Staff
Maureen Kolb
Director
Director
Maureen Kolb currently serves as the Incubator Director at Hagerstown Community College, where she fosters innovation and supports emerging entrepreneurs. In her role, Maureen develops programs to meet the needs of local businesses, builds partnerships with stakeholders, and oversees the strategic planning and operations of the incubator. With a strong focus on program management and client relations, she ensures the success of the incubator’s initiatives while driving economic development in the region.
Previously, Maureen held various leadership positions, including Business, Certification, and Licensure Program Manager at HCC and Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Wilkes University. Her background spans program development, strategic planning, customer service, and marketing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and completed her MBA at Wilkes University.
Previously, Maureen held various leadership positions, including Business, Certification, and Licensure Program Manager at HCC and Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Wilkes University. Her background spans program development, strategic planning, customer service, and marketing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and completed her MBA at Wilkes University.
Virginia Castillo
Associate
Associate
Virginia possesses over 20 years of experience in advertising and management and knowledge in broadcasting, social media content, customer service, printing, and event planning. Her areas of expertise are continuous growth, team work, strategy implementation, business process optimization, and branding.
Mentors in Residence
Ryan Chapin
Owner
Hearty Pet
Hearty Pet
Ryan Chapin, a lifelong resident of Hagerstown, Maryland, has dedicated much of his life to community service and volunteerism. His commitment began in his youth with the American Red Cross and continued at the Hagerstown YMCA, where he was honored as YMCA Boy of the Year for his significant contributions.
While attending North Hagerstown High School, Ryan volunteered with the Community Rescue Service, serving in roles from EMT to Volunteer Training Captain. His decade-long service earned him Lifetime Membership. He furthered his education at Hagerstown Junior College and the University of Maryland Baltimore County, where he earned a degree in Emergency Medical Services Management.
Ryan, now married to his YMCA sweetheart and a father of three, is deeply involved with the United Methodist Church, serving on committees, teaching Sunday School, and supporting the Cold Weather Shelter.
In business, Ryan has founded and managed several ventures, including printing and graphics, computer consulting, and pools and spas. He is co-owner of Hearty Pet, a premium pet nutrition company, and a mentor for Hagerstown Community College’s CEBS Incubator program. He also holds leadership roles with Habitat for Humanity and the Greater Hagerstown Committee.
Hearty Pet supports local schools, job training programs, and regional animal rescues. Ryan also co-owns ShipSimply, a software company that helps small and mid-sized businesses streamline shipping and fulfillment. He continues to support organizations such as the American Cancer Society and Shriners, while enjoying travel and family time in his free moments.
While attending North Hagerstown High School, Ryan volunteered with the Community Rescue Service, serving in roles from EMT to Volunteer Training Captain. His decade-long service earned him Lifetime Membership. He furthered his education at Hagerstown Junior College and the University of Maryland Baltimore County, where he earned a degree in Emergency Medical Services Management.
Ryan, now married to his YMCA sweetheart and a father of three, is deeply involved with the United Methodist Church, serving on committees, teaching Sunday School, and supporting the Cold Weather Shelter.
In business, Ryan has founded and managed several ventures, including printing and graphics, computer consulting, and pools and spas. He is co-owner of Hearty Pet, a premium pet nutrition company, and a mentor for Hagerstown Community College’s CEBS Incubator program. He also holds leadership roles with Habitat for Humanity and the Greater Hagerstown Committee.
Hearty Pet supports local schools, job training programs, and regional animal rescues. Ryan also co-owns ShipSimply, a software company that helps small and mid-sized businesses streamline shipping and fulfillment. He continues to support organizations such as the American Cancer Society and Shriners, while enjoying travel and family time in his free moments.
Rich Daughtridge
Chief Executive Officer
HighRock
In 2005 Rich Daughtridge partnered with friend and graphic designer Dave Schleigh launch a new marketing firm, HighRock Studios. Together, they assembled a talented team of creatives, marketers, and problem-solvers to work as an extension of our client’s team. As a storyteller and entrepreneur at heart, Rich saw HighRock’s success in launching brands for our clients as a unique opportunity to continue launching new companies, all connected by the marketing, technology, and entertainment industries. In the following years, Rich co-founded several ventures including Warehouse Cinemas, Warehouse Tap Room, Leitersburg Cinemas, Waynesboro Theatre, and LeftBrain Technology. With each new venture, Rich leveraged emerging technologies as the catalyst for success, all with HighRock's foundation in marketing and brand strategy. While his hometown is Hagerstown, Maryland, his home team will always be the Baltimore Blast, where he played professional soccer for five years, winning three national championships with the team.
Tina Fraley
Chief Executive Officer
Fitminded Living
Chief Executive Officer
Fitminded Living
Tina Fraley is the owner of FitMinded Living LLC and the author of "Broken Road to Badass." With over 20 years as a certified personal trainer and community counselor, she specializes in empowering individuals through holistic well-being practices. Tina’s innovative business model has successfully shaped programs like Om In The Outfield and collaborations with Frostburg State University's "Little Hubs," enhancing community engagement, movement, and mindset.
Operating under successful DBAs such as Power House Studios & Online Community and Solara Roots & Creative Alchemy, Tina is passionate about mentoring small business owners and fostering collaboration. As Mentor in Residence at the Fletcher Foundation's Incubator with Hagerstown Community College, she utilizes her diverse experiences to refine strategic practices for healthy business growth, contributing to a notable success rate among her coaching clients.
A mother of seven and a domestic abuse survivor, Tina’s personal transformation, highlighted by her 150-pound weight loss journey, fuels her commitment to inspire others. She actively engages in her community, serving on various boards and initiating empowering events like the International Womens Day Conference, all aimed at uplifting fellow entrepreneurs and fostering resilience.
Operating under successful DBAs such as Power House Studios & Online Community and Solara Roots & Creative Alchemy, Tina is passionate about mentoring small business owners and fostering collaboration. As Mentor in Residence at the Fletcher Foundation's Incubator with Hagerstown Community College, she utilizes her diverse experiences to refine strategic practices for healthy business growth, contributing to a notable success rate among her coaching clients.
A mother of seven and a domestic abuse survivor, Tina’s personal transformation, highlighted by her 150-pound weight loss journey, fuels her commitment to inspire others. She actively engages in her community, serving on various boards and initiating empowering events like the International Womens Day Conference, all aimed at uplifting fellow entrepreneurs and fostering resilience.
Greg Mills
Chief Operating Officer
Warehouse Cinemas
Warehouse Cinemas
Greg Mills is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Warehouse Cinemas. A structural engineer by trade, Greg's has a natural inclination toward metrics-driven strategy, deal structuring, financial analysis, and operations. He holds a BS in Engineering from North Carolina State University and an MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia.
Cory Moskowitz
Founder and CEO
Transpromotion
Cory Moskowitz is the founder and CEO or TransPromotion and FleetWorx. With over 20 years of sales and executive leadership experience, Cory has built and managed sales teams from Fortune 500 companies to small local family businesses; and everything in between. Most of Cory’s career has been spent in the technology space, and so when he launched TransPromotion in April of 2018, it was no surprise that technology would play a major role in the trajectory of a groundbreaking advertising concept. So much so, that in 2024 Cory launched another business (FleetWorx) that is focused on providing that same, first of its kind, ad tech to the home services industry.
In addition to his professional career, Cory has been very active in the Washington County community over the years, serving at the board level for Brooke’s House, Leadership Washington County, Meritus Health Foundation, Fountian Head Country Club, Washington County Public Schools Facilities and Advisory Committee, and Frederick Health’s Special Gifts Committee.
Cory lives in Middletown MD, with his wife Josalyn of 20 years, and their two kids, Reese (17) and Cooper (14).
In addition to his professional career, Cory has been very active in the Washington County community over the years, serving at the board level for Brooke’s House, Leadership Washington County, Meritus Health Foundation, Fountian Head Country Club, Washington County Public Schools Facilities and Advisory Committee, and Frederick Health’s Special Gifts Committee.
Cory lives in Middletown MD, with his wife Josalyn of 20 years, and their two kids, Reese (17) and Cooper (14).
Mason Scuderi
President
d’Vinci Interactive
A force behind d'Vinci Interactive since 1996, Mason oversees day-to-day operations and leads the d'Vinci team as they produce award winning eLearning, educational websites, learning experiences and web applications. Mason drives d'Vinci processes, efficiency, and impact. He brings over twenty years of experience in educational technology. Mason is a native of Maryland and an alumnus of Shepherd University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic design
Vijay Solanki
Development Consultant
d'Vinci Interactive, LLC
Vijay-Kumar Solanki has been employed at d'Vinci Interactive, LLC since 2004, where he has been involved with all aspects of the business. With a wealth of experience spanning nearly two decades, Vijay has played a key role in shaping the company's strategic direction and operational success.
In addition to his professional career, Vijay has served two full terms as a County Commissioner on the Washington County Commission for Women, advocating for community development, gender equality, and public policy improvements.
Further reflecting his commitment to advancing education in genomics, Vijay is a full member of the Inter-Society Coordinating Committee for Practitioner Education in Genomics (ISCC-PEG). In this role, he contributes to the development of practitioner education on genomics, working alongside interdisciplinary experts to enhance understanding and integration of genomics in healthcare.
Vijay has been dedicated to education since 1985, including serving as an adjunct instructor at HCC. He is also an active member of an Advisory Committee at the college, contributing his expertise to shape its programs and initiatives.
In addition to his professional career, Vijay has served two full terms as a County Commissioner on the Washington County Commission for Women, advocating for community development, gender equality, and public policy improvements.
Further reflecting his commitment to advancing education in genomics, Vijay is a full member of the Inter-Society Coordinating Committee for Practitioner Education in Genomics (ISCC-PEG). In this role, he contributes to the development of practitioner education on genomics, working alongside interdisciplinary experts to enhance understanding and integration of genomics in healthcare.
Vijay has been dedicated to education since 1985, including serving as an adjunct instructor at HCC. He is also an active member of an Advisory Committee at the college, contributing his expertise to shape its programs and initiatives.
Business Coaches
Mark Appenzellar
Business Analyst and
Content Development Specialist
Valor Excel
Mark Appenzellar brings a wealth of experience in content development, project management, and business analysis to ValorExcel. His background includes 14 years as an operations analyst and project manager at First Data Merchant Services and 15 years at Citicorp, where his exceptional technical writing skills were instrumental in process documentation and training. Mark's meticulous attention to detail and proficiency in information management make him an invaluable asset to start-ups seeking to optimize their operations. He excels in data auditing, process improvement, and developing comprehensive reporting systems. Mark's strong communication skills are evident in his previous role as a co-producer and co-host of the Valor Media podcast, as well as in his active creation of training and promotional videos for the organization's clients and ValorExcel's YouTube channel. He is also a published author and accomplished musician.
Laurie Brewer
Founder and CEO
Glow Up Consulting
Laurie Brewer is an innovative leader, startup consultant, and leadership coach with over 15 years of experience driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence in the tech and business sectors. As the Founder and CEO of Glow Up Consulting, she has guided numerous startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs through critical stages of launching, scaling, and securing funding. With expertise in strategic planning, investor relations, organizational design, operational efficiency, and leadership development, Laurie is especially passionate about helping female founders and startup leaders navigate the complexities of building successful businesses.
Laurie’s career highlights include leading transformative initiatives at various global organizations, where she spearheaded innovation, operational improvements, and talent management strategies that enhanced productivity and business outcomes. As a fractional COO and strategic advisor, she has amplified the results of high-growth tech startups by optimizing processes, improving engagement, and driving profitability.
Certified in Six Sigma, Executive Leadership, and a SHRM-SCP professional, Laurie combines her deep operational knowledge with a strategic mindset, empowering organizations to thrive in competitive markets. She holds a B.S. in Business Management and Marketing.
Laurie is dedicated to elevating entrepreneurs by leveraging her vast experience in business and the startup ecosystem, helping them navigate the often-challenging journey from ideation to scale. Her upcoming book for female founders provides actionable insights and guidance on launching, funding, and scaling startups with confidence and success.
Laurie’s career highlights include leading transformative initiatives at various global organizations, where she spearheaded innovation, operational improvements, and talent management strategies that enhanced productivity and business outcomes. As a fractional COO and strategic advisor, she has amplified the results of high-growth tech startups by optimizing processes, improving engagement, and driving profitability.
Certified in Six Sigma, Executive Leadership, and a SHRM-SCP professional, Laurie combines her deep operational knowledge with a strategic mindset, empowering organizations to thrive in competitive markets. She holds a B.S. in Business Management and Marketing.
Laurie is dedicated to elevating entrepreneurs by leveraging her vast experience in business and the startup ecosystem, helping them navigate the often-challenging journey from ideation to scale. Her upcoming book for female founders provides actionable insights and guidance on launching, funding, and scaling startups with confidence and success.
Mac Caldwell
Business, Financial and Life Coach
Valor Excel
Mac Caldwell, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience, has a diverse expertise that spans home remodeling, renovation, new home construction, and real estate. Recognizing the challenges inherent in balancing business and personal life, Mac transitioned his passion for organization and strategic planning into a successful coaching career. As a Certified Business, Financial, and Life Coach, Mac empowers his clients to achieve a fulfilling life through goal setting, time management, and purpose-driven strategies. His unique blend of coaching wisdom helps clients achieve tangible results, reduce stress, and create a life of purpose and balance. Mac's dedication to community service is evident in his coordination of numerous outreach projects through his business network and church, showcasing his commitment to making a positive impact beyond his professional endeavors.
Kelly Beckley Shank
Business Coach
The Shank Company
Early in her career, Kelly knew she wanted to do something big and make a difference. Eventually, her many experiences merged into a passion for helping business owners and leaders. Based in Washington County, The Shank Company challenges clients to find success through purpose-driven coaching and consulting.
Two decades working with businesses and ministries of all sizes—small businesses, family farms, a billion-dollar corporation, non-profits, and local churches—gives Kelly the knowledge and experience her clients deserve. She specializes in asking hard questions, starting awkward conversations, and tackling the administrative details others dislike. When not working, you can find Kelly either at home with her family on their farm or on a plane to Guatemala. Ask her about opportunities to support 4-H and FFA entrepreneurs through the Washington County Youth Market Sale and her work with Forever Changed International.
Two decades working with businesses and ministries of all sizes—small businesses, family farms, a billion-dollar corporation, non-profits, and local churches—gives Kelly the knowledge and experience her clients deserve. She specializes in asking hard questions, starting awkward conversations, and tackling the administrative details others dislike. When not working, you can find Kelly either at home with her family on their farm or on a plane to Guatemala. Ask her about opportunities to support 4-H and FFA entrepreneurs through the Washington County Youth Market Sale and her work with Forever Changed International.
Jean Radish
Founder
OpEx Process Consulting
Jean is an accomplished professional with over three decades of experience as a process improvement specialist and leadership coach. Her passion lies in assisting businesses in overcoming workflow obstacles to achieve their full potential. With a hands-on, team-based approach, she has earned a reputation for supporting organizations in the manufacturing and service industries to scale effectively, while simultaneously enhancing profitability, capacity, and reputation. Jean’s expertise and dedication make her an invaluable asset in helping businesses reach the next level of success. Jean is both a Certified Process Improvement Specialist and a Certified Executive Coach
Mary Ellen Waltemire
Leadership Coach and Facilitator
One Step Closer
Mary Ellen Waltemire is a Leadership Coach and Facilitator. She has over 35 years of leadership, management, mentoring, and professional/personal development experience. Her personal philosophy of “do what you love, love what you do” is evident in energetic and purposeful interactions with her clients that include individuals, businesses, and organizations. Through the years, Mary Ellen has coached, mentored, and trained individuals to achieve success in their personal and professional goals, finding that sweet spot on their career path while managing personal and professional change. She listens well, providing thoughtful feedback while empowering and inspiring individuals to achieve their unique goals. Mary Ellen’s engaging presentation style is appreciated by many who have participated in her workshops, seminars, and training sessions. She enjoys teaching and offers custom learning opportunities in time planning, the power of choice, communication, effective leadership, teambuilding among others. She has extensive experience in facilitation with groups and organizations that are working to move forward through strategic thinking, team building and purposeful planning. Mary Ellen holds a bachelor’s degree from Shepherd University, a master’s degree in Counseling & Guidance from Hood College, and an MBA from Frostburg State University. She studied the Core Energy Coaching Process and earned her Coach certification from Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). As an additional part of the iPEC training, she became an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP). In 2017, she earned the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation from the International Coach Federation and was recently certified as a Personify Leadership trainer. Additionally, she is a certified facilitator, completing the Georgetown University Facilitation Program.
Lori Wriston
Business Coach and Non-Profit Strategist
Valor Excel
Valor Excel
Lori Wriston is the co-founder of ValorExcel and a driving force in helping organizations achieve their full potential. With over 30 years of experience in business and non-profit management, Lori provides expert guidance to aspiring and established entrepreneurs. She specializes in coaching individuals through the complexities of launching and growing businesses and non-profits, offering tailored workshops and one-on-one support to transform goals into reality. Lori's impressive track record includes leading a six-state region for Griffith Energy Services, where her strategic acumen propelled the company to record sales. Her commitment to community service is evident through her former roles as a church administrator, manager of a local homeless shelter, and Board Secretary for Horizon Goodwill Industries. Lori is a published author of five books and was recognized as one of the Washington County Commission for Women's "Dreamers, Doers, and Encouragers" in 2022.
Industry Advisors & Mentors
Olusegun (Victor) Adegboyega-Edun
Assistant Professor
Web & Animation Technology
Hagerstown Community College
Victor’s blend of an MSc in Digital Media and Instructional Technology and his finalist spot in the 2013 PASSHE Student Business Plan Competition has fueled a career marked by creativity and impact. At renowned ad agencies like TBWA and Saatchi & Saatchi, he’s shaped global campaigns and marketing strategies, turning ambitious ideas into reality across business, education, and fashion. Now an Assistant Professor at Hagerstown Community College, Victor brings his passion for web design and front-end development into the classroom.
His dedication to inspiring students and cultivating a love for technology and entrepreneurship shines through in his teaching. Victor firmly believes in the power of these tools to transform lives and build a brighter future for communities.
His dedication to inspiring students and cultivating a love for technology and entrepreneurship shines through in his teaching. Victor firmly believes in the power of these tools to transform lives and build a brighter future for communities.
Oluwakayode (Olu) Bamiduro
Assistant Professor
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Hagerstown Community College
Dr. Oluwakayode Bamiduro is a Mechanical Engineering Technology professor at Hagerstown Community College, with expertise in materials science, mechanical engineering, and advanced manufacturing technologies. He holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Norfolk State University, where he also earned his Master's degree. Dr. Bamiduro completed his undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at the University of the District of Columbia.
While in graduate school, Dr. Bamiduro focused thin film technology that was used to design, fabricate and test semiconductors for photovoltaic (solar energy) applications. He also served as a Research Associate at the Center for Materials Research in Norfolk, Virginia, where he contributed to numerous projects in the field of thin-film deposition and composite materials.
After earning his doctoral degree, Dr. Bamiduro has held several prestigious positions, including Postdoctoral Fellow and Visiting Scholar at Howard University’s Mechanical Engineering Applied Mechanics and Materials Research Laboratory (AMMRL). His role at the Applied Mechanics and Materials Laboratory included materials testing and characterization for advanced materials. This exposure led Dr. Bamiduro to continue his professional experience in research with the Vehicle Technology Directorate division of the US Army Research Laboratory at Aberdeen, Maryland, focusing on assessing the effect of anisotropy on the mechanical response of 3D printed materials for ultra-light weight applications.
With extensive experience in computer-aided design (CAD), materials utilization for CNC machining and 3D printing applications, Dr. Bamiduro has played a vital role in advancing mechanical testing and the development of innovative materials for engineering applications. His research has been featured in several peer-reviewed journals, contributing valuable insights to the fields of mechanical engineering and materials science.
While in graduate school, Dr. Bamiduro focused thin film technology that was used to design, fabricate and test semiconductors for photovoltaic (solar energy) applications. He also served as a Research Associate at the Center for Materials Research in Norfolk, Virginia, where he contributed to numerous projects in the field of thin-film deposition and composite materials.
After earning his doctoral degree, Dr. Bamiduro has held several prestigious positions, including Postdoctoral Fellow and Visiting Scholar at Howard University’s Mechanical Engineering Applied Mechanics and Materials Research Laboratory (AMMRL). His role at the Applied Mechanics and Materials Laboratory included materials testing and characterization for advanced materials. This exposure led Dr. Bamiduro to continue his professional experience in research with the Vehicle Technology Directorate division of the US Army Research Laboratory at Aberdeen, Maryland, focusing on assessing the effect of anisotropy on the mechanical response of 3D printed materials for ultra-light weight applications.
With extensive experience in computer-aided design (CAD), materials utilization for CNC machining and 3D printing applications, Dr. Bamiduro has played a vital role in advancing mechanical testing and the development of innovative materials for engineering applications. His research has been featured in several peer-reviewed journals, contributing valuable insights to the fields of mechanical engineering and materials science.
Carmen Fox
AVP/Retail Sales & Service Manager
AmeriServ Financial
Carmen Fox is a lifelong resident of Washington County, MD, attending Cascade Elementary and Smithsburg Middle School and High School. She’s been married to her high school sweet heart, Mark, for 33 years and has one daughter, Kaylee, an Operating Room Registered Nurse who is her pride and joy.
After studying Business Management at Hagerstown Community College, she embarked on a career in banking in 1987, starting at Chevy Chase Bank in Hagerstown. Over the years, she advanced her career through various roles, eventually becoming a Branch Manager and Assistant Vice President. She currently serves in the same capacity at AmeriServ Bank in Hagerstown.
Personally, she is deeply committed to and passionate about community service. As a volunteer ambassador for the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, she helps new members get oriented and stay involved in numerous networking and outreach initiatives. She also teaches financial literacy and remain as active as possible in the local community networking groups. Additionally, she loves spending time outdoors with her family, boating, kayaking, camping, and walking. She is a proud pet lover, sharing her home with both her dog and cat.
After studying Business Management at Hagerstown Community College, she embarked on a career in banking in 1987, starting at Chevy Chase Bank in Hagerstown. Over the years, she advanced her career through various roles, eventually becoming a Branch Manager and Assistant Vice President. She currently serves in the same capacity at AmeriServ Bank in Hagerstown.
Personally, she is deeply committed to and passionate about community service. As a volunteer ambassador for the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, she helps new members get oriented and stay involved in numerous networking and outreach initiatives. She also teaches financial literacy and remain as active as possible in the local community networking groups. Additionally, she loves spending time outdoors with her family, boating, kayaking, camping, and walking. She is a proud pet lover, sharing her home with both her dog and cat.
Paul Frey
CEO, Washington County Chamber of Commerce
Paul Frey, IOM, joined the Washington County (Md.) Chamber of Commerce as President and CEO in September 2014. Paul previously worked for the Frederick County Chamber (Md.) of Commerce for four years, first as Vice President and then as Acting President. After graduating college in 1983, Paul worked for 20 years operating Roy Rogers Restaurants for The Plamondon Companies, an entity specializing in the hospitality industry. In 2001, Paul founded Clear Path Organization Consulting, a management consulting firm specializing in helping organizations get results. Paul assisted businesses, community organizations, and nonprofit entities in getting results through innovation and accountability. Paul also worked in the franchising field, helping a number of organizations franchise their respective business models. Paul earned his BS degree from Towson University, his MBA from Mount Saint Mary’s University, and his MS in Organization Development from The Johns Hopkins University. He graduated from the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organizational Management in 2015. In 2018, Paul was recognized as Chamber Executive of the Year by the Maryland Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE).
Paul was born in Eugene, Oregon, attended kindergarten in Berlin, Germany, and was raised in Frederick, Maryland. Paul has been married to his wife, Laurie, for 39 years. They reside in Smithsburg, Md., and have three married daughters and seven grandchildren.
Paul was born in Eugene, Oregon, attended kindergarten in Berlin, Germany, and was raised in Frederick, Maryland. Paul has been married to his wife, Laurie, for 39 years. They reside in Smithsburg, Md., and have three married daughters and seven grandchildren.
Herb Melrath
Business Consultant,
Maryland SBDC, Washington County
Herb joined the Maryland Small Business Development Center as a Business Consultant after running a successful coffee business for 13 years. As part of that success, he enjoyed helping other business owners get started, market, and grow their businesses. Before the coffee business, he worked 20 years in the in-vitro diagnostic industry in various roles from Quality Assurance to Manager of Product Development. Herb has worked with multiple non-profits and organizations in the community. Herb is passionate about helping small businesses succeed and assisting entrepreneurs with bringing their ideas to fruition
Richard A. Roberts
Business Coach
Buying, Selling, Merging Companies
Richard Roberts graduated from what is now VCU with a Business degree. After working for AT&T, he became Executive Director of the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors of Virginia and the Pennsylvania Plumbing Contractors Association where he lobbied for public health laws and taught business procedures to contractors. He moved to Hagerstown to work for Home Construction Corporation, building and selling new homes. Richard started a metal-working business, and sold it to Gulf+Western, Inc. a conglomerate with a factory in Philadelphia. Shortly, when G+W Corporate closed that division, he bought half of the Philadelphia division from G+W. He started a business in Ohio, He closed that and moved to Chicago to assist a friend in buying Reliance Tool and Mfg. Co., a larger metal-working company. He worked there as Director of Corporate Development for 25 years, buying and selling several companies, and pieces of companies. In total he has been involved in over 20 transactions involving starting, buying, merging and selling companies, or parts of companies. In his spare time he writes non-fiction stories.
Timothy Shanklin
Vice President, Sales & Leasing
Tyler Duncan Realty Partners
Tyler Duncan Realty Partners
Tim has rejoined Tyler Duncan Realty Partners specializing in commercial sales and
leasing, with a special focus on tenant representation. Having previously served as Vice President of Commercial Real Estate at Tyler, Tim brings over 30 years of commercial real estate experience to the team, from local and national brokerages such as MacKenzie
Commercial Real Estate, Berkshire Hathaway Bowen Realty Commercial Division, Corridor
Resnick Commercial Real Estate, Scheer Partners, and industry giant Transwestern Commercial Services. Tim is a native of Baltimore having attended Loyola Blakefield and the University of Maryland College Park obtaining a B.S and a M.S. in a biological, life science discipline. During that time, Tim was inducted into three national Bioscience scholastic honor societies. During that time earning the M.S. degree, and in the immediate years thereafter, Tim taught multiple courses at University of Maryland University College, University of Maryland Institute of Applied Agriculture as well as Howard County Community College. Tim is extremely familiar with tenant improvement and base building costs, lease negotiations and financial analysis on leases and investment properties and is currently representing many tenants in negotiating for a wide variety of tenant uses including office, warehouse and biotech lab facilities.
leasing, with a special focus on tenant representation. Having previously served as Vice President of Commercial Real Estate at Tyler, Tim brings over 30 years of commercial real estate experience to the team, from local and national brokerages such as MacKenzie
Commercial Real Estate, Berkshire Hathaway Bowen Realty Commercial Division, Corridor
Resnick Commercial Real Estate, Scheer Partners, and industry giant Transwestern Commercial Services. Tim is a native of Baltimore having attended Loyola Blakefield and the University of Maryland College Park obtaining a B.S and a M.S. in a biological, life science discipline. During that time, Tim was inducted into three national Bioscience scholastic honor societies. During that time earning the M.S. degree, and in the immediate years thereafter, Tim taught multiple courses at University of Maryland University College, University of Maryland Institute of Applied Agriculture as well as Howard County Community College. Tim is extremely familiar with tenant improvement and base building costs, lease negotiations and financial analysis on leases and investment properties and is currently representing many tenants in negotiating for a wide variety of tenant uses including office, warehouse and biotech lab facilities.
Jen Ward
Fractional CFO
Assigned Financial Solutions
Jen Ward is the founder of Assigned Financial Solutions a virtual firm offering bookkeeping and fractional CFO services for Small Business CEO's.
Jen has lived in Washington County her life and is excited to help the community of local entrepreneurs and business owners understand and use their numbers.
Jen has lived in Washington County her life and is excited to help the community of local entrepreneurs and business owners understand and use their numbers.
Jennifer Gardner
Jennifer is originally from Baltimore, Maryland, and relocated to Hagerstown in 1990. She is a graduate of St. Maria Goretti High School. Jennifer began her college studies at Hagerstown Community College before transferring to Salisbury University, where she earned two degrees.
In 2000, she received a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts with a minor in Business Communication. She later returned to Salisbury and, in 2007, earned a second degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Anthropology, History, and Geography. Between her academic pursuits, Jennifer worked in the mortgage industry from 2001 to 2005, holding positions at both Chase Home Finance and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.
She continued her education at Louisiana State University, where she pursued a Master’s degree in Anthropology with a concentration in Underwater Prehistoric Archaeology. While at LSU, Jennifer was awarded a Research Assistantship funded by the Department of Minerals Management Service to study potential prehistoric sites along the Gulf of Mexico's continental shelf using geophysical methods.
For the past 11 years, Jennifer has owned and operated Platinum Paws Pet Services, a professional pet care business serving Washington County, MD, and Greencastle, PA. Originally established as Jennifer’s Elite Pet Sitting, the business was rebranded in 2019 to better reflect its growth and professional service offerings. Today, Platinum Paws employs a team of 10 and continues to provide trusted care to pets and peace of mind to their owners.
In 2000, she received a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts with a minor in Business Communication. She later returned to Salisbury and, in 2007, earned a second degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Anthropology, History, and Geography. Between her academic pursuits, Jennifer worked in the mortgage industry from 2001 to 2005, holding positions at both Chase Home Finance and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.
She continued her education at Louisiana State University, where she pursued a Master’s degree in Anthropology with a concentration in Underwater Prehistoric Archaeology. While at LSU, Jennifer was awarded a Research Assistantship funded by the Department of Minerals Management Service to study potential prehistoric sites along the Gulf of Mexico's continental shelf using geophysical methods.
For the past 11 years, Jennifer has owned and operated Platinum Paws Pet Services, a professional pet care business serving Washington County, MD, and Greencastle, PA. Originally established as Jennifer’s Elite Pet Sitting, the business was rebranded in 2019 to better reflect its growth and professional service offerings. Today, Platinum Paws employs a team of 10 and continues to provide trusted care to pets and peace of mind to their owners.
Allen Holman
Allen brings over 20 years’ experience in the field of information technology, with specific expertise in application development, information security, operational management, and strategic planning. He uses his technology acumen to drive innovation and ensure systems are scalable, reliable, flexible and secure. Additionally, his deep understanding of compliance, information security systems, payments, administrative systems, and client support services enable continuous operations improvement and business transformation.
An active participant in community efforts, Allen is a board member and Secretary/Treasurer of Historic City Park in Hagerstown, Maryland.
An active participant in community efforts, Allen is a board member and Secretary/Treasurer of Historic City Park in Hagerstown, Maryland.
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