MEMBERS

The Business Development Team (BDT) is a unique group of professionals who are innovative and energetic go-givers. Since BDT was formed, the community connections have generated leads resulting in millions of dollars in sales. At our premiere business-to-business monthly event, members and guests experience a robust 90-minute program that features an interactive attendee discussion prompted by a specific business question, a short educational presentation by local subject matter expert, a quick briefing about a worthy non-profit in need of community support, and a local author is highlighted

BDT MEMBERS

We are building out our membership profile page. If you are a member and would like to be featured on our membership page, please complete the below application. Thank you!

Christopher Carrillo

Christopher Carrillo

Member

Keith Pott

Keith Pott

Member

Job Title: Real Estate Advisor

Company: Envision Realty

Team-oriented professional with solid experience in customer success, business development, account management, facilities management and real estate. 15+ years selling in the HR/Payroll industry. 7+ years with a focus on SaaS technology.

Phone: +13143025969

Email: [email protected]

John Vitale

John Vitale

Member

Job Title: Finance Authority & Commercial Lender

Company: Midland States Bank

Business Loan Subject Matter Expert covering IL / MO / IN / IA / WI and specializing in SBA, Advantage Illinois & Illinois Finance Authority and USDA Business loans.

Phone: +16187895812

Email: [email protected]

Gina Baldwin

Gina Baldwin

Member

Job Title: Speech Language Pathologist

Company: Founder of APP2Speak at Cabson Consulting

Gina Baldwin holds a Master of Science Degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, IL and her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology from Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL. Gina has over 40 years of experience as a speech language pathologist. Her early years of practice were in the schools working with individuals with mental and physical challenges, ages 3 to 21 years. For the past 30 years Gina has practiced in a variety of settings including, home health, skilled rehab and outpatient. Her areas of interest include augmentative and alternative communication, speech, communication, and dysphagia. Gina is also the founder of APP2Speak. She designed, created and self-funded APP2Speak, a photo-based app helping individuals who have difficulty with their speech and communication. APP2Speak is a customizable app ideal for individuals with speech impairments caused by conditions like stroke, brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease, throat cancer, ALS, Autism, and Down Syndrome. It offers preprogrammed phrases for easy communication of needs and wants. Users can create custom phrases with custom images to express their unique personality and style. The app’s text-to-speech feature allows quick programming and access to frequently used phrases, facilitating natural and effortless conversations. We are eager to demonstrate the intuitive and easy-to-use nature of APP2Speak, showing how it can truly transform the lives of individuals facing speech and communication challenges.

Phone: +13147954381

Email: [email protected]

Samantha Naes

Samantha Naes

Member

Job Title: Executive Producer

Company: CN Video Production

CN Video Production provides professional video production and editing services for businesses and professional/trade associations. We offer full-service video and podcast studio rental, and short video intros at a reduced rate on Tuesdays.

Phone: +13148433663

Email: [email protected]

Donalee Gastreich

Donalee Gastreich

Member

Job Title: Founder and CEO

Company: Complete Solutions LLC

Author, Speaker, & CEO helping organizations address their greatest challenges with their greatest assets through speaking, training and transformation programs that empower employees to develop their peak potential, increase productivity, collaboration, and innovation in ways that allow the individual and organization to SOAR. Home of the Winners Circle where leaders leverage learning to guide their evolution.

Phone: +13146406633

Email: [email protected]

Jeff Koziatek

Jeff Koziatek

Member

Job Title: Owner/ Keynote Speaker / Peak Performance Coach / Bestselling Author

Company: Core Authenticity 

Jeff Koziatek is both artist and entrepreneur. He worked in the entertainment industry for over 25 years where he produced award winning films and national touring shows, acted for film and television, owned a complete event management company, and performed over 5000 shows across the country. Jeff leverages his professional background with a proven process to help leaders do more of what they want, less of what they don’t, and love their results. His services include 1:1 performance coaching, inspirational keynotes, and energizing workshops. He is a certified coach with both The Values Conversation and the John Maxwell TEAM, a professional member of the National Speakers Association, a VISTAGE trusted advisor, and has received training in Emotionally focused therapy. Individuals hire him to overcome stress, doubt, burnout, and/or navigate transitions. Organizations hire him because they are wrestling with, or want to improve on, communication, follow through, productivity, and/or manage culture through M&A.

Phone: +13148521134

Email: [email protected]

Lance Elkin

Lance Elkin

Member

Job Title: Commercial Lender

Company: Lindell Bank

Commercial Lender with Lindell Bank. Lindell Bank specializes in business banking.

Phone: +16367798612

Email: [email protected]

Bruce Sheridan

Bruce Sheridan

Member

Job Title: Certified EOS Implementer®

Company: EOS Worldwide

Bruce Sheridan and his company, Organizational Compass, is dedicated to helping small business owners/partners gain control of their businesses, instill discipline and accountability, and work together as a healthy/functioning team. He is a Certified EOS Implementer who implements the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) for family-owned and small businesses clients. He is the president/owner of Life Compass where helps adults in their first decade of adulthood. He is an award-winning author.

Phone: (314) 705-5478

Email: [email protected]

Mel Desamone

Mel Desamone

Member

Job Title: Commercial Real Estate Broker

Company: Gundaker Commercial

Commercial Real Estate Broker licensed in Missouri and Illinois.

Phone: +13149413157

Email: [email protected]

Les Landes

Les Landes

Member

Job Title: President

Company: Landes & Associates

Les Landes is President of Landes & Associates, a management consulting firm that provides services in organizational planning, team development, organizational communication, employee engagement, and performance improvement systems. His employee engagement work is grounded in his mission to guide and support organizations in creating a high-performance culture of trust where people love to work and customers love doing business. Drawing on his expertise as a Certified Lean Six Sigma Professional with the Six Sigma Global Institute, he offers clients an array of processes and tools for systematic continuous improvement. A nationally recognized expert on employee engagement, he is the author of the business fable, “Getting to the Heart of Employee Engagement,” as well as numerous articles published in a variety of professional publications. He is the former head of corporate communication for one of the world’s largest food companies where he was responsible for corporate advertising, public and media relations, consumer affairs, employee communication and creative services. He also played a major role in developing and implementing the company’s quality management system.

Phone: +13146646497

Email: [email protected]

Norma Nesbet

Norma Nesbet

Member

Job Title: Owner

Company: Vista Properties and Investments

NORMA NISBET, ALC, CCIM, CIPS ACCREDITED LAND CONSULTANT (ALC) CERTIFIED COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT MEMBER (CCIM) CERTIFIED INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY SPECIALIST (CIPS)

Registered Representative with Great Point Capital (GPC) LLC As a commercial investment brokerage specialist for over 25 years, Norma Nisbet has specialized in land sales, development, and site acquisition for multiple types of retail, residential, industrial, and commercial uses. Transactions have included sales, leases, and 1031 exchanges that have served the clients of Vista Properties and Investments LLC, the firm established and owned by Norma Nisbet. Alternative securitized investments offer additional diversification, income-growth potential and wealth maintenance for client’s asset based portfoliosNorma Nisbet, ALC, CCIM, CIPS Registered Representative with Great Point Capital (GPC) LLC As a commercial investment brokerage specialist for over 25 years, Norma Nisbet has specialized in land sales, development, and site acquisition for multiple types of retail, residential, industrial, and commercial uses. Transactions have included sales, leases, and 1031 exchanges that have served the clients of Vista Properties and Investments LLC, the firm established and owned by Norma Nisbet. Alternative securitized investments offer additional diversification, income-growth potential and wealth maintenance for client’s asset based portfolios. Securities offered through Great Point Capital, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Great Point Capital Advisors, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Norma Nisbet is a Registered Representative with GPC LLC. 200 W Jackson, Ste.1000, Chicago, Il. Vista Properties and Investments LLC is independent of GPC LLC. “MAKING YOUR INVESTMENTS WORK FOR YOU” 

Phone: +13148436048

Email: [email protected]

Zyi Li

Zyi Li

Member

Job Title: Owner

Company: Luvwoo Bar

Luvwoo Bar is a Local St. Louis Craft Cocktail Bar Featuring Local Music, Art, and More! Our goal is to bring the taste of the world to our city through gourmet and unique cocktails, mocktails, teas, sweets, and more! Our homemade recipes and mix-ins are individually crafted to ensure a flavorful punch with a diverse worldly selection for all palates to enjoy. Overall, we want to modernize the bar concept and create a hip, new age, artistic location for everyone and to bring people of all walks of life together through our variety and culture. To build community, we organically support the local arts, entertainment, and small businesses by proudly showcasing and featuring original local artwork, crafts, entertainers, and more. We will also host many socialization and development events to entice unity and growth of all in our community. So help us build the St. Louis community and have a drink, try something new, meet a new friend, and support local.

Phone: +13143019877

Email: [email protected]

Dale Furtwengler

Dale Furtwengler

Member

Job Title: Founder

Company: Cutting Edge

Dale is the founder of Cutting Edge, a company devoted to helping companies gain and sustain a competitive advantage that makes them the envy of their competitors. He’s also the author of: Pricing for Profit | The Uniqueness Myth | Making the EXCEPTIONAL Normal. Dale’s a former CPA who also served as CFO in a variety of industries.

Phone: +13147073771

Email: [email protected]

Tyler Hammond

Tyler Hammond

Member

Job Title: Business Development Representative

Company: JJMicro Managed IT Solutions

As a Business Development Representative at JJMicro Managed IT Solutions, I help small and medium-sized businesses find the best IT solutions for their needs. I enjoy connecting with potential clients, understanding their challenges, and presenting them with customized proposals that address their pain points. My passion for technology and sales stems from my education and personal experiences. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from The University of Alabama, where I learned the fundamentals of strategic business development, communication, and interpersonal skills. I also worked for many companies within the tech industry, gaining hands-on experience and exposure to various tools and platforms. One of my proudest achievements is becoming an Eagle Scout and leading a team to build computers for a local orphanage. This project taught me the importance of teamwork, leadership, and social responsibility.

Phone: +16365560877

Email: [email protected]

Aaron Montgomery

Aaron Montgomery

Member

Job Title: CEO and Co-Founder

Company: Our Success Group

Aaron Montgomery is the author of the business foundation book ‘The FUNdamentals of Business Success’. He is certified by New York Times best-selling author Jack Canfield as a Success Principles Trainer and has nearly 30 years of experience providing essential support to small businesses. Those small businesses get the support needed to create a business they love, not just another job that steals all of their time. His company, Our Success Group assists with setting and reaching goals, creating a solid business plan, knowing their numbers for a better pricing strategy, and establishing a customer-focused approach while devising a targeted marketing strategy. You can find him hosting a weekly show, OSG Live with Tanya Doyscher, Kylene Montgomery, and Becky Kotzer. He loves speaking with the garment decorating community on the live video and podcast he co-hosts, the 2 Regular Guys Podcast since 2013.

Phone: +16363879813

Email: [email protected]

Greg Starrs

Greg Starrs

Member

Job Title: Business Broker

Company: Saint Louis Group Business Brokers

Greg has multiple startup, franchise, family business, strategic acquisition, business sale and mentoring experience. Industry expertise in personnel staffing, senior care, and healthcare technology. Well versed in healthcare managed care, regulatory compliance, Medicare, Medicaid and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Sales leader and business manager of multi-unit businesses employing hundreds of employees. As a Business Broker, Greg represents Sellers and assists Buyers with confidential information. Greg is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Finance. 

Phone: +3148423802

Email: [email protected]

Joel Emery

Joel Emery

Member

Job Title: Sales Systems Architect, Principal

Company: Ignite Strategies, LLC

Empowering SMB Growth | Fractional Sales & Marketing Leader | Founder of Ignite Strategies | Bridging Strategy, Systems, Execution & Accountability for Sustainable Success

Phone: +13147034426

Email: joel.emery@ignitestrategiesmidwest.com

Bill Hurston

Bill Hurston

Member

Job Title: CPA & Business Advisor

Company: Bridge the Gap, CPA

The focus of my CPA practice is to work with business owners to increase revenue, improve profits, and prevent the #1 killer of small businesses: a lack of a consistent, positive cash flow.

Phone: +13146863653

Email: [email protected]