M E N WHO MEAN BUSINESS
UNIQUE POWERFUL INSPIRING
Those are three adjectives that just begin to describe the women featured in the following pages. Each woman has a unique story about what brought her to this point in her career. Hard work, focus and perseverance allowed them to achieve their goals.
Put together by WilmingtonBiz Magazine's marketing team, Women Who Mean Business profiles professionals who are making a difference in the Wilmington region in their jobs as well as volunteer
JENNIFER KRANER RILEIGH
WILKINS Big Sky Design and Big Sky Shop + Studio
At Big Sky Design, President and Principal Interior Designer Jennifer Kraner and Creative Director Rileigh Wilkins lead a team of talented designers while simultaneously pushing the traditional retail boundaries in their curated space, Big Sky Shop + Studio. While Jennifer fosters a collaborative work environment within the design teams, Rileigh crafts captivating collections of furniture and accessories to enhance the Shop + Studio shopping experience. Whether it’s designing personalized interiors for residential or commercial spaces or providing a retail haven for those in search of elevated furniture selections and unique finds, Big Sky is committed to enhancing lives through design.
BigSkyDesignOnline.com
CAT MARINICH Nothing Bundt Cakes
Serving delicious sweets and treats was not a long-term plan of Cat’s, but more of a journey that brought her home to Wilmington. After her interest was sparked by learning about a Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise opportunity, she decided to open a location here in Wilmington. Her extensive world travel over the years helps Cat make the bakery warm and inviting for all who visit. Serving the moistest cakes you can find anywhere and offering beautiful designs for any occasion keep her guests coming back for more. Delivery and shipping are available for all purchases!
Cat.Marinich@NothingBundtCakes.com
910-679-8797
NothingBundtCakes.com
STEPHANIE BOLTON Patriot Roofing Company LLC
Stephanie Bolton is a general contractor and owner of Patriot Roofing LLC, which provides residential and commercial roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters, and repair services. Stephanie credits the success she has achieved to her focus on exceeding the expectations of her clients. She also currently serves as the President of the Historic Wilmington Foundation Board of Trustees. As an Owens Corning Platinum Contractor and a CertainTeed Shingle Master, Patriot Roofing is part of an exclusive network of skilled professionals that adhere to strict professionalism and reliability standards. In 2023, Stephanie was awarded the NC HUB Award for Excellence for her dedication to diversity and inclusion.
Info@PatriotRoofer.com 910-218-0600
PatriotRoofer.com
HANNAH CLYMER Corning Credit Union
Building lasting relationships is what Hannah Clymer, Financial Advisor, CCU Wealth Strategies, Raymond James Financial Services Inc., focuses on each day. Hannah’s client relationships enable her to customize recommendations based on client needs and priorities.
Hannah's greatest joy is witnessing clients achieve their goals and secure their futures. Hannah pursues continuous education and is a proud member of WILMA’s 2023 Leadership Institute Class.
Hannah.Clymer@RaymondJames.com
800-505-5292
RaymondJames.com/CCU
BARBIE DORSEY CertaPro Painters
Barbie Dorsey is the owner of CertaPro Painters, which provides residential and commercial painting services in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties. Since beginning her career with CertaPro Painters of North Raleigh in 2012 as a member of the residential/ commercial team, Barbie consistently earned awards for her sales performance. She has a background that also includes running a successful interior design and consulting business after attending The Ohio State University. Barbie has a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset and a superior reputation for her customer service in both residential and commercial sales and design.
Bdorsey@CertaPro.com
919-389-3311
Wilmington-NC.CertaPro.com
EMILY MITCHELL & ANGELA FERNOT United Way of the Cape Fear Area
Angela Fernot, Outreach Coordinator, specializes in weaving together our community and nonprofits through volunteering, networking, and fostering personal relationships. She treasures the knowledge she gains in this role and the wonderful individuals she encounters while being an active part of this vibrant community.
Emily Mitchell, Manager of Relationship Development, collaborates with local businesses and organizations, leveraging their collective power to engage communities for fundraising initiatives. Emily’s versatile skills also extend to effective communication strategies, ensuring United Way’s impactful work reaches all corners of the community.
uwcfa.org
910.798.3900
Ginger
jo@gingerinteriordesign.com
910-679-4179
GingerInteriorDesign.com
As the lead principal of Ginger Interiors, Jo Howell leverages nearly two decades of industry experience to create tranquil, luxurious interiors for her clients. A graduate of Appalachian State University, Jo has worked with design experts across the globe, including an internship studying British architecture/design and training alongside Wilmington’s architectural icon Michael Moorefield. Together with her team, Jo infuses her enthusiasm for colors and textiles into high-quality residential and commercial interiors that effectively blend form and function. With an emphasis on collaborating with clients as well as architects and contractors, Jo articulates harmonious, synchronized experiences for patrons primarily in NC, but will travel anywhere as well.
ANELIESE BARD ANDRADES Carolina Cleaning Services
Aneliese Bard Andrades is the founder and owner of Carolina Cleaning Services, which has been serving residential and commercial clients in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties since 1994. From humble roots—starting out from the trunk of her car—Aneliese has grown the company to include a large team of professional technicians and a substantial client base. With hard work, resilience and consistency, Aneliese and her team at Carolina Cleaning Services have built an excellent reputation in Wilmington and the surrounding areas, garnering Best Cleaning Company honors from Wilmington Magazine in 2021 and 2022. A member of the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, Aneliese and her team always have updated certifications. Over the past 28 years, Carolina Cleaning Services has grown to become a highly successful business with hundreds of customers and a dedicated team, while continuing to be local and womanowned. Over the past three years the Carolina Cleaning Services team has won several awards: Wilmington Magazine’s Best Cleaning Company, Three Best Rate with Excellence, Nextdoor Fave, and a Quality Business Award. The first woman to become an account manager in the 1990s, Aneliese was also the first Brazilian woman to be a business category finalist in WILMA's Women To Watch Awards. Since 2017, Aneliese and her team have enjoyed giving back through their partnership with Cleaning for a Reason, a nonprofit that provides free house cleaning services to cancer patients.
MORGAN MATTHEWS
Matthews Motors
Morgan@MatthewsMotors.com
910-335-4016
MatthewsMotorsWilmington.com
As the marketing director for Matthews Motors, a family-owned independent car dealership, Morgan Matthews concentrates on providing every customer with a positive experience. A graduate of UNCW, where she earned a degree in Communication Studies, Morgan’s background includes working for the company’s sales team and service department. In her current role, Morgan is growing the company’s online presence and acting as spokesperson for radio/ TV ads. Along with her team, Morgan is working to enhance and strengthen the company’s already phenomenal brand reputation—one that has kept it in business for nearly three decades.
RACHEL MARYYANEK Movement Financial Group
We have far more ideas than time to pursue them all. As the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Movement Financial Group, Rachel helps people increase their profitability and quality of life through a number of solutions. Typically, she works with business owners, a few corporate executives, and growing families by helping them identify and move toward their greatest financial opportunities in a judgment free space. Rachel helps her clients to become financially empowered and has a commitment to understand the needs and goals of each person she meets with. Learn more about Rachel and her experience by visiting the website.
Rachel@MovementFg.com 910-398-8464
MovementFg.com
ALEXANDRA LYSIK Cavik Insurance
Alexandra Lysik and her amazing team at Cavik Insurance specialize in helping individuals combine personal and business insurance under one agency. With two offices in the Cape Fear area and Fayetteville, Alexandra provides her clients multiple carriers to make sure they are receiving the best rate for the best coverage before havoc hits. A double graduate of UNCW, with a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s in Public Administration, she was a finalist for the 2017 WILMA Women to Watch Awards, and 2020 StarNews 40 Under 40 finalist. In her spare time, Alexandra enjoys supporting local nonprofits such as WARM NC and Freedom Bridge Animal Rescue.
Alexandra@CavikInsurance.com
910-722-3225
CavikInsurance.com
ADRIENNE MOORE, ERIN CHITWOOD, MELINDA WILLIAMS, & SHARON MURPHY
James E. Moore Insurance
Adrienne Moore is a third-generation owner and CEO of James E. Moore Insurance, which connects customers to an array of personal, commercial, specialty, and life insurance products. She is proud to lead a dedicated team of licensed insurance professionals, many of whom hold multiple insurance designations. Adrienne, Erin, Melinda, and Sharon, all grew up in Wilmington and have been with the agency for over a decade! Whether it is securing proper coverage, navigating a claim, or ensuring your insurance policy matches your exposure, the team at James E. Moore Insurance will put in the work to provide you peace of mind.
AMoore@JamesEMoore.com
910-256-5333
JamesEMoore.com
ERIN RUSSELL Russell Family Law
Erin E. Russell, J.D. is the founder and lead attorney for Russell Family Law & Litigation, which helps clients navigate a variety of legal issues related to property division, divorce, alimony, child custody and child support. Originally from Michigan, Erin has excelled as a result of her constant focus on the priorities of her clients. Committed to building relationships based on trust and open, honest communications, Erin leverages modern methods and technology to exceed the expectations of her clients. Drawing from over a decade of experience, Erin successfully advocates for her clients, providing them with a critical support system.
Info@ErinERussell.com
910-338-0799
ErinERussell.com
HEATHER HORAK
Highland Roofing Company
As Service Manager for Highland Roofing Company’s Wilmington headquarters, Heather Horak manages in-house service teams to ensure the successful completion of roof repair and maintenance projects in Coastal North Carolina. Heather is a graduate of UNCW and has over 25 years of experience in the industrial, commercial, and residential construction industry. Heather attributes her success to having a strong team mentality and excellent customer service skills. She and her team take pride in the quality of Highland’s workmanship and their ability to safely complete difficult projects.
Hhorak@HighlandRoofingCompany.com 910-798-0155
HighlandRoofingCompany.com
THERESA L. BASSETT
The Diamond Group
Theresa Bassett is the CEO of a locallybased national digital marketing and sales enablement agency called The Diamond Group. Her experience stems from a decade of sales and marketing training for Fortune 500 companies. She transferred her passion for professional and personal development into entrepreneurship, launching her own coaching agency. As an executive leader, speaker, and entrepreneur Theresa has personally produced over $360 million in sales. Theresa enjoys helping companies amplify their unique brands, using their proven process called Momentum. At the core of her mission she believes that every day is a gift, an opportunity, an awesome privilege and responsibility.
Info@Diamond-Group.co
910-672-6000
Diamond-Group.co
THE ACCOUNTING TEAM
Monteith Construction
910-791-8101 • monteithco.com
From left to right: Lisbet Sanchez, Jennifer Smith, Bella Fanjoy, Denice Brandon, Kelli Carbone, Myesha Patrick
Project managers and superintendents often serve as the face of Monteith Construction, yet behind the scenes are dozens of team members keeping the company operations steady. Take our accounting team, for instance. Helmed by longtime CFO Denice Brandon, these sharp women have an unflappable and indisputable expertise. Together, they oversee everything from project finances to risk mitigation. Their roles exemplify how construction offers career opportunities across a range of disciplines and in fields often overlooked. Exceptional people are the hallmark of Monteith, and whether working on or off the job site, each of us is committed to building relationships and thrilling partners
