Junior Achievement of South Florida Recipe for Success

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.

Let's get cooking! In 2016 Stacy Ritter was named President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB). As CEO, she is responsible for the administration of the GFLCVB. The CVB is based in Broward County with multiple domestic and international offices. The permanent staff of the CVB is comprised of a 45-person organization of sales and marketing professionals with a $24 million operating budget. Ritter oversees an organization that provides sales and marketing development for leisure, international, sports, convention and group sales. The CVB also focuses its efforts on behalf of the County for multicultural tourism, LGBT+ development, film and entertainment as well as national and international advertising and public relations.

Today Stacy serves as a member of the United States Travel Association Board of Directors,Destination International Foundation Board, the Steering Committee of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Board Member of Winterfest, Inc., and the Executive Board of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance. She serves as a member of the Orange Bowl Committee and the Miami Super Bowl Committee. Prior to her position at the GFLCVB, Ritter served as an elected Broward CountyCommissioner from November 2006 till June 2016, representing the 3rd District, and serving as Mayor of the County in 2008 to 2009. Prior to serving in Broward County government, Ritter served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1996 to 2004, representing the 96th District.

Ms. Ritter has been a community activist for years with the National Council of Jewish Women and other organizations prior to her election to State office, she was inducted to the Broward County Women’s Hall of Fame; Woman of the Year by the American Jewish Congress and a First Lady of Broward. She was named the Chair of Broward County’s Management and Efficiency Study Committee from June 2004 to June 2006. During the 2008 presidential election, Stacy was The Chair of the Broward County Obama for America Campaign and served on the National Finance Committee for the campaign. She was named one of the 50 Most Powerful People in Broward by Gold Coast Magazine and awarded as one of the 100 Outstanding Women by the Boys and Girls Club. She is consistently named to the list of South Florida Power Leaders.

As Broward County Mayor, she was instrumental in the county considering and moving forward with a new county courthouse as well as pushing for improvements at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, including the expansion of the south runway. Today that runway and the terminal improvements are attracting new airline service and stimulating record-breaking passenger traffic. 

For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.

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Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.

Let's get cooking! Heather Geronemus trained as a professional ballerina while completing her Bachelor of Science in Marketing at New York University. At NYU, she also became a leader for the school’s Jewish Heritage Program, supporting and developing student mentoring, peer networking and education programs. Heather remained active in JHP post graduation as an on-campus fellow. She was honored by the organization in 2012 for her leadership and personal charitable efforts.

Ms. Geronemus began her professional career at Bloomberg in New York as part of the publishing organization, later moving into the company’s financial products operation, where she held both marketing and product training roles.  She moved to South Florida and joined Ultimate Software in 2010.

Heather began her career at Ultimate Software in Marketing in 2010, promoting the company’s cloud based-human capital management and employee experience solutions. Heather now serves as the Director of Public Relations & Corporate Social Responsibility, overseeing Media, Customer & Community Relations. Ultimate is one of South Florida’s most respected technology businesses, supporting customers including the Miami HEAT, Bloomin’ Brands, Feeding America, SUBWAY, and Yamaha Corporation of America. The company is regularly recognized as an employer of choice, ranked in the top 25 in Fortune Magazine list of Best Places to Work for nine consecutive years. 

Heather is one of Broward County’s leaders, remaining constantly and actively involved with the South Florida community. Following the loss of her father, Dr. Robert Geronemus, to a drunk driver in 2009, Heather took a leadership role in Fort Lauderdale’s Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization. Heather established the Annual Walk Like MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale in 2011 and has since then continually chaired the event. Heather is thrilled to chair this event for the tenth year in row, it has raised more than $2.5 million to date. In addition, she regularly represents MADD with local, state and federal elected officials, travelling to Washington D.C. to meet with Florida’s Congressional and Senatorial delegations. Heather’s efforts were recognized at MADD’s 2012 national conference, where she was awarded the Linda Kitazaki Volunteer Fundraising Award. She was named Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals at their National Philanthropy Day 2014 for her work with MADD Broward. She also received the 2011-’12 and 2014 MADD Florida Hero Awards for outstanding achievement, in 2019 this award was renamed the Geronemus/Unfried MADD Florida Hero Award in honor of Heather & Linda Unfried’s dedication to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. 

Heather is proud to assume the Chair position on the National Board of Directors of Mothers Against Drunk Driving after serving as a Director and then Vice Chair over the last four years. 

Learn more about Ultimate Software at https://www.ultimatesoftware.com/.

For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit  https://www.jasouthflorida.org.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.

Let's get cooking! Josh Folds is the Head of Small Business, Business Banking, Merchant Services and SBA at First Horizon Bank. 

The bank was founded in 1864 and has the 14th oldest national bank charter in the country. First Horizon has been recognized as one of the nation's best employers by Working Mother and American Banker magazines.

In 2017 our company announced the acquisition of Capital Bank Financial Corporation making us the fourth largest regional bank in the Southeast with $40 billion in assets and more than 300 branches in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, Georgia, Texas and Virginia.

In 2019 we announced a mergers of equal with Iberiabank which will expand our footprint across the southeast while almost doubling our asset size!

Josh's specialties include Competitive Analysis, Talent Management, Business Development, Treasury Management, Merchant Services, Speciality Lending, Credit, Sales, Leadership, Public Speaking.

He also is the author of "Quotes for the Soul: Self Analysis for Daily Inspiration" which can be purchased on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Quotes-Soul-Analysis-Daily-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B086JDRRBK/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=%22josh+folds%22&qid=1596808798&sr=8-1

Learn more about First Horizon Bank at https://www.firsthorizon.com/.

For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Past shows are at www.jasouthflorida.org/podcastshow.

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.

Let's get cooking! Durée Ross, who had the bold passion to launch her own PR agency, Durée & Company, at the age of 24 in 1999, has since been setting the bar for excellence in PR, serving the corporate, agency and nonprofit arenas for local, national and international clients. An award-winning entrepreneur, she has been nationally recognized for her ability to develop winning strategies and successfully deliver creative campaigns for clients. 

Durée leads a 10+ member team of PR and marketing professionals in her Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Aspen, Colorado offices. She fosters diversity and inclusion in every aspect of her business and is the winner of PR News’ 2016 Top Women in PR award, which honors influential women who are driving the agenda for the industry and in their companies.

Durée is always willing to share her journey, perspective and lessons with the next-generation of PR pros and entrepreneurs, often through thought leadership pieces, in-person speaking engagements and one-on-one mentoring.

With each new experience, she is able to capture valuable takeaways and impart wisdom to her team and others on how to shift with the new demands of PR, marketing, social media and crisis communication.

For the past 20 years, Durée & Company has established itself as a leading public relations and marketing agency in the South Florida market and beyond. With her strong business acumen and deep understanding of the local community, Durée & Company represents well-known names in business, fashion, hospitality, travel, marine and yacht, wellness, art and culture, nonprofit, legal, real estate and professional services. Durée is also a pioneer in her adaption of emerging industries, including CBD.

As Durée’s professional profile and resume have grown, so have her philanthropic donations and influence. Durée sits on several nonprofit boards and committees, chairs local fundraising efforts and awareness-building events, and lends her talents to worthy causes that serve South Florida’s most vulnerable residents. She takes pride in giving back to her native South Florida community.

Her husband and their two children share her commitment to helping others as a family unit.

Learn more at https://dureeandcompany.com/.

For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Past shows are at www.jasouthflorida.org/podcastshow.

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.

Let's get cooking! In 2000, Adam founded Slone Partners, one of the first executive recruitment firms specializing in the diagnostic and laboratory testing industries. Prior to founding Slone Partners, Adam worked as the Vice President of Molecular and Genetics Sales for American Medical Laboratories. After a decade of successful business development experience in the diagnostic and laboratory testing industries, Adam recognized that his in-depth knowledge of this complex industry was necessary to help companies compete for talent. His industry knowledge and extensive contact base enabled Slone Partners to successfully place hundreds of professionals with clients in its first years of operation.

As the needs of the diagnostic and laboratory testing industries evolved, so did Slone Partners. In 2007, Slone Partners expanded its service offerings to include a comprehensive set of services, recognizing its clients’ desire to build and develop the skill set of its internal talent pool.

Adam holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Old Dominion University. Adam recently became an Advisory Board member of Washington G-2 Reports and he speaks regularly at some of the industry’s largest conferences.

Learn more about Slone Partners at https://www.slonepartners.com/.

And Wolf Hill Group at https://www.wolfhillgroup.com/.

For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Past shows are at www.jasouthflorida.org/podcastshow.

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.

Let's get cooking! Vaughan Dugan is the Managing Director of Dugan Holdings Group. Leader. Strategist. Relationship Broker. Idea Factory. Eco-Entrepreneur and creative visionary that thinks without the box. Broad experience in branding and marketing. Published graphic designer and senior project management background. A leader in Corporate Sustainability and socially responsible business.

Specialties: Expert in developing innovative action plans, strategies, and relationships. Social Media fan and all around fun guy. Art Director, branding, graphic design, team building and motivation. 

Learn more about Dugan Holdings Group at https://www.duganholdings.com/.

For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Past shows are at www.jasouthflorida.org/podcastshow.

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.

Let's get cooking! Our guest this episode is Gail Birks. About Gail: I take this time to introduce myself, Gail Birks, Independent Director and Entrepreneur for the past 24 and 29 years respectively. Presently, I am exploring new opportunities in the Banking and Finance Industry and/or Small and Mid-Cap Corporations as an Independent/Outside Corporate Director. My experience allows me to be effective across industry lines. My appointment to the privately held bank board of Gibraltar Private Bank and Trust, FSB began in 1994 at age 34. My Directorship was driven by my ability to leverage in-depth knowledge and experience in the Financial Services Industry. My experience with Gibraltar has included serving during the transaction to become a wholly owned subsidiary of a public corporation (2005-2010) and in September 2010 reversing the transaction to become a privately held institution again. My extensive knowledge of “workouts” and organization turnaround expertise proved advantageous in the execution of corrective action strategies during a regulatory order. Under my leadership of the CRA Committee, the institution received several Outstanding ratings and several High Satisfactory ratings from regulatory agencies (OTS and OCC). I have brought innovative approaches to the Audit, Director’s Loan and Production, CRA and Oversight Committees as an active member and/ or Chairperson.

Since 1990, I have served as the President/CEO for CMA Enterprise Incorporated, a boutique Consulting and Advisory firm that specializes in Performance and Process Improvement for Business and Industry.

My industry experience includes but is not limited to: Financial Services (Banking and Finance), Telecommunications, Automotive and Manufacturing, Food Service, Utilities, Logistics, Hospitality, Health Care, Pharmaceutical, Housing, Education, and Government. I have also worked with domestic and international corporations during my professional career in an advisory and coaching capacity.

Learn more about CMA Enterprise Incorporated at https://www.cma-ent.com/.

For more information about Setnor Byer Insurance, visit https://setnorbyer.com/.

For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Past shows are at www.jasouthflorida.org/podcastshow.

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.

Let's get cooking! Anita Byer is President of Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk, an Independent Insurance Agency formed over 30 years ago to provide property, casualty and group benefit products and services to businesses and families. A graduate of the University of Florida, Ms. Byer joined Setnor Byer as a principal shareholder, and focused her attention on business development and improving the risk management offerings of the firm. In 1997, Ms. Byer founded The Human Equation, an online education provider that delivers training and knowledge to businesses throughout the US and Canada.

Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk is consistently recognized as a leading Florida Independent Insurance Agency as well as one of the region’s leading and cutting-edge female-owned businesses. Anita Byer is an educator at heart, and provides her insurance, risk management and sales expertise to a broad range of audiences. She is often called upon to provide her expertise on topics ranging from healthcare to workers’ compensation and intellectual property risks. Ms. Byer has authored over 50 online training courses on risk management, and is a continuing education teacher to human resources professionals and small businesses. 

Ms. Byer has served her industry as Board Vice-Chair of the Commercial Property and Casualty Joint Underwriting Association, and the Florida Residential Property and Casualty Joint Underwriting Association, both predecessors to today’s Citizens. She is currently a Board Member of the Broward Workshop, and a past member of the FCCI and CNA Insurance Advisory Boards. She recently completed her service as an Advisor to Plantation’s Mid-Town Advisory Board.

Recently, Ms. Byer has been honored by Florida Children’s First for her corporate advocacy and the South Florida Business Journal as a Woman of Influence. 

Her charitable works are numerous, with a long history of serving on non-profit boards as well as funding numerous charitable causes. She and her husband shared part of their lives with two young siblings in the care of DCF.

As a native Floridian, Ms. Byer enjoys her leisure time reading, writing, biking, hiking, and strumming her guitar.

For more information about Setnor Byer Insurance, visit https://setnorbyer.com/.

For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Past shows are at www.jasouthflorida.org/podcastshow.

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.

Let's get cooking! Speaker, leader, trainer, coach, author, CEO & Co-Founder of Unorthodox Leadership Network and Director with Broward County Public Schools, Dr. Shernette Grant has been a friend and supporter of JA's programs. She is the author of Unorthodox Leadership: A Guide for Leading Real People in Real Organizations. 

You can purchase the book on Amazon: amazon.com/dp/B08B5DQZJQ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida

Past shows are at www.jasouthflorida.org/podcastshow.

Just as there are no two recipes that contain the exact same ingredients or measurements, there are no two success stories exactly the same. Recipe For Success features entrepreneurs, visionary leaders and innovators of all ages who will share their ingredients that make them successful – personally and professionally.

Let's get cooking! This week's show welcomes guest Mitch Ziffer, RSVP of South Florida. Mitch is a native South Floridian, having being born in Miami Beach and growing up in Ft. Lauderdale, his South Florida roots run deep. After graduating from the University of Florida, Mitch started his own business and caught the entrepreneurial bug.

Ever since he has had his own businesses, the longest tenured business being TSS Photography, which he operated for 25 years. After a very successful run with TSS, Mitch decided it was time for a new challenge and opened up RSVP of South Florida.

RSVP helps businesses increase sales and profits by connecting them to affluent homeowners in a unique, effective, and proven format. Mitch loves helping South Florida businesses grow and is passionate about seeing their success.

Mitch lives in Boca Raton with his wife Cheryl and has a son, Max and daughter Jillian. He enjoys playing tennis, exercising, sports, reading, and spending time with his family.

Learn more about RSVP of South Florida at: http://www.rsvpsfla.com/

For more information about Junior Achievement of South Florida, visit https://www.jasouthflorida.org.

Follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasouthflorida

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/junior-achievement-of-south-florida/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasouthflorida

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JASouthFlorida