Folsom women in business 2018

2018

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CONGRATULATIONS

MARY ANN c M ALEA

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VOTED BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR A PRODUCT OF THE FOLSOM TELEGRAPH AND GOLD COUNTRY MEDIA

PHOTO COURTESY FOLSOM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Folsom Women in Business Mary Ann McAlea — Greater Folsom Partnership

2018 Businesswoman of the Year

BY RACHEL ZIRIN of the Folsom Telegraph

Mary Ann McAlea is the Folsom Telegraph’s 2018 Businesswoman of the Year, and her contributions to the Folsom community prove why.

McAlea is the senior vice president of The Greater Folsom Partnership and has been involved with the Folsom Chamber of Commerce, Folsom Tourism Bureau and Folsom’s Economic Development since 2004.

McAlea came to Folsom in 1988 and since has fallen in love with the community. Not only is she a strong supporter of the local community, she has helped it become what it is today.

“Folsom is praised to have a small town-feel in a growing business hub, much due to the amazing and creative leadership of Mary Ann McAlea,” said Shannon Robb, who was one of many who nominated McAlea for this honor. “McAlea has been leading The Greater Folsom Partnership for the last 14 years. She is a marketing genius, using strategic creativity to market Folsom as the No. 1 place to raise a family, to visit, and to work in California.

Robb said McAlea successfully partnered with national events such as AMGEN Tour of California and the California International Marathon and as a result, increased the overnight stays in Folsom hotels.

“McAlea is constantly developing new, successful ideas to market Folsom,” Robb said. “Although she has a full calendar and list of responsibilities, she always makes time to listen and respect her team.

No matter how busy the work load may be, McAlea will always stop to celebrate the team. She is the ultimate host, which is another reason

• SEE MCALEA PAGE 11 Mary Ann McAlea is the Folsom Telegraph’s 2018 Businesswoman of the Year.

2 2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS Publication of The Folsom Telegraph and Gold Country Media

COURTESY FOLSOM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Folsom Women in Business Mary Beth Hacker-Shipp — The Pink Ice Cream Cart Co., Inc.

Folsom businesswoman comes in runner up for nomination

BY RACHEL ZIRIN of the Folsom Telegraph

Folsom resident and business owner Mary Beth Hacker-Shipp was the runner up for the Folsom Telegraph’s 2018 Women in Business, and there is no secret why.

Owner of The Pink Ice Cream Cart Co., Inc., Hacker-Shipp began her ice cream cart venture only 6 years ago and is recognizable to virtually everyone in town.

If you see a pink cart driving around town, it’s more than likely Hacker-Shipp, as she is extremely dedicated to her passion.

Tim O’Leary was one of dozens who nominated Hacker-Shipp for the honor and said while she owns a business, she helps and supports the community in many ways.

“She hires locally and fundraises for community youth sports and schools.

As a Chamber Ambassador, she is an amazing volunteer and helps promote local businesses,” O’Leary said. “It takes a lot of ice cream sales to fundraise the thousands of dollars for youth sports as well as other fundraisers such as the one for Ashton Fritz. She does not seek the spotlight, but I think what she does for the City of Folsom should be recognized.”

Sheri Merrick said Hacker-Shipp would give you the shirt off her back if you needed.

“She has a wonderful heart

Mary Beth Hacker-Shipp and soul,” she said.

Monica Hauck said Hacker-Shipp has taken a small business and turned it into a Folsom icon.

“There are not many places you can go in Folsom and have someone not know The Pink Ice Cream Cart,” Hauck said. “She has worked hard to build her company and does it without any expectation of recognition.”

Hacker-Shipp’s son, Jack Hacker, said she is the epitome of a local business owner.

“As someone who has an extreme insider’s view on how Mary Beth runs her business, I can, with 100 percent certainty, tell you that she is the epitome of a local business owner,” he said.

“Her hard work sprouted The Pink Ice Cream Cart Company from a one-cart smalltime operation to a three-cart business in only 6 years. With her business deeply rooted in the heart of the Folsom community, she offers a unique COURTESY FOLSOM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE experience to the classic ice Folsom resident and business owner Mary Beth Hacker-Shipp was the runner up for the Folsom Telegraph’s 2018 Women in cream cart memory.”

Business.

Publication of The Folsom Telegraph and Gold Country Media WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2018 3

Folsom Women in Business Coldwell Banker

Showing passion with every sale 10 nominees for Women in Business

BY RACHEL ZIRIN of the Folsom Telegraph

Coldwell Banker had various nominees for the Folsom Telegraph’s 2018 Women in Business, and their passion really shows with every sale.

Betsy Montgomery

Brenda Holloway-Donegan

Christine Elliot

Cindy Swinger

Jessica Buletti

Judy Brown

Kari Vierra

Mary Ball

Nanette Jones

Robin Kaplan

industry since 2000 and said she has always enjoyed helping people.

“Prior to obtaining a real estate license, I assisted a neighbor in prepping and coordinating the sale of their home,” Jones said.

“They had relocated out-ofstate and needed assistance.

That is when I realized I really like it!”

She said being a part of helping people obtain their dreams of home ownership or selling a home is rewarding.

“It’s a great feeling when you can get all parties to agree on pricing and terms,”

Jones said. “A person’s home is full of emotional connections. It’s where they started their family; where they enjoyed family traditions.

When it all comes together and I hand over the keys to their new home, it is the greatest feeling.”

years of exposure to the industry. I felt it was a great avenue to provide a career for myself with flexibility while my family was young and growing,” Kaplan said.

“What sets me apart is my ability to listen to clients and understand their needs.”

She said utilizing proven negotiating skills and innovative marketing programs is another aspect that sets her apart.

“I’m always maintaining a personal touch with my clients,” she said. “Life throws setbacks at us personally and professionally, but you

should never let those momentary setbacks derail you from moving forward.”

“After selling my home by owner, I decided I could do this!” she said. “I love working with people, and I love looking at properties to see the possibilities. My willingness to take on tough transactions and helping in very difficult situations to get the home ready for sale is what I feel sets me apart.”

Judy Brown

Real Estate Specialist Judy Brown has been with Coldwell Banker since 2016, but real estate is not a new career for her. Brown has been in the industry for 13 years.

Brown said her friends and family had always told her she should be in real estate, and after she retired from a full time job in the energy industry, she knew it was time.

“I have always loved real estate,” she said. “I love working with people and helping them make their dreams come true. I don’t know if I chose real estate or it chose me. I have always been customer service-focused and love buying and selling homes, so it’s a perfect fit!”

Brown said you will be most successful if you do something you love.

“It won’t feel so much like work, and it will be so much more fulfilling,” she said.

Nanette Jones

Realtor Nanette Jones has been in the real estate

Robin Kaplan

Realtor Robin Kaplan has been associated with Coldwell Banker since 1994. In 2019, she will be celebrating her 25th anniversary in the local real estate community, she said.

“My husband was a real estate developer, so I had

4 2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS Publication of The Folsom Telegraph and Gold Country Media

Cindy Swinger

Realtor Cindy Swinger received her real estate license in 1999 and started working full time for Prudential Real Estate.

“Prudential Real Estate was purchased by Coldwell Banker,” she said. “I have stayed with the same company because they are like family to me.”

Swinger said she was inspired to venture into real estate as she loves working with people.

Christine Elliot

Realtor Christine Elliot obtained her real estate license in 2015 and joined Coldwell Banker immediately after, she said.

“I never really had an ‘ah• SEE COLDWELL PAGE 11

Established Women in Real Estate

Pictured right to left; Nanette Jones, Betsy Montgomery, Robin Kaplan, Mary Ball, Jessica Buleti, Judy Brown, Cindy Swinger, Brenda Holloway-Donegan, Christine Elliott, Kari Vierra.

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Folsom Women in Business Deirdre Hawkins— Hawkins School of Performing Arts

Tiffany Andrews ­— Law Office of Tiffany L. Andrews, P.C.

Long-time performing arts Family lawyer nominated studio owner nominated

BY RACHEL ZIRIN of the Folsom Telegraph

BY RACHEL ZIRIN of the Folsom Telegraph

Folsom businesswoman Deirdre Hawkins was a nominee in the Folsom’s Telegraph’s 2018 Women in Business, and her longtime local success shows.

Hawkins is the founder and artistic director of the Hawkins School of Performing Arts, which was established in 1988 in Folsom. The performing arts school has been a local staple and rated one of the top dance schools in the region with students coming from all over the area.

sume provAt Hawkins’ studio, ing she is students have the opone of the portunity to train in best of the ballet, tap, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, best in her musical theatre, actindustry. ing and voice.

Her longThe performing time inarts studio was pre- Deidre Hawkins volvement viously located in the in the FolRaley’s shopping cen- som community has left ter off Riley Street be- a mark on all dancers and fore moving into their performing arts students 16,000-square-foot home who step foot through her on Woodmere Road. studio’s doors, with some Hawkins holds an MA students being hired on as in Education with a spe- teachers as well as various cialization in dance from students making a name Stanford University. Haw- in the professional perkins has a mile-long re- forming arts world.

Tiffany Andrews was a nominee in this year’s Folsom Telegraph Women in Business, and her passion for what she does really shows in her success.

Andrews is the president of the Law Office of Tiffany L. Andrews, P.C., which she opened online in September of 2010.

In July of 2012, she opened her office location which is at 6611 Folsom-Auburn Road.

What inspired Andrews to get into family law was her passion for working with families and her desires to be a child advocate.

“My children needed a mother to provide for them without the need to depend

apart from others is on another person for having been a single help,” she said. “My mother twice over. ‘ah’ha!’ moment was “I put myself when I became a client through school as a myself and got to realize single mom by myhow tumultuous child self. I have the drive abuse and divorce can and determination be. It’s hard to protect a to succeed so that I child in a system where Deidre Hawkins can provide for my so many people make up allegations to gain custody.” own children,” Andrews said.

When asked what advice she Andrews said she personally chose the law industry to help has for other women in business, she said no one dictates others.

“I wanted to help those your life.

“You are your own future. struggling and in difficult times to make an informed de- No one dictates your life or cision without being clouded the changes, curves and turns by emotions,” she said. “I want- life takes but you,” Andrews ed to help guide clients to pro- said. “No one, nor nothing, can tect children, as there’s a moral take your future from you unless you let it. With pain comes and legal obligation.”

Andrews said what sets her strength.”

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Folsom Women in Business Denize Rodrigues — Brisas do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse

Local woman brings passion and marketing to restaurant business Connecting people with the Palladio’s newest steakhouse

BY RACHEL ZIRIN of the Folsom Telegraph

Denize Rodrigues was one of the many nominees in the Folsom Telegraph’s 2018 Women in Business, and her hard work and Denize Rodrigues dedication to her career shows.

Rodrigues is the marketing director for Folsom’s newest restaurant in the Palladio – Brisas do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse. She was a key player in getting the long-awaited business open for local customers.

From connecting with community partners and local media, Rodrigues’ passion for what she does shows, especially when she talks about the restaurant.

A native from Brazil herself, Rodrigues serves well in her role helping promote Brisas do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse.

The recently opened steakhouse had been in the works for a few years, having locals on their toes for when they would open their doors.

Since opening, they have had nothing but positive reviews.

Brisas do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse is the newest resaturant in the Palladio, where Denize Rodrigues serves as marketing director .

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8 2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS Publication of The Folsom Telegraph and Gold Country Media

Folsom Women in Business Samantha Back — Guaranteed Rate

Michelle Connelly — California Walnut Board

VP of mortgage lending California Walnut Association director nominated nominated for honor

BY RACHEL ZIRIN of the Folsom Telegraph

El Dorado Hills mortgage lender Samantha Back was one of many nominees in the Folsom Telegraph’s 2018 Women in Business. From those who sent in nominations to recognize her, Back goes above and beyond for her clients.

Back is the vice president of mortgage lending at Guaranteed Rate. She has been in the mortgage business for more than 13 years and is extremely passionate about her work.

Back began her career in San Jose, but currently lives in the Sacramento area with her husband. They have

two daughters together and their dog Patches.

Michele Cox, one of those who nominated Back for this honor, said Back goes above and beSamantha Back yond for her clients and she loves being able to get people in new homes.

“She is thorough, direct and tells you like it is,” Cox said. “She does her best and checks all sides of each transaction to make sure nothing looks fishy, and if it does, she takes her time to fix it! She is truly the best!”

BY RACHEL ZIRIN of the Folsom Telegraph

Local businesswoman Michelle Connelly was a nominee in the Folsom Telegraph’s 2018 Women in Business, and those who sent in nominations were very descriptive why she is among top businesswomen.

Connelly is the executive director of the California Walnut Board, located in Folsom, for more than a year, and since she has taken on her role, she has revamped the organization, said Milt Hull, one of

Hull said Connelmany who nominated ly is also on the WalConnelly for the honor. nut Commission.

“The offices are right “I only know Mion Parkshore in Folchelle as a hard som, and they marworking, hard drivket walnuts all over en woman who the world,” Hull said, puts her life and “sending marketing blood in making people to China, Ja- Michelle Connelly the business known pan, Europe, Germany, India, Spain, Turkey, to the world on the benefits of South Korea and the United health eating walnuts in a daiKingdom as well as all over ly nutrition, and she has dothe United States. Most peo- ne a good job,” Hull said. “To ple don’t know walnuts are me, I respect women like that marketed right here from Fol- who put their all into a job som to almost all ends of the like what she has done to this industry.” globe.”

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n Health Fair: November 3 n Holiday Craft Show: December 8 Publication of The Folsom Telegraph and Gold Country Media WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2018 9

Folsom Women in Business Patty Rogers — 1099 Assistant

Jill Cromwell — Owner of Maribou

Local businesswoman a ‘bonafide contender’

Salon and spa owner nominated for inspiring others in the community

BY RACHEL ZIRIN of the Folsom Telegraph

Local business owner Patty Rogers was a nominee in the Folsom Telegraph’s 2018 Women in Business not just for her success in business, but being active in the local community.

Rogers is the owner and a virtual assistant of 1099 Assistant, who is a Sacramento-based company that helps businesses with various tasks.

Some of these tasks include blogging, social media, proofreading, calendaring, email

inquiries, phone support and more.

Rogers has owned 1099 Assistant since July of 2011 and has Patty Rogers found major success with her team.

Dan Rogers was one of many who nominated Rogers and said when it comes to up and coming businesses, 1099 Assistant and Rogers are a “bonafide contender.”

“She and her team deliver

solid results of increased revenues and huge time-savings to her clients,” he said. “She is active outside of the business as well as in her church, in local networking groups and as a local citizen of Folsom enjoying the concerts, socials and events inside Folsom.”

Dan said Rogers’ business brings her clients closer to the goal of a work/life balance.

“How is that not deserving of the award? She is hired as a giver-back of both time and money to her clients who work with her to automate business processes,” he said.

Deirdre Hawkins Hawkins School of Performing Arts

Now celebrating over 30 years in Folsom Deirdre’s Performing Arts Studio has over twenty-five professional teachers offering excellence in training in Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Acting and Voice.

Deirdre’s mission is to bring the joy of the performing arts to her students for personal growth, or to lead to a career in dance and theatre.

118 Woodmere Rd. | Folsom 916-355-1900 | hawkinsschool.com 10 2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS Publication of The Folsom Telegraph and Gold Country Media

BY RACHEL ZIRIN of the Folsom Telegraph

Folsom business owner Jill Cromwell was one of many nominees for the Folsom Telegraph’s 2018 Women in Business and it’s no secret why.

Cromwell opened Maribou Spa and Salon on E. Natoma Street nearly 14 years ago and since has added two locations – in the Palladio and Historic District. It’s no secret that Cromwell’s salons are top-rated in the Folsom area for uniqueness, professionalism, services and more.

Kami Larsen, who was amongst those who nominated Cromwell, said it was Cromwell’s dream to start her own salon.

“She took a leap Jill Cromwell of faith and not only did she open Maribou 14 years ago off E. Natoma Street, but she now has three salons in Folsom!” Larsen said. “She inspires me to keep going for my dream and never let anybody tell you, you can’t!”

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Folsom Women in Business

MCALEA: continued from 2 why guests and sponsors of the Folsom Pro Rodeo and Folsom LIVE continuously come back each year.”

Annie Hodges, who also sent in a nomination, said McAlea is a great representation of the Folsom community.

“If you live, work, or play in Folsom, odds are you’ve heard the name Mary Ann McAlea,” Hodges said. “She has been an active member of the Folsom community on all levels for years and works so hard to promote Folsom as the best place to spend your time, love, and energy. Many times, she works behind the scenes on events and efforts that we all take part of and

enjoy. She serves as a mentor to those she works with, and many turn to her for both her professional and personal opinions.”

Robert Cline, who sent in a nomination, said McAlea is a fearless leader.

“Her leadership for our organization and love for the city of Folsom is second to none,” he said. “Mary Ann has compassion for her employees and is always looking for ways to grow people’s strengths.”

Cline said his favorite quote from McAlea is, “I strive to learn something new every day.”

“She makes sure that stands true with our team and that we lead with character,” Cline said. “Mary Ann is the most professional and graceful person I know in business and is beyond deserving of this great

THE

FOLSOM

921 Sutter St., Suite 100 Folsom, CA 95630 916-985-2581 folsomtelegraph.com

honor. She always puts everyone else first, and I would like to see her recognized for her contributions to the city of Folsom.”

McAlea said it has been a privilege to share her love of Folsom through her professional career.

“I have been an enthusiastic ambassador for Folsom since I moved here in 1988. It has been a privilege to share my love for this community through my professional role with the Folsom Chamber of Commerce, Folsom Tourism Bureau and Folsom’s Economic Development since 2004,” McAlea said. “Few people have the chance to blend their personal passion with their work life and it has been an incredible experience. I work with a talented team of men and women who are equally committed to our town and ensuring that our quality of life is sustained for all.”

Mary Ann McAlea is the Folsom Telegraph’s 2018 Businesswoman of the Year. McAlea is the senior vice president of The Greater Folsom Partnership and has been involved with the Folsom Chamber of Commerce, Folsom Tourism Bureau and Folsom’s Economic Development since 2004.

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ha!’ moment. I just always felt that real estate would be a good fit for me once my kids were grown,” Elliott said. “I personally chose this industry because I wanted to help people achieve their home ownership goals, whether it’s their first home or their forever home.

As a long-time resident of Folsom I know the importance of putting down roots for my family.”

She said being a part of a great community has been crucial for her.

“I want others to have a chance to experience that as well!” Elliott said.

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Jessica Buletti

Realtor Jessica Buletti said she is passionate about living a crafted life.

“Four years ago, I found myself in a lifestyle that was not what I wanted – long commutes, no family time and a poor mortgage,” she said. “It all centered on where my family lived. We

made a list of what we wanted and relentlessly perused that, which has brought us to our happy situation today. I believe this is a goal all families should have when buying or selling a home, and I want to help them with that goal.”

Buletti said she always felt happiest when providing the best of herself in services to others.

“Being a Realtor brings together all of my skills – from juggling all of the details, to making sure I do everything I can to keep the process on track, I know that a career in real estate would allow me to offer my best self,” she said.

Brenda HollowayDongegan

Brenda Holloway-Dongegan, Realtor, GRI, CRS, began her career in 1996 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She said her father owned a real estate company that was passed down to her brother, so she is very familiar with the industry.

“My background prior to real estate was accounting. I met a develop-

er who inspired me to get my license and sell new construction,” she said.

“The first resale transaction is what did it for me. Hunting for that perfect home for someone, feeling my buyers’ excitement was and still is extremely rewarding.”

Holloway-Dongegan said you should always do what you love and love what you do.

Kari Vierra

Kari Vierra is Realtor with Coldwell Banker and specializes in luxury homes.

Some advice she had for other women in business was to wake up with a purpose and be relentless.

“Don’t be afraid to fail and move outside your comfort zone. Don’t limit you challenges and challenge your limits,” she said. “An entrepreneur always searches for change and responds to it. You will never know your limits unless you push yourself to them. I never dreamed about success — I worked for it!”

Publication of The Folsom Telegraph and Gold Country Media WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2018 11

Folsom Women in Business Marie V. Hall — Living Smart Foundation & Farmers Markets

Self-sustainability meets entrepreneurship

BY RACHAEL ZIRIN of the Folsom Telegraph

Local businesswoman Marie V. Hall was a nominee for the Folsom Telegraph’s 2018 Women in Business.

With her long-time success in putting on farmers markets as well as other events, it’s no surprise she is on the nominee list.

Hall is the CEO of Living Smart Fo u n dation and since 2 0 0 9 , has had a mission to empower youth Marie Hall by giving them the opportunity to participate in hands-on educational programs that teach vital financial, business and entrepreneurship skills for now and for their future, she said.

After much success in their first farmers market in Carmichael, they expanded to Folsom as well as numerous other towns and counties.

When asked what inspired her to open her business, Hall said to help young people learn practical skills in money and business.

“We practice what we preach,” she said. “We teach self-sustainability and entrepreneurship,

and this was what we also practice as a business. We are a self-funded non-profit, teaching skills in ‘living smart’ not only with money and business in working at the farmers markets, but also in healthy living by offering great food to youth and to their communities through the markets.”

When asked what Hall thinks sets herself apart in her industry, she said her passion.

“I think that what makes me special is my passion and compassion for people and life. I don’t think of what I do as ‘job’ per se, but instead as an extension of who I am,” she said. “I have worked in corporate America for many years, and as a teacher for many more, and what I have been told by the people that work with me very closely, and my staff, is that I have big business sensibility without losing the interpersonal care and connection with my employees, vendors, students and customers/patrons.”

Hall said her advice to other businesswomen is to be authentic, honest and follow your passion.

“Work hard and smart, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t do it,” she said. “As women we are nurturers, and when we bring that special quality into our work, we are better for it.”

Local businesswoman Marie V. Hall was a nominee for the Folsom Telegraph’s 2018 Women in Business.

12 2018 WOMEN IN BUSINESS Publication of The Folsom Telegraph and Gold Country Media

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