A Cup of Cappuccino for the Entrepreneur’s Spirit—Learn from these Extraordinary Entrepreneurs!
2:00 Entrepreneur Panel and Signing

Mark Alexander is the founder of Efficient Exercise which started as a personal training concept featuring thirty-minute workouts of high-intensity quality-time routines personalized to the customers’ fitness objectives. Once- or twice-a-week workouts give the body enough time to recover, and Mark believed it was the perfect solution for people with busy lives. He developed a personal training studio concept that is very different from the typical gym membership. It is a private one-on-one session for the client in an aesthetically pleasing setting, where client service is strongly emphasized as the core value. The model involves neighborhood studios with a much smaller footprint as opposed to a big-box gym with thousands of square feet. Mark also helped design and develop exercise equipment which is in the patent process.

Patricia Flanary has seen all sides of the mortgage industry from retail mortgage lending to secondary market sales. Pat has mastered every position she has held during her twenty year career in the field. Pat was chosen in 2003 as a “Super Entrepreneur” by Administaff and that same year, Pat was invited to serve on a 25-member nationwide Freddie Mac advisory board and she continues to serve in that capacity. Pat has co-chaired the Texas Association of Mortgage Brokers Credit Smart Program, a financial literacy program created to educate people on what it takes to buy a home. A woman-owned business, Advantage Mortgage Network (AMNET) was one of only two privately owned Austin mortgage companies in the top ten based on units closed in 2004 by the Austin Business Journal.

Matthew Lee worked for a number of high tech startups before following his passion for food by travelling to Italy and learning to make gelato from the masters. He started Teo Espresso, Gelato & Bella Vita in Austin in 2002. Teo has been nationally recognized in various Top 10 lists for their products such as MSNBC, Forbes, Traveller, Yahoo, and American Way. Teo has also won the favor of Austin voters, and at various times has been named Best Local Coffee Shop, Best Gelato, Best Espresso, and Best Affogato. Their Restaurant Poll awards include: Best Ice Cream 2004, Best Vanilla Gelato and Espresso “Affogato” 2005, Best Gelato 2006, Best of City Search Dessert 2006, Best Dessert and Best Gelato 2008, and Best Gelato 2009. Teo remains the most authentic Italian dessert and coffee shop in Austin.

Maggie Miller is the founder and Executive Director of Discover Hope Fund. Maggie spent nearly two years living in mountains of Cajamarca Peru developing and implementing the microcredit pilot project that evolved into DHF, a nonprofit that Maggie registered in 2006 with the state of Texas and with the IRS to create a 501c3 public charity. In 2006, she was chosen as a research fellow for FINCA and FriendshipBridge to conduct grassroots research on poverty and the power of microcredit with indigenous communities in Panjachel, Guatemala. Maggie directs the management and growth of DHF from headquarters in Austin and travels back to Peru annually to work with DHF’s field-based Peru Program Manager.

Gayle Reaume is the founder and CEO of The Money Academy. Gayle founded The Money Academy after noticing that children are often not equipped to manage their money powerfully–now or when they are on their own. Using her experience as a business coach, public speaker, author, and mother, she designed an experiential program that provides this vital piece of education. Her programs include Financial Curriculum for schools, Summer Camp programs, and workshops for parents. They also just released a board game called “Blast the Money Trap” and soon an online learning game. She is a founding member of the United Way Leadership Council for Financial Stability.

Tiffany Taylor and Leon Chen were sophomores at the University of Texas when they started Tiff’s Treats. Using a pizza delivery model, they baked cookies on demand and delivered them hot to customers in a gift box tied with a ribbon. They originally ran the business in the evening while attending school during the day. Since the service became popular with students, Tiff's Treats expanded full time in June 2001 to serve offices and Austin residents, as well as UT students and parents. In September 2006, Tiff's Treats opened their first Dallas location in downtown Dallas and they now have three Austin locations. They plan to continue expanding Tiff’s Treats throughout Texas and other parts of the country. Their stores make all the cookies and brownies from scratch all day, every day, and deliver them right out of the oven, nice and warm.

Carol Thompson’s father gave her wonderful advice in the 1940’s when he said, “Girls can do anything.” Carol grew up in Gloucester, Massachusetts near Boston. She was always been an over-achiever and working hard is part of her character. Carol attended Cornell School of Nursing in New York City and practiced nursing for a number of years while also pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. After starting up an Apple dealership and then becoming President of a Computerland franchise, Carol became very active in the business community. She was the third woman in 117 years who chaired the board of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. She was also the first woman since 1926 to serve on the Board of the San Antonio branch of the Dallas Federal Reserve for a six-year term. Carol Thompson is a networking and business legend in Austin, Texas. She has been recognized by the Austin Business Journal as “one of Austin’s 5 most powerful women” and named by the Austin American-Statesman as one of Austin’s “top 25 tech players to know.”

These entrepreneurs and over 50 more have compelling stories published in Volume II of A Cup of Cappuccino for the Entrepreneur’s Spirit.

A Cup of Cappuccino for the Entrepreneur’s Spirit—Learn from these Extraordinary Entrepreneurs!
3:00 Entrepreneur Panel and Signing

Andrew Brooks learned to cook when he was eight years old from his mom and his grandmothers. There was something about the magical transformation that occurred in the kitchen that fascinated him. Then in his late teens, a trip to France and one meal would change his life forever. He decided he wanted to learn to create food that created the same ecstasy in others that he felt during this spectacular meal. In college he really liked the course on medical nutrition therapy, where specific disease conditions were treated using nutrition. Andrew started the Spirited Food Company as a personal chef while addressing important questions such as "How to bring the maximum amount of flavor out of this food without adding fat, oil, or excess calories?" and "What food combinations enhance the flavors of one another and benefit health?” The Spirited Food Co. offers a unique style of cooking not available anywhere else. They create food that is healthy, but tastes like it shouldn’t be. Spirited Foods offers a weekly meal service, fine catering, and cooking classes.

When Robin Campbell was nine years old, she wanted nothing more than a tiara, go-go boots, and a velvet doll. As a teenager, she shopped with her sister and loved finding baubles in the flea markets. This marked her love affair with all that glitters. After a successful high-tech career, Robin began to explore ways to give back to the community. Writing a check seemed too easy. She joined the Assistance League of Austin and quickly became passionate about the projects they supported: victimized women, children and senior citizens. Robin often thought it would be great to start a business that could support similar projects—perhaps a store whose net profits benefited charity. In February 2002, Cupidz Clozet opened for business with Robin donating her collection of vintage jewelry, clothing (including vintage gowns by major designers), baubles by Chanel, and purses—classic items that could have been worn by Grace Kelly, Jackie Onassis, and Audrey Hepburn. All the net profits go to charity organizations, so she calls it guilt-free shopping! Cupidz Clozet has been featured on The Ellen Show, NBC, USA Today, and Southern Living magazine as well as every local network and news publication.

Lance Carroll went to medical school to practice medicine not to debate decreasing reimbursement, preapprovals, preauthorization, increasing federal regulations, and third-party hassles. Handling these issues is not straightforward, especially when attention is drawn away from the objective: keeping people well. His patients are his passion, not third parties, so he stopped being part of the "system" and started a cash-only practice. Lance made a choice and come to terms with the kind of medical practice he wanted and the lifestyle he desired. He developed a 1850's style practice in Austin, Texas where he limits the number of patients, so he can provide flexible scheduling and home visits. This also allows him to KNOW his patients and all their issues rather than running a large number of patients through his office each day. Instead of managed-care contracts, he charges a monthly service fee. He has liberated himself to develop a personal relationship with his patients and FOCUS on their medical needs with grace.

Liz Handlin, CEO of Ultimate Resumes LLC, has nearly 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, and recruiting. This combination of experience, combined with a BA from the University of Chicago and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, give Ms. Handlin a unique perspective on the resume creation process. Handlin held previous positions with The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Deloitte & Touche LLP, NetSpend Corporation, and APV plc. At Deloitte & Touche, Liz was the Director of Recruiting for the Illinois practice with responsibility for all experienced hire and college recruiting across the audit, tax, and related services practices. In Chicago, she may be best known for creating and managing Money Smart Week during her employment at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. After years of using her recruiting and marketing background to help friends and colleagues to create winning resumes, Ms Handlin launched her own venture, Ultimate Resumes LLC, in June 2004.

Beth Lasita’s mother always encouraged her in every aspect of her life as she was growing up. When Beth would approach a new venture, her mother would say, “Why not?!” This encouragement has helped Beth throughout her career. Beth Lasita is the founder and CEO of Pinnacle Construction. She has been in the construction industry since 1981 when she began working as a buyer for a homebuilder in McAllen, Texas. In 1984, she joined an Austin company specializing in restaurant construction. For the first three years, she was the Manager of Estimating and successfully obtained company contracts ranging from $500,000 to $2 million locally and throughout the United States. Advancing within the company, she oversaw numerous retail projects as the Project Manager. After being approached by a local developer who expressed interest in hiring her to oversee their construction finish out division, she got the idea to start her own business. In 1989, Beth organized Pinnacle Construction and later incorporated as Pinnacle Construction of Austin, Inc. Today Beth and Pinnacle Construction of Austin are well recognized for their work in the entertainment building industry. Beth also co-owns The Grove Wine Bar and Kitchen.

A winner of Oprah Winfrey's Use Your Life award, a three time finalist for Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and one of Fast Company Magazines "Fast 50" Champions of Innovation, Rachel Muir is an inspirational entrepreneur and business leader. After launching her company in the living room of her apartment with $500 and a credit card she opened the first technology center for girls in Texas, appeared on CNN, the Today show and was featured in CosmoGIRL!, Texas Monthly, Glamour, The Dallas Morning News and more. In 10 years at the helm of running a million dollar company, she has empowered over 16,000 girls, families and teachers and raised millions of dollars. Her unique approach of integrating leadership skills with social entrepreneurship, business, and personal achievement can help anyone ready to start a business or take their company to the next level. Muir is an expert consultant, advising individuals on leadership, management, marketing, fundraising and an endless host of small business issues.

In 2001, Catherine "KK" Patton was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes while pregnant with her first child. Suddenly, KK was faced with the lifelong, daily struggle of trying to effectively manage her condition. Like most individuals with type 1 diabetes, KK was first introduced to injection therapy to treat her condition. As time passed, KK grew weary of having to give herself a shot each time she needed insulin. The multiple daily injections often left her skin bruised and she quickly found herself skipping meals in order to avoid taking injections. Aware that poor compliance could lead to serious health complications, KK decided to switch to insulin pump therapy. With the pump, she only had to puncture her skin when changing out her infusion set once every three days, but found the machine inconvenient, uncomfortable and hindering to her active lifestyle. Realizing an unmet need existed, KK was determined to create a device that could meet her medical needs, yet have a minimal impact on her daily life. KK committed herself to turning her vision into a reality. In February 2004, Catherine "KK" Patton founded Patton Medical Devices and introduced her own solution, the I-Port, to the diabetes community.

These entrepreneurs and over 50 more have compelling stories published in Volume II of A Cup of Cappuccino for the Entrepreneur’s Spirit.

A Cup of Cappuccino for the Entrepreneur’s Spirit—Learn from these Extraordinary Entrepreneurs!

Guy Dunn, aka The Idea Guy, is a serial entrepreneur and an excellent networker. He built his businesses by working hard and building his personal brand. After selling his very successful maintenance company, he became a management consultant specializing in government contracting, small business management, and business financial consulting. He enjoys taking small companies with less than $500,000 in sales and growing them to million dollar companies. He owns three territories of the Geeks on Call franchise, which is the fastest growing on-site computer support franchise in America. He covers most of the Philadelphia area, including the Main Line, Delaware County, Chester County, and the King of Prussia area. Guy is involved in many organizations and also writes and publishes a networking newsletter, which helps local area professionals keep up to date on networking events n the suburban Philadelphia area. The newsletter reaches about one thousand people each month. Guy is also an expert at working with the Small Business Administration's 8(a) program which sets aside government contracts for companies owned and operated by disadvantaged individuals.

Curt D. Jones, the founder of Dippin’ Dots ice cream, was raised on a farm near Grand Chain, Illinois—a small town of two hundred and fifty people. As a young boy, he began to sow the seeds of entrepreneurial and scientific thinking. Curt is now a Distinguished Alumni of Southern Illinois University and serves on the Board of Directors of the International Ice Cream Association. He was selected Entrepreneur of the Year in 1994 for the Kentucky/Southern Indiana Region in the retail/wholesale category, and that same year was inducted as a Lifetime Member into the Entrepreneur of the Year Society. The company’s rapid growth was recognized in 1996 and 1997 earning spots on the prestigious Inc. magazine’s “Inc. 500” list of the top five hundred fastest growing privately held companies in the United States. With the establishment of Dippin’ Dots Franchising, Inc. in 2000, the company has also taken industry honors almost every year. The franchise company was named “The Top New Franchising Opportunity of 2002” by Entrepreneur magazine, and has ranked on the magazine’s “Franchise 500” list from 2002 through 2005. Dippin’ Dots latest venture includes the launch of a new concept—Dippin’ Dots espresso beads. Imagine the magic of capturing fresh espresso into tiny beads that can be conveniently mixed with water or milk to make a frappe, coffee, latte, or cappuccino, without the hassle of roasting, grinding, or steaming.

Since Jill Katona began her career as CFO (Chief Five Year Old) at her first lemonade stand, she’s come a long way down the entrepreneurialpath. She went through all the traditional stands: iced tea, chocolate milk, lemonade, and lanyard bracelets and then at sixteen she created a magazine in order to get a press pass and cover a music event that she wanted to see. She parlayed the faux magazine into a real fanzine for high school students and continued to receive press passes for concerts. After graduating from law school and working for major corporations like Elektra Records she started her own music management company called Paperwork Media. Jill has never stopped being an entrepreneur. After the arrival of her first child, she found an adorable anklet for her in Thailand and soon after returning home began “Bumble Bells” and sold them under “The Bumble Brand.” The Bumble Brand’s celebrity fans include Gwen Stefani, Courtney Cox, and Jennie Garth. Because two businesses and one child weren’t enough, she came up with the Momtrepreneur Maven concept to offer consulting services for other moms on how to start their own businesses and recently had her second child. As the Momtrepreneur Maven, Jill is helping moms get down to business. Jill knows many fellow moms have brilliant business ideas of their own; they just lack the time and the help necessary to implement their ideas. Jill is currently coordinating The Momtrepreneur Exchange, a first-of-its-kind national conference for Momtrepreneurs in Chicago in April 2011.

Cheryl McPhilimy started her public relations agency, McPhilimy Associates, when she was just twenty-five. She had been working for three years as an account executive at a couple of successive agencies in Chicago when she decided to go for it and start her own agency. Cheryl scheduled a meeting with herself on her calendar for six months down the road to evaluate if entrepreneurship was working. She worked hard to hone her skills and she attended events to network. At the end of six months Cheryl had her meeting to evaluate her path and though entrepreneurship was incredibly challenging, she admitted she loved it! Her firm has grown over the last decade and by regularly holding meetings with herself and having honest evaluations about her own goals and the status of the company, she has been able to have a business model that fits her own definition of success. Individuals in the spotlight, including CEOs, spokespersons, attorneys, consultants and celebrities, turn to her to develop strategic messaging and positioning and to learn how to navigate such settings as media interviews, public speaking and high-stakes presentations. Cheryl also serves as adjunct faculty at Loyola University Chicago where she teaches public relations.

Richard Wells, the founder of Wells Gaming Research (WGR), followed a traditional path in his early career. During these years when he worked in executive positions for large companies, he worked extraordinarily hard for his employers and made excellent career progress. In the back of his mind, Richard was always looking for ways to use his experience to start his own company. After years of loyalty on his part, his boss informed him that he was being laid off. Due to restructuring, he no longer had a job. After 30 years of working hard for his employers and finding no sense of loyalty in return, he knew it was time to forge his own path rather than look for another job. Richard started developing an idea he had while working for Harrahs. He developed a business plan and put together a sample report. He showed a colleague for advice and immediately found his first customer. Since 1990 WGR has provided the Casino Player Count Service, a market share tracking service that has become the standard for measuring relative player count performance within the casino gaming industry. WGR’s expanding list of clients currently receive casino player count data on 335 casinos in Nevada, Mississippi, Louisiana, New Mexico, California and Macau. WGR also performs a wide range of consulting and gaming research assignments including casino market studies, financial projections, due diligence, litigation support, legislative issue support, and expert witness services.

These entrepreneurs and over 50 more have compelling stories published in Volume II of A Cup of Cappuccino for the Entrepreneur’s Spirit.