CEO Interviews

Meet John Kirst, Founder and Managing Partner of My Wine Guide. John has been solving problems for businesses and consumers through the use of software-based technologies over a career that spans 30 plus years in Silicon Valley. My Wine Guide re-imagines and re-defines the in-restaurant wine experience for the benefit of both restaurant goers and restaurants.

Jon Millhausen, Owner of Wonderfly Arena in Baltimore, MD, contributes the start of his event planning career to his extra semester.  From running around in a hamster ball to playing arrow tag, Jon believes Wonderfly Arena is the perfect place to book for your special event.

They say lightning doesn't strike twice but for Hysteria Co-Founders Rich Gue and Geoff Lopes, it did, literally. Back when Rich and Geoff were going through the painstaking, and expensive process of brewing their first batches of beer, they realized they did not have enough power to meet their production goals. Listen to hear how the lightning struck again when their opening day they sold out of all the beer they had brewed.

April Gomez is the founder and CEO of Charm City Rabbit Hole an immersive experience where a series of fantastical rooms created by artists play with size and perception.  April is planning to grow Charm City Rabbit Hole to contain 15 explorable art installations and two types of exhibits to keep artists employed and visitors exploring!

Leaving the competitive sports world and jumping into the construction industry was a massive change for Britt Tegeler, Owner, and CEO of Britt Tegeler Construction & Supply in Baltimore, MD. Having no knowledge of construction, Britt began working at her uncle’s company, Grasmick lumber, where she soon fell in love with the industry and the many opportunities it offered. A new-found passion for construction pushed Britt to create her own company.

Crafting with a passion describes Brad Blackwell, founder, and distiller of Lost Ark Distilling in Columbia, MD.  Brad has a serious passion for all things distilling. He comes across as quiet and shy but carries a hard-charging and passionate drive for success. He prides himself on being creative and relentless in any pursuit.

Julie Kernan is the president and CEO of Business Volunteers Maryland. For more than 15 years, Business Volunteers Maryland has forged lasting connections between local organizations and members of the community.

Aida Keehner is the president and CEO of Atruent, a managed information technology solutions provider based in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Through a four-step process covering analysis, recommendation, implementation, and management, Atruent creates customized IT solutions for businesses of all kinds.

Marco Avila is the CEO and co-founder of The Healing Hands Foundation (THHF). He also serves as president and chairman of the board of the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (MDHCC). Since 2007, THHF has provided vital services, including surgical procedures, medical treatment, dental care, and educational support, to children in under-resourced communities around the world.

Cory Perdue is the president and CEO of Datakwip. Headquartered in Frederick, Maryland, Datakwip "helps buildings help people"—by harnessing data to ensure buildings operate in an environmentally and financially responsible manner. The company's platform provides enterprise, cloud-based facility analytics to utilities, energy contractors, and organizations looking to optimize facility operation and efficiency.