SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE - Key Persons
Alan is an MBA graduate of Mount Saint Mary's University and former Executive Vice President of Marketing and International Sales for Elite Sportswear, LP, the world's leading producer and marketer of gymnastics apparel. Under his strategic leadership from 2001-2011, Elite's marketing and sales team achieved several gymnastics industry firsts, including the industry's first online custom garment configurator, first international multi-currency/multilingual B2B/B2C website, and a top 2% national ranking in website marketing effectiveness.
Job Titles:
- Chief Information Officer
Chris brings over 20 years of business and educational experience developing programs and events for youth and adults. In 1995, Chris left the recreation and family entertainment businesses to hone his skills in the computer industry. While working for a fortune 500 company Chris gained valuable experience in web and database development and design. During this time and the years to follow Chris stretched his entrepreneurial muscles in several joint and personal ventures including real estate and event planning, owning the Creative Kids Discovery School and Reading Construction Company, co-owning the Binding Family Heritage (a web-based publishing company) and others that gave him great insight to the world of business.
For over 15 years Chris has been active in supporting youth development and leadership as a coach for his local High School track team, and as a Boy Scout of America troop adult leader. With a little over 20 years of experience in starting and operating small business companies, Chris now shares his recreational and educational knowledge to help mentor and coach other business owners, executives and entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams.
Gary applies over 50 years of business experience to helping companies increase profitability and achieve their growth potential. He's a master at strategic planning, project management, and company turn-arounds and has successfully founded, built, grown, and sold two multi-million dollar international enterprises.
Gary teaches entrepreneurship and business success at conferences and conventions worldwide; has appeared on numerous TV Shows, CNBC, Turner Cable Network and PM Magazine, and has also authored numerous business management and entrepreneurial articles which have been published in such magazines and newspapers as People, The New York Times, Entrepreneur, Fitness Management, Sports Inc., CBI, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The San Francisco Chronicle and others. In 1993 and 1994 Gary was a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Competition, and in 1994 he won the Berks County Small Business of the Year Award.
Justin has been named a Top 8 Podcaster to watch in 2018 by INC.com and chosen as an ‘Icon of Influence' in the new media space. He also produces The SBRA Show, a podcast featuring interviews with SBRA members. Justin also hosts the popular annual Growth Now Movement event, bringing top talent to Reading, PA each year.
Kyra has been working in marketing and communications for over 10 years, and has a background in operations and training. She loves crafting campaigns and experiences that move ideas forward.
Job Titles:
- Director of Member Services
Laura worked alongside her husband Gary to create, develop and manage several personally-owned businesses, as well as being hired by outside companies to start up and reorganize existing business offices. Her strengths include office setup, organization and operations, and staffing and training. Laura has been involved in a variety of industries including fitness, education, recreation, nonprofit, and medical.
Mark is a results-driven marketing and business development professional with a unique blend of expertise in marketing planning, advertising, public relations, social media marketing and sales, overlapping traditional and online marketing solutions to delivering results.
With almost 40 years experience as a formally trained fine and commercial design artist and media strategist. Mitch is also highly skilled in web programing, developing not just websites, but also business training and educational systems. Throughout his career Mitch has helped new and existing businesses create and deploy successful marketing campaigns and strategies.
Terri works with business professionals who feel "stuck". She guides them through a curriculum providing them with tools to be used now and in the future for creating their best life . By increasing their awareness and propelling them to action, they are able to achieve the goals they desire.