Fierce 2015

The 2015 Fierce Award Winners

 

Jessica McKinney

 

Jessica McKinney 

VP of Operations, Crime Prevention Security Systems 

Jessica McKinney graduated from the University of Central Florida with her degree in Business Management in 2005. Immediately after graduating, she returned to Gainesville and began working at her family’s business, Crime Prevention Security Systems. She currently serves as Vice President of Operations, overseeing the opreations in the corporate office in Gainesville, two central stations, and a branch office in Orlando. Jessica serves on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County. Jessica lives in Gainesville with her husband Patrick and their one-year-old son Brice.

“Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better.” – Bill Bradley

 

Stephanie Gordon

 

Stephanie Gordon 

Founder/CEO, Psych’d Marketing 

Stephanie Gordon is the founder and CEO of Psych’d Marketing, a boutique marketing firm based in Gainesville, Florida. She holds degrees in both psychology and business from the University of Florida. Psych’d offers full service, concierge marketing solutions for small to medium sized businesses. Stephanie prides herself on connecting phenomenal businesses with the people who need them.

 

Heidi Jones

 

Heidi Jones 

Co-Owner, Continental Imports 

Heidi was born in Gainesville, Florida to German parents. Growing up, she went to Germany annually to visit with her parent’s family. At the age of 15, Heidi began working at Continental Imports. She was blessed to have her father walk her down the aisle to her husband Darren Jones in April 2006. Months after, she experienced a life changing event when her father passed away from a quick battle with cancer. In August 2014, she and her husband (Darren Jones) bought ownership into Continental Imports with their partners (Heidi’s mother) Hannelore Bodendorf.

 

Michele Brewer

 

Michele Brewer, Co-owner

Adam’s Rib Co.

For ten years, Michele has worked with her husband Adam to grow Adam’s Rib Co. Michele and Adam make sure that their company is community and people focused. The growth of Adam’s can be attributed to their emphasis on relationship-building.

 

Grace Horvath

 

Grace Horvath, Vice President of Services

CPAmerica International

Grace has specialized in marketing, business development, and program & services development and implementation in a diverse variety of industries. She is dedicated to service and making a difference at home and abroad through her affiliation with Rotary and other charitable organizations. As Vice President of Services at CPAmerica International, Inc., a national not-for-profit trade association serving independent CPA firms, Grace directs all aspects of service provided to member firms including educational and networking events, firm marketing and business development tools, and resources designed to increase firm growth, profitability and sustainability.

 

Dr. Nicole Mullally

 

Dr. Nicole Mullally, Owner and Orthodontist

Studio32 Orthodontics

Dr. Nicole Mullally is the owner and orthodontist at Studio32 Orthodontics. Dr. Mullally was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida.  After completing her undergraduate studies in Biology at Vanderbilt University, she spent time living abroad in England. She returned to academics at the University of Florida receiving her Masters in Medical Sciences and then her Doctorate in Dental Medicine.  She was honored with the Alpha Omega Award for the highest academic standing in Dental School.  In addition to growing her practice, Dr. Mullally is vested in the Gainesville community. She is actively involved with several charitable organizations and sponsors numerous events throughout the year.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”  ― Maya Angelou

 

Carissa Miller

 

Carissa Miller, Owner

Pure Aesthetics

Carissa Miller has more than seven years of experience in the dermatology field. As a licensed aesthetician, certified electrologist and CoolSculpting technician, Carissa is passionate about caring for people so they feel and look their best in their own skin. Her goal is making clients feel pampered in a safe environment while providing ultimate results every time.

“If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.” –  Lowell Lundstrom

 

Linda Bennett

 

Linda Bennett, president/founder

Sun Country Sports Center

With the help of her two children, the encouragement of her husband, and the mentorship of experts with the USA Olympic Gymnastics program, Sun Country Sports Center opened in 1987.  For the 28 years that they have been in business, she learned that dedication, long hours, risk-taking, learning from mistakes, being open to the advice of others, developing strong staff, and relying on your own business intuition are the keys to success.

 “You don’t build a business–you build people—and then people build the business.”

 

June Porter Allen

 

June Porter Allen, Vice President

Allen Enterprises

Mrs. Allen has over twenty-five years in Real Estate sales, management and construction design experience. She is probably best known as one of the operating partners of Embers Wood Grill and Spark. She has been on numerous community boards including the American Heart Association, University of Florida Performing Arts. She has over twenty years in the Junior League both with the Associations of Junior Leagues International and with the Junior League of Gainesville, where she served as President.

 

Stacy Lang

 

Stacy Lang

Lang Jewelers

Stacy is a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in public relations. She left her career with Alltel Mobile in 1998 to work full time in the jewelry business with her husband, Matthew Lang. Together they grew the business from a repair shop into the premier full service jewelry store, Lang Jewelers, located in the Tioga Town Center. She is involved in many organizations including United Way, Meridian Health Service and Junior League. Stacy and Matt have a 12-year-old daughter.

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Harold R. McAlindon

Fierce List Party

Business In the Heart of Florida Magazine hosted the “Fierce List” Party to unveil the June issue at Saboré on Tuesday, June 3, 2015. Attendees mingled and enjoyed tasty hors d’oeuvres as they admired the latest issue. Publisher Scott Costello said a few words calling attention to his team and thanking them for their vision and hard work. You can find the photos of the event here.