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. |
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. |
DIGITAL SERVICES
CDO Lift
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Jeff started CDO Lift in 2021 after seeing small businesses struggling to afford the digital expertise needed to stay competitive with market competitors. Small businesses and start-ups lack the resources to bring on a Chief Digital Officer but want that level of experience and know-how on the executive team. CDO Lift provides fractional digital services that allow small businesses to get digital expertise without the hefty price tag.
Previous Experience: Jeff is a senior executive with over 20 years of experience and expertise in the digital landscape. Most recently, he’s worked for Centene Corporation, a Fortune 25 company focused on digital customer experience and building comprehensive strategies to meet health insurance needs. Before that, he developed and managed the digital solutions team at Novant Health in Charlotte, NC, where he was responsible for public-facing websites, mobile app(s), CRM, custom applications build, experimentation as a service, and the experience design group (EDGe). As a digital transformation leader, Jeff has had the privilege of bridging the gap between marketing, operations, and information technology to help deliver exceptional user experiences for some of the largest companies in their industries. Jeff holds B.A. from Ohio State University and a M.B.A. from Ohio Dominican University. |
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
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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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
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. |