Meet Our Board
STEVE DOTSON
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR |
NORA D. RICHARDSON
MARKETING DIRECTOR |
Meet Our Members
Members are listed by business category.
COACHING
Communication
T.A.L.K. Associates
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J. Bert Freeman is a positive direction expert, facilitator and speaker. He is the author of Taking Charge of Your Positive Direction, Your Positive Direction NOW and the Positive Direction ESP Performance Development Manuals. He is the Owner/Founder of T.A.L.K. Associates. As a result of his early signature work, his 30 plus years of experience evolved into providing the 21st Century Organization Development and Positive Direction Communication Skills that are essential for organizations and individuals to strategically streamline Organizational Unity, Leadership Consistency and Workplace Respect. From 1998 to 2008, he was a designated Delaware Department of Education Distinguished Educator Consultant. Since then he continues to work with schools and districts to establish performance improvement strategies for student success. Much of his work also includes organization development and leadership consistency for organizational business segments, state and government agencies. Bert is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a B.S. in Engineering and Golden Gate University with an M.S. in Human Relations. He was a Combat Engineer in the U.S. Marine Corps. He is a member of ATD, ISPI and Toastmasters International. He is also a Consistent Positive Direction Pinnacle. Bert also was a U.S. National Fencing Champion and member of the U.S. Olympic Fencing Team. He is joined by a team of resident facilitators. They are independent business, education and public professionals who are adept at incorporating Consistent Positive DirectionTM with their expertise. |
Development
The Insight Collaborative
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Cathie’s passion for professional and career development began with her
own journey from music educator, to small business owner, to career coach and professional development specialist. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership, is certified in several tools including Myers Briggs, and The Leadership Nexus, and is a trained executive and career coach. Over the past 15 years, Cathie has designed and delivered creative team and leader development programs that included dynamic interactive sessions, coaching and cohort learning. Each encounter brings unique insight into the power of self-awareness for individual and organizational change and growth. Cathie joined Associates for Professional Development, based in Winston- Salem, in 2009 and was named Senior Associate in 2017. Some of their clients included, Novant Health, Krispy Kreme, The City of Charlotte, The City of Greensboro, and The City of Durham. Cathie has had the opportunity to provide her services in diverse settings including non-profit and community organizations, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and in the private business sector. In 2020, Cathie founded The Insight Collaborative, understanding that the best solutions are realized when great minds and ideas come together. She looks forward to continuing to bring her passion for people and development to individuals and organizations for decades to come. |
Transition
Eber Vision, LLC
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I was raised on St. Helena Island, South Carolina in Beaufort County. Growing up in this part of the country offered me a rich cultural experience and heritage as an African American female in the South. My parents were very instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement and instilled in me a sense of value for my life, a determination to succeed, the confidence to use my voice and to always stand up for my beliefs. They offered me the room for free expression and discussion, as well as motivated me toward independent thought and learning. As a result, I experienced academic success as Salutatorian of my high school graduating class and later honored as Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Chemistry from Clemson University.
In addition, my life was rooted around family, love and community service. This greatly supported me as a wife, mother and citizen. As I moved from academia, to Corporate America, to family manager, and then entrepreneur, the lessons learned and examples witnessed supported me every step of the way. No matter the challenge or difficulty faced, my family experiences always reminds me to keep moving forward, keep reaching higher and always dig deeper to find my greatness and share it with the world. From here, Eber Vision was birthed in order to build leaders with a vision tied to purpose and equip them with the tools to impact the world in a way only they can. My goal is to motivate influential, high-achievers to honor who they really are, diligently work toward what they truly want, and achieve the results they were created for. The world will be a more just and fulfilling place to live when we all walk according to purpose. |
CONSULTANT: Business
Whitewater Consulting LLC
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Over the past 25 years, Chuck Cooper has been involved at the ownership level with a number of companies across several different industries. Of all his work-related accomplishments, one stands above the rest—Chuck loves partnering with companies to develop their HR strategies.
For him, the greatest reward is seeing clients achieve greater levels of success. Chuck’s passion for helping to create better companies led him to found WhiteWater Consulting in March of 2019. WhiteWater Consulting defines and designs custom HR solutions that allow companies to create a positive culture, manage their expenses, and maximize their revenues. Specifically, Chuck helps his clients take care of their people through recruiting and talent management, payroll and compliance, compensation management, group health programs, corporate wellness and financial wellness plans, and much more. To Chuck, faith and family are everything. When he isn’t working with companies to develop their HR strategies, he enjoys spending time with his grandkids, reading, photography, and college football. He has been richly blessed and happily married to Debbie, his wife of 35 years, and has three children and soon to be eight grandkids. |
FocusCFO
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Currently, as the Carolinas Area President with FocusCFO, I work with owners of small & mid-sized businesses in the Carolinas that are often upset that they don’t have the right information to run their business, those that are concerned about their cash flow, and/or those that are frustrated that they don’t have a trusted partner to help think through growth, value building and strategic/ exit planning. FocusCFO is the leading onsite CFO services provider in the Southeast and Midwest.
Previously I was an entrepreneur/ business founder of a FinTech/ Wealth Management business located here in Charlotte. For 18 years I took the business through the entire business founder’s lifecycle… from early stage bootstrap, through private equity funding, through an eventual sale to a strategic buyer. Prior to my entrepreneurial journey, I served as a technology executive for both Goldman Sachs and Bank of America. I started my career in management consulting at Accenture. |
CONSTRUCTION
Architect/Residential Designer
Hobel Designs, LLC
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After completing design school in NY, I decided I wanted to learn to build as well as design. My first job was learning the proper end of a sledge hammer to break down brick walls. From there I learned every trade involved in homebuilding, hands on. My experience in the field also includes positions as superintendent, project manager as well as Licensed General Contractor.
With over 30 years experience as a builder in the Charlotte area, I now focus my expertise and passion in providing designs for remodeling homes and as well as new construction. This level of experience gives me a deeper knowledge of all aspects of design as well as a 360° perspective that you won't find in any other designer. I am passionate about finding solutions for each of my clients. My wife Debbie and I operate our business together from our home in South Charlotte. Together, we also homeschooled our two boys, Jake and Kaleb now 25 and 21. |
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Accounting Services
Executive Financial Partners, LLC
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Ms. Petty brings to board service the expertise of combining technology and her vast experience across global industries, finance and audit. As a trusted advisor to company presidents, especially those in highly regulated industries, she has managed their risk and audit functions and liabilities. Ms. Petty is known for her ability to build financial infrastructures and high performing teams that yielded audits without any proposed adjustments as well as improving productivity and reducing payroll costs. Her many successes include impacting a company’s bottom line favorably by $500K. In addition, she has led a successful division spinoff for a fortune 100 company as well as the integration of functions required when large financial firms are merged or acquisitioned. Her many achievements include issue free compliant auditing and dramatic reductions in payroll – upwards of 40% across all business sizes, structures and international footprints.
Experience has broadened Ms. Petty’s regulatory background beyond the U.S. She led the external audit activity for 13 entities under US GAAP rules, IFRS, and Mexican GAAP principles. Under her leadership, she reduced audit time 50% which led to $172K in audit cost savings for her company. Ms. Petty is fluent in English, Dutch, Spanish, Papiamento and has working experience in United States, Mexico, Panama, Dutch Caribbean and The Netherlands. Ms. Petty is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and holds the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification. She graduated summa cum laude from St. John’s University with a Master’s in Business Administration in Finance and was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma honors society. She has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Accounting from Hofstra University. She enjoys traveling, watching sports and facilitating marriage workshops with her husband. |
Advisory Services
Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC
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As a Financial Advisor, I provide sound financial advice and value-added service to investors — always striving to build long-term relationships that are based on mutual trust and respect. Through a long-term investment approach, I help clients develop and implement strategies for building wealth and realizing their financial goals.
I graduated from The Citadel, in Charleston, S.C., with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Business. I served as an officer in the United States Army Reserves for eight years. As a Financial Advisor with the Charlotte South Park office of Wells Fargo Advisors, I take pride in working for a firm that puts the client first. Because I believe that retirement is probably one of the most significant financial goals of my client’s lives, I obtained the designation of Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM ,CRPC®, by meeting rigorous professional standards and passing a comprehensive examination from the College for Financial Planning. This added designation improves my ability to serve my client’s needs. Away from the office, I am active in the local community. I participate in many civic and community organizations, including the Porter Ridge Athletic Association, the Charlotte Area Citadel Club and volunteer at the annual Queens Cup Steeplechase event. I enjoy golf, reading and sporting events. My wife, Christina and I live in Indian Trail with our five children. My mission is to help each client plan for a financial future in a way that best meets their goals. I look forward to extending my experience to you and your family. Together, we can discuss financial strategies designed to fit your unique situation. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and a separate non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. INVESTMENT AND INSURANCE PRODUCTS: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NO BANK GUARANTEE/MAY LOSE VALUE. |
INSURANCE SERVICES
Business & Personal
Will Johnson Insurance
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Insurance: Best to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
I am an insurance professional with 20 years of experience with a concentration in Property and Casualty for personal auto and home along with commercial insurance for businesses. My goal is to educate the consumer and provide them with the proper insurance to meet their needs. One cannot properly insure their most valuable assets in 15 minutes or less. I pride myself on providing the details needed to make an informed decision for their auto, home, or small business. Born in North Augusta, SC, I am a proud graduate of SC State University, home of the Bulldogs. I am a music and live jazz enthusiast along with being an avid Carolina Panther fan. My wife and I have lived in Charlotte with our 3 children. My agency is licensed in NC, SC, and GA. |
Employee Benefits
Benefits Advisor
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I worked in insurance when my sons were little. Eventually, my entrepreneurial genes kicked in, and I became the Operation VP of two successful startups and even served as President of one of them. I’ve also been a Global Accounts Manager for American Express and a Fractional COO for hire.
How does this translate to being a Benefits Advisor? A few years ago, I became frustrated that small companies, 1099 contractors, the self-employed, individuals, and families didn't have access to the same personalized benefits advice that large employers get. Questionable information and limited options were hurting people. I made it my mission to share the secrets of cost-effective benefits like health, dental and vision plans, disability, and life plans with folks who’d be relying on good insurance benefits when they became sick or injured. And because I've been an employer and an employee, I do understand both points of view. So, when you need "people-related" insurance products and top-notch service, I'm here to help. Born and raised in CT, I've lived in MA, NH, and NJ. I'm a mom to two wonderful sons and Nana to two precious grandchildren. I hold a B.S. Degree in Organizational Management. |
Health
Health Market Genius
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I am a health insurance agent specializing in individual health (including Obamacare) and Medicare related coverage, as well as short term and dental insurance.
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Life & Annuities
First Financial Securities
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While growing up in Laos, as being the oldest child, I helped my parents raise my siblings after my father was unexpectedly taken by the communist from government corruption.
My mother struggled financially to raise nine children, so when I was old enough, I started working to make ends meet. Even with my additional income, we did not have much. But we now lived in the U.S.A, land of opportunity. As a young, married adult, I got multiple credit cards. It was freedom from being poor. I had the power to buy things I never had. I now had all the stuff I wanted that I didn’t have growing up. Unknowingly, I also had debts with interest. I was not aware of how quickly interest compounded. My credit cards went into default very quickly and I had to take out a large line-of-credit to save my family from going into bankruptcy. I was juggling and struggling, and I vowed to learn how to get myself out of this situation and rebuild my credit. And I did. I also realized that I was not the only one who struggled with debt. It is a national issue—financial illiteracy. I decided to become a CFEI- Certified Financial Education Instruction and Life Insurance Producer to stop this madness cycle. As an Independent Marketing Office, Senior Marketing Director with First Financial Security, Inc. (FFS), a national brokerage agency that partners with some of the country’s leading insurance carriers; combined with my extensive 18 years Mortgage and Finance career background and passionate about helping people, I now spend 90% of my consultation time properly informing, educating and empowering my clients regarding their financial planning strategies. I use my former financial pain as a learning tool to illustrate solutions my clients didn’t even know were possible. My clients are individual, family and business owners who have now become financially literate and take proper steps to “live without worry”. |
IT: COMPUTER SERVICES
NerdsToGo
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Hi there! We’re Paul and Kate Blanchette and we are normal, non-geeky folks who just like you, were at the mercy of the “computer guy.” You know THAT guy...unreliable, unprofessional, inconvenient, and hard to communicate with. And his invoice...WHEW...always rivaled the national debt.
Yep, we’ve been there. So, when Paul was looking for a career change—desiring less travel—we found the NerdsToGo franchise opportunity. From our own stressful tech experiences, we knew that a reliable business and residential support source was definitely a needed service. We loved the business model and company values so much, we became the proud owners of the FIRST NerdsToGo franchise in North Carolina as well as the FIRST in the Charlotte market. Our ambition is to be Charlotte’s go-to partner for proactive IT Services without the “geek-speak”...you know, the overused acronyms and industry jargon utilized to intimidate customers. Yeah, that’s no fun. We feel that IT Service providers can be nerdy, knowledgeable AND communicate in an approachable and respectful way. That’s WAY more fun! Have a tech situation, issue or question? We’ve got a Nerd for that! |
LEGAL SERVICES
Monk Law Firm, PLLC
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Matthew (“Matt”) A. Freeze is an attorney licensed in North and South Carolina who focuses on elder law needs. In 2022, Matt joined Monk Law Firm, PLLC located in the Fort Mill. A North Carolina native, Matt earned his B.A. in Political Science, cum laude with University Honors, from UNC-Asheville in 2007 and his J.D. from Wake Forest University in 2018. During and prior to law school, Matt served as Finance Director for a non-profit serving child victims of abuse and as a home renovation professional specializing in homes built in the first half of the 20th Century.
Matt works hard to provide services to help put clients’ minds at ease over the many legal concerns that come with end-of-life planning and the management of a loved one’s estate. Services Matt provides include estate planning (wills, trusts, powers of attorney), complex giving, trust administration, long-term care planning (Medicaid and other government benefits), advice on aging in place, guardianships, and estate administration and probate. |
This could be you...
YOU
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When you become a Ballantyne Business Connections member, you get to be listed amongst these great businesses.
Come visit our monthly luncheon or our quarterly socials. Here are a few of the following service categories we have open:
Membership info |
MARKETING SERVICES
Branding Services
Spot-On Branding
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Most businesses are told the only need a logo, website, business card, social media, an offer and then wait for the Benjamin's to start flowing. Disappointment sets in when it doesn't happen and they question what more they need to do. Unknowingly, they have skipped the first 5 most important foundational steps that will make or break them.
In fact, a study found that 42% of businesses close because they cannot relate the problem they solve to an audience that will buy. (CB Insights, 2019) Until now. Brand Positioning Strategist, Nora D. Richardson of Spot-On Branding, connects those dots with a proven, results-driven process which zeros in on The Relatability Factor that will speak to an audience's heart and unlock their wallets. Nora has spoken to international audiences, been mentioned by the New York Times, worked with big brands like Kahlúa and The Olympics and continually helps her clients achieve 6-figure wins and beyond. Her secret: “When you build a business as unique as you are, you create a brand people love-love-love, which leads to big-figure wins.” |
Website Services
Lightning Mine
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I use current Search Engine Optimization best practices when building company websites and e-commerce stores. I also build online Customer Account Portals which connect to Quick Books. Customer account portals empower your customers to log in, view invoices, pay their bills, change contact information and other functionality right from your company's website. It is also important that the transactions update in QuickBooks without the transactions requiring manual re-keying. This is convenient for your customers and saves time.
Customers expect to be able to self-serve online. Now there is an affordable way for companies to add this functionality to their website. I also build exciting, engaging, SEO friendly websites that are mobile friendly. It is critical that websites work well on mobile devices now that more web traffic comes from mobile than traditional PCs and Macs. Have you visited your website from a phone? I have the best team to build excellent websites with proven results. It starts with a great website and goes from there... Specializations: Mobile Friendly Websites • Search Engine Optimization • Search Engine Marketing Websites for: Industrial Manufacturers • Industrial Distributors • Trucking Companies Medical Practices • Small and Medium size businesses of many types |
PROPERTY SERVICES
Pro-Tint
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Tish serves as the Business Development Manager for Pro-Tint, a solution based business providing specialty window film for residential homes, commercial buildings, and the automotive and motorsports sectors. Pro-Tint launched 35 years ago and is proud of its exceptional customer service, quality products and its position as an industry leader.
Prior to joining Pro-Tint in February 2021, Tish served as an Executive Show Manager for Southern Shows for almost 23 years. She spent time in the Women’s Show Division overseeing the Southern Women’s Show Charlotte and Richmond. She provided the Internal Communications for the Department and oversaw the bi-annual company meetings. She has served on the Board of Directors for Dress for Success Charlotte and The Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte. |
REAL ESTATE SERVICES
Mortgage Lending: Residential
Advisors Mortgage Group
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Born and raised in a working class family in London as a teenager I gravitated towards the musical arts and was soon working as a musician on the London Pub circuit and then playing in back up bands touring in Europe. I eventually came to the U.S. in 1980 with a band playing and recording in NJ and NY. Starting a family in the mid 80s I soon realized that my career choice and family life were not the best combination. I moved to working in sales as an employee first and then a business owner. With my business taking a massive hit on 9/11, I shifted my career to mortgages relying on the adage that people will always need a roof over their heads, and that’s when I began my love affair with this industry... I currently reside with my wife Eugenia in Charlotte via the New Jersey Shore. I am the proud father of three sons who are spread throughout the Union. I became an avid disciple of Jesus Christ in 1986. I have served as a deacon, head of finance and building and treasurer. One of my accomplishments that has brought me joy is heading up a building project for the church and seeing a shell of a warehouse being transformed into a place of fellowship and worship, all with next to no money. Through that experience I witnessed first hand how God blesses our availability even and especially if our capability is lacking! When not engaged in mortgages or church life, I enjoy studying, writing and playing music, writing, fine dining with my wife, and getting any time I can to be with my boys! I am optimistic for the future of this great nation and the company I am proud to call my home, Advisors Mortgage Group, LLC. My goal is to grow in knowledge and the art of its application and through it, bring value and blessings to my partners, clients and co-workers. I seek to network to create and foster relationships with referral partners, provide superior service & terms to homeowners who are purchasing or refinancing their homes. Provide a high level of education to both our partners and clients. That is why I truly mean it when I present my name and say, “Larry Gould, that’s U surrounded by Gold.” |
Real Estate
JPAR Carolina Living
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I have lived in the Charlotte Metro area since 1991. My family moved here from New York when I was 12 years old. I have seen this city transform over the years into a melting pot of businesses and culture.
After being a nurse for 20 years, I decided to change careers. Real estate allows me to care for my clients in a different capacity, but still have the satisfaction of helping them achieve their goals. Whether it’s finding the perfect home or selling their home for the right price, I can be that advocate that will always have my client’s best interest at heart. I will walk by your side every step of the way! Home took on a new meaning for me, when I had the privilege of becoming a mom after 14 years of infertility. After adopting my oldest son Eli, who “came to our doorstep” so to speak, I got pregnant with my daughter Estella a month later. A year after that I got pregnant with my youngest son, Carlos. We now compose a busy family of 5! Just as much as I value what home means, I also value serving and giving back to my community. My husband & I serve as family Pastors at our local church! I am passionate, driven, honest and loyal and that is what you need in a real estate broker. |
Westervelt Property Group
Rhonda Westervelt
Phone: 704-572-0983 email Rhonda Visit Rhonda's Website |
With over 20 years of real estate marketing and sales experience, I bring a high level of professionalism and attention to detail to every transaction and every client. I am an Accredited Buyer Representative, Certified Relocation Specialist and Certified Military Residential Specialist and I pride myself in building strong relationships with fellow Realtors, clients and partners. As a Keller Williams "BOLD" graduate, I and my team of assistants & trusted vendors with Westervelt Property Group, LLC & Keller Williams Realty are experienced in negotiating foreclosures with Fannie Mae and other institutions as well as regular residential and commercial transactions and working with short sales. "We do what it takes to help in all aspects of real estate and treat everyone with the highest level of respect and appreciation."
Rhonda Westervelt is an avid dog-lover and truly believes in kindness and understanding "This business isn't rocket science. My goal is to help transactions be as stress-free as possible for our clients." Rhonda offers free consultations and can help clients move anywhere in the United States or abroad. With 90% of business coming from referrals, the greatest compliment is a referral from past clients, Realtors and networking partners. Westervelt Property Group's areas of expertise lie in both residential and commercial properties in the Metro Charlotte area including Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, Gaston, Lincoln, south Iredell and west Rowan Counties in NC & York and Lancaster Counties in SC. I Help Make Dreams Come True...Let's Get Started on Yours Today |
WELLNESS SERVICES
Healthcare
Charlotte Village Network
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Hello, my name is John Reiter and I am the Executive Director of the Charlotte Village Network, a non profit organization in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Charlotte Village Network’s mission is to provide volunteer services and social events for seniors, with the goal of helping them to live and thrive in the home and community they love for as long as possible. CVN is part of a national movement with over 260 “villages” operating across the country.
Prior to this, I was a cost accountant with a commercial heating and air conditioning company in Cleveland, Ohio. I moved to Charlotte in late 2016 and decided to make a career change into the senior care industry. I was fortunate to know all of my grandparents and three of my great-grandparents for many years and enjoyed learning from and being around them. This helped fuel my passion for seniors, and thus a career change. I have an undergraduate degree in finance from Cleveland State University, a graduate certificate in project management from DeVry University, and most recently, a certificate in cybersecurity from UNC Charlotte. I have held positions as a YMCA camp counselor, a laborer for a construction company, as well as a software trainer for a payroll company. I have a son and a daughter and my “better-half” Laurie, also has a son and a daughter. I love to ride my bicycle around town and also play on our church softball team in the summer months. |
Iora Primary Care
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Tiffany Chambers is the Regional Account Manager for Iora Primary Care (North Carolina). She brings 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and operations from organizations as Sanford Health and Coca-Cola. Tiffany lives in the Charlotte area with her husband (Keith) and 4 year old daughter (Charlie).
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