Awards

Recipients of the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards were recognized at the February 3, 2010 Entrepreneur’s Exchange meeting.

• Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Member: Amy Yule, Pecan Yummies
  
• Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Non-member: Steve Kolbe, Analysis
  
• Spirit of Entrepreneurship, Rising Star: Christian Hendricks, Sagitta Marketing

The awards were sponsored by Council Baradel Kosmerl and Nolan, PA.

Our annual awards event allows EE to recognize those individuals whose leadership and vision continue to make a positive impact on our business communities. The success stories that the winners share inspire those around them to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit to grow their businesses” says Ann Alsina, EE Chairman of the Board.

• Margaret Shea-Moore from Syndicus standing in for Michael McNees
  
• Vince Iatesta, Caffe Pronto
  
• Amy Yule, Pecan Yummies
  
• Chris Ourand, O Communication
  
• Christian Hendricks, Sagitta Marketing
  
• Donnie Calderone, Analysys standing in for Steve Kolbe
  
• Ann Alsina
  
• Joanne DeLoache

Derek Watson founded Advanced Urban Project Solutions in 2007 to assist businesses looking to relocate. AUP Solutions starts with a needs analysis to determine location, size and other requirements, then manages the process through to punch-list and move-in. In less than two years, AUP Solutions has managed projects for such clients as Children's Medical Centers and the Embassy of the Maldives. Derek pioneered a new method of partnership with land owners to mitigate up-front purchase risk, generating a greater return for owners by offering a percent of profit above a set cap.

Yarrow is the CEO (Chief Entrepreneurial Officer) of Conscious Toolbox.com.
She is a Motivational & Inspirational Speaker, Corporate Executive/Employee Trainer, Personal Energy Coach and Author. Her expertise in “energy” is featured in an article “Space Woman” in The Baltimore Magazine (Oct 2007.) Yarrow facilitates business groups, associations and individuals in shifting their life by exploring current thinking, behavior and paradigms. Using her powerful training tool, Master Your Energy©, Yarrow skillfully guides people through a series of self-reflection to understand their personal role in creating the culture in their workplace and personal lifestyle.In addition, by harnessing the power of the internet, she brings unique products, services, concepts and practical tools to people who are seeking to live happier, healthier and more conscious. Yarrow is passionate about empowering individuals who want more out of life and who are motivated toward self-development and personal growth. Read more...

The road from my workshop in a historic, haunted Annapolis garret to a state-of-the-art factory was a tough one. Fact is, I always loved working with my hands. Why else would a high school kid sign up for three or four shop classes at a time? My first guitar was built as a challenge to my college music professor for some credits. I got an "A" and decided to pursue my dream of making guitars for a living. There were a lot of late night brain- storms. I was lucky if I finished a guitar a month. Once a guitar was completed, I'd play it at a gig ­ field testing in the purest sense. Every design change taught me something new. The next change was built on what I had learned or on feedback from other players test driving the equipment. Over ten years we went through three headstocks, several renditions of body shapes, many tremolo designs, and many experiments with woods and construction methods to get the right mix.I remember hanging out at the local concert arenas for six or seven hours before a show to make friends with the roadies. With a backstage pass in hand, I'd peddle my guitars to the stars. One night in ten I'd make a sale. Carlos Santana, Al Di Meola, Howard Leese, and other well known players agreed to check one out. I made deals. If someone gave me an order, made a deposit, and then didn't love the finished guitar, I'd give them their deposit back even if I couldn't make my rent the next day. Read more...

Becky McLaughlin-Treakle created Personalized Travel Consultants with the traveler in mind. Personalized service from start to finish was of utmost importance to Becky. Her idea of turning 'your travel dreams to reality' reflects in all she does. Her extensive expertise in sales and marketing and her ability to cater to her clients’ exact needs and expectations make her patrons ‘clients for life.’ Becky has been in the travel industry for over 8 years- as a front line consultant with other travel companies, and now as the owner and founder of Personalized Travel Consultants. Due to the tremendous response to a needed 'personalized travel service' Personalized Travel Consultants has expanded its offices from Annapolis, Maryland; to Kent Island, Maryland; Atlantic, Iowa; and Des Moines, Iowa.

Becky is intensely involved within her community. She is an active member with the Annapolis and Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce, Business Network International, and the Annapolis Convention and Visitors Bureau. At the 20th anniversary of Entrepreneurs Exchange in fall 2005, Becky was honored with the Spirit of Entrepreneurship award. Her constituents at the Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce also recognized her unique approach to travel with a nomination as Entrepreneur of the Year award in June of 2005. Becky continues to prove her dedication to her clients by being nominated as Queen Anne’s County Chamber Entrepreneur 2005.