom, exactly who businesses should contact to pitch a story and how they can craft a unique story angle that will appeal to both print and TV journalists.

In order to promote, professionals have to be confident. Rubin gives readers the assurance they need to control their messaging and to proactively pursue promotional opportunities in an organized, relatable manner.

Even though the book is full of templates, they are not cookie-cutter solutions. Rubin advises readers to put their own stamp on the templates by adding specific details and comments. He provides the framework, but readers are free to choose the accessories.

We all communicate, but we don’t often realize that every bit of communication puts us one step further on our journey. By paying attention to every touchpoint along the way, Rubin instructs readers to use small actions to make a big impact.

—Jamie McAllister

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Biz Report | The Watercooler

to manage your finances and keep more of what you earn.

Are You Receiving Creative Ideas From Your Advisor?

Hampton Roads Workforce Partners Announce Findings from State of the Workforce Report

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ampton Roads Workforce Partners presented findings from the 2017 State of the Workforce and Gap Analysis report, which describes the economic and business activities of the key industries operating in the Hampton Roads region and the labor force available to support these industries. The industry clusters examined in the report include Advanced Manufacturing, Ship Repair and Ship Building, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Port Operations, Life Sciences, Business and Consulting Services, Information Analytics and Security and Tourism.

The consortium of workforce development organizations—Opportunity Inc. (Hampton Roads’ Workforce Development Board), Peninsula Council for Workforce Development (Greater Peninsula Workforce Development Board), the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance, and ReInvent Hampton Roads—shared the report during two sessions on April 18 to a group of more than 150 economic development decision makers, business leaders and educators in attendance.

“This collaborative effort marks a new day for Hampton Roads, in terms of our ability to partner on workforce development initiatives across the region,” said Shawn Avery, President and CEO of Opportunity Inc. “We commissioned this study to give us a baseline of historical data, which we can now reference as we work to close the skills gap to ensure we have the talent to support high-demand jobs in our area.

“For the first time since I’ve been in Hampton Roads, we have the data we need to identify our weaknesses and strengths from a regional perspective,” said Matthew James, President and CEO of Peninsula Council for Workforce Development. “We must continue thinking beyond sub regions and work together to best support employers and jobseekers.”

According to the State of the Workforce report, the eight key industry clusters examined represent approximately 16 percent of Hampton Roads’ gross regional product (GRP). Among

these industries, Business and Consulting Services, and Ship Building and Repair were highlighted as two of the largest in the region and the primary contributors to the GRP. The study also projected the addition of more than 30,000 jobs in the next five years—with expected growth in Port Operations, Information Analytics and Security, and Life Sciences.

“Two of the primary factors impeding labor force growth in Hampton Roads are the lack of employment opportunities and the migration of trained talent,” said Rick Weddle, President and CEO of Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance. For too long, we have trained quality workers for other regions, and this study presents an opportunity for us to get serious about business attraction and growth.”

The State of the Workforce report provided business and economic development leaders with insight into the region’s workforce assets and revealed actionable data to support efforts aimed at worker skill development, job creation and improved economic opportunities.

“We are very appreciative of the Workforce Development Boards for the State of the Workforce and Gap Analysis. It illuminates the work that needs to be done in this important element of economic development and regional prosperity,” said Bryan Stephens, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce. “As succinctly stated by Jim Spore, President and CEO, ReInvent Hampton Roads during the briefing, there are only three ways to create new jobs: entrepreneurship, growth from existing businesses and recruiting new businesses into the region. The Hampton Roads Chamber is proud to play a major role in setting the conditions for all three means of job creation to occur.”

The 2017 Hampton Roads State of the Workforce report was conducted and presented by labor market advisory group, EMSI. To download the executive summary and full report, visit Opp-Inc.org.

Idea #6

4 situations when you should not “Rollover” your employer sponsored 401k/TSP into a Self Directed IRA.

Idea #43

Why refundable Long Term Care insurance might be a better option than traditional “pay as you go” LTC insurance.

I would be happy to share more of my ideas with you.

Donald S. Hannahs, CFP® and Founding Partner

2247 W. Great Neck Road, Suite 201 Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (757) 271-8824 For a free monthly newsletter or to learn more, please email: dhannahs@psgplanning.com Securities offered through Triad Advisors, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Planning Solutions Group, LLC. Planning Solutions Group, LLC is not affiliated with Triad Advisors.

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Biz Report | The Watercooler awards

health

Urology of Virginia First U.S. Practice to Acquire Novel ExactVu™ Micro-Ultrasound System for Prostate Imaging and Biopsy

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group Awarded A Top 100 Mortgage Lender In America Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group has recently been honored as a Top 100 Mortgage Lender in America by Mortgage Executive Magazine for the sixth year running, ranking in the top 50 out of 100 mortgage lenders from across the country.

Kaufman & Canoles Named To BTI Brand Elite 2017 Kaufman & Canoles was named to the BTI Brand Elite 2017: Client Perceptions of the BestBranded Law Firms. The firm was one of 426 law firms recognized as one of the best brands standing among general counsel and top legal decision makers.

Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA Receives Governor’s Environmental Excellence Silver Award Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA (MZB), headquartered in Suffolk, was recognized with a 2017 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award during a ceremony on April 4 at the 28th Environment Virginia Symposium at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality announced that MZB received a Silver Award for the company’s significant achievements in sustainable manufacturing practices and leadership within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector. MZB was specifically recognized for the launch of the PURPOD100™ single-serve coffee pod, which is certified 100 percent compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute to break down in commercial composting facilities in less than 100 days.

NASA Langley Research Center Wins 2017 AIAA Foundation Award For Excellence NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton has won the 2017 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Foundation Award for Excellence.

The award honors NASA Langley’s “100 years of excellence in aerospace achievements, scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs.” The Langley Research Center is the nation’s first civilian aeronautical research facility. Authorized by President Woodrow Wilson in 1915, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) studied the problems of flight to find practical solutions. The NACA broke ground in 1917 for the Langley Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory, which became the NASA Langley Research Center in 1958.

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SOLitude Lake Management Named World’s Second Largest Distributor of AquaMaster Fountains SOLitude Lake Management was ranked as the second largest distributor of AquaMaster Fountains and Aerators in the world. Prior to the recent achievement, SOLitude was consistently named as one of AquaMaster’s top three distributors for several years. Many of SOLitude’s team members were also recently recognized for capturing aesthetic excellence in the field through AquaMaster’s annual calendar contest.

Learn more about SOLitude from CEO Kevin Tucker on page 21.

Virginia Chamber of Commerce Unveils 2017 Fantastic 50 The Virginia Chamber of Commerce recognized 50 of the fastestgrowing companies in Virginia at their 22nd annual Virginia’s Fantastic 50 Awards Banquet in April. The 2017 Virginia Vanguard Winners (recognized for the highest growth in the categories of service, technology, manufacturing and recognizing the company with the highest overall growth) included local businesses Axis Global Enterprises, Virginia (Service category) and O’Connor Brewing Co., Norfolk (Manufacturing Category).

Local 2017 Virginia Fantastic 50 winners are listed below by ranking: 3. Axis Global Enterprises, Virginia Beach (Virginia Vanguard—Service) 4. SSi, Virginia Beach 17. Cape Henry Associates, Virginia Beach 20. O’Connor Brewing Co., Norfolk (Virginia Vanguard—Manufacturing) 25. Insignia Technology Services LLC, Newport News 28. SOLitude Lake Management, Virginia Beach 31. Divurgent, Virginia Beach 33. Marathon TS, Kilmarnock 42. ODUrent, Norfolk

Urology of Virginia, the largest full-service urological practice in Southeastern Virginia, is excited to announce that it is the first U.S.-based customer for Exact Imaging’s ExactVu™ high resolution micro-ultrasound system for targeted prostate biopsies. The ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy is the standard-of-care procedure that allows urologists to sample a man’s prostate and gather biopsy tissue that can be analyzed pathologically to determine the presence of prostate cancer.

With a 300 percent improvement of resolution over conventional ultrasound, the ExactVu™ micro-ultrasound platform provides the urologist with a whole new level of resolution by which to examine the prostate. With the ExactVu system, Urology of Virginia’s urologists will now be able to visualize areas of interest in the prostate and specifically target biopsies at those suspicious areas in addition to performing systematic ultrasound biopsy protocols.

higher education

Monarch Marketing Competition More than 300 ODU students from 10 different marketing classes participated in the Strome College of Business’s Monarchs for Monarchs Marketing Competition presented by Rose & Womble and sponsored by Buzz Franchise Brands on April 19. Focused on companies being built by ODU student and alumni entrepreneurs in Hampton Roads, the competition consisted of three separate rounds to help Monarch entrepreneurs market their businesses. In each class, students were divided into teams and tasked with creating a comprehensive marketing plan for the participating businesses. The top teams in the competition were dispersed into four categories: best consumer insight, best rookie marketing plan, best digital marketing plan and best overall marketing plan. In the final round, six teams were invited to “pitch” their ideas in front of a team of four judges from ODU, The Port of Virginia, Mitchell Allen and the NEXCOM Navy Exchange with an awards ceremony that followed in the George Jenson Communications Lab in the Strome College of Business.

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Biz Report | The Watercooler Nonprofit

Chartway FCU’s We Promise Foundation Fundraiser Benefits Children Battling Life-Threatening Illnesses On St. Patrick’s Day, Chartway branches and offices across the country raised more than $28,000 for children battling life-threatening illness through its St. Patrick’s Day-themed Pot of Gold Coin Collection and Sip or Sizzle Vacation Raffle.

Credit union employees invited several children whose dreams have come true thanks to Chartway’s We Promise Foundation to stop by their decorated work spaces.

RIGHT TOP: Chartway’s chief human resources officer and We Promise Foundation board member, Rene Bollinger; Chartway’s chief planning and brand officer and We Promise Foundation chairman, Phil Richards; We Promise Foundation executive director, Karen Lane; and We Promise Foundation beneficiary, Abby.

RIGHT MIDDLE: Chartway’s president & CEO, Brian Schools; assistant branch manager, Andrew Garrett; We Promise Foundation executive director, Karen Lane; and Chartway’s chief planning and brand officer and We Promise Foundation chairman, Phil Richards.

RIGHT BOTTOM: We Promise beneficiaries, Gideon and Abby, visited Chartway offices and collected the coins in a leprechaun’s hat.

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group Raises A Pint To Beat MS On March 23, more than 200 people gathered at Eagle’s Nest Virginia Beach to raise a pint for a cause. AB Cares, the philanthropic arm of Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group, raised more than $11,000 to help find a cure for MS during the 5th annual Pints for a Purpose night. Atlantic Bay is celebrating 20 years of business in 2017 and has been supporting the MS Society since the company’s inception. As a National Multiple Sclerosis Society Chairman’s Circle Member, Atlantic Bay has raised more than $1 million dollars for the MS Society since 1999.

LEFT TOP: Pints for a Purpose attendees received a pint glass, beer and food with the purchase of a ticket.

LEFT BOTTOM: Tiffany Tyler, AB Cares director, and Cynthia Tenney, AB Cares administrative coordinator.

ForKids 2017 Children’s Art Auction Raises Over $900,000 To Help Homeless Children On March 25, over 600 people joined together at Norfolk Waterside Marriott to support ForKids and its work to end homelessness for families and children in Hampton Roads. Presented by The Dragas Companies, the ForKids 16th Annual Children’s Art Auction raised a record $939,000. The Auction is an essential source of revenue for ForKids’ $6.7 million operating budget that funds housing and services for approximately 200 families with more than 400 children each day. This year’s theme was “Happily Ever After” inspired by favorite fairy tales.

breaking ground

The Art Museums Of Colonial Williamsburg Breaks Ground On Its Building Expansion Nearly two and a half years after announcing the public phase of a $40 million capital campaign with its goal met, the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg held a groundbreaking ceremony in April on the site where construction is set to begin on the first large-scale expansion and upgrade to its building. The project, the primary capital priority of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s $600 million Campaign for History and Citizenship, will significantly enhance the home of the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, currently celebrating its 60th anniversary year, and the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.

BIZ Partnerships

Endurance IT Services Partners with Cybersecurity Firm Sera-Brynn, LLC Endurance IT Services announced a strategic partnership with Sera-Brynn, LLC, a leading cybersecurity audit and advisory firm based in Virginia Beach that’s known for its deep expertise in guiding organizations toward full compliance with industry and governmentmandated cybersecurity requirements.

With the message of “Pure Compliance,” Sera-Brynn was recently recognized by Cybersecurity Ventures as a top 10 global leader for compliance services in the magazine’s Q1 2017 “Cybersecurity 500” list. Learn more about Endurance IT in their small business profile on page 39.

JES Foundation Repair and Fifth Third Bank Team Up With NASCAR JES Foundation Repair and Fifth Third Bank are proud to announce a partnership with NASCAR and Roush Fenway Racing. Both JES and Fifth Third Bank were presented on car #17 at the Richmond Motor Speedway race on April 30.

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Biz Report | PENCIL IT IN

June/July Events WOUNDED WARRIOR GOLF OUTING 2017

June 1: Business leaders and Hampton Roads Chamber members mix together on the golf course to raise funds and awareness for wounded warriors. 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Networking & Continental Breakfast 8:30 a.m.

Shotgun Start 10 a.m. NAS Oceana Aeropines Golf Club, Virginia Beach.

HamptonRoadsChamber.com

NORFOLK CITY WIDE JOB FAIR June 1: Over 1,000 job seekers are expected to meet and potentially be hired from employers featured at the fair. Free. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Scope Arena, Norfolk. Eventful.com

INDIVIDUAL JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE

June 1, July 6: From résumés to interviews to setting your professional goals, get some individual assistance for your job search. 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Ruth Camp Campbell Memorial Library, Franklin. 757-562-4801.

FranklinSouthamptonVa.com

INNOVATEHER

June 2: Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce presents the InnovateHer business challenge, searching for entrepreneurs to create products or services that have a measurable impact on the lives of women and families, the potential for commercialization and fills a need in the marketplace. 9 a.m. ODU Innovation Center, Norfolk.

757 MAKERSPACE OPEN BUILD NIGHT

June 2, July 7: 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

EAST COAST BUSINESS AND FRANCHISE EXPO

June 3–4: Learn more from over 200 franchisors, business consultants, brokers, vendors and entrepreneurs with classes, a cocktail/networking party and more. $5. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Hilton Doubletree Hotel, Virginia Beach.

Eventbrite.com

DOWNTOWN NORFOLK COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING

June 7: The Downtown Norfolk Council will hold its annual meeting with the theme New Sights, New Heights to celebrate the new developments in Downtown and award those who have contributed to its success during the past year. The DNC Board of Directors also recognizes contributions from individuals and organizations that have been integral to Downtown’s success. This year’s honorees include Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry with the Patricia and Douglas Perry Foundation as the Peter G. Decker Jr. Downtowner of the Year

Award and Mel Price, AIA, principal of Work Program Architects, with the Roy Badgley Distinguished Service Award.

Registration and exhibits begin at 11:15 a.m., luncheon and program at 12:15 p.m. Hilton Norfolk The Main, Norfolk.

DowntownNorfolk.org

DISRUPTHR

June 7: This energetic information exchange features networking, 10-minute speaker presentations and food and drinks. $15. 5:30–8:30 p.m. Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Virginia Beach. Eventbrite.com

LEADINGAGE VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO

June 7–9: The annual conference will cover shared learning, exploring innovative ideas and solutions for the aging services field and engaging with friends with presentations and exhibitors.

Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Norfolk.

NetworkPeninsula.org

ONE MILLION CUPS

June 7, 14, 21, 28, July 5, 12, 19, 26: Weekly networking events for the Coastal Virginia business community. 9 a.m. Virginia Beach and Williamsburg.

1MillionCups.com/VirginiaBeach or 1MillionCups.com/Williamsburg

VALOR AWARDS

June 8: The awards honor public safety heroes for their acts of courage in the line of duty in the community as honorees’ families and business leaders gather for recognition. Members $40; non-members $55. Noon–1:30 p.m. Chesapeake Conference Center, Chesapeake.

HamptonRoadsChamber.com

STARTUP NIGHT

June 8, July 13: Network with entrepreneurs, investors and tech enthusiasts while learning about the newest local technology through presentations and demos. Free. 6–7 p.m. Hatch, Norfolk.

StartWithHatch.com

STARTUP DOWNTOWN FRANKLIN AWARDS & BUSINESS SHOWCASE

June 14: The event will announce the winner of the STARTUP Downtown Franklin program and will also have businesses pitching their ideas, networking with other professionals and a business showcase at the awards presentation. 5–7 p.m.

Franklin Business Center, Franklin.

FranklinSouthamptonVa.com

SWAM CERTIFICATION INFORMATION SESSION

June 15: The workshop will discuss the benefits of becoming a SWaM Certified Business with a representative from the department of Minority Business Enterprise providing information and opportunity to apply to become SWaM Certified. $10. 9 a.m.–noon. ODU Peninsula Center, Hampton. Register online. HamptonRoadsChamber.com

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

June 15: Join the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce for their monthly business networking event.

5:30–7 p.m. Hampton Inn, Gloucester.

GloucesterVaChamber.org

SENIOR ADVOCATE ROUNDTABLE

June 21: The Peninsula Chamber will cover different topics pertaining to seniors for active living with guest speakers Catharine Yusuf and Bobbi Hutchko of Newport News Parks, Recreation & Tourism. Members free; non-members $12. 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Hampton. Register online.

VirginiaPeninsulaChamber.com

CHAMBER SENIOR ADVOCATE SOCIAL

June 22: The social will share information about local services for older professionals, ages 55+, with businesses and organizations to help develop relationships between members. Adult beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be served as attendees may distribute marketing materials for their business.

4–6 p.m. Topgolf, Virginia Beach. RSVP to Diane Raihle at draihle@hrccva.com.

HamptonRoadsChamber.com

BUSINESS CONNECTION AFTER HOURS

June 22: Share your business cards and ideas while networking with fellow professionals in the area. Free. 5–7 p.m. ECPI University, Newport News. Register online.

VirginiaPeninsulaChamber.com

BAR LOUIE SUMMER LADIES NIGHT OUT NETWORKING AND SOCIAL

June 26: Ladies are invited to attend for a night of networking, shopping, socializing, happy hour drink and dinner specials, giveaways and raffles. Free.

5:30–8:30 p.m. Bar Louie, Hampton.

Register online. Eventbrite.com

COFFEE & CONNECTIONS

June 27: Join the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce for a business networking opportunity over a light breakfast and coffee. Members and invited guests free; non-members $15. 7:45–9 a.m. Sam’s Club, Norfolk.

HamptonRoadsChamber.com

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON

June 27: National Business Owner Strategy Executive Karen Reynolds Sharkey of U.S. Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management will provide guidance and research on critical issues to assist business owners, private client advisors and specialists. $35.

Noon–1:15 p.m. Holiday Inn Virginia Beach-Norfolk, Virginia Beach. Register online. HamptonRoadsChamber.com

NEWPORT NEWS ECPI UNIVERSITY EMPLOYER TOURS

community leaders and employers to learn more about degree programs, the educational partnership program and continuing education with a lunch provided for those who register. Free. ECPI University, Newport News. Register online. Eventbrite.com

COFFEE CONNECTION

July 11: Come out for some coffee and networking hosted by chamber members. Free. 7:30–9 a.m.

Register online. City of Hampton.

VirginiaPeninsulaChamber.com

HAMPTON ROADS SALES & MARKETING BOOK CLUB

July 14: The monthly book club will meet to discuss the latest sales and marketing concepts from books on The Marketing Book Podcast with a boxed lunch provided by Cuisine & Company. $20. Noon–1:30 p.m. Slover Library, Norfolk. Eventbrite.com

SUCCESS BUILDER SESSION

July 17: This Start Peninsula Success Builder Session will take you through the steps on how to make investing and sales pitches and how to use effective communication strategies. Drinks and refreshments will be provided. Free for previous Start Peninsula participants.

Newcomers $10. 6–8 p.m. BrittinghamMidtown Community Center, Newport News. Eventbrite.com

BUSINESS EDUCATION SEMINAR: TALENT & ACQUISITION

July 18: This seminar will include a session with a speaker on building high performer profiles, engaging new teammates, increasing first year retention and more. $20. 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Hampton. Register online.

VirginiaPeninsulaChamber.com

HAMPTON ROADS HUBSPOT USER GROUP MEETUP

July 20: The event for HubSpot users will share ideas and insights for marketing and sales with door prize giveaways.

Free. 5–7 p.m. Slover Library, Norfolk.

Register online. Eventbrite.com

VIRGINIA BEACH METRO CAREER FAIR

July 21: Meet with employers, recruiters, managers and HR professionals hiring for positions in sales, customer service, retail, financial services, IT, government, education, healthcare and more. Free. 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Holiday Inn Virginia Beach Oceanside, Virginia Beach. Eventbrite.com

THE CORNER BISTRO LADIES NIGHT OUT AND NETWORKING SOCIAL

July 31: Enjoy a night of networking, shopping and socializing with an extended happy hour, dinner specials, vendor giveaways and a raffle. 5:30–8:30 p.m.

The Corner Bistro & Catering, Poquoson.

Register online. Eventbrite.com

June 28: Campus tours welcome

To submit your event for the Pencil It In calendar, email Ryan@CoVaBIZMag.com 18

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Biz Report | On The Move

On the Duncan G. Byers, an attorney with Pender & Coward, has been recognized as a 2017 Virginia Super Lawyer. Byers focuses his practice on intellectual property and business matters. He has also been recognized as one of Virginia’s Legal Elite and Coastal Virginia’s Top Lawyers.

Richard E. Garriott, Jr., an attorney with Pender & Coward, has been ranked as a Top 100 Virginia Super Lawyer. He has also been inducted as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, an honorary society of lawyers and jurists that is limited to one percent of the lawyers admitted to practice law in the U.S. Also a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Garriott focuses his practice on Family Law, Domestic Relations and Litigation and is AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated. He has also been recognized among Virginia’s Legal Elite and Coastal Virginia’s Top Lawyers.

Move

& Security Practice Group, has earned the designation of Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) with the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). The IAPP is the largest and most comprehensive global information privacy community and resource, helping practitioners develop and advance their careers and organizations manage and protect their data.

Kristen R. Jurjevich, an attorney with Pender & Coward, has been recognized as a Rising Star. Jurjevich focuses her practice on Business and Commercial Transactions and Civil Litigation.

Drew Kubovcik, an attorney with Pender & Coward, has been elected to the Virginia State Bar Council to represent the First Judicial District covering the city of Chesapeake. He will serve a three-year term on the Council. Kubovcik focuses his practice on civil litigation and criminal and traffic law. He has been recognized as one of Coastal Virginia’s Top Lawyers.

Jesse B. Gordon, an attorney with Pender & Coward, has been recognized as a Rising Star.

Gordon practices in the areas of civil, commercial and construction litigation. He has also been recognized among Virginia’s Legal Elite and Coastal Virginia’s Top Lawyers.

Anne C. Lahren, an attorney with Pender & Coward, has been recognized as a Rising Star. Lahren focuses her practice on Civil Litigation, Immigration and Family Law. She is AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated and recognized among Virginia’s Legal Elite and Coastal Virginia’s Top Lawyers.

D. Rossen S. Greene, an attorney with Pender & Coward, has been recognized as a Rising Star. An AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated attorney, Greene practices primarily in the areas of Eminent Domain, Civil Litigation and Real Estate. He has also been recognized among Virginia’s Legal Elite.

Jamilah D. LeCruise has been selected as the 2017 recipient of the Walter E. Hoffman Community Service Award presented by the Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association.

LeCruise manages and owns her own law firm in Downtown Norfolk where she handles criminal and family law matters.

Nicole J. Harrell, a member in Kaufman & Canoles’ Norfolk office and chair of the Data Privacy

Lin Miller has joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Towne Realty at the Ghent sales office. He is a real estate veteran with over 28 years in the industry and was honored as a Hampton Roads Realtor Association Circle of Excellence Platinum winner.

Dave Parker has been named program director for WUSH US 106.1. Parker has been on US 106.1 since the day it went live on the air in 2007 and has been a member of the Hampton Roads media, including television, radio and print, for 20 years. Parker replaces Brandon O’Brien, who resigned to relocate to Nashville to manage family real estate properties.

Jack Rephan, an attorney with Pender & Coward, has been recognized as a 2017 Virginia Super Lawyer. Rephan focuses his practice on Construction, Government Contracts, Mediation and Arbitration. An AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated attorney, he has also been recognized among Virginia’s Legal Elite and Coastal Virginia’s Top Lawyers.

Jeff W. Rosen, an attorney with Pender & Coward, has been recognized as a 2017 Virginia Super Lawyer.

Rosen focuses his practice on Litigation, Employment, Insurance and Municipal Law. He has also been recognized among Virginia’s Legal Elite.

Robert L. Samuel, Jr., an attorney with Pender & Coward, has been recognized as a 2017 Virginia Super Lawyer. Samuel focuses his practice on Workers’ Compensation and Civil Personal Injury Litigation.

He is AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated and also recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America, Virginia’s Legal Elite and Coastal Virginia’s Top Lawyers.

Bruce Stockwell has been hired as a senior software developer for Array Digital in Chesapeake. He brings more than 20 years of experience in the industry, specializing in .Net and JavaScript application development.

Ashley Swindell has joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Towne Realty at the Ghent sales office. She boasts over 20 years in business and consumer sales, in addition to nine years in the real estate industry. Swindell was a Hampton Roads Realtor Association Circle of Excellence Bronze winner in 2016.

E. Diane Thompson, an attorney with Pender & Coward, has been recognized as a Top 50 Female Virginia Super Lawyer and as a Top 100 Super Virginia Lawyer.

Thompson focuses her practice on Estate Planning, Trust and Estate Administration, Fiduciary Income Taxation, Federal Estate and Gift Taxation and Post-mortem Tax and Disclaimer Planning.

She is also recognized among Virginia’s Legal Elite, the Best Lawyers in America and Coastal Virginia’s Top Lawyers.

Cathy Underwood has joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Towne Realty at the Harbour View office sales office.

Her extensive background in customer service led the former retail manager to transition into real estate where she will assist clients with buying and/or selling a home.

Matt Ward of SOLitude Lake Management was named

by AquaFix, Inc. as their Research and Case History Program winner for 2016. A leading international expert in the development of bacteria and enzyme products for the management of fresh waterbodies, AquaFix, Inc. recognizes industry professionals for their project achievements through its Research and Case History Program.

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.

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Biz Report | NETWORKING NEWS

Hampton Roads Chamber Small Business Of The Year Awards

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he Hampton Roads Chamber held their annual Hampton Roads Small Business of the Year Award luncheon on May 2 at Chesapeake Conference Center. Beach Pet Hospital was named the 2017 Small Business of the Year and noted for their extreme levels of customer service, given to both two- and four-legged customers.

The Small Business of the Year Awards, presented by Southern Bank, awards a small business of the year from every Southside city before the overall winner is chosen by a panel of judges. This year the city winners were as follows: Chesapeake: Hackworth/The Graphics Shop Norfolk: CURE Coffeehouse and Brasserie Portsmouth: Brutti’s Catering Suffolk: Music Makes You Happy Entertainment Virginia Beach: Beach Pet Hospital G&W Leadership Award: Christina Sims, Beach Pet Hospital Young Entrepreneur Award: Christine Holley, Wasserhund Brewing Company Top to Watch: And One Marketing

PHOTOs By Thomas Gorman Photography

Hampton Roads VOLUNTEER Achievement Awards

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OLUNTEER Hampton Roads held their annual Hampton Roads VOLUNTEER Achievement Awards on April 26 at Hilton Norfolk The Main to recognize the region’s most outstanding volunteers based on their length of service, initiative and impact on the community.

Each year VOLUNTEER also honors an outstanding leader in community service with the Lenora Mathews Lifetime Achievement Award. This year’s Corporate Excellence Award honorees are as follows: 2017 Lenora Mathews Lifetime Achievement Award: Tom Barton, III Corporate Excellence Award in Leadership: Old Point National Bank, honoring Robert Shuford, Sr. and Robert Shuford, Jr. Good Corporate Neighbor—Large: Huntington Ingalls; ADS, Inc. Good Corporate Neighbor—Small: Vandeventer Black LLP Individual Adult: James Brewer; Merlin Kary Individual Youth/Group: Angela Geraci, Student Ministry of St. Andrew’s UMC Individual Military/Military Group: VMM7774 Community Group: Virginia Tech Tidewater Alumni Chapter Faith-Based Group: FEED Kempsville Nonprofit Volunteer Program: Military Aviation Museum; REACH

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sponsored content

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evin Tucker started SOLitude Lake Management in 1998 to focus on the growing need for adequate management of lakes and stormwater retention ponds and the preservation of our natural resources. He is an active member and has served on the boards of many leading trade and professional organizations, is a founding member of the Society of Lake Management Professionals, and remains on the cutting edge of technology, product and service development in the aquatics industry. Kevin currently serves on the Board for the Center of Entrepreneurship at James Madison University, is a guest lecturer, and has also served as an Entrepreneur in Residence. He has been a member of EO for 11 years.

What started your passion to improve the quality of lakes and stormwater retention ponds and the preservation of natural resources?

I have always been passionate about the outdoors and had a special affinity for water. When I recognized the need for water quality management in the lakes and ponds throughout the communities in our area and discovered that I could merge my passion for building a great business with my passion for the outdoors, it became my focus.

Featured EO Member:

Kevin Tucker

SOLitude Lake Management

How did you work to form your business model in such a way that it would meet the needs of a variety of clients?

There is water everywhere, and the issue was never about how many people would need or want our services. It was simply that we had to expand the size of the market by educating stakeholders to what was possible, why it was important and how it would help them achieve their goals. Our services have expanded over the years to meet the ever-evolving needs of our clients.

Our job is to take the science of water quality management and use it to solve each client’s unique problem.

You Deserve A

Break

What adaptations have been required of you and your staff to remain flexible and responsive to SOLitude’s mission?

Our core goals have always been to maintain great relationships with our clients and ensure that what we do provides them real value. We put a premium on hiring and developing the most talented and customerfocused staff in our industry. Our focus on people, both in terms of our staff and our relationships with clients, is far and away the most significant contributor to our success.

What’s a piece of business advice that you wish you could have offered to yourself when you first started SOLitude?

When you want everything to be the best, you are sometimes slow to delegate and involve others in key decisions and roles. You feel like you should have your hands in everything. Recognizing when to let go and trusting others to take responsibility for key areas of the business was a significant step in the growth of the business. Most importantly, it is key to my team’s professional development and success.

How do you feel your EO membership has affected your business?

The experience sharing with other business owners and overall learning have been excellent. It was a huge part of my professional development. Above all else, it helped me recognize opportunities for working on the business and not in the business. It is so easy to find yourself in the weeds in a fast-paced and rapidly growing business. You can’t really build a great business if you don’t recognize the real priorities and allow yourself time to focus on the important drivers of the business.

Sign up for our newsletter, the CoVa BIZ Break, delivered to your inbox each Friday.

You’ll receive • Quick business tips • Networking event details • Watercooler news • Reminders to nominate businesses or professionals for upcoming CoVa BIZ features

Sign up today at

CovaBizMag.com

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SUMMER! Ask The Expert

PICNICS • WEDDINGS BEACH PARTIES CORPORATE CELEBRATIONS

Legal What branding and trademark strategies should I consider when launching a startup or small business?

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mall businesses and startups should carefully consider brand and trademark strategy. Creating a commercial impression that differentiates a business from its competitors through trademarks and related branding can be as important as the quality of goods and services. Failing to do so misses an opportunity to stand out and have customers associate your trademarks with your quality and service. Missteps in branding can be as bad as not having a strategy at all.

Brand strategy should: • Distinguish your business in a crowded marketplace.

• Create a strong consumer connection between your business and its goods or services.

• Create buzz about a new business in a marketplace.

• Add value to your business.

Your strategy should start with the following.

Conduct research early.

Hiring professionals is not an unnecessary expense because doing so can save substantial costs. Initial research identifies problems with potential trademarks, including identifying businesses with superior trademark rights. Early discovery avoids potential lawsuits and rebranding.

Event Planning & Production

Choose a distinctive and fanciful trademark.

Arbitrary (random) and fanciful (imaginative) trademarks have no association with goods or services before being used in the marketplace. Over time, consumers associate them with businesses. Some examples are “Exxon®” and “Kodak®.”

Suggestive trademarks require a consumer to use some imagination in order to connect the trademark to a business. However, the more suggestive a mark, the weaker it becomes. Merely descriptive trademarks (requiring no imagination) are generally unenforceable. And while your name may be important to consumers, names are also generally unenforceable. It takes years of marketing to make an unenforceable trademark enforceable, if ever.

Choose a trademark that is not similar to others.

There can be an instinct to utilize trademarks similar to others in the marketplace. Marketplaces are filled with trademarks suggestive of the goods and services in that marketplace. For example, using a computer term in a trademark for computer services is common—and weakens similar trademarks.

Copying others misses an opportunity to stand out. Using a trademark similar to others is likely to make yours weak, difficult to register and more difficult to protect. And a mark similar to someone else’s is likely to lead to an infringement claim.

Early planning can save money later and increase revenue. Research and choose trademarks carefully. Use branding to let customers distinguish you in the marketplace, which is what matters most. Plan smartly and set your business apart.

2800 Crusader Circle, Suite 9 (office), Virginia Beach, VA 23453

(757) 340-2212 www.premiereventsinc.com Official Event Decor Partner of Coastal Virginia Magazine Events

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About the Expert

Duncan Byers is a shareholder in the law firm of Pender & Coward focusing his practice on patent, trademark and intellectual property matters and civil litigation. He plans, procures and protects the creative and intellectual property of businesses and individuals. Contact Duncan at dgb@pender.law.

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How Does Your Business Give Back?

Nominate your business for our second annual Community Impact Awards

July 1–Aug. 18

at CoVaBIZMag.com Businesses have found unique ways to meet the needs of those around them through community education, product donations, volunteerism and activism, internship opportunities, in-kind donations and more. Tell us what your company has been doing to make a difference!

Selected businesses will appear in our Dec/Jan issue.

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Beyond the Biz

LOVEVA App

By Ryan Miller

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etail Alliance is connecting business owners and shoppers through its buy local campaign complete with a mobile app and website, LOVEVA. The nonprofit trade association, established in 1903, supports the growth of local retailers and economy by marketing businesses and providing additional services to grow their consumer base. Now, the Retail Alliance is using the LOVEVA resource as a way for retailers to work together while rewarding shoppers that make purchases at participating LOVEVA businesses.

It doesn’t take the most tech-savvy business owner—or user either—to learn how the LOVEVA program works. Retailers listed on the app and on the webpage fit in to its directory based on category of business, each with their own logo, photo, QR code, directions to the business, social media links and information on the types of rewards it has for users. For each purchase at one of over 300 participating LOVEVA businesses in the app, users are rewarded with a heart badge. Once they have collected 10 hearts, they can redeem or share their reward with a friend at any LOVEVA business. Purchases can be as large as a piece of furniture or as small as a cup of coffee, which are each equivalent to one heart. One rewarding example is $20 off a $70 grocery purchase at Farm Fresh, known to be actively involved in the community. In the even bigger picture, shoppers are supporting businesses by keeping money in the local economy.

From a business owner’s perspective, the LOVEVA program gives them access to connect to over 12,500 users, which (to date) have made more than 50,000 transactions through the program. The Retail Alliance takes the program even further with additional educational and training resources it provides for its local businesses. “One of the things we do is we have membership directors meeting businesses

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every day, talking to the people about what they need, what they see, who their customers are, what are their issues,” explains Kylie Sibert, Retail Alliance Vice President of Corporate Communications. “We really connect with them in the community that way.” Membership directors also ensure that owners and the front-end staff are up and running on how to use the app and talk about it with the customers through their on-site training.

LOVEVA also allows for businesses to get their names out to shoppers who would otherwise be unfamiliar with their business and would like to shop somewhere new. Owners can recognize and develop strategies for who their shoppers are and keep them coming to their store by tracking foot traffic with SEO and metrics. Additionally, owners can keep up with customers by using LOVEVA assets such as marketing and advertising when they don’t necessarily have the time for outreach while they grow. LOVEVA Program Manager Lisa Renée Jennings shares, “Because we are powered by Retail Alliance, we can also offer them special opportunities. We have the buying power to do advertising, so LOVEVA offers spring and fall special advertising campaigns at special prices.”

Offline, stores are also given marketing materials, including point of sale flyers to further enhance their message of buying local to customers. Even at events such as Harborfest, LOVEVA offers its buy local clients a free space inside their tent to show off their stores to the public.

Retail Alliance’s own effort to better businesses through LOVEVA is a continual, long-term investment. They are constantly monitoring feedback from users and businesses to determine what they want the app to become.

“The more businesses invest in the program themselves, the more they get out of it,” Sibert notes. “We’ve found with the businesses that promote in their stores or in their restaurants, who advertise it through social media and do specials with marketing, are the ones that succeed the most in driving that foot traffic, getting new customers and keeping current customers in their doors.”

Learn more about LOVEVA at BeALocalLOVEVA.com.

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BEYOND THE BIZ | AT HOME

Feeding with Faith AT HOME

NOW THAT HER CAREER HAS COME FULL CIRCLE, FOODBANK CEO RUTH JONES NICHOLS SETTLES INTO FAMILY LIFE WHILE SEEKING NEW WAYS TO BE A CHAMPION FOR OTHERS

By Angela Blue Photography by Jim Pile

D

r. Ruth Jones Nichols stands at her kitchen counter, slicing strawberries and apples for a summer salad. She places the fruit on a bed of fresh spinach, sprinkles on some raw almonds and drizzles with raspberry vinaigrette.

Food has taken on a deeper meaning for her in the last two years, both in her personal life and in her career. At home, she uses cooking as a way to bond with her stepdaughter, Sydnee. As CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, she’s at the helm of feeding over 180,000 hungry individuals throughout Coastal Virginia.

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BEYOND THE BIZ | AT HOME

Inside her home in Chesapeake’s Great Bridge, Jones Nichols is surrounded by a spectrum of warm tones: rich, wooden cabinets and black granite countertops in the kitchen, a dark wood table, chairs and vases in the adjacent dining room and orange-and-red-hued décor purposefully placed throughout the living room.

Beside the dining room, a three-season room featuring floor-to-ceiling windows provides a gracious view of the lush, tree-lined backyard. “It’s amazing in terms of just being able to enjoy the outdoors,” she says.

Jones Nichols and her family have only lived here since October, but already they’re enjoying the neighborhood’s convenient location, diversity and family feel. And along with living in a brand-new house, Jones Nichols is settling into new family roles. She and her husband, Breon, were married in 2015, and she now shares a life with her 12-year-old stepdaughter, Sydnee, and 10-year-old stepson, Syrus.

AN ARTFUL HOME A prominent feature in their home is a vast collection of art. This passion began for Jones Nichols in college. In the dining room and in her home office are mixed media masks representing womanhood by a Washington, D.C.-based artist, Deirdre Bell. “Typically, the art that I choose will have some type of womanhood focus, and I really love African American art,” she says.

She typically finds art during her travels, whether it’s the Marylandbased Serengeti Gallery, featuring art from both African and African American artists, or going right to the source: Africa. “I traveled to Ghana, West Africa, and I anticipated that I would bring a lot of art back—and I did,” she says. “But I found that for some of the pieces, I seemed to know more about the place of origin than the folks who were selling it.”

Her interests have expanded throughout the years, progressing from limited edition pieces to clay to etched art. “I love textured pieces, so if something has wood or metal in addition to acrylic paint, I find myself drawn to it,” Jones Nichols says. She’s owned some of the pieces in her collection for 20 years.

One piece in particular speaks to her in a significant way: a painting of a woman with natural hair, bright red lips and a butterfly hovering beside her. It was painted by Yvette Crocker, a self-taught, D.C.-based visual artist, illustrator and jewelry designer. Jones Nichols first saw Crocker’s art on a wall of a friend’s home and knew right away that she had to have one of her pieces. “This one is my alter ego,” she says.” “Big hair, big earrings, red lipstick, just enjoying nature and being free spirited.”

FAMILY VALUES Upstairs, contemporary jazz music drifts from Breon’s media room, a comfortable space, flowing with natural sunlight, where he can watch TV and relax.

Next door is a loft-style family space where Sydnee and Syrus enjoy spending time watching TV or playing games. On the wall above the couch is a collage of family pictures. “Because we are a blended family and I was looking for ways to bring us together in this new house, I decided to take several pictures and then convert them into canvas art,” Jones Nichols says. The photomontage depicts some of the kids’ hobbies (Syrus loves hapkido, and Sydnee runs track), the wedding day when they officially became a family, and the day that they said yes to their new home. “It was important that we all say yes, so we took a picture in front of the lot.”

On the opposite side of the room, a gallery wall features a vibrant painting of an elephant in the center. “You’ll see elephants throughout,” Jones Nichols notes. “One because it’s a symbol for my sorority [Delta Sigma Theta] but also because the elephant is a symbol for strength, wisdom, patience. Those are things you want for your family in terms of values.”

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RECLAIMING HER PAST One of Jones Nichols’ most important values is her faith. “Faith is a strong part of who I am, and it has been that way since I grew up,” she says. She attends church with her family on Sundays and often relates the sermons to her own life.

“Breon and I were in church yesterday with the family, and the minister was talking about how a lot of things in life don’t make sense,” she explains. “Sometimes when it’s really great, it doesn’t make sense.

Sometimes when it’s not so great, it doesn’t make sense. But then he talked about how it’s important for your faith to be unwavering in those times, good and bad.”

Jones Nichols has relied on her faith throughout the years as she faced some of life’s toughest challenges and changes. The most recent shift came in the form of a career change that no one—not even Jones Nichols herself—was expecting.

From 2012–2015, she served as the executive director of the YWCA South Hampton Roads, a job that brought her back to this area from a career in Washington, D.C. In many ways, she was the perfect candidate for the executive director position, not only because of her background in social work and her leadership skills, but because of a personal connection she had to the organization. When she was a child, her family sought refuge at the YWCA’s domestic violence shelter after her mother had become a victim of domestic violence.

Though she struggled with the decision to return to Hampton Roads and face domestic violence head on, she determined that she would use her own experiences to help others. “I thought coming back home to accept the position at the YWCA was an opportunity to see my life come full circle and give back to an organization that supported my family,” she says. “I thought it was [the perfect fit], and I feel like I did really great things during my time there, but I also felt like there was more I was supposed to do in the community and in this community in particular.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE In September 2015, she made the decision to leave the YWCA. She completed her dissertation that December and earned her Ph.D. the next spring. In January 2016, she began a new journey with the Foodbank. “I had to focus on completing something that’s been out there for a long time and just try to begin to understand what it means to be a wife and a stepmom and part of a family that’s kind of already packaged,” she says.

Now that she’s settled into her position with the Foodbank, she’s beginning to explore other ways in which the organization can help people. “We’ve built our model on feeding people, and we do that really well,” she says. “Feeding people alone is not going to eliminate hunger or transform their lives. When we think about how to best serve children and seniors and working families, there are so many things that we can do with the resources and the capacity that we have now as an organization. Getting to the point where we can distribute 15 million meals— great. What are we going to do with that influence and that power?”

Jones Nichols feels that her life experiences are a part of what helps her connect with people. “People are coming to us oftentimes after having experienced something very difficult or living in difficult circumstances,” she says. “I went through all of this, in addition to my education and professional experiences, to really be able to shift the conversation and do it in a way that resonates with folks.”

Today, Jones Nichols can look back with positive insight. “There were a lot of things that didn’t make sense about my life, especially growing up and coming back here,” she says. “I had to come back in order to meet my husband, and now I understand how to experience the type of life that I wanted. You’ve got to go back and reclaim your past in order to move forward into the future.”

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PHOTO BY HEATHER WYNN

ABOVE LEFT: Jones Nichols takes the opportunity to wear art as often as she can. Her necklace was created by a D.C.-based friend, Nakia Fisher, who designs jewelry for the brand Ai’kan (pronounced Icon but also Nakia’s name spelled backward). Fisher inspired her to begin making her own beaded jewelry as well. CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE RIGHT: Womanhood mask from D.C.-based artist Deirdre Bell. • For her wedding bouquet, Jones Nichols asked the florists at The New Leaf in Norfolk to create a West African Adinkra symbol called Sankofa, meaning importance of learning from the past. “In order to move forward into the future, you have to go back and reclaim your past,” she says. • “When I’m not doing Foodbank stuff or sorority things, I’ve been in the garden,” she says. “I try to save a little bit for every weekend.” • A canvas photomontage portrays significant moments in the Nichols’ family journey. • A painting by Yvette Crocker is displayed in Jones Nichols’ home office. She refers to the woman in the painting as her alter ego.

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Beyond the Biz | success

Success

The Ride of His Life

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Photo by jim pile

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Beyond the Biz | success

Busch Gardens Williamsburg President David Cromwell Might Have The most fun Job In The World

By Barrett Baker

D

avid Cromwell epitomizes the phrase “working your way through the ranks.” Originally from San Diego, Calif., he started as an employee at SeaWorld San Diego—part of the parent company of Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Water Country USA—in 1997 while he was still in high school.

His first job was with the park operations department as a theater host.

It was a summer job, working part-time, that he took to earn money to buy a car. He eventually moved into a full-time position after receiving his Master of Business Administration degree from San Diego State University after majoring in communications. Today, he is the head honcho at one of the most amazing theme parks in the world.

CoVa BIZ: This is not your first stint in Williamsburg, correct?

David Cromwell: That’s right. I spent about 13 years in the park operations department in San Diego doing all kinds of different jobs including guest arrival, rides and custodial and grounds functions. I was eventually promoted to vice president of operations at SeaWorld San Diego. After about two years in that position, an opportunity came up to move to Water Country USA. I was vice president there for about three seasons from 2010– 2012. At the end of 2012, the company purchased a water park near SeaWorld San Diego, and I led the team there through our first three seasons before the opportunity to be president at Busch Gardens Williamsburg opened.

appealed to me, the variety. No day is exactly the same as the one before, and they all have their own kind of unique sets of challenges, which also makes it fun and exciting. There is no opportunity to stagnate. There’s always some new challenge or something new you’re working on that makes it fun. And, the people here are just phenomenal. They are passionate about what they do. They’re committed to what they do, they are dedicated, and that always drives me to step up my game and match their level of desire and passion. So, if you can’t have fun in a theme park, you won’t be able to find a job as fun as this one.

“The people here are just phenomenal. They are passionate about what they do. They’re committed to what they do, they are dedicated, and that always drives me to step up my game and match their level of desire and passion.”

CoVa BIZ: How do you feel about bouncing from coast to coast like that?

DC: It’s been fun, actually. San Diego will always be my hometown, but when there was an opportunity to come back here in a greater capacity, my wife, my kids and I were all really excited. We love the area. The people here just make the experience what it is.

CoVa BIZ: What’s it like to be the president of such an exciting place?

DC: Every day is different, and I think that’s part of what has always

CoVa BIZ: What has been the key to your success?

DC: I have always tried to stay grounded, in both what our team member experience is on a day-to-day and on the guest side. I’ve worked many of the jobs that our team members do every day, so I have a really grounded understanding of some of the things that challenge them.

I can use that knowledge to figure out what we can do to remove obstacles and roadblocks. On the other side of the guest experience, I’m a consumer myself, I’m a parent, and I try to put myself in the guests’ shoes every day when I’m out in the park and helping make decisions.

After safety, the guest experience has to be the most important thing that we should be focused on. I’ve always tried to stay focused on what I would expect if I were on the other side.

CoVa BIZ: How does Coastal Virginia stack up to San Diego?

DC: This area reminds me, in a lot of ways, of Southern California. There’s just close proximity to the beach, to the mountains, to Washington, D.C., to Outer Banks. Everything is a pretty short drive away from being able to experience different things, and certainly with young kids that’s what you want to be able to do. You want to be able to get out and experience and have fun with your family. It’s a very unique situation, so I would equate it a lot with San Diego in that regard.

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A place to meet the business personalities in Coastal Virginia, to be inspired by their successes and to learn from their missteps.

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Businesses,

Results

Innovation And Motivation drive These 15 Local Companies on a journey to success by barrett baker, angela blue, jamie mcallister and ryan miller Photography by Jim Pile

Behind most small

businesses is a great story.

n The idea that started it all. The time, energy, money and stress that went into opening and running the business. The overcome obstacles and the little things learned along the way. And finally, the success of knowing that you did it, followed by the ambition to keep doing it, making it better and evolving as you go.

That’s why we’re proud to showcase these 15 companies and entrepreneurs in our second annual small business feature—to tell their fascinating stories, share their advice and inspire those who dream of starting their own small business one day. n This year’s companies were selected based on creativity of their business idea, recent accomplishments and recommendations from area leaders. Established by grand ideas, launched with faith and growing as they go, these small businesses have a big impact on our local economy and the vibrancy of our community.

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FEATURE: COVABIZSMALLBUSINESSES

Advanced Aircraft Company

A

Courtesy

dvanced Aircraft Company builds small (less than 55 pounds), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), capable of vertical landing and takeoff maneuvers. Unlike ordinary “drones,” AAC’s UAVs are aerodynamically designed to fly at sustained speeds more than 80 miles per hour, to video and photograph linear infrastructures while in search of problems that potentially need repair.

The company got its start from a NASA Langley Research Center project that another government agency requested. They wanted an aircraft that could take off and land vertically, yet could also fly for 24 hours at a time— two diametrically opposed requirements, according to Fredericks.

“Long story short, what came out of that was the NASA Greased Lightening,” he says. “When we finished the project, it was put up on a shelf, even though we tested it and proved that what we came up with was successful. There are plenty of videos on YouTube that show that.

So, I thought to myself, ‘Why don’t we pull that off the shelf and move the technology forward?’”

How can it be used? One interesting application for a UAV like Greased Lightening is linear infrastructure inspection to examine things like pipelines, power lines, railroad tracks, etc.

“If you have miles of linear infrastructure that needs inspecting, you want something that’s going to go down that and inspect it very quickly in order to get a low cost per mile,” Fredericks explains. “The problem with going

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Courtesy image

Owner: Bill Fredericks Founded: 2015 Location: Peninsula Technology Incubator, 1100 Explorer Way, Suite 302S, Hampton Number of Employees: 3

really fast down a linear infrastructure is that you get a lot of false positives.

You see something that doesn’t look right, maybe, but you’re trucking down the line at a very quick pace. What you really want is something that can stop and take a closer look at those false positives. The Greased Lightening aircraft allows you to do exactly that. It’ll do 80 miles per hour down that pipeline or whatever infrastructure it might be, and if it spots something, it’ll slow to a hover, take a closer look, confirm or deny whether there is a fault, then if there is a fault, notify the human repair team exactly where it is, then accelerate back into wind-borne flight again.”

Obviously, Greased Lightening and its smaller brother, Hercules, are no ordinary drones. “There are a lot of businesses doing stuff in the drone space,” Fredericks says. “But all of the multi-rotor UAVs on the market today are battery powered. So, the longest they can fly is about four hours before the battery runs dead. Our Hercules model is unique in many ways.

First, it has a hybrid electric propulsion system. It has a gasoline engine, much like a weed whacker, and a generator to produce electricity. That electricity is distributed to the motors that turn the propellers. If you look at our website, you’ll see that the vehicle has wings that are very aerodynamically designed. I think the technology is cool, but the reason why our customers are going to buy this is because of economics. Obviously, our aircraft is going to cost a lot more than a similar battery-powered multirotor vehicle. However, our buyers generate revenue proportionately to the amount of area they can image. If you can photograph more area in any given day, they’re getting more revenue for the same costs. For our customers, the resulting cost per acre can go down by as much as 45 percent, which is really phenomenal for a service industry.”

Even though AAC is still in the pre-revenue phase, Fredericks shares this advice for anyone looking to start a small business. “Starting a business is a really big time commitment. So, save up your energy, and when you’re ready to hit the market, be ready to hit the ground running, and run really hard.”

Learn more at AdvancedAircraftCompany.com.

—BB

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FEATURE: COVABIZSMALLBUSINESSES

A

Advanced Technologies Incorporated

dvanced Technologies Incorporated (ATI) provides engineering and fabrication services in support of the aerospace industry research and development projects, including wind tunnel models, full-scale aircraft mock-ups, models and training devices, composite rotor blade development and prototype air vehicles and components.

Based on the nature of their work, the prequal to Advanced Technologies Incorporated chose Newport News as their home in 1972, due to its proximity to NASA Langley Research Center, in addition to Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard facilities. The founders discovered that the rural area provided a pleasant living environment with multiple professional installations requiring higher-skilled workers.

ATI arose from the ashes of that original startup that was bought out by a larger business, who made it a publicly traded company. A few years after the buyout, a group of key managers proposed a leveraged buyback that was unsuccessful, so they turned their energy toward starting a new business. It was a rocky start for the ATI as the new company was sued by the prior company to restrict competition and interrupt startup efforts. That also made financing difficult with pending litigation, so the new founders had to provide their own personal funds in order to move forward.

“It is very difficult for a small business startup to penetrate the aerospace research and development market and compete with established subcontractors,” says Toby Roberts, Vice President of ATI, who worked

for both Boeing and Lockheed before moving to Virginia to start a small business as a subcontractor to NASA Langley. “After 16 years of previous experience, the professional reputation of the new business owners provided initial opportunities, and our lower cost structure earned contract awards. So, we knew the product had to be of high quality, delivered on schedule and at a lower cost to penetrate the market and establish a performance record.”

The strategy obviously worked.

Beginning with six key employees who were all partners, the company has generated more than $230 million in revenues over the last 29 years. Five of the six founders have retired, and the company became 100 percent employee-owned in 2000.

“The Employee Stock Ownership Plan was formed to provide a means to transfer ownership from individuals to the company without selling to a third party,” says Roberts. “The ESOP has operated successfully for 16 years and provides our employees with a retirement benefit not available from the majority of small businesses. The ESOP provides a financial benefit to employees, as well as an incentive for long-term employment and commitment to the company.”

Roberts recognizes that the benefit of being a small business is that operations can be managed by a few key personnel who provide both administrative and technical input. He also knows that a small business can be more efficient and react to changes in business activity as needed.

“The aerospace R&D industry has unique schedule demands, and meeting delivery dates is critical for long-term business success,” he says. “ATI’s management committed to meeting contract delivery schedules and would not accept a new contract if we could not deliver on schedule. Over the years, ATI’s performance and reputation have provided additional business opportunities. We will do whatever it takes to support our primary customers and deliver on schedule.”

With so much experience under his belt as an owner of a small business, Roberts has some great advice to pass on to others thinking of jumping into the fray. “Based on personal experience, running a small business company requires major dedication, hard work and long hours. You need to have a passion for your business and need to thoroughly understand the business you are in.”

Learn more at AdvancedTechnologiesInc.com.

—BB Owner: 100 percent Employee-Owned Company Founded: 1988 Location: 875 City Center Blvd., Newport News Number of Employees: 70 W ww . C o v a b i z m a g . c o m

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FEATURE: COVABIZSMALLBUSINESSES

Ario

A

rio specializes in designing and customizing augmented reality and 3D applications that increase safety, efficiency and quality product output for commercial, medical, construction and military industries.

The name Ario is an acronym for Augmented Reality Input/Output. Augmented reality is a technology that superimposes data information into the user’s environment in real-time. Although the technology has been known for decades, the recent upsurge in the development of consumerready augmented reality devices by companies like Microsoft, Daqri, Apple and so many others, cemented the company’s decision into developing AR. They believe that AR technology will improve how businesses educate and communicate internally to their employees, and externally to the client base. Augmented reality empowers workers by giving them a layer of information that makes them more confident, efficient, safer and well informed.

CEO and Augmented Reality Developer Joe Weaver says that Ario’s mission is to provide software solutions that specifically and effectively resolve issues to better motivate people. “To that end, we diversify our software solutions by doing AR-VR-MR (Augmented Reality-Virtual Real-Mixed Reality),” he explains. “Virtual Reality is where the user is in a completely computer-generated environment. Mixed Reality is where both VR and AR elements are present to the user at the same time. These different technologies have different advantages. What brings us together and pushes us forward is our ability to find the right software solution and the right device for that solution. There are so many positive uses for these technologies, and we are excited to be a part of the process.”

To contend with the newness of this technology in the commercial market, Ario’s team believes that diversification in everything they do allows them to adapt quickly to market changes. They identify social stigmas that surround their technology—such as adversarial perceptions or misinformation—and provide facts and solutions through research and expert business practices.

“We are always looking for individuals who, like us, are enthusiastic and energetic about augmented reality, virtual reality and 3D modeling technology,” says Weaver. “To help us grow our small business, we have implemented several outreach programs in the area to recruit software developers.

The community’s support of our technology, from businesses to educational institutions, has brought us great joy. A large majority of our employees have been residents here for years, so to be a part of improving local businesses, encouraging job growth in our community and creating a technology base has truly amplified our efforts.”

As innovators and leaders in their field, being a small business has been beneficial as it allows them to pursue business ideas at a fast pace. Their

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Leadership Team: Joe Weaver, CEO/ Augmented Reality Developer; Nate Fender, Vice President of Product; BK Fulton, Chairman Founded: 2016 Location: Jefferson Applied Research Center, 12050 Jefferson Ave., Suite 250, Newport News Number of Employees: 14

approach to this technology is to provide practical and seamless integration, which sets them apart from a majority of developers.

“We partnered with Star Labs, a motion-capture studio based in Hampton, which has been successful in advancing our technology’s capabilities and furthering our goal to network and team with technologists in the community,” Weaver says. “As we customize VR, AR and MR applications, we wanted to provide our clients with realistic visualizations bound by real-world physics, as well as to offer a studio to our clients to do their own group VR training and/or kinesthetic research. The Star Labs’ team has been more than welcoming of our effort and has been a great part of our success.”

Ario’s business goal is to expand and also to inspire in hopes that their business will spark new tech businesses in the area. Weaver’s advice to those businesses as they come together is simple: “Communication is important. Clear and concise communication to your employees and to your client base will allow your company to push forward the vision you foresee for your company.”

Learn more at Ario.com.

—BB

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FEATURE: COVABIZSMALLBUSINESSES

BedCrafters

by Michelle

Owner: Michelle Brumfield Founded: 1999 Locations: 5227 Monticello Ave., Suite E, Williamsburg 2014 Old Brick Rd., Richmond 12725 Stone Village Way, Midlothian Number of Employees: 10–12

M

ichelle Brumfield planned on pursuing a career in accounting before fate presented itself in the form of a sore back.

In her quest for the perfect mattress, Brumfield discovered Custom Comfort by Winn. She went to work for the company as a sales rep and never looked back.

Brumfield started out in direct sales, traveling and selling beds to nursing homes and hospitals. When a mattress retailer went on vacation for a week, he asked Brumfield to look after his store. The week he was gone she sold 22 mattresses. “I returned to my sales job to close a big commercial contract,” Brumfield recalls. “I went into work, handed my boss the biggest contract the company had ever seen, and then quit to open my own mattress store.”

Brumfield’s boss tried to convince her not to open a mattress store in Williamsburg, but she had done her homework and was confident about her decision. “I knew the area wasn’t there yet, but that it was poised for big growth, so I took the chance,” she says. When Brumfield opened BedCrafters by Michelle’s flagship location in Williamsburg in 1999, there were two mattress stores in the city. Now there is a mattress store on practically every corner.

“In a way, all that competition is a blessing for my business,” says Brumfield. “Everyone sees through all of their constant advertising. I don’t sell sales; I sell a good night’s sleep.” One of her first decisions as a business owner was to not pay her sales staff on commission. “If it’s about a sale, it’s not about the customer,” she says.

Starting a business meant less travel, but as the business was getting off the ground, Brumfield still struggled to find a balance between work and family. “You put in so much work in the beginning, it’s not always easy to find time to spend with your family,” she says. To solve that problem, Brumfield built a castle in an out-of-the-way corner of her store. Complete with countertops, a futon and a TV, her son and daughter could play while Brumfield worked.

Another hurdle Brumfield faced was finding staff as passionate and devoted to the perfect night’s sleep as she is. She turned to family members to fill several positions in the stores but admits that finding delivery drivers is much tougher. “The delivery drivers are an integral part of the experience, as they are the last employees a customer sees,” says Brumfield. “The impression they make is crucial, but no one ever grows up saying they want to be a delivery driver at BedCrafters by Michelle.”

In 2013 Brumfield added a second store in Richmond and then a third location in Midlothian in the summer of 2016. She averages around 10 to 12 employees among her three stores.

In addition to selling mattresses for homes, Brumfield also caters to those who sleep on the go. Through SeaBeds by Michelle, Brumfield crafts custom-made sleeping solutions for boat and yacht owners. And with RV Beds by Michelle, she designs beds for those who prefer four wheels over four walls.

Brumfield’s advice for new entrepreneurs is simple. “If you’re going to start a business, find a niche,” she says. “It’s no good to have a wonderful product if you don’t have the marketing and understanding to back it up. Also, have an accountant and a lawyer review everything to prevent headaches and heartaches down the road.”

Learn more at BedCraftersByMichelle.com.

—JM

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Burled & Knotted Community Woodworking Shop

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can breathe easy knowing they won’t have to figure out their projects alone.

“I’m here for the members,” says Knight. “I love seeing other people’s ideas.

There’s always something different.”

Opening the woodshop has given Knight more freedom, and it has also allowed him to share his passion with others. “When I worked as a graphic artist I built programs and created designs all the time, but they weren’t often things people got to see and enjoy,” he says. “With woodworking, people are always enthusiastic about seeing what I make. It’s the appreciation factor. I am able to create tangible stuff that people can touch and use.”

Right now, Knight is the only staff member. Occasionally members volunteer to pitch in and help with the shop, but Knight must handle every aspect of the business himself, from accounting to marketing. “The business side is all new for me,” says Knight. The hardest part so far has been getting the word out about the shop. He has advertised on Craigslist and Facebook and takes part in craft shows to help spread the word.

Knight encourages other entrepreneurs to focus on their dreams. “If you want to start a business, get prepared,” he says. “It’s a lot of work. I never thought it would be easy, but I had no idea it would be this hard. Don’t be discouraged, though. Be yourself, and don’t let anyone deter your plans. This is your dream, no one else’s.”

Learn more at BurledAndKnotted.com.

eremy Knight’s passion for woodworking was handed down to him by his grandfather, a NASA engineer and skilled craftsman.

The two spent many hours together in the workshop, working side by side on projects. Last fall, after working for years as a graphic artist for a government contractor, Knight opened the Burled & Knotted Community Woodworking Shop. Now others can work on projects alongside Knight in this one-of-a-kind community space.

“I got the idea for the shop while I was working on a project at home,” says Knight, a Newport News native. “I needed more tools, but my garage was full.” Knight had seen community workshops popping up along the West Coast, and he wanted to be the first to bring that vision to Coastal Virginia. “I didn’t want to drive down the street and see someone else had done it before me,” he says.

Owner: Jeremy Knight With financial backing from famFounded: 2016 ily along with his personal savings, Location: 11861 Canon Blvd., Unit G, Knight rented space on the edge of Newport News Oyster Point in Newport News. The Number of Employees: 1 shop is 1,800 square feet, with a small showroom to display items members have made. An open floorplan helps with the workflow. Mats at each machine provide cushioning for members’ legs and backs. So far, the most popular tools are the 20-inch planer and the table saw, machines people can’t easily fit into their home workshop or garage.

The shop’s location just outside of Oyster Point is perfect for Knight. “It’s the best space I could be in,” he says. “The shop is surrounded by apartments, which means there are lots of people who don’t have the space they need for a home workshop.”

In addition to apartment dwellers, Knight also wants to reach the military crowd.

“Many of the shops on local bases have shut down, which leaves the military members without a place to practice their craft,” he says.

Burled & Knotted currently has around half a dozen members. Every new member must attend a class on safety and learn how to use all the tools. Novice woodworkers

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—JM

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Courthouse Academy Traditional & Spanish Immersion School

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ym Pomares originally founded Courthouse Academy in 1992 exclusively as a pre-school with half days, a total enrollment of less than 25 children and staff of three or four members. Since then, Pomares has developed the program to include 207 students from prekindergarten to third grade with a staff of 48, relocated the school to a new and larger building and established a Spanish immersion curriculum. By the time the students are in kindergarten, they’re learning to read and write in both English and Spanish. The commitment to academic excellence has shown with its Spanish Owner: Kym Pomares immersion program. The students, who Founded: 1992 are taught lessons in English and then reinLocation: 3217 Monet Dr., Virginia Beach forced with Spanish, on average, test, read Number of Employees: 48 and write at higher levels than their public school peers.

Always admiring the Spanish language, Pomares wanted to ensure her own two daughters could speak Spanish. “When I did send my they learn a lot while they’re at it,” Pomares shares. children to pre-school, I realized that what I really Beyond the immediate advantages of excelling with academics at a young wanted wasn’t out there,” she says, “so I decided to go out and create it.” age, research shows the long-term social benefits of being bilingual include The Spanish immersion program was partly inspired by her daughters’ communicating while traveling, greater job opportunities and the ability educations, as both lived and studied in an English immersion program in to complete tasks by using more parts of the brain. Additionally, Pomares Madrid for several years. “When the older one came back, she said, ‘You’ve shares that she is fascinated by studies showing that those inflicted with always wanted Spanish in the program; why don’t you think about establishAlzheimer’s disease have been able to function at a higher level as a result of ing a Spanish immersion program?’ and it was like the light bulb lit up.” challenging oneself with additional languages (per Washington Post).

Pomares says that learning a second language at such a young age Developing the program has been a rewarding experience for Pomares. comes easily at Courthouse Academy, as students who are educated for “I get goose bumps when I go into the classroom and I see second gradthe first time in English don’t have to stop and think how to translate ers writing in Spanish and then reading what they wrote,” she says. “It’s words into Spanish; it simply comes naturally. She ensures, “It’s no difjust a wonderful experience to see the kids develop and have such an ferent for them to learn that the name of this thing is a door, or puerta.” active part in that.”

The challenge itself, which Pomares admits has come with quite a deal Future goals for Courthouse Academy are to expand its teachings to the of difficulty, is finding the right teachers for Courthouse Academy. While fifth grade and to continue to be the premier Spanish immersion program in other schools will often have one teacher per class, the academy has two the area for young children. teachers per classroom, one to teach English and another for Spanish. “A Learn more at CourthouseAcademy.com. lot of times at first the English teacher is reluctant because it’s so different from anything they’ve done before. But they all come to love it, and

—RM

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Critter Sitters And More

with a “muttini” bar. “Hosting events at apartment complexes is a great way to connect with people who are new to the area,” she says. “I want to meet clients and know them on a personal level.”

Running a small business can be a challenge, but Morrone enjoys the daily opportunities to hone her leadership skills. “I love being in the Owner: Jennifer Morrone service industry and occupying a spot in the Founded: 2013 community as a business owner,” she says. “I Location: Home-based in think about the people I loved working with in Newport News the past so I can model that behavior for my Number of Employees: 4 employees. I want to use my past experiences to create a business my employees are proud to work for.”

Business is good, and Morrone is looking to bring on several new employees in the near future. She is proud of the cohesive culture she has created within her company. “We all work together in a team environment,” she says. “When something happens, a coworker is always there to step in and help out.”

Coastal Virginia has been Morrone’s home for all but two years of her life, and she says she can’t imagine living or working anywhere else. “We’re so close to everything, from cities to beaches to mountains,” she says. “I also love the diversity my work brings, from cuddling a cat at a client’s home to taking a dog for a walk along the beach.”

As her business grew, Morrone and her staff struggled to keep track of clients and schedules. Last November she switched from using a Google calendar to Pet Sitter Plus, ennifer Morrone started her pet-sitting business, Critter Sitters software designed especially for the pet-sitting industry. “The system freed & More, in the summer of 2013 after her cat, Raja, passed away us from having to keep track of pieces of paper,” Morrone says. “The softfrom kidney failure. After seeing firsthand the lack of pet sitters ware is one hundred percent mobile. My staff can log in to the app to do trained to handle animals with special needs, she stepped in to everything, including send photos of pets to their owners, track schedules fill that gap for pet owners on the Peninsula. In addition to offerand check in and out of visits.” ing typical pet-sitting services, such as walking dogs, filling food and water From networking with other local professionals to joining professional bowls and cleaning litterboxes, Morrone is also trained to administer injecassociations, Morrone advises new entrepreneurs to experience the power tions to pets. All her employees are trained in animal CPR and can adminisof community. “You never have to go it alone,” she says. “Do your research ter pet medications. for support services. There are tons of resources out there for you to use.”

Morrone is a natural networker, and when she decided to start a busiLearn more at CritterSittersAndMore.com. ness she instantly began tapping into her resources. “I didn’t sit back and

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hope someone would hear about us,” she says. In addition to meeting other professionals in the area, Morrone is also big on nurturing relationships with apartment communities. She hosts “yappy hours” for pet owners, complete

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Endurance IT Services

Owners: Blake White and James Ashmore Founded: 2008 Location: 4646 Princess Anne Rd., Virginia Beach Number of Employees: 48

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lake White and James Ashmore were coworkers at a Fortune 500 IT firm in Coastal Virginia, and when that company left the region, they started Endurance IT Services together in 2008. “We knew there was still a strong need for high-end IT services in the area,” White says. “Our goal was to build a firm to deliver IT services that would yield the most value for each client.”

Growing a successful company didn’t come without some sacrifice. “My partner and I both liquidated portions of our 401(k)s to start the company and to seed salaries and startup costs,” White says. “And while we had been in the IT industry for 25 years and knew everything about that, we had little knowledge about starting a company and running all the many aspects of a small business, such as insurance, accounting, bookkeeping and taxes.”

Tapping into their network of trusted professionals and seeking the right people who could help guide them set Ashmore and White on their path to success. “The two of us also split up the administrative tasks and implemented many of them ourselves for the first several years of the company until we could afford to hand them off to third party companies or hire internally,” White says.

Now 48 employees strong, White hopes to double that number by 2020. “Client satisfaction is built into everything we do,” he says.

“But we are equally as fanatical about serving our staff members. Currently we have a 98 percent staff retention rate. It may sound corny, but we believe happy staff members help keep our clients happy.”

A native of Coastal Virginia, White is passionate about philanthropy and giving back to the local community. Endurance supports several of the region’s nonprofits, including Equi-Kids, Special Olympics and United Way. “Having been born and raised in Norfolk, I believe this area is an awesome place to live and raise a family,” White says.

The recipient of numerous business awards and with a ranking on the Inc. 5000, a list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S., White feels the greatest reward is having full control of his destiny.

“For years, I ran divisions within companies and worked as hard as I do now but was never able to truly appreciate the many benefits of the company being my own,” he says. “I enjoy taking care of people, both clients and staff. I get up every day hoping to ensure every client is thrilled with our work.

I also want to maintain a family environment for our staff, no matter how large we grow.”

Teamwork has been one of the keys to White’s success, and he advises aspiring entrepreneurs to first find their tribe, including a trusted lawyer, accountant, bookkeeper and insurance agent. “Interview local banks and find one that can grow with you if you decide to buy a building or take out a line of credit,” White says. “A current or former business owner can guide you through the many nuances of starting a new company and can provide overall strategy guidance.”

Learn more at Endurance-It.com.

—JM W ww . C o v a b i z m a g . c o m

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Generations Cakes

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hen a customer tastes a sweet morsel of pound cake created by Generations Cakes, they’re not just eating a decadent treat; they’re experiencing over three generations of love, baked into every bite.

It all started in the 1950s when Marvin Townsend’s great grandmother, Lucie Martin, became well known for her pound cakes and pies while cooking for the family of Lloyd Symington, governing board member of St. Albans school in Washington, D.C. Upon retiring, Martin passed her recipes on to her daughter, Mamie Garnett, who served as a cook for the Ambassador to Romania. Once she retired, she handed the recipes over to her oldest daughter, Gwendolyn Townsend, who enjoyed baking for local churches, civic groups and community functions.

It was Gwendolyn who influenced the love of cooking in her son, Marvin. Through the years, he kept up with his cooking, even taking the passion with him into the military by baking cakes as gifts. When his mother realized how serious he was about baking, she shared with him their family history, as well as their recipes.

Marvin and his wife, Octavia, began their business by selling pound cakes at a Yorktown farmers’ market and eventually joined Virginia’s Finest. One day, they heard about a “casting call” from Whole Foods and brought their cakes for a local team to sample. Marvin was told that he would need to change three Owners: Marvin and Octavia Townsend ingredients of his cakes to a natural version—a suggestion Founded: 2014 that Marvin was hesitant to take. “You’re talking to a guy who’s Location: 6892 Main St., Gloucester dealing with great grandma’s recipe, my grandma’s recipe, my Number of Employees: 2 mother’s recipe,” he explains. “I didn’t want to change anything.” Marvin almost said no because he wanted the world to taste the true version of his family’s recipe, but Octavia advised him to talk with his grandmother, who told him, “Change the recipe. You have my blessing.”

Generations Cakes can now be found in five Whole Foods locations, and they’re preparing to enter their sixth. They’re also in the NATO Café and The Farmer’s Daughter. “We’re proud of what we’ve done,” Marvin says. “The future looks bright.”

The journey hasn’t all been a piece of cake, however. The Townsends faced obstacles with marketing their product in the beginning. “I could always bake a great cake. But the marketing aspect … no one knows you,” Marvin says. At farmers’ markets, they discovered that people are creatures of habit, typically frequenting the same businesses they would always buy their desserts from. The Townsends learned that they needed to get people to sample their cake to make an impression. “It’s getting people to try your product when you’re the new guy on the block,” Marvin says.

Generations offers regular-sized pound cakes by special request, but mostly, they sell mini pound cakes, a decision made by talking to their customers to learn what they wanted. They bake in a commercial kitchen in Gloucester but decided against having a storefront. With their wholesale

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business, they can focus on the quality of the cakes (most importantly) and the manufacturing. “We can build that without having to worry about replenishing display stock every day,” Marvin says. “We’ll keep some stocked for our online orders, but by concentrating on the wholesale aspect of it, we can expand our sales way past our brick and mortar location.”

Marvin has two pieces of advice to share with others looking to start their own business: “Find a mentor if you’re just starting out. Their experience and expertise is invaluable, and they can help you avoid a lot of mistakes along the way. If you cannot find a mentor, then join the local Chamber of Commerce and get around other business owners as much as possible. They will teach you a lot.”

He also says, “Do something that you love—something that you would do if you made no money at all from it. That’s going to propel you through any obstacle that you have.”

Learn more at GenerationsCakes.com.

—AB

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nside Jollity & Co., products are meticulously categorized by color or theme, down to the most miniscule items like ice cream cone-shaped cake candles and multicolored matchsticks. A custom, oversized door was installed for the specific purpose of fitting gigantic, 36-inch balloons. The ladies’ restroom features glitter in the grout. These specialized touches may seem over the top, but it’s all about the details at this Norfolk-based party boutique.

Several years ago, Kristin Lindsey had transitioned from planning weddings and other events to organizing corporate functions. After a while, she missed the creativity that goes into event planning. “So, I started throwing these ridiculously extravagant, Pinterest-esque parties for my kids’ birthday parties and our annual Christmas party,” she says. “As time went on, that wasn’t fulfilling my creative spirit anymore.” As the Pinterest and party scene began to explode, Lindsey wondered if there were others like her who wanted access to custom party supplies without having to order it from Etsy. “At the same time, I started noticing on my buddy’s social media that she was doing the same thing as she’d had her first child and was starting to get a lot craftier and throwing parties herself.” And so, the business of fun began.

Most of the items offered at Jollity are purchased from other small business shops across the country. “It’s kind of neat because we get to tell their stories as we’re meeting our customers and telling our story,” Lindsey says.

“We want to support other businesses like us as we do business with our local community.”

Jollity also offers specialized, handcrafted products. A laser machine allows the Jollity team to cut and burn designs to create custom cake toppers, drink stir sticks, banners, signs and more. They make their own confetti poppers that can be purchased on-site or custom designed to feature

Owner: Kristin Lindsey Founded: 2015 Location: 2111 Granby St., Norfolk Number of Employees: 3

photo by kathryn whitworth

Jollity & Co.

specific colors of confetti. “It makes us unique because it kind of makes us Etsy in person,” Lindsey explains. “Because we have all our equipment in the building and we don’t rent it from other places, we can make it for people in less than 48 hours, and it gives them the option to buy things at the last minute.”

In addition to the retail side, Jollity features a sophisticated and bright party room attached to the store that can be rented for business functions, dinner parties, birthday parties, bridal and baby showers and other events, accommodating as many as 50 guests. Tables and chairs come standard, and the space even has a full kitchen attached.

They’ve already expanded their business since opening with the acquisition of a vintage rental company, Mad Hatter Vintage Rentals. “It’s a nice complement to what we’re already doing,” Lindsey says.

In other ways, she’s still figuring out how to evolve the business, and much of that comes from listening to her customer base. “Some of the products that we sell a ton of were not the ones I expected when we opened the doors, so we’re still evolving in what we offer,” she says. “We’re always trying to change and develop and be better than what we were a month ago or a year ago.” She advises other small owners to do the same: “Don’t be rigid.

Always be willing to listen to what your customers are saying and what the community around you is saying.”

Lindsey shares that a benefit of being a small business owner is the sense of community. “We really get to know our customers. We have their cell phone numbers. We text them when things come in. And they’ve really embraced us. They come in and say, ‘I’m never going to shop for a party at Target again.’”

Learn more at ShopJollity.co.

—AB

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Pancopia

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hile small in size, Pancopia’s impact is immense. As an environmental and energy engineering company, they focus on wastewater treatment and research and development projects, including contracts with NASA, the US Navy and the City of Norfolk. Pancopia combines the Greek prefix ‘Pan,’ meaning relating to a group of people and ‘Copia,’ which is Latin for abundance or supply.

The company was founded by Chief Executive Officer and Senior Project Manager Bill Cumbie, who has worked in wastewater environmental engineering for over 35 years with the Hampton Roads Sanitation District and 29 years with the multinational company CH2M. Owner: Bill Cumbie Wanting to develop new technology Founded: 2014 in research and development, Cumbie Location: 1100 Exploration Way, accepted an early retirement offer Suite 302Q, Hampton from CH2M, but it didn’t last long. Two Number of Employees: 5 weeks later, a new NASA project came out with an objective to recycle water on the International Space Station.

Cumbie wasted no time in applying for the Currently, Pancopia is in phase two of a $750,000 contract with NASA to project and was successfully accepted, develop a system for the space station to condensate wastewater and then resulting in the founding of Pancopia. recycle it into drinking water. “Right now, it costs $83,000 to bring a galLocally, Pancopia is working with the City of Portsmouth and their water lon of water into space, so it’s really essential that they recycle their water. treatment plant, evaluating clarifiers and handling residual disposal. They’re Their goal is to recycle 95 percent of it, and they’re not near that yet, so also assisting the City of Norfolk with their lake aeration system, helping our treatment is to develop that,” Cumbie explains. The company’s greatest the city save money on their power costs and improving the quality of drinkachievement so far has been their success with the first phase of their NASA ing water. Cumbie notes that only about half of current water treatment contract, as Pancopia exceeded any other system used in the past 15 years plants remove carbon and nitrogen (removal of nitrogen would stop algae in the removal of carbon nitrogen for reusable water. “It was a huge success. blooms occurring in natural water), but they’re looking to retrofit systems We were able to successfully freeze dry organisms, reconstitute them and to improve the water, save money and even generate a profit for facilities to use them in a system to remove the carbon nitrogen from the wastewater,” switch to their system. “In the longer term, Pancopia is interested in develCumbie says. oping sustainable solutions to environmental problems and mostly in the One may think that working with large organizations such as NASA or area of water and wastewater,” Cumbie shares. the Navy might be overly ambitious for a small company of five to take on, Working on projects at the Peninsula Technology Incubator with access to but Cumbie says that they’ve made it as easy as possible for Pancopia. The the National Institute of Aerospace laboratory facilities, Cumbie believes it’s greatest challenge they’ve faced has simply come down to finances, such as essential for Pancopia to be based in Hampton due to the company’s access paying bills, taking care of health insurance and regulations. But, the comto resources and facilities. The incubator has also been able to provide one pany has coped with these challenges and continues to grow, having added extra lab person who is part of Pancopia’s part-time staff to help with chemiadditional lab space and analytical equipment to execute research. cals, testing and analysis. Starting the small business was much easier with Learn more at Pancopia.com. help from the incubator, which added credibility to his proposal to receive a grant from NASA to undertake the large project. It’s also allowed for the freedom of research and development Cumbie has always wanted.

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—RM

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Percentric

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r. Bryan Fine, a local pediatrician, has been a physician for more than 15 years. In addition to practicing medicine, he has also been interested and engaged in health policy as part of his practice. In his opinion, it is becoming increasingly clear that his patients don’t fully understand their health benefits, which can have significant financial ramifications. He has also discovered that many physicians don’t understand their patients’ health benefits, which can lead to major expenses that could have been avoided.

“This is something I’ve been teaching my residents, medical students and colleagues for a long time,” says Fine. “I’ve given talks on it.

I’ve written books and articles about it. So I just decided to package it up better to be able to provide it to the masses.”

He started Percentric, a health benefits consulting firm that allows him to translate his bedside experience into opportunities for human resource managers to better engage and support employees while optimizing expenses. The company also strives to work with a company’s employees to access and fully understand their health benefits.

Getting both sides of the equation to understand what he’s trying to do and how it can help everyone has been Fine’s biggest challenge. However, he believes he is making good progress and as soon as all the light bulbs go on, he’ll be gaining some excellent traction with the growth of his business.

“I think an ongoing obstacle that I continue to work to overcome is the divide—the distance between healthcare and connecting that to how much that healthcare will actually cost somebody,” he says. “There are so many different variables and players, and there are so many different ways to point the finger at somebody else about who is responsible for something.

That’s part of what I’m trying to do, to navigate that for the patients’ benefit and for the employers’ benefit.”

Part of the struggle is that the idea he is presenting is a rather new concept and one that can be difficult to understand. Fortunately, his background as a physician has been beneficial, not only from being able to make contact with other doctors and healthcare providers but also from a perspective of expertise.

“This is a pretty unusual theory for most people,” Fine says. “There are some doctors who are savvy about it but not many, not enough. But I haven’t found a previous model where a physician goes out and enters the

Owner: Dr. Bryan Fine Founded: 2016 Location: Norfolk Number of Employees: 2

world where health insurance brokers have typically tip-toed, and I’ve tried to bring that inside knowledge into the boardroom and make a point to emphasize it. Brokers may say that they provide some of the services that I’m presenting, but I bring something to the table others don’t, which is the practice of medicine. So I could, in fact, supplement what brokers do if they wanted to add value. I could work with brokers and offer these services to their clients, which provides a degree of employee support that goes well above and beyond what they currently offer.”

Knowing that running a business is a constantly evolving process, Fine is comfortable remaining small for now and building over time. “I’m happy staying small. I can grow while still being small for quite some time. I don’t have all the answers yet, but we’ve had some really good successes,” he says. “We’ve saved businesses money, and we’ve saved a lot of individual people a significant amount of money just by encouraging them to be educated, ask questions and advocate for themselves.”

Learn more at Percentric.com.

—BB W ww . C o v a b i z m a g . c o m

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illiamsburg handcraft gallery and retail store Quirks of Art is celebrating 20 years in business this year, a feat stemmed from shop owner Jennifer Raines’ commitment to enrich the community while supporting artists and American industry. Since its start, Quirks of Art has represented the works of over 1,400 artists in the forms of pottery, glass, jewelry, furniture, metal, mixed media and fiber with over 400 pieces at a time on display. Raines also searches all over the country for a carefully curated selection of art unique to Quirks of Art that makes shopping at the store an experience in itself.

Quirks of Art originally began in 1997 as Kinks, Quirks & Caffeine, with Jennifer Raines buying the location after the death of her mother in 2005. At the time, Raines was working in pharmaceutical sales but knew her calling since childhood was in the ownership of an exciting and innovative local retail store. In 2011, the store became Quirks of Art and recently moved its gallery to Prince George Street in the heart of Williamsburg’s downtown area. “Over the years we’ve really grown to love our little tribe of locals and visitors who support us and all of our crazy schemes,” says Raines.

Rather than fitting in with Owner: Jennifer Raines its colonial-era surroundings, Founded: Originally opened as Kinks, Quirks & Raines has ensured that Quirks Caffeine in 1997 and became Quirks of Art in 2011 of Art offers its own style of artLocation: 423 Prince George St., Williamsburg work with both a function and Number of Employees: 3 approachable price point. The majority of its products will not be found anywhere else in the area, a result of the efforts of Raines traveling to wholesale shows and markets throughout the country. Many of the items Quirks sells offer an attraction that connects the artists to guests in the shop, often in a quirky, modern and personal way. Their most popular artwork, their Houston Llew Spiritiles for example, enliven moments of life through a glass-on-copper tiled display. Items range in price points anywhere from $5 to $5,000 in their store and thriving online business. “In all honesty, we listen to our guests. We like to know what they are looking for, what they love,” Raines explains. “We find that focusing on products we love, that have stories is what curates a popular retail selection. It opens a dialogue, and that’s what makes having a small gallery exciting.”

Raines also takes pride in the fact that Quirks has become an interactive and vital community hub with artist visits and contributions to the community through their nonprofit Culturefix. The organization coordinates events to promote arts and culture in Greater Williamsburg, including the

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Quirks of Art

Winter Blues Jazz Fest, 2nd Sundays Art & Music Festivals, the Big Bluesy and ChowderFest. “We’re always on the lookout for unique ways to have fun, excite our neighbors, make days brighter, extend our reach beyond our store walls and think outside the box,” Raines says.

Raines also runs other retail locations in James City County, York County, Norfolk and Richmond, but she is happy to say that the City of Williamsburg is home. Their newest up-and-coming projct is a Quirks of Art brother store on the Virginia Capital Trail.

“My team likes to say we’re small but mighty, so I would say our goal is to constantly strengthen and grow,” Raines shares. “Maybe not in physical size, because our footprint goes beyond the walls of our brick and mortar store.”

Learn more at KinksAndQuirks.com.

—RM

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FEATURE: COVABIZSMALLBUSINESSES

RynohLive

R

ichard Reass owned Reliant Title for 18 years, and in that time, he saw how the real estate settlement industry’s archaic processes were costing companies millions of dollars every year because of rampant fraud and errors.

“Tremendous amounts of money are handled every day in the title industry, and criminals want to find ways to get that money,” Reass says. “I wanted to streamline processes to help save companies time and prevent costly fraud and mistakes.”

To stop fraudsters in their tracks and to prevent errors, Reass designed RynohLive, a web-based application that offers absolute financial protection for escrow account management. The software is fully automated, freeing up employees’ time for higher-level tasks.

“Other systems required a login process and a bunch of clicks,” Reass says. “RynohLive can be set up so that employees don’t even have to be in the office for things to go smoothly.”

One of the fraud-protecting benefits RynohLive offers is the ability to track checks through Positive Pay, a service that allows businesses to send the bank a list of the checks they wrote. The bank then compares the list to the checks they receive to make sure everything matches. If a check is not on the list, the bank can flag it and follow up with the company.

Another key component of the RynohLive software is daily three-way reconciliation. “It used to be that companies only reconciled their accounts once a month,” says Reass. With RynohLive, accounts are reconciled daily, allowing for better control of funds and data. “I knew people in the industry were looking for something like this,” says Reass. “Up to that point it was a long, laborious process often done by hand.”

Even though the industry needed something better, in the beginning Reass struggled to convince his colleagues. “When I first started out, no one could see the value of the software,” he says. “I spent a lot of my time educating people, delivering presentations and speaking about flawed industry standards and how those processes could be changed and improved.”

In 2009, the Great Recession exposed the corruption within the real estate industry, and people started taking note of Reass’ new software solutions. “In the wake of the economic downturn, automatic daily reconciliations and Positive Pay started to make more sense,” Reass says.

RynohLive took off in 2012, and in the past few years the company has seen remarkable growth. In 2016, the company landed a spot on Inc. 5000, a list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. Currently they serve 2,000 clients in 47 states.

Reass’ software has helped revolutionize the title industry and realize his vision. “We are saving companies millions of dollars every year from fraud and errors,” he says. “I feel so much satisfaction to be able to set my own course and to work with such skilled staff members to make it all happen.”

Looking to the future, Reass hopes to offer similar software for different industries, including systems created with small businesses in mind. “I believe in continuous incremental improvement,” he says. “If you want to be successful, you must stay ahead of the competition.”

For those starting out, Reass offers some words of advice: “Take a deep breath, step back, and have a clear vision,” he says. “In the beginning, you may want to save a buck or two, but be sure you have a really good accountant, banker and attorney. Above all, always know where your money is coming from.”

Learn more at RynohLive.com.

—JM Owner: Richard Reass Founded: 2007 Location: 397 Little Neck Rd., 3300 South Building, Suite #306, Virginia Beach Number of Employees: 24

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FEATURE: COVABIZSMALLBUSINESSES

SimIS Inc.

D

r. Johnny Garcia has had an entrepreneurial spirit since he was very young. After working for General Dynamics (GD) for several years, he reached a point where he could use his experience to generate enough courage to start his own company, SimIS, Inc., an Information Technology Service Company focused on developing innovative approaches and solutions in three IT sectors: Modeling and Simulation, Information Security and Autonomous Platforms.

Fortunately, General Dynamics was open to the opportunity of Garcia starting his own company, and they actually assisted him in getting his start. His first contract was tied to his Ph.D. research, so that made the transition even easier, although he admits that it has not always been easy moving forward.

“There have been many obstacles during the last 10 years, but I think the largest was understanding the ever-changing landscape in IT and government contracts, and how to diversify that has made us successful,” Garcia says. “We leveraged a number of programs provided by the Commonwealth of Virginia for businesses—Economic Gardening, VALET, GENEDGE—and these programs aided SimIS in diversification and international business.”

Despite any challenges that he has faced along the way, Garcia has purposely kept the size of his business small so they can retain the ability to be agile when it comes to supporting their clients and his employees.

“We have very specific expertise in modeling and simulation for

unmanned systems—specifically unmanned boats—and cyber security, and these capabilities have made SimIS a hot commodity,” he says. “We have done projects/contracts for the government, very large companies and small ones, too, because of these specialized capabilities.”

However, he is quick to point out that there is more to starting and running a small business than just having a good idea. “I have learned a great deal by being part of the unique structure of being a husband of 27 years, a parent, entrepreneur, professor, military veteran and concerned citizen of the world—in that order of importance,” he says. “I have also acquired knowledge and hopefully wisdom of the 30 years of being a tax-paying American. We are living in a special age—the age of information—and we are always seeking new knowledge. Information itself is not necessarily useful knowledge, and both information and knowledge are not sufficient to synthesize wisdom. One needs a proper education combined with experience. It also helps, of course, to have good genes, so try to choose your parents well.”

Recognizing that trends in IT are ever-changing, Garcia keeps his company moving forward by hiring smart and providing continued education for his staff and leadership. They are creating their own path instead of following the beaten one.

“My message from the outset is simple: always be guided by a purpose to shape your future, the future of your country and the future of the world,” he says. “Success comes to the prepared mind. Success is not like rain that falls from the sky equally upon everyone. Success is what you reap when you sow with passion and optimism. Success can be defined differently by every single person. I define success as knowing your purpose in life, knowing why you are here. My purpose is to be the difference maker in the personal, family, professional and spiritual lives of enough people to make a positive difference in the world. So, my advice to others is to have a creative imagination and a career built upon integrity. Then you can face life by responding to it instead of reacting to it.”

Learn more at SimISInc.com.

—BB

Owner: Dr. Johnny Garcia, Founder and CEO Founded: 2007 Location: Portsmouth and Stafford, Va; Orlando, Fla. Number of Employees: 85

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10 S

things to consider before starting a business

tarting a business and being your own boss is something many people think about, yet only a small percentage move the idea forward. The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce wants you to know that you don’t have to go it alone when you decide to create and operate a company.

“The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce is in the business of setting the conditions for other businesses to succeed,” says Bryan Stephens, President and CEO of the Chamber. “We do that through our economic development efforts, our workforce development efforts, our infrastructure development efforts and through quality of life enhancement. The Small Business Development Center, which is a very important affiliate of the Chamber, is specifically designed to assist small businesses to give them the mentoring, counseling and information they need to be a success.”

The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce shares 10 things you should know about starting a business: 1. Know your numbers: Do you understand the information provided in your financial statement? Do you know the difference between margin and mark-up? What are the industry standards for your business, and are you in line with them? How much does each item contribute to your bottom line?

2. Beware of creeping costs: You must be ruthless in controlling your expenses. Costs always seem to increase. Do you really need what you are going to purchase?

3. Time management: What is the ratio of productive versus non-productive hours during your workday? There are 12 federal holidays during the year. If you work a 40-hour week, that means you only have 2,000 hours to generate revenue for your business. What is the ratio of time you are selling versus doing other “stuff” that’s not contributing to your bottom line?

4. Buy your brains: Surround yourself with people who can help you minimize the “non-productive” hours in your workweek. Have an accountant, banker, attorney, insurance agent and business advisor on your management team (see #3).

5. Customer service is paramount: The customer is not always right, but the customer is the customer! You should give them the experience of their life with each transaction.

Do whatever it takes to turn them into “raving fans” and therefore repeat customers.

6. Do not compete on price: A synonym for “lowcost” is “cheap.” Do you really want that reputation?

Your competition has deeper pockets than you and can wait you out. Every time you drop your price by 10 percent, you must sell 25 percent more product (see #1).

7. It is not the plan but rather the planning: Business plans are great, but it is the planning that goes into them that matters. Make sure your numbers match what you say you are going to do.

8. Remember ABS-ABC: Always Be Selling-Always Be Closing. You cannot turn off. You must be turned on and aggressively seeking every opportunity.

9. Do not be afraid: Never take counsel from your fears. No one ever said running a business is easy.

Hard work and determination are the keys to success.

10. Don’t go it alone: There are all sorts of programs to help you start and/or grow your business. Take advantage of what is out there.

For additional information, visit the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce website at HamptonRoadsChamber.com and/or the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center at HRSBDC.org.

—Barrett BAker

Are You Ready To

BYOB (Be Your Own Boss)?

Zack Miller, Founder of Hatch in Norfolk, shares a checklist for anyone preparing to start a business.

Do you love your concept or business idea, think about it all the time, can’t live without it?

If you have a partner, are you ready to marry them?

Do you have access to enough capital to live the lifestyle you want for the next year without making money?

Have you cancelled your Netflix account yet?

Have you talked with at least 10 of your prime customers to see if they would want to buy your product or service? Did you sell it to them?

Are you really solving a problem?

Why are you starting a business? (If it’s to get rich, you may want to rethink it.)

Have you considered tax codes to understand how much money you will lose off the top?

Are you willing to Uber to make ends meet?

Do you have a group of entrepreneurs you can lean on? I have one for you. It’s called 1000 Four.

Are you OK with no one understanding what you do for a living?

Can you handle the fact that even when you are “off the clock” you are always on?

Are you prepared for your every two-week paycheck to change?

Do you understand that managing employees will become your new priority if you don’t hire someone to handle it for you?

Hatch is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs from every background, in every industry and in every business stage. Learn more about the services they offer on StartWithHatch.com.

—BB

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BILBAO, SPAIN VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA

FORTALEZA, BRAZIL

Connecting to the World

Broadband Initiatives Bring Big News To Virginia Beach

By Barrett Baker

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irginia Beach has been known primarily as a vacation destination since it was incorporated as a city in 1952. Based on some projects that are currently underway, the city is now going to have to share that moniker with a new title: The Silicone Valley of the East Coast.

“Virginia Beach is well positioned to be the new East Coast digital gateway as a result of two transatlantic subsea cables that will bring immediate and long-term economic benefits,” says Warren Harris, Economic Development Director for the City of Virginia Beach. “The new MAREA transatlantic subsea cable stretching from Bilbao, Spain to Virginia Beach is a result of the partnership between Microsoft, Facebook and Telxius (a subsidiary of Telefonica, a Spanish multinational broadband and telecommunications provider with operations in Europe, Asia and North, Central and South America). This investment of over $170 million will generate $1.5 million in economic impact and create high-paying jobs in the community. The project is scheduled to come online in late 2017. Telxius is planning the other transatlantic subsea cable called BRUSA, which will connect Virginia Beach with Brazil. With an investment equal to what the MAREA is bringing, it is expected to be operational by 2018.

We are looking to establish Virginia Beach as the hub for the next generation of data centers and the perfect location for financial services, trading companies and big data users like biomedical research firms.”

In addition to these, a Dutch company called NxtVn is looking to invest in a third transatlantic high-speed data cable called Midgardsormen that will connect Virginia Beach with a data center in Eemshaven, Netherlands. The company is looking to build a data center in Virginia Beach that is expected to attract myriad businesses looking to take advantage of the exceptional broadband the new cables will provide.

>>

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Why Virginia Beach? When Benjamin Davenport ran for Virginia << Beach City Council in 2014, his entire platform was based on bring-

A transatlantic high-speed data cable will connect Virginia Beach with NxtVn’s data center in Eemshaven, Netherlands.

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ing an ultra-highspeed broadband network to Virginia Beach and ultimately to all of Coastal Virginia. After getting elected to the City Council, Virginia Beach Mayor William Sessoms, Jr., asked Davenport if he would start and chair the Virginia Beach Broadband Taskforce.

Davenport organized a team of local Chief Information Officers and other leading Information Technology professionals to discuss a strategy to bring an ultra-highspeed broadband platform to Virginia Beach.

With CIOs representing all Coastal Virginia cities involved, this may be the first initiative to bring the region together.

“I was very interested in what was happening with the first Google cities (where Google Fiber provides an Internet connection speed of up to one gigabit per second for both download and upload, which is roughly 100 times faster access than what most Americans have right now) like Kansas City,” says Davenport. “So my initial idea was to become a Google City. But once the taskforce went through the white boarding session, a lot more bigger ideas started to develop.”

One idea was to become a Tier One site, which is essentially where all of the Tier Two providers—like Cox Communications, Verizon and various Internet Service Providers get their Internet. So the economic development team compiled marketing materials and sent a group to a tech conference in San Francisco to stir up some interest and get Virginia Beach’s name out there.

As luck would have it, the team met a gentleman from London with a company called Level 3 Communications, a huge telecommunications provider in the United Kingdom. He stopped in Virginia Beach on his way back from the conference to London to see what was happening with the broadband initiative.

It turns out he was essentially scouting for Telefonica and Facebook to land the MAREA transatlantic cable. After understanding how serious Virginia Beach was, he brought his team to Coastal Virginia to do a feasibility study on what it would take to bring an oceanic cable here. The result of that study convinced Microsoft and Facebook that this was the right landing site for the MAREA cable.

“It was one of those cases of being in the right place at the right time and being ready for an opportunity that was out there,” says Davenport. “It created a big buzz that put Virginia Beach on the map, and people are now interested in coming here to find out what Microsoft and Facebook know.”

That’s when the group for The Netherlands came in. “They brought a team of 15 people to Virginia Beach, and we met with them for two days,” Davenport continues. “All of a sudden we’re getting into these pretty high-level conversations with them, and not long after, they announced that, over the next 20 years, they are going to build

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a $2 billion data center park in the Corporate Landing/General Booth Boulevard area. It’s one of the biggest economic developments projects in the state, so it’s obviously pretty exciting. As a bonus, we’re going to be able to land the MAREA cable at Camp Pendleton, which is very exciting for Facebook and Microsoft because it’s a secure location.”

By linking the power of these transatlantic cables to what NxtVn is calling “a multi-tenant, open-access, carrier neutral data center,” Davenport is hoping this will help create competition throughout Coastal Virginia in terms of Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

“If you look at Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, they have six ISPs in that area,” he says. “As a result of that competition, they’ve got higher Internet speeds at lower costs to consumers. That’s the main goal—to create more opportunities for competition here.”

“Virginia Beach is well positioned to be the new East Coast digital gateway as a result of two transatlantic subsea cables that will bring immediate and long-term economic benefits.”

So, what’s the potential impact? The MAREA (which is Spanish for “tide”) cable is being touted as the highest capacity subsea cable to ever run across the Atlantic Ocean. “It will be able to deliver 161 terabytes (one terabyte = 1,024 gigabytes) per second,” says Davenport.

“To put that in perspective, there are close to 32 transatlantic cables available right now. They have a total capacity—all of them together— of 300 terabytes per second. So one cable is going to have 50 percent of everything that exists, and it’s coming straight to Virginia Beach.”

Pratik Kothari, Founder and CEO of TechArk Solutions, an awardwinning and nationally recognized digital consulting and web/mobile app development company based in Norfolk, but who also has a support team in India to provide his clients with faster response times, is excited about the opportunities these developments could bring to all of Coastal Virginia.

“Technology is really feeling a huge impact, not just for technology companies like us but across the sector, across various industries,” he says. “Real estate, insurance, manufacturing, healthcare, everything is being transformed, really getting destructed in a sense, with what technology is bringing to the table. So, it’s really perfect timing for this to be happening here now.”

Kothari understands that even though things are happening quickly right now, it may be some time before the true impact is felt throughout the area. “Think of it like a ripple effect,” he explains. “Because of these cables and the proposed data center, different technology companies will make a bid to come here. When that happens, then the tech jobs happen, then the real estate market will get impacted. You’ll see various different industries getting a stimulus because of the things these technology companies develop. That ultimately will have a major impact on the region.”

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PROFESSIONALS

SERVING PROFESSIONALS

ProFESSIONALS

2017

SERVING

ProFESSIONALS

2017

RYNOHLIVE (757) 333-3760 rynoh.com 1) What we would like to be known for in the CoVa area?

RynohLive is the title and settlement industry’s premier escrow and financial security software solution. Founded here in Virginia Beach, RynohLive is now the industry standard for protecting escrow for settlement agents and attorneys.

2) Recent growth and positive signs of success:

Nationally recognized in Inc. Magazine’s 5000 fastest growing companies in each of the past 3 years - RynohLive just celebrated monitoring its five-millionth real estate closing. Since its introduction ten years ago, RynohLive has grown its client base to approximately 2000 title agents and attorneys.

3) Position Statement: We protect your money!

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PROFESSIONALS

SERVING PROFESSIONALS

2017

VANDEVENTER BLACK LLP 101 W. Main Street | 500 World Trade Center Norfolk, VA 23510 757-446-8600 | VanBlackLaw.com 1) What makes our service unsurpassed?

Vandeventer Black is an AV® rated business law firm that takes pride in our more than 130 years of being an integrated part of the Hampton Roads business community. Our goal is to build lasting relationships with our clients through an in depth understanding of their businesses. Our attorneys include arbitrators, architects, bar association leaders, engineers, mediators, MBAs, former military officers and judicial law clerks who can grasp unique and complex client concerns. Our attorneys have been recognized by their peers as among the best in the legal profession. At Vandeventer Black, we believe in giving back to our local communities, and we support a variety of charitable organizations.

2) Type of companies serviced:

Vandeventer Black serves large and small business clients locally, nationally, and internationally from locations in the U.S. and overseas. Our dynamic team provides representation within multiple business sectors, including airport operations, banking and finance, construction, commercial real estate, community associations, government contracting, health care, higher education, international trade, manufacturing, maritime,

port facilities, professional services, ship repair, ship building, and transportation. We represent clients in administrative proceedings, alternative dispute resolution, litigation and appeals, and commercial transactions, and we provide counseling and strategic advice on business issues.

3) Mission statement:

Vandeventer Black is a dynamic business law firm established in 1883. We focus on responsiveness and results while providing internationally recognized and sophisticated services across a wide variety of legal sectors. At Vandeventer Black, you will know that you are important. Our size and collective experience allow us to offer you the best legal advice available with the personal attention and value you might expect from a much smaller firm.

We take an integrative personal approach to client representation, and we offer attorneys with hands on experience from the commercial and government sectors who can understand your business.

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Staying Focused Corrective Eye Surgery Can Clearly Help You Enjoy Your Passions

T

o reach goals in the business world, professionals need to have big-picture vision to identify challenges and opportunities.

Clear vision is also important outside the office, especially when it comes to athletic and leisure endeavors.

“We live in a beach town, and there are a lot of people that surf or boogie board, waterski or wakeboard, and those activities are just about impossible to do without glasses if you need corrective vision,” says Dr. J. Tom Edmonds of Tidewater Eye Centers. “If you wear contact lenses, you risk contamination if the water is contaminated, and you risk getting an infection inside the eye. So, Lasik is a real bonus for people who enjoy those types of activities.”

Corrective eye surgery is also beneficial to people who prefer dry-land pursuits. “As far as other activities like golfing, we have generally found that eye surgery helps in a lot of ways,” adds Dr. Edmonds. “If you are ever caught trying to golf when it’s raining, it’s really difficult to play with glasses, and contact lenses can be problematic. They’ve found that a lot of professional golfers have had Lasik surgery—Tiger Woods, Lee Westwood, Pádraig Harrington, Retief Goosen, just to name a few—have all had Lasik surgery, and they have 54

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have offices in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach commented that it’s easier for them to read and Portsmouth. Screenings take place at all greens afterward. So, when microns matter, three locations, but all Lasik surgeries are it’s been beneficial to them, and they’ve done performed at the Chesapeake office. “There well after the surgery.”

Tidewater Eye Centers has been doing Lasik have been a lot of studies done that show how Lasik surgery is more affordable than contact surgeries since the late 1990s, and they have lenses and glasses in the long run,” says Dr. some of the most experienced surgeons in the Edmonds. “We try to give a really individualarea. They have more board-certified surgeons ized treatment recommendation and plan so than anywhere else in Coastal Virginia, so our patients never feel like they are in a big their patients know they are in good hands. factory. We schedule appointments so there In fact, they have received several awards for is plenty of time to discuss each individual’s Best Place for Lasik Surgery several times, case, and the surgeons do the follow-ups with and two of their surgeons—Dr. Edmonds their patients. We establish and Dr. Mark Pavilack— long-term relationships have been chosen by Tidewater Eye Centers with all of our patients.”

TrustedLasikSurgeons.

757-483-0400 www.tidewatereye.com Dr. Edmonds recomcom, a website dedicated mends visiting their to peer evaluations. Other Chesapeake Office website to find great members of the Lasik sur805 N. Battlefield Blvd., Suite 111 information that anyone gery team include Dr. Mark Virginia Beach Office can use when researching Iacobucci and Dr. Leonard 1564 Laskin Rd., Suite 192 corrective vision surgery.

Rappaport. In total, Portsmouth Office “Our website has a lot of Tidewater Eye Centers 3235 Academy Ave., Suite 200 testimonial videos from our has eight surgeons and patients and answers a lot one optometrist covering of questions,” he says. “Even if they are not almost every eye specialty field there is. It’s a interested in Lasik surgery with Tidewater Eye one-stop shop for all your eyecare needs.

Centers, it’s a great resource to find out more The initial consultation for Lasik is free, about the procedures we do, such as Lasik and Tidewater Eye Centers provides financing and PRK.” for their patients who opt for surgery. They Advertisement

5/18/17 2:25 PM

FIRST in the Eyes of our Patients

Top: Dr. Roger Newsom, Dr. Mark Iacobucci, Dr. Mark Pavilack, Dr. Tom Edmonds, Dr. Wayne DeVantier Bottom: Dr. Alison Mercer, Dr. Len Rappaport, Dr. Barry Atlas, Dr. Kori Elkins

You can trust Tidewater Eye Center with your vision care. From the moment you walk into our practice, you will find a warm, relaxing environment and be greeted by our friendly staff. Our refractive team has years of experience in LASIK, Laser Vision Correction and General Ophthalmology. They are dedicated to providing only the finest care possible to our patients, and take great pride in being part of the Tidewater Eye Centers Family.

Laser Vision Correction • Cataract Surgery • LenSx Surgery • Corneal Disease • Glaucoma Treatments Retinal Disease • Eyelid Procedures • Comprehensive Eye Exams • Optical Services • Contact Lens Evaluations

Chesapeake • Portsmouth • Virginia Beach • 757.483.0400 • www.tidewatereye.com

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Beyond the Biz | created in cova

W

S

That’s My Jam

hen Kim and Mitch Cortez’s son Jake was diagnosed with leukemia at age 2, the family started selling homemade jams at local fundraisers for medical bills and cancer research. After the success of their fundraisers and growing demand for their products, they turned their small startup in to a full-time business. Kim and Mitch’s son is now cancer-free, and the family is enjoying the fruits of their labor with last year’s Fresh Batch Jams storefront opening in Chesapeake.

Kim originally learned to make jams from her grandmother when she was young, starting with the more nuanced fruit flavors of blackberry and strawberry before developing her bestsellers such as the Aloha Jam, a basic pineapple recipe enhanced with coconut to taste like a piña colada. Many of the recipe ideas are inspired by drinks, from spirits to wine.

Their Blackberry Bourbon Jam mixes basic blackberry jam with Kentucky Bourbon. Originally made for the Hampton Blackbeard Pirate Festival, Pirate’s Paradise is a summertime favorite that combines peaches and rum and was originally created for the Blackbeard Pirate Festival.

Much of their jam is made from fruits and vegetables sourced all over the state, including strawberries from Hickory Ridge Farm, Chesapeake, peaches from Knot’s Island, apples from Charlottesville, raspberries from Richmond and

peppers from Suffolk and Surry for their hot pepper jelly.

“We do as much as we can to use local farms,” Kim says.

“Usually the ones we visit are either longstanding farmers or very involved in organizations like what we are, those that buy fresh, buy local, Virginia-grown, organizations that support local farms and agriculture.”

Fresh Batch Jams offers 26 flavors, distributing nearly 50,000 jars annually from its Chesapeake location. They are also expanding into the hospitality and foodservice industries, as a strong following for their homemade products has come to fruition.

Fresh Batch Jams and other products can be found at its location (232 Centerville Turnpike N., Chesapeake), at stores across Virginia and online at FreshBatchJams.com.

—Ryan Miller

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Photo by Jim Pile

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Vir Sp Vis

SAVE THE DATE !

11.4.17 AT 4PM

Spirits. Savory Eats. Seaside Soiree.

Ice just made a friend.

#vaspirits

#covaspirits

Spirits Soiree

Virginia Beach Convention Center Sponsorship opportunities email Lisa@vgnet.com Visit CoVaSpirits.com for more event information.

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Presented by

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DELIGHT IN A FOOD EXPERIENCE BY COASTAL VIRGINIA RESTAURANTS | LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

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SPONSORED BY

BENEFITING THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA CHAPTER

COVABIZ 48-60 DATA CENTER 7_17.indd 60

5/17/17 4:41 PM