Jean-Raymond Desruisseaux
Founded in 2008 by the vision of John Koht, creative director, we’re a team of strategists, thinkers, and creators. In 2007, John was working in hospitality industry in the Chicagoland area and honing his development skills that he’d picked up as a young adult. As his interest picked up momentum, as did his competency. He took some classes to master some specific skills and started designing and building websites for bars and restaurants in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. In March of 2008, John started kohactive and began spreading the word about his offerings and growing his team. Read more>>
Leeann Heininger
I graduated from Purdue University’s design program. I originally spent 17 years in corporate design working for Northern Trust Company, designing high-end executive offices, new retail branches in Florida and California, and managing the bank’s art collection. After starting a family, I achieved a lifelong dream of opening my own home furnishings store and interior design studio in Oak Park. Our clients have included great families in Oak Park, River Forest, Hinsdale, Oak Brook and downtown Chicago. We’ve also designed several summer homes in Wisconsin and Michigan. Since 2008 Fringe Home Design has focused more on design services including design, draperies and décor. Read more>>
Jason Baruch
After graduating from Eastern Illinois University with a BA, I set out to start my career in sales as an account executive selling office equipment to small to medium sized businesses. I enjoy connecting with people, helping solve problems, and have always had an entrepreneurial drive. It was my goal after achieving a successful year in the account executive role to obtain a medical sales position. Most medical sales jobs wanted 5+ year experience in medical sales. I applied and applied to jobs but never got any calls. I was frustrated with the process and was confused how someone obtains this job with no experience yet they wanted medical experience. Read more>>
Felicity Quiroz-Strom
I began with a simple coaching certificate back in 2010, I figured it was cheaper than a master’s degree! From there I was able to fuel my passion for helping people heal. Through the years I realized the importance of inner peace and balance and how that effects our surroundings interpersonal communications and overall success in life. Over the course of the years I was drawn to reiki having had a session or two done on myself I couldn’t believe how I felt etc. in after the death of my parents in 2013 is when I began my personal journey into reiki learning about it and eventually inc. It into my practice. My clients experience huge shifts from this healing modality. Read more>>
Wan Ru (Amanda) Yao
I was born in Taiwan where I operated my own furniture and interior design business for 8 years. I worked as a salesperson for 10 years before that, so I have a lot of business experience. While I was still in Taiwan, a friend of a friend (Louise Tondini) came to study Chinese. I said she could stay with me, and we became good friends. Before coming to Taiwan, she had a small cleaning business. I love anything related to making people comfortable in their homes and work environments, so I started asking her questions. Louise told me how she would always try to cater to the customers’ needs since no 2 jobs are alike. That’s the same business mindset that I would use in my furniture and interior design business, so I decided that a cleaning company that could be flexible and versatile to suit customer needs was a great idea! Read more>>
Joseph Booth
I have been in the construction field since 1981, when I began my career as a tradesman building and remodeling custom homes in the Chicagoland area. In 1996, I began building and installing high-end millwork and cabinetry for Midwest Woodwork and Veneering. As Superintendent, I managed a vast range of projects from design through successful completion — from the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter offices to Navy Pier’s famous Shakespearean Theatre. I also worked for Tenant Development as the Manager of the Cabinetry and Millwork Division, where I was responsible for estimating project costs, coordinating workers and schedules, and ordering materials. Read more>>
Kelly Ladewig
If I’m being honest, I just fell into real estate. I started college as a biology major with the intention of going to vet school. Animals have always been a huge passion of mine, and being a vet was always the path I saw myself taking. While in school, I held part time positions in sales. I realized that this was something that I enjoyed, as well as something that I was good at, which was sort of a revelation for me. Around the same time, I began working at my dad’s law firm, Ladewig & Ladewig P.C. Here I was able to learn the back end of real estate, setting the foundation for my future career. Coming from a big family, I knew that I wanted to do my part in helping to pay for tuition, so I began considering new job opportunities. Read more>>
Mara Bogado-Poisson
I moved to Chicago five years ago from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Since I was seventeen I knew I wanted to have my own business, but I didn’t know how or what. I entered college to study Business Administration regardless of my passion in linguistics. I chose this path because in Buenos Aires if you didn’t study finances you wouldn’t be able to pay the bills. Thus, studying finances made sense if I wanted to own a business. I finished college with an immediate job in Business Performance and Budgeting, making good money and saving while living with my parents. I knew two things, I hated my job and my country. My job, because I wasn’t doing anything fulfilling, only preparing reports for the President and board of directors while working full-time. Read more>>
Liz Yerly
Impact Physical Therapy’s mission is to provide care from start to finish for all of our patients and athletes. As a licensed practitioner in physical therapy, athletic training and massage therapy; I came to realize that people needed to be treated during all stages of their life from prevention to acute rehab to maintenance and wellness. By partnering with like-minded therapist, we pride ourselves on having highly skilled clinicians ready to help you stay active, healthy, and happy. The biggest struggles in the healthcare arena are declining insurance coverage and reimbursement rates, but with our model of treating people from start to finish comes our philosophy of offering a multitude of cash rate options giving people options when it comes to their healthcare dollars. Read more>>
Andre Frank
I started out working as a manager for Illinois first Health food grocery store called Fresh Fields in Naperville Illinois back in the early 90’s. Part of my responsibility as a manager was the upkeep of the store. I had about 10 employees that reported directly to me. I had a very good working relationship with them to the point that they would often bring me lunch. One day one of my employees named Pablo approached me and asked me if I ever thought about owning my own business because he thought I was pretty good as an employer and keep the store in tip top condition. He went on to relate to me that he had a cousin in California that had a multi-million dollar cleaning company and that sparked my interest to say the least. Read more>>
Madeleine Y. Gomez, Ph.D
PsycHealth was founded in 1989 by Dr. Madeleine Y. Gomez. At the time, Dr. Gomez was a newly minted clinical psychologist from Northwestern University Medical School and had her sights on leadership in warmer climates. She was moonlighting for Chicago HMO, one of the original health maintenance organizations and was asked to submit a proposal for running their mental health services. She was known as a tireless worker with clinical compassion that drew her to always accepting the most complex cases including those with violence and abuse issues. With the therapeutic relationships Dr. Gomez formed with those under her care, health, healing and wellness soon followed. As such, her experience and commitment to people and non-violence positioned her uniquely for Chicago HMO’s members. Read more>>
Melissa Saenz
I went to beauty school when I was 16. I worked for a couple high end salons in 1998. I took first place in a woman’s hair cutting competition at the Midwest beauty show. I was always good at doing hair, but always felt like I wanted more. One day a customer of mine came in with a beautiful hair piece, all I could think of is that this is what my mother needs. She really struggled trying to hide her thinning hair. I made my mother an appointment and went with her to the place. Immediately, I thought this is what I want to do. Within three months, I found a hair loss company in Florida that did education. I am not going to lie it was a bit over whelming. You take a 3-day class and go home with a notebook. Read more>>
Radin Robert
Robert S. Radin, DDS, MAGD, is a 1977 graduate of Loyola Dental School in Maywood, Illinois. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Prosthodontics Society, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He is an Associate Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Dr. Radin founded Meadows Dental Care in 1982 with the vision of providing comprehensive dental care under one roof to the families in his practice. The opportunities for consultations by specialists and general dentists provides for more seamless and complete treatment. Read more>>
Mark Domnenko
Mark began his business experience at the young age of 15 selling energy drinks at school. By 21 he had a few business ventures, some successful and many that failed but were instrumental at building him up. Operations ranging from a car wash, small dealership, web design, cleaners, junk removal, iPhone app, bank foreclosure cleanouts and many more. From that experience came the company AVA Recycling. At age 27 Mark led AVA Recycling to become one of the largest e-recycling companies in the region and has expanded it into junk removal, document shredding and a large computer repair shop. Many do not know that Mark and the AVA Team actively manage a construction & clean out operation that compliments the Junk removal and E-recycling operations. Read more>>
Penny Chelios
Like many chronic pain sufferers out there, I battled debilitating chronic pain and restriction issues for many years. I stretched, kept my weight down, worked out, etc. but to no avail. Somehow, I could not manage or prevent any hideous compromise condition from relentlessly tormenting me. Every part of my body hurt perpetually! I thought to myself I am doing everything the fitness experts and doctors are telling me to do. Why then by age 42 was I suffering so? Could it be that it is what we are NOT doing that is causing all the fuss? Read more>>
Theresa Burback
When I graduated from grad school, I began working with court mandated substance abuse clients. It was ironic because I had originally said I did not want to work with this population. I then said I did not want to work with adolescence but then when I got a job as a counselor at a hospital, they started me in the adolescent program. I eventually learned to love working with both populations and gained skills working with many diverse groups of people. I have learned over the years to allow myself to stretch and grow, challenging my fears and never letting them hold me back. Read more>>
LaWanda Thomas
I started my business because I was laid off from my job with no warning. I was on my way to work one morning and received a text message saying, my job was phased out. It was weeks before Christmas and I hadn’t started my Christmas shopping yet because I thought I still had a job. I went to an entrepreneur empowerment season and I was so inspired by seeing women owning their business. I went home and remember I always wanted my own cleaning service. That night I stayed up and began researching what to do and how to own a cleaning service. That night was Dec 9th 2016 and my business has grown tremendously in six months. Read more>>
Ross Bartels
I founded BOOM Designs in the summer of 2013 after over a decade in the field of industrial design. Over that decade, I started my design career in the model shop at Models Plus; learning techniques of the trade while studying the details of some of the most cutting-edge designs that came through the shop. After Models Plus, I became a lead designer with Motorola where I helped develop revolutionary products such as the RAZR & PEBL. Finishing up the decade, at Radio Flyer, I spent 3 years on the New Product Development team developing products 1-3 years out and 3 years on the Advanced Concepts team creating products that expanded the category roadmap. Read more>>
Karin Madsen
I have always had a passion for helping people and supporting people through challenges. I chose to become a clinical psychologist to be able to do just that. I knew that psychology was the field for me when I took my first psychology class my senior year of high school. I found the topic fascinating! I decided to start Life to the Fullest LLC to focus on helping people navigate their struggles and focus on living their most valued life. I have seen the toll that mental health challenges can take on a person’s life and wanted to do something to help people to be able to navigate those challenges in healthy ways and live their lives to the fullest. Read more>>
Daniel Thomas
Daniel moved from New Zealand in 2007 to become GM at the John Hancock Observatory where he lead the rejuvenation of the brand, boosted attendance and financial performance, and drove innovation in Chicago’s ferociously competitive tourism market with the creation of the world’s highest skating rink. Daniel leads the team at TimeZoneOne and is based in Chicago. He works with TimeZoneOne’s clients to come up with marketing strategies to increase revenue, deliver great results and true ROI for their businesses. With over twenty years’ management experience, Daniel has improved marketing, brand positioning, the customer journey and significantly increased visitor numbers and overall performance at many businesses. Read more>>
Pierre DeBois
I started with analytics as an effort to support Lesco Logistics, a 1500-employee government contract firm started by my cousin Anita Williams. It was meant to help the company answer a question about whether or not its marketing was effectively attracting potential partners for contracts. I soon realized that analytics would allow me to pivot my passion – helping small businesses while assisting larger firms – from my original interest in a finance career in venture capital to a marketing career that would help small business strategy. I launched Zimana in 2009 from my apartment in Brooklyn. Read more>>
L. Annette Drain
The desire to open a private practice that serves a diverse clientele and in different geographical regions regarding mental wellness and workplace wellness began when I, Dr. L. Drain, was a graduate student, completing an internship initially and traveling internationally. The interest later grew into a venture, Do Network, a lifestyle platform to connect with others and inspire them to learn, explore, and do different activities/gain new experiences, perspectives, and skills. As a way to tap into people’s psyche by appealing to their interests, goals, or awaken any dormant or latent aspects, the platform featured videos of doing fun activities and visiting different places as well as tips on varying topics. Read more>>
Judith Wright
From former fat girl raised in the factory town of Flint, Michigan, to cofounder of the Wright Foundation and the accredited Wright Graduate University for the Realization of Human Potential, an author, public speaker, and acknowledged lifestyles and relationship expert and executive coach…it has been quite a journey. I feel privileged and blessed to be able to do the work I do—to contribute to people living great lives and making bigger contributions in the lives around them. Perhaps I am most proud of my relationship—the deep partnership, intimate journey, and shared vision I have with my husband, Bob. Read more>>
Jeff Nixon
In 1998, Brian Sutherland set out to create a new kind of technology services firm that was less “big business” and more tuned into the thoughts, feelings and emotions of its team members and clients. Brian had been the subject of many mergers and acquisitions that left him feeling unsure of his future and emotionally exhausted. So, he started Highland Solutions in Chicago with the idea that people came first and that those working for the firm and those we worked with could express their thoughts and feelings freely knowing those around them could be trusted and relied-upon. And while the company has changed over the years, the core values of the firm remain unchanged. Read more>>
Mitch Greenwald
Mitch Greenwald, Founder of Cloudbakers, has spent his entire career in technology and leadership positions. While CIO at SeatonCorp, his final role before founding Cloudbakers, he was being asked to do more with less. Instead of cutting staff (which is often the default position) where his team was already razor thin, he started investigating Cloud Computing, in particular Google Apps (now G Suite) and Amazon Web Services (AWS). These technologies checked all the boxes: Technical ability; Operational & Financial. His staff was very hesitant and he decided to look for some consultants to help out. He was introduced to consultants in New Jersey, Halifax, even Nova Scotia! Read more>>
James Kruml
Growing up, my dad always had his own construction business. I don’t think I thought about it much at the time, but being your own boss became something to look up to. I would work for him every summer and every summer he would tell me, to do my best not to do this type of work when I was older. Although working outside was nice and learning to build things with my hands and general good ole fashion hard work paid off for me today. I’m certainly happy I took a different path. My first entrepreneurial venture started my senior year of high school after a friend and I were board in study hall. Read more>>
Donna Santucci
We are the Original Dog Treat Food Truck in United States. Approx. 3-4 years ago, we started carrying cat treats. We now have 2 trucks in Chicago and expanding. No. Being first was tough because nobody in the United States had a treat/food truck for dogs or cats. We had nobody to ask for advice and had to learn on our own. Still learning after 7 years because we are the first and original. Many City, State and Federal regulations. We are professionally educated in animal nutrition. We specialize in nutrition/healthy treats for dogs and cats with allergies. Read more>>
Cindy Leske
I had danced my whole life and in HS had the opportunity to dance at some great venues including Carnagie Hall in NYC. When in college, I was offered a full dance scholarship and minored in dance. I had always loved teaching classes and choreographed and did private lessons as well as taught classes all over Chicago. While attending school, I danced for a DJ company (Energy Productions) that primarily did bar mitzvah parties for the 13yr old age bracket and while there realized that there was a huge market for this on a smaller scale for kid’s birthday parties. Read more>>
Jen Brown
Picosa was founded in 2014 by a group of friends who are also professional musicians and share a love of chamber music from all eras of time and diverse cultural backgrounds. During its three year history, it has performed at numerous concert venues throughout the Chicago area including the Cultural Center, Ear Taxi Festival, and Constellation Chicago. Picosa is a mixed chamber ensemble (flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, composition) which performs concerts within the western classical tradition of art music. Read more>>
Melody Pekarek
I started painting faces in 1999 after receiving positive feedback on the artwork I produced when volunteering for my eldest child’s school Fun Fair. I bought a small kit, tried it out at a few local birthday parties and block parties, and was hooked. I’ve always been an artist – I’m sure I was drawing long before I could read or write. So the concepts came to me quickly, and the draw of a new art form was irresistible. At that time, face painting had just begun to evolve into the full blown art form that it is today, miles from the volunteer mom at a church picnic using Qtips and acrylic paints! In the 18 years since that summer, my own style and capabilities have evolved a ton, too. Read more>>
Sheila Swenson
Most people think of childhood as a happy time, but not me. At a young age, my mother married an abusive alcoholic and many years of daily abuse had taken its toll. One particularly bad night, at age fifteen, changed me forever. I was crying, cracking at the seams, and overcome with intense despair and sadness. Suddenly, I felt calm and had the clear but surreal knowledge that this was not how life was supposed to be. This was not how a family was supposed to be. I was aware of another reality that existed where there was love, kindness, safety, and support. It was palpable and gave me immense strength to endure the last few years. Read more>>
Shane Kost
In 2006, I had an epiphany- what if there was a way to try all of Chicago’s most authentic and delicious foods in just a few hours? That’s how Chicago Food Planet was born. Since then, we’ve partnered with hundreds of specialty food stores, restaurants, ethnic delis and more to bring walking food experiences mixed with historical, cultural and architectural anecdotes in Chicago’s premiere neighborhoods. Think of it as a well-choreographed food ballet that mixes a variety of foods (enough for lunch or dinner) with facts, fun and a little bit of exercise. I originally started as the first and only tour guide and have slowly built the brand to over 20 employees and servicing more than 20,000 people per year. Read more>>
Jill and Jordan Burstein
JJB Educational Consultants was born out of a personal need to help my son Jordan, who has learning disabilities and ADHD, find the appropriate college match. I have a Master’s Degree in Special Education and was employed at Roosevelt University; tutoring students with learning disabilities I was amazed at when I started looking at what great supports were available for kids with learning disabilities at college! I decided to launch a private practice dedicated to students who, without the correct supports, would fail out of college. I visited numerous colleges and joined the only accrediting group for independent consultants in the country. Meanwhile, I was helping students be successful and earn a college degree but my own son had to leave two colleges because he could not organize his time. Read more>>
Tami Leviton
I began my career in real estate 13 years ago. I was looking for something challenging and to have a job that I would not be bored, I felt real estate would be a great fit! I’ve always loved looking at houses and design magazines to see what was “in” and decided what a great way to do what I love and make a living. I also love the feeling you get when you match a person to the home of their dreams, there are so many fabulous aspects of real estate that I love, helping people move to their next phase, whether it’s moving up, sizing down, first house, or whatever their needs might be. I love the fact that it’s something different every day, new clients, new houses, new technology, the market is always changing and I love keeping up with the newest of technology and bringing that to my clients. Read more>>
Sandra Hallman
My journey to where I am today began when I was fairly young, always having a passion for caring for and working with children. I studied child development in undergraduate and graduate school and did what most people do after they graduate…I got a job. I worked hard at providing supportive developmental therapy services for children with disabilities and their families in early intervention, but I never felt content. I also felt that my work with families was not as effective as I expected or hoped it would be, and quickly learned what people mean when they say, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” I realized that I still had so much to learn and was craving more knowledge and skills. Read more>>
Maria Rago
Ever since I was a child I knew that I wanted to help people. Both of my grandmothers had suffered from mental illness at a time when no one really knew how to help them. My love for my family inspired me to go into psychology with a deep respect and concern for the people I was treating. When I meet someone who is dealing with depression or anxiety, or alcohol or eating issues, or difficulty in their relationships, the first thing I do is SEE that person who is tangled underneath all of those symptoms. And I understand that the person is not “sick” but rather they are a bit lost. We all use coping skills that our lives outgrow at times, and they no longer work. Read more>>
Love Dave
I started working at the Elmhurst Extended Care Center in December 2007 as an intern when finishing my bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago. When I graduated in May 2008 and my internship completed I was having trouble finding a job. I applied for positions daily, and as I waited for the phone to ring, I went back to Elmhurst Extended Care Center to volunteer almost daily. After a month or so of volunteering the owner and administrator of the business approached me and asked me why I come every day and work for free. So I told him how I was trying to find a job and was having trouble. I told him that I didn’t like sitting on the couch all day. Read more>>
