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
Member
Job Title: Financial Advisor
Company: C.M. Carrillo Financial Advising
Biography: https://www.cmcarrillofinancialadvising.com/team/christopher-m-carrillo
Our Solutions: https://www.cmcarrillofinancialadvising.com/p/products-services
Our Process: https://www.cmcarrillofinancialadvising.com/p/our-financial-planning-process
Phone: +13147240116
Email: [email protected]
Rebecca Lacy
Member
Job Title: Managing Director
Company: Castle Placement Group
More than 30 years of positioning companies for growth. She began her career as a retail business owner and then transitioned to McDonnell Douglas/Boeing where she worked to help small businesses gain significant market share. This included advocating at the federal level for legislation to facilitate competition for small businesses. Helped businesses secure non-traditional funding through grants, as well as IP and equipment donations. Served in a board or advisory capacity for several economic development organizations. Transitioned to business ownership where she and her team created diagnostic tools and training that helped companies function with greater efficiency and flexibility. Domestic and international clients ranged from start-ups to multi-national corporations from a broad array of industries, government agencies, and not-for-profits. Published author including co-author of Leadership in Wonderland. B.A. in Public Administration, MBA from Western International University. FINRA Series 7,63 and 79 licenses.
Phone: +15738802974
Email: [email protected]
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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]
Joe Mintzer
Member
Job Title: Business Performance Advisor
Company: Insperity
I help business leaders take better care of their employees, so their employees take better care of their business and communities. Fortune 500 type benefits packages for small/medium businesses, a dedicated HR Service team and single sign-on HCM Technology streamlines employee management and relieves administrative burden…so you can focus on your business.
Phone: +13146439472
Email: [email protected]
Brian Jones
Member
Job Title: Business Broker
Company: Premier Business Brokers
The number one business broker in St. Louis. Brian has over three decades of C.E.O. experience running a number of successful companies in the U.S. and Canada. This includes 20 years of buying, building, and selling his own businesses. As a result, he quickly grasps a company’s value drivers in order to obtain the optimal transaction price for the seller and buyer. Beyond the quantitative factors, he uniquely also understands the qualitative elements which in many cases, are equally important
Phone: +13149606063
Email: [email protected]
Ted Ruzicka
Member
Job Title: Business Broker
Company: Independent Broker
We specialize in employee benefits. we work with companies at 50 employees and under
Phone: +13144955094
Email: [email protected]