Minutes 12/01/09
In Attendance:
Gloria Huss
Nancy Bond O'Neal
Shanna Rockenbach
Michelle Gomez
Ashley Andrews
Julie Gentile
Jennifer Stone
Jen Havens
Sarah Eagle
Lauren Cepeda
Donna Baker
Charlyn Quiec
Purpose: Referrals
Time: 4:45 last Tuesday of each month (may change to 5pm--TBA)
Speakers: 2 speakers, 5 minutes each
Our start: Breakfast Club
FBPN meaning: Foothill Business Professionals Network
re: women only group: Ashley Andrews to speak w/Lorraine Grindstaff. Follow up lunch with FBPN Founders.
Roster of members: Once member applications approved, a roster will be generated by the Membership (Adela) and
Communication (Michelle) founding members.
Review of rules/policies
Speakers:
Donna Baker--
A Monrovian since 1987
Met her husband of almost 25 years in a quit smoking class 30 years ago.
From millionaire to jobless at 50 years of age
With her home preservation experience, Baker was sure to succeed at real estate.
Her first year (2001), she was #11 in SGV
Since then, #1
Shopping cart ad cost: was supposed to be $12,000...she got them for $3,000
Why is she successful? "I love what I do. I'm really good at it. I have an enthusiastic vibe."
The current market according to Baker:
2007: $35 Million--her best year ever.
2008: 60% less
2009: Short sales proved successful for Baker, prices down to a normal level.
What sets Baker apart from other realtors?
Her corporate background running businesses for presidents and VP's of companies.
She sees the importance of marketing, the internet, and how they relate to eachother. "The internet changed everything."
She's smart and has a positive attitude.
She has sold properties from Rancho to Glendale, Whittier, Newhall, Upland, and many other areas.
Her mottos:
"A dollar is a dollar--from mobile homes to mansions."
"Character Always Counts"
Adela Gastelum--not in attendance due to car accident
Next meeting: Tuesday, January 26th, 4:45pm-6:00pm at the Community Center
Speakers: Jennifer Stone (Imprintability) & Julie Gentile (Gentile, McCloskey, & Co.)
Applications handed out:
Shanna Rockenbach
Nancy Bond O'Neal
Charlyn Quiec
Opportunities announced:
B & H Sign Co.--Commission Sales
Dickson Podley--Office Administration
Gentile, McCloskey, & Co.--$10-$20/hr depending on experience level (looking for someone who is smart, detail
oriented, and knows Excel)
Nancy Bond Insurance Group--Insurance Partner
Lauren Cepeda--Temp. Personal Assistant
Foothill Business Professionals Network
Founders: Donna Baker, Jennifer Stone, Julie Gentile, Jen Havens, Adela Gastelum, Michelle Gomez
FBPN Facebook Page
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Minutes 1/26/10
In Attendance:
Donna Baker
Linda Taubenreuther
Lauren Cepeda
Shanna Rockenbach
Adela Gastelum
Julie Gentile
Jennifer Stone
Gloria Huss
Jen Havens
Purpose: Referrals
Time: 4:45 last Tuesday of each month (may change to 5pm--TBA)
Speakers: 2 speakers, 5 minutes each
Our start: Breakfast Club
FBPN meaning: Foothill Business Professionals Network
Re: women only group: Ashley Andrews to speak w/Lorraine Grindstaff. Follow up lunch with FBPN Founders.
Conclusion: Okay for women only group as long as there are no "announcements" about the women only part.
Roster of members: Once member applications approved, a roster will be generated by the Membership (Adela) and
Communication (Michelle) founding members.
Review of rules/policies
Speakers:
Jennifer Stone of Imprintability--
What is Imprintability?: Just about any promotional items people need for just about any reason, including screen
printing, banners, etc.
Slogan: "You can't be everywhere, but your logo can"
Before Imprintability: Staples for 13 years @70 hours/week
Completely broke down helping a customer with a computer mouse.
Jennifer had seen some really great promotional products and screen printing equipment at the LA County Fair.
She attended a seminar and purchased the equipment the next day. Started 2 weeks later...the birth of Imprintability
(4.5 years ago)
Jennifer loves what she's doing, loves meeting new people, is very involved in the Chamber of Commerce of Monrovia.
She joined the Chamber shortly after taking her taxes to Julie Gentile of Gentile, McCloskey & Co. She has been a
member for 4 years.
During her transition from Staples to Imprintability, she had the support of family & friends.
Imprintability is run from Jennifer's home office. She has chosen not to have a store front because she would be locked
into being there...she prefers and loves the personal touch of delivering every promotional product herself. It adds value
to working with her and is convenient for her clients.
What sets Jennifer apart?: Her upbeat personality and she is mobile. Delivering a personal touch to every order.
Questions from group:
Do you ever feel you need an assistant? Yes, down the road, I foresee growth and will revisit the possibility of hiring an
assistant.
What's the typical client profile?: There really is no typical client. I have a variety of businesses and individuals that I
work with.
What's your most unusual promotional product?: Imprinted walnuts.
The retractable banner always gets comments...behind her as she's speaking.
Closed with her slogan and everyone joined in saying the second half.
Julie Gentile-Soldo of Gentile, McCloskey & Co.--
Her start: Julie was in high school (grew up in Orange County) wishing she didn't have to go to school anymore. At 15
years old, she had three jobs: worked for an Insurance Broker, an Accountant, and at the Sears key kiosk. She had
planned to go to medical school to become a doctor.
At 16 yrs. old, Julie was answering phones for a CPA and did her first tax return after 2 wks. on the job. She started
doing bank deposits for the CPA one month after starting the job.
She liked what she was doing so much, she decided to become a CPA vs. a doctor.
Julie got her GED in 8th grade and high school was simply a social event for her.
While she attended college at Cal State Long Beach, she worked for a Typesetting Co.
She was working at KPMG and was recruited by PacifiCare Health Systems, then started teaching at Cal State Long
Beach.
Julie had her Master's Degree in Tax and went back for her PhD
Patrick McCloskey & Julie were college friends and he had moved away for a time. When he moved back, Julie and
Pat ran the business out of Julie's house. They then found the office at 324 Foothill, shared one computer, and mailed
out thousands of postcards. 85 people responded.
During their 6th tax season, they purchased an accounting practice. They now have approx. 750 clients.
What sets Julie apart?: She is personable, making her anything but the typical CPA. Julie puts the fun in accounting.
Questions from group:
Volume produced: About 350 individual tax returns filed last year
Typical client: Mostly small business vs. large companies
What does she do?: Gentile McCloskey & Co. does full service accounting & book keeping.
When reviewing taxes, do you do any advising?: I try to help people make better financial decisions...but, only if they
ask.
Next meeting: Tuesday, February 23rd, 4:45pm-6:00pm at the Community Center
Speakers: Jen Havens (Two Dogs Petsitting) & Michelle Gomez (Butterflies & Bees)
Applications handed out:
Adela will email one to Lauren Cepeda
Opportunities announced:
Relay For Life of Monrovia--Team cost is $100, event is June 5-6, 2010, ask Jen Havens for details