These were the AWESOME speakers of Spark & Hustle Tampa (Descriptions pulled from the Spark & Hustle Tampa website. See all about Spark & Hustle HERE)
BRANDING
Danny Nardo, co-founder of Nardo’s Natural
The story begins a few years ago when the four Nardo’s brothers
discovered the health benefits of coconut oil for the skin. The brothers
were inspired to formulate a responsible skin care line with
ingredients derived from nature. A few months later, Nardo’s Natural
developed their first moisturizer in their kitchen. The family business
has since introduced a variety of organic products and continues to
grow everyday.
- Almost threw in the towel when…: “I was offered a job with a
marketing firm. It was the early stages of our skin care line and I
juggled the concept between a secured paycheck and a gamble on our
business start-up.”
- Daring decision: “Swim with 15-foot Great White Sharks. Ironic that
I swam with ‘Sharks’ on ABC’s Shark Tank, but yes, I also swam with
Great White’s during my travels in South Africa. “
@nardosnatural
ENGAGEMENT MARKETING
Pamela Starr, Reg. Dev. Dir. Constant Contact
Pamela is a business expert with more than 20 years of experience in marketing and new business development. Prior to joining Constant Contact,
she owned a marketing service that helped professionals secure more
clients and build their repeat and referral business. Today, she uses
her marketing and business development acumen to help small businesses
in Central Florida maximize the power of relationship marketing.
- “When the going gets tough, I double down.”
- Daring decision: “Quitting a corporate job and starting my own business.”
- Little known fact: “I used to be a ballet dancer.”
@constantcontact
MUSCLE MARKETING
Joy Gendusa, founder of PostcardMania
Joy Gendusa is the owner and CEO of direct mail marketing firm, PostcardMania.
Joy began PostcardMania in 1998, with nothing but a phone and a
computer, never taking a dime of investment capital. Joy originally
started PostcardMania as a full-service postcard marketing company
helping clients create turn-key marketing campaigns with graphic design,
printing, mailing list acquisition and mailing services. Since then,
PostcardMania has expanded to offer its clients more services including
website and landing page design and development, email marketing and
full marketing evaluations — all while continuing to educate clients
with free marketing advice.
- Ever threw in the towel?: “I have ridiculous junk yard dog skills.
Once I get my teeth into something that’s it. Have I been discouraged?
Of course, but I really know the value of persistence.
”
- Little known fact: “I’m a grandma and love it.”
@postcardmania
Mollee Bauer, founder of Pregnancy.org
*This speaker was selected by LifetimeMoms.com
- Ever throw in the towel?: “While I might have come close to throwing
in the towel on an occasion or two, my mission and passion for what I
do always brought me back into focus. Like most women, I’ve faced lots
of interesting challenges. One challenge that was draining emotionally
was when the online advertising display revenues started to decline in
2008. The drop in monthly revenue left the business hurting and resulted
in my having to lay off my staff. However, with perseverance, some
elbow grease and a positive attitude, I was determined to fix the
situation. With the help of key friends and business colleagues,
Pregnancy.org is here today and my staff is back in place.”
@pregnancyorg
HOW TO BE A LOCAL HERO
Laurie Baggett, founder of LB&Smith
Laurie is the founder and owner of LB&Smith, a small
business/practice development firm. She first received national
attention for her “It” Factor Job Club as part of the Good Morning
America Job Club Initiative. Forever a Texan at Heart, Laurie channels
her passion and energy into being a catalyst for both businesses and
individuals looking to reach their potential, and beyond. “It’s not
bragging, if it’s true,” is the Lone Star State axiom Laurie proudly
applies to the personal, highly specific work she does both discovering
and promoting the best talent around.
@LaurieBaggett
SALES AND SCALE
Andrea Waltz and Richard Fenton, founders of Go for No!
Founded by professional trainers Richard Fenton & Andrea Waltz, Courage Crafters
is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations overcome
self-imposed limitations and achieve breakthrough performance. They are
the creators of the highly sought after book and program, Go for No!®
- “When the going gets tough, we…: “Pout and then dig in our heels and get really focused on the mission.”
- Daring decision: “Quit our corporate jobs with basically no safety net or concrete plan.”
@GoforNo
Wendy Krepak, creator of the Card Cubby
Tired of losing cards and money, Wendy Krepak created the Card Cubby
out of her need to organize all her gift, loyalty and frequent
buyer cards. Card Cubby was introduced at the Atlanta Gift Show in 2009
and went on to be highlighted by People Magazine, The Today Show and Good Morning America
to name a few. In 2011 sales topped $1 million and the company
continues to grow with new additions to its line of “Save in Style”
products. Card Cubby is currently sold in approximately 1,400 stores in
the U.S and Canada, online and on QVC.
- Little known fact: “I am not a college graduate.”
@cardcubby
OVERCOMING FEARS AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE
Jenn Lee, www.coachjennlee.com
National speaker, small business advisor, media correspondent and life coach, Jenn Lee
isn’t letting anyone or anything stop her from helping Americans shift
their thinking, boldly move forward and bring sanity back into their
everyday lives! Right to the point with a good dose of humor, Jenn’s
authentically honest approach and down to earth tips quickly landed her a
regular spot on Orlando’s FOX Morning show, BLOG talk radio shows and
as an on-line contributor for Working Mother Media.
- Ever almost throw in the towel?: “Four months after I launched my
business, my dream job presented itself and was there for the taking. I
had a difficult choice to make: my business was brand new and I wasn’t
making a lot of money. I had a choice—to take the easy road and big
paycheck, or reconfirm my commitment to myself and continue on with my
business and my dream. I turned down the job offer and have never looked
back or thought about throwing in the towel since.”
- Little known fact: “I escaped a two-year physically abusive
relationship and went into hiding for several months for my safety. I
credit this part of my life as the ultimate training ground for helping
others to see the value of their lives and to stop allowing their past
to dictate their future. “
@coachjennlee
MIND FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS
Lindsay Phillips, founder of Lindsay Phillips LLC
Lindsay Phillips is the energetic inspiration and founding force behind SwitchFlops.
Her footwear concept evolved from a high school art project—amazed by
the response, Lindsay began designing functional flops with colorful
straps, each adorned by a unique button. Her idea evolved when she
realized that by using hook-and-loop fasteners she could create one shoe
with many straps–unlimited choices with minimal effort. This simple,
yet brilliant innovation was the birth of SwitchFlops.
- Almost threw in the towel when…: “We got our first shipment of
straps for the shoes and all of the buttons were loose. My mom and I had
to individually re-sew all the adornments on to make them saleable. As
an entrepreneur you have to learn from your mistakes, laugh, and move
forward with a smile.”
@switchflops
