Meet a Mentor, April 13

When you’re looking to grow professionally and personally, but don’t know where to start –
start here.

April 13 | 8:30-10:00 am
InUnison | 5101 Monument Avenue

At this event, you’ll meet experienced Richmond business owners who will be there to answer questions and point you in the right direction. In a speed-dating-like format – you’ll get to grab time with them all!

Register Now:

No cost for Basic & Premium InUnison members. Upgrade here.

Valuable Lessons I’ve Learned – Catherine Cary, President of Bremo Pharmacies

10 Ways to Be an Amazing Mentor

4 Types Of Questions To Ask A Mentor

Meet the Mentors

Sarah Nicholas
Owner of Ladles & Linens Kitchen Shoppe

Accounting & Finance
Human Resources
Management
Marketing
Operations
Sales
Starting Up
Technology

Additional Strengths: I also have a background in integrative health coaching that really translates well into the business world. I especially like to focus on personal health of the small business owner. You can’t do your best if you are taking care of yourself. We often fall into that trap!

My First Job Was
My first job was waiting tables at this small French restaurant in Harrisonburg VA. I loved it because I love food and especially French food. It taught me so many things and, strangely enough, one of my most memorable takeaways is how to open a bottle of wine table-side with just a corkscrew! (it’s harder than you think with everyone staring at you!)

Valuable Lessons I’ve Learned
Always dream big, work harder, continue to evolve, and take care of your people.

Best Advice I’ve Received
When deciding to make a major career change to owning a small business, I was listening to a man named Bobby Griggs speak at a conference. He said, “what would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? Do that!” That is what I did, left the FBI for a new career!

Get to Know Sarah
Steve Rosser
President of Gelati Celesti Ice Cream

Accounting & Finance
Human Resources
Management
Marketing
Operations
Sales
Starting Up
Technology

Additional Strengths: Strategic planning, Business Plan Development, retail site selection, leadership, company culture development

My First Job Was
While I did yardwork for neighbors at an early age, my first “real” job was making pizzas at Pizza Hut. I loved that job; this was a long time ago and the brand was the hot thing in Richmond and we were always busy! Great boss, great team efforts although I smelled like onions when I went home at night!

Best Advice I’ve Received
Take the time to get to know the people around you. Build trust and the team will outperform an individual any day of the week!

Valuable Lessons I’ve Learned
Treat everyone well, and focus on the task/job at hand before worrying about the next job coming down the road. A positive attitude will always carry you through tough challenges.

Get to Know Steve
Pat Heaney
Co-Owner of Mango Salon

Accounting & Finance
Human Resources
Management
Marketing
Operations
Sales
Starting Up
Technology

Additional Strengths: strategic planning for small businesses, including planning and opening

My First Job Was
My first job at age 17 was unloading grocery trucks at a small IGA grocery store in my hometown in Deer Lodge, Montana. I learned the discipline of working hard and being responsible. As I gained more experience, I became a grocery clerk responsible for stocking shelves and checking out customers at the cash register checkout.

Valuable Lessons I’ve Learned
My first critical lesson was how to be more productive when stocking fresh eggs in the dairy case. This was my first job and I initially didn’t connect with productivity in how to restock the egg case. The store was really busy and I got behind with this task. The owner/manager saw how slow I was and took me aside and showed me how to stock eggs faster to improve my productivity. He didn’t embarrass me. He demonstrated the faster way and then observed me patiently. He mentioned that in the summer he would need me to work more hours If I wanted (to me this was a great incentive). The lesson I learned from my first boss: “teach young people the right methods by showing them, then observing, and finally offering them encouragement?.” I worked much harder for my boss from that day forward.

Best Advice I’ve Received
Learned to treat co-workers with respect. My first mentor always encouraged me. He never criticized me when I made mistakes. He would stop and show me the right way and praised me when I did things right.

Get to Know Pat
Kevin Reardon
President of Franco’s Fine Clothier

Accounting & Finance
Human Resources
Management
Marketing
Operations
Sales
Starting Up
Technology

My First Job Was
At 12 years oldie first paying job was delivery Richmond New Leader and then The Richmond Times Dispatch. I did this until graduating high school. It was a great lesson in interacting with customers. Also, I worked at Best Products for an year in high school loading trucks at the distribution center in Ashland. That job ws a good lesson in working with others as a team.

Valuable Lessons I’ve Learned
When dealing with people/customers, it is best to listen more and talk less. When listening to customers you are able to offer a better opinion as to what service or product you have that will best suit their needs.

Best Advice I’ve Received
Do not sell something just to sell it, the product has to be right for the customer.

Additional Skills
Customer Relations

Get to Know Kevin
Dorothye Brodersen
CFO of Infotel Systems

Accounting & Finance
Human Resources
Management
Marketing
Operations
Sales
Starting Up
Technology

Additional Strengths: telecommunications, business operations

My First Job Was:
I worked in my father’s real estate office, answering phones, typing up contracts, and researching deeds when I was in high school. Then, I got my real estate license and sold houses in the summers during college.

Valuable Lessons I’ve learned:
Working in a family business, I really understood the value of hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice. I also learned how my father earned respect from his employees and try to do the same in our family business. Our daughter works for us now and I hope that I provide as inspiring a role model to her as my father did to me.

Best Advice I’ve Received:
The most impactful message came from my husband and business partner: “Don’t say no”. He reminds me that I should always ask questions before responding and ponder ways to make things work instead of finding ways the idea won’t work.

Get to Know Dorothye
Nancy Thomas
President of InUnison

Accounting & Finance
Human Resources
Management
Marketing
Operations
Sales
Starting Up
Technology

Additional Strengths: Strategic planning, people management, small business operations, building team culture, and creating a culture and environment that shows collogues you care.

My First Job Was
At 12 years old, delivered papers and cleaned houses. I did use the rolled-up newspapers to swat at dogs that were ready to bite me.

Valuable Lessons I’ve Learned
To give people the benefit of the doubt, and to be open, honest, and direct in my communication but do it with respect and kindness.

Best Advice I’ve Received
I have two that are important to me, It’s ok to show your vulnerability and be sure to feel purpose in your work and not just show up every day.

Interests
Taking long bike rides, finding great rocks

Get to Know Nancy
Stephen Story
President of James River Transportation

Accounting & Finance
Human Resources
Management
Marketing
Operations
Sales
Starting Up
Technology

Additional Strengths: Training System, Human Resource Management, Revenue Forecasting, Marketing Plan Development, Sales Process, and our organization is a leader in fleet management and safety.

Valuable Lessons I’ve Learned
Creating a positive company culture and integrity at all costs.

My First Job Was
I have worked for only one company in my life. Our family business, James River Transportation offered an opportunity and if fit me. I was fortunate that I worked in all departments of the company and my supervisors were not family members.

Best Advice I’ve Received
There is so much creative talent in the World and many of us do not take advantage of it. Get involved with as many groups as possible and do not be shy about asking for opinions.

Get to Know Stephen