Women in business 2014

halfmoonbayreviewnwednesday,october22,2014 7A

(831) 628-3354 [email protected] Panoche Rd, Paicines CA 95043

Monica HardemanPresident & Founder, Equine Rescue Center & Sanctuary

““I worked at Friendly Acres, Half Moon Bay as a trail guide/wrangler/stall mucker.I always wanted to care for horses, I followed my dream! I rehab, adopt and retrain horses that are headed for slaughter.”

Since 2009

(650) 560-9471 coastsidepediatrics.com255 Main Street, Half Moon Bay

Maureen Barton, OTR/LDirector of Occupational Therapy Department,Coastside Pediatric Therapy Center

““My fi rst job was a ‘barker’ at an amusement park. Since I was very shy, this job helped me improve my ability to interact socially.”

Since 1997

(650) 560-9131 [email protected] 643 Main Street, Half Moon Bay

Kathleen Bristol Owner/designer, Personal FX

““I took a job in an ice creamery on the EastCoast. It was my fi rst experience dealing directly with the public. I actually lost wait that summer running from ice cream tin to ice cream tin. But, I learned the power of making people happy. A customers smile and their pleasure is still my best retail therapy.”

Since 1994

PERSONAL

FX

Since 1996

(650) 726-8380 [email protected] Main Street, Half Moon Bay

Charise Hale McHugh President/CEO, Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber of Commerce& Visitors’ Bureau

““I was a roving teller the summer after graduating high school for Bank of America. Every week I would go to a different branch in the county to fi ll in for someone on vacation. I wouldn’t know anyone and found the quickest way to make friends was to ask questions about them. That knowledge has served me well ever since.”

(650) 288-7993 www.californiagirlcatering.com

Lori HofmannOwner/Chef, California Girl Catering

““I worked for Johnny Evan when I was 13 at Original Johnny’s. John, Fiorina, Steve and Ilva taught me 3 things that infl uence me to this day...Care about people. Love what you do. Be fair to your employees. To this day I’ve employed these 3 ideas, just as the Evan Family did. They always made you feel welcomed.”

California Girl CateringSince 1985

(650) 712-1299 [email protected]

Ara CroceReal Estate BrokerBRE #00483961

““My fi rst job was Christmas gift wrapping. I learned, with the right tools and the assistance of partners, jobs are easier and more enjoyable. I carry that with me today; a good team and the right resources allow me to do a better job providing quality service for my clients and enjoying it along the way.”

INTERO Real Estate Services Since 1974

(650) 728-2739 [email protected] 390 Capistrano Road, Half Moon Bay

Christine Mendonca Owner, Half Moon Bay Brewing Co.

““My fi rst job was at a family owned donut shop in Turlock. It was a small town like Half Moon Bay and I knew all of our customers by name. I learned the importance of hard work and responsibility. The owners didn’t employ a lot of people so it was important to be at work and on time.”

Since 2000

(650) 570-5039 [email protected] N. El Camino Real, San Mateo

Diane O’NeillManager, Immediate Care

““My fi rst job was at Kentucky Fried Chicken. To this day, I can still remember what pieces of chicken went into a bucket and a barrel. I learned that by providing good customer service, being a team player and taking pride in what you are doing, goals can be accomplished.”

Since 1997

650-726-7665swimlpb.com, [email protected] Main St., Half Moon Bay

Irene MadridOwner/Shareholder of La Petite Baleen

““My family bought a motel business in Reno, NV when I was 11 years old. That Summer, to help my family, I pushed a maid’s cart to 15 rooms every day and cleaned them, all for $5.00 a week. I helped my family and I was proud that I could do such a good job of cleaning the rooms.”

Since 1978

(650) 726-2900 [email protected] D Purissima Street, Half Moon Bay

Lisa MandelbaumOwner/Acupuncturist, Coastside Healing Arts

““My fi rst job was as a nanny to four-year-old twins and a bear-like black dog. I learned to think on my feet as both kids and dog kept me running and cleaning. I learned that parenting requires patience and fortitude; it is the hardest job in the world. I learned that children always have something to teach us.”

Coastside Healing ArtsSince 2007

National Business Women’s Week is an 86-year-old tradition that began as a celebration of a trend — more and more women were leaving home and venturing into the business world. Today, of course, women are no longer an anomaly in the boardrooms, factories and offices of the nation. They are pillars of nearly every

business you can name. But even though the business climate for women has

dramatically improved since 1928, there are still disparities in the workplace

that need highlighting. We tip our hat to these women leaders. Learn more at the Business and Professional Women’s

Foundation at bpwfoundation.org

WomenCelebrating

October 20-24 is the 86th annual National Business Women’s Week

Congratulate these local business women on helping to shape our community.

We asked participants to share with the community their answers

to the following question:

What was the first job you ever

had and what did you learn

from it?

Businessin

“To honor the contributions of working women and employers who support working women

and their families.”

8A halfmoonbayreviewnwednesday,october22,2014

(650) 726-7345 [email protected] S. Cabrillo Hwy Ste C108, Half Moon Bay

Ginger MinolettiOwner, Bay World Travel & Tours

““The fi rst job I had was working for my father in his brick and building supplies business. I started at age 12 and did his fi ling and answered phones on Saturdays. This was a wonderful way to learn small business from the inside. Dad cracked the whip and I learned early the importance of hard work.”

Since 1980

BAY WORLD TRAVEL

(650) 726-3937 [email protected] N. Cabrillo hwy Suite J, Half Moon Bay

Neda MoshashaOwner, HMB Optometry Family Eye Care

““My fi rst job ever was a receptionist at a law fi rm before I went to college. I learned the value of helping my community with different issues.”

Since 2013Dr. Neda Moshasha

Optometrist

EYE EXAMSCONTACT LENSES

GLASSESSUNGLASSES

650-726-3937www. hmboptometry .com

(650) 712-5015 [email protected] Cabrillo Hwy N, Half Moon Bay

Teresa AdamVice President & Branch Manager

““My fi rst job at the tender age of 18 was working for a bank in San Francisco. I learned quickly that being a banker is the perfect job for me. Here it is 48 years later, and I still feel a sense of accomplishment in assisting customers and businesses to achieve their fi nancial goals. My career has been extremely rewarding.”

Since 1966

(650) 728-8070 [email protected]. Box 1341, Montara

Katheryn WeaverC.E.O. Chief Pooper Scooper

““Right out of high School,I worked in a Book Store.It taught me fl exibility, more responsibility than I wanted at the time and that theretail industry was not mycup of tea.”

Since 1994

(650) 726-1702 www.fi rewoodfarms.comfi [email protected] 551 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay

Caroline OlsenFirewood Farms

““Becoming involved in the reclaimed wood industry has brought light to what being a true green business is all about. Our company takes old quality wood and remanufacturers it to something new. We do our part to stop green waste from entering our land fi lls, fi rewood to fl ooring to table tops all good wood can be loved twice.”

Firewood Farms Since 2014

(650) 726-2359 www.androc.net, [email protected] O Box 1976, El Granada

Mary “Rocky” Law, CFP®

Co-Owner, ANDROC Business Services

““From 8 years old through high school, I worked in my father’s insurance offi ce. I learned self-motivation, perseverance, independence and the 7-day workweek. He taught me accounting, investments and small business management. In 1988, my husband, Andre, and I combined our experience to create ANDROC Business Services, providing Business Consulting, Software Setup/Training, Bookkeeping, Payroll and Tax Preparation on the coast.”

Name of business Since 1988

(650) 726-3821 [email protected] Main Street HMB

Carol Patin-GipeOwner, The Posh Moon

““At 17, I worked in a frozen strawberry plant, picking rotten strawberries off a conveyer belt and scooping the good ones into a large vat with sugar. I learned that I couldn’t stand the monotony and also never to eat processed frozen strawberries! Later jobs taught me that I love style, working with people and being creative: Voila, The Posh Moon.”

The Posh Moon Since 2001

(650) 563-4181 [email protected] 450 Capistrano Rd., Princeton-By-The-Sea

Catherine YaquePartner, Seville Tapas

““I was a high school freshman working in a camera shop. The most important thing I remember was realizing that you can be taught something in the classroom but often don’t really understand it completely or know how to use it until you have to in a real life situation. In my case it was a simple thing called percentages!”

Since 2013

(650) 270-8716 [email protected] N. Cabrillo Hwy., Half Moon Bay

Corina OuttenRealtor, Alain Pinel Realtors

““The art of patience and positive attitude are valuable work ethics I learned from teaching swimming at La Petite Baleen. Showing up with a smile on my face and dedicated composure was of the upmost importance, as I learned that my actions made a profound difference in these kids lives. Great things happen when you put your heart in it.”

Since 2009

(650) 726-2044 [email protected]

Casey Alfred-SampleOwner, Sample This! Fine Catering

““My fi rst catering job was my sister’s wedding in 1977. My friends helped me to create a light & fresh menu based on the foods my sister wanted for her reception. Since then I have learned to create menus for my clients, based on their preferences.”

Sample This! Fine Catering Since 1977

(650) [email protected] San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay

Juliette KuldaRealtor, Keller Williams Realty

““I started working in my parents’ fast-food Italian/pizza restaurants when I was 10. They had me stand on a tomato paste box so I could be high up enough to take food orders/cashier/fi ll orders. Growing up working in the various family businesses taught me how to work hard, how to please customers, & to think quickly in a fast-moving active work environment.”

Since 2003

DRE#01372531

(650) 440-4800 www.empoweredfi t.comdiana@empoweredfi t.com 270 Capistrano Rd. Suite 36, Half Moon Bay

Diana Inglis Owner, Empowered Fitness

““I started babysitting at 13! I learned early on the value of over-delivering! My goal was to be the BEST babysitter in the neighborhood! Parents knew I was responsible, creative and fun and soon trusted me. Very soon I was BUSY! They knew I loved the job, but also that I cleaned the house and did the dishes!”

Since 2011

Successful self-employment

requires self-relianceBusinesswoman: Rocky Law

Business: ANDROC Business Services

Owning your own business can cause your work and private lives to bleed together. Owning your own business with your hus-

band can just flat make you crazy.But ANDROC Business Services has managed to

avoid all the drama. Co-owner Rocky Law says she and husband Andre Franco get along well and that their skills complement one another.

“We still like each other,” she joked.The couple formed the business partnership more

than two decades ago in the wake of the recession of 1987. He had been a banker and worked for a pay-check, but Law had always been self-employed.

“There is a certain personality you have to have when you do this,” she said. “You have to be self-mo-tivated and self-reliant. You have to be secure. You can almost see when it’s not going to work for some-one.”

Part of Androc’s success lies in the division of du-ties. Law credits her husband with an analytical mind. She, on the other hand, concentrates on the business at hand.

“We have our roles,” she said. “I’m the one who keeps everything in line and he’s messy.”

— Clay Lambert

Question: What was the first job you ever had and what did you learn from it?

NationalBusinessWomen’s Week

halfmoonbayreviewnwednesday,october22,2014 9A

(650) 726-4444 www.itsitaliarestaurant.com 401 Main St, Half Moon Bay

Maile del FierroGeneral Manager, Its Italia

““When working with a team to achieve something greater, I believe happiness in the individual is key. It’s critical to maintain good energy throughout, especially in the restaurant industry where we are constantly interacting with guests. When someone is solid on the core level, it allows for the rest to fl ourish.”

Since 2002

(650) [email protected] San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay

Gene Wilkins Realtor, Keller Williams Realty

““My fi rst job was at the age of 10, picking raspberries and blackcurrants during the summer holidays in New Zealand. I was paid by the weight of the fruit I picked, and it was surprising how much I had to pick to reach one pound. I learned the value of hard work and physical labor, and the effort put into the job directly related to the pay.”

Since 2006

DRE#01927572

(650) 726-5575patromalaw.com, [email protected] Mill Street, Half Moon Bay

Patricia RomaAttorney at Law

““My fi rst job was an indigent appeal in the First Appellate District. I was successful in getting the case reversed. The case was certifi ed for publication which only about 2% of all cases are. The case was reversed because it advanced a new theory of law. What I learned was that with grit determination and hard work you can succeed.”

Law Offi ces ofPatricia Roma

Since 1973

(650) 726-2422 www.massagetherapyinmiramar.comMiramar

Roslyn RamseyOwner, Massage Therapy In Miramar

““In 1976, I was a ‘gas Jockey’ at Ken’s Chevron here in Half Moon Bay. We were a full service station and I pumped gas, cleaned windows, changed and repaired fl at tires. Providing excellent customer service was mandatory back then and is the most important aspect of my business. I love working in the community in which I live!”

Since 2000

(650) 712-8889 [email protected] Moon Bay

Kris Beckman Owner, Nature’s GraceFloral Design and Gardening

““At a large fl ower garden on Cape Cod, the owner was reluctant to hire me because I was ‘just a girl.’ She found that I could indeed do the work, with care and mindfulness, and hired only ‘girls’ after that. If you feel there is something you are truly meant to do, don’t let fear get in the way.”

Since 1997

GraceNature’s

(650) 619-6894 [email protected] Box 2846, El Granada, CA 94018

Noreen Cooper HeavlinProfessional Organizer, Sorting Things Out

““My very fi rst job was selling personalized Christmas cards door to door. I was in 5th grade and earned over $90 dollars in commission; a huge amount of money for me at the time. I learned that hard work leads to signifi cant monetary rewards. Creativity, hard work, and honesty are principles I run my business by to thisvery day.”

Since 2004(650) [email protected]

Lauren ShelbyDesigner, Spaces Within Interior Design

““My fi rst paying client was in El Granada. The scope of work was to create comfortable Family & Living Rooms for a couple, one of whom was diagnosed with breast cancer.I learned that Compassion is an essential part of helping others to manifest personal sacred space & that all spaces are sacred to those who inhabit them.”

Spaces WithinInterior Design

Since 1997(650) 678-8493 [email protected] Main Street, Suite 200, Half Moon Bay

Sheran HonneymanRealtor, Coldwell Banker Real Estate

““My fi rst job was the summer before I turned 16, as a retail sales associate in downtown Wilmington, Delaware. This job taught me what it meant to work by commission and the different types of personality. The other associates worked by commission. I quickly learned about what motivates people and how it effects their actions and personalities.”

Since 2002

DRE#01412131

(650) 726-YOGA [email protected] Avenue Alhambra #2, El Granada

Amanda HillOwner, I AM Yoga & Wellness and Business/HR Consultant

““My fi rst job out of college was working in human resources at a start-up on the Peninsula. The most signifi cant lesson it taught me was that I could work in service of others in any job that I held and so I do, intelligently guiding students and clients with love and support toward their personal and business goals. Namaste!

Consulting Since 2006IAY Since 2014

(650) 245-7448 [email protected] Filbert St. Half Moon Bay

Tami WhelenOwner, Coastside Original Apparel

““The Shorebird Restaurant. I was 14 years old when they hired me and 24 when I left. I learned that customer service, handwork, and commitment are the foundations to every job. I use these skills today with relationships with friends, family, coworkers, customers, clients, and members of our community.”

Since 2011

(650) 281-4745 [email protected] www.apr.com/lforward42 N. Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay

Lisa ForwardRealtor, Alain Pinel Realtors

““My fi rst job was as a consultant with Mary Kay. As one of their top sales people, I learned to save clients time & money by listening to what they want & fi nding it. I learned to team up to accomplish goals (I earned 11 cars this way), and that authenticity & honesty create and sustain excellence in any business.”

(650)455-8141www.Jettybettysurfschool.comSurfers Beach

Vanessa BruneauOwner, Jetty Betty Surf School

““I was a waitress at a little Mexican restaurant in Half Moon Bay. I learned excellent work ethic at a young age of 16. Being a waitress taught me to make the customers needs my fi rst priority. When you own your own business it is very important to treat every customer with gratitude and respect.”

Jetty Betty Surf School Since 2004

Weaver turned pets into profit

Businesswoman: Katheryn WeaverBusiness: Klaws, Paws and Hooves

Vietnam veteran Katheryn Weaver had 23 years in the medical field behind her when something happened that changed her life.

“I read a book,” she says matter of factly.That book, “Pet-sitting for Profit,” provided the

foundation for Klaws, Paws and Hooves, a full-service Coastside firm that provides pet boarding, compan-ionship and behavioral consultation.

Weaver says she has always had a “sixth sense” when it comes to pets. In fact, her family tells the sto-ry of losing track of then 4-year-old Katheryn only to find her sitting in a field among horses.

But it takes more than a love of animals to run a successful business in the pet industry. Weaver says networking through local civic and business organiza-tions is critical to her success through the years.

It doesn’t hurt that she has five dogs and cat, some fish and a horse or two. Clients are unlikely to have a problem she hasn’t experienced herself.

“A lot of people let their animals take over their household,” she said. “I provide consistency. And a lot of times a fresh set of eyes on a problem can make all the difference.”

— Clay Lambert

Question: What was the first job you ever had and what did you learn from it?

NationalBusinessWomen’s

Week

10A halfmoonbayreviewnwednesday,october22,2014

(650) 560-9470 [email protected] Main Street, Half Moon Bay

Claire NortonDirector of Speech-Language and Learning Therapy,Coastside Pediatric Therapy Center

““My fi rst job was with severely challenged and disabled patients as an aide in a developmental center. I learned that nearly nothing is impossible as long as you ‘tackle’ the problem from all different sides until you succeed!”

Since 1997

(650) 726-3445allanimalmobilevet.com [email protected] S Cabrillo Hwy, Half Moon Bay

Susan MacInnes, DVM Veterinarian

““My fi rst job was as a kennel helper at a veterinary clinic. It was hard work but I got to see fi rst hand what the job entailed and that it was more then just helping the animals. Just as important was accommodating the owners by offering moral support and guidance.”

Since 1997

(650) 712-9313 [email protected] 554 Moss Beach

Betty AcostaOwner, Betty’s Housecleaning Service

““My fi rst job was in a department store; I learned how to treat a client. I wanted to show them how important they were to me. I remember when I saw them walking away happy, with a smile in their face, I would hear my late grandma telling me “no matter your personal problems, you always, always showed your best face.”

Since 1988

(650) 726-6062 545 Main Street, Half Moon Bay

Margo Christiansen Owner, Unique Clothing

““After coming to America, my friends inspired me to open my own boutique! They liked the one of a kind clothing I was wearing. The rest was history. I sold my own taste with a European flair. I’ve been in in Half Moon Bay on Main St. for over 15 years. A great town! Thank you for your support.”

Unique Clothing Since 1988

(650) 440-6510 [email protected] Main St., Suite B1, Half Moon Bay

Sarah SchilbachOwner, Schilbach Chiropractic

““I was a Vaulting coach (gymnastic on the back of a moving horse). I learned that my passion about kids, horses and the sport was refl ected in them. I saw the sparkle in their eyes, lighting up the world around them. I have that same passion for healing in my Chiropractic clinic.”

Since 2011

(650) 726-4040 www.fi thmb.com, jodi@fi thmb.com50 Cabrillo Hwy N. Suite B-4, Half Moon Bay

Jodi MillerOwner/Founder, FIT Studio

““My fi rst “real” job — I was hired to manage a team of people in operations at Mellon Bank Corporate in Philadelphia, PA. I learned quickly that a college degree did NOT prepare me for what it takes to lead a team. Only time in the saddle and experience trains a person how to develop and lead a strong team.”

Since 2005

(650) 726-5424 [email protected] Box 1624, El Granada

Hester SchellDirector- Stage and Screen, Creative or Corporate

““My fi rst job after high school, I worked professional summer-stock at Provincetown Playhouse, Cape Cod, with the grande-dame of New England theatre, Catherine Huntington. American playwright Eugene O’Neill started the playhouse, making “P-Town” the birthplace of modern American theater. Then, I was off to New York. Careers in the arts are super challenging, so stick with your vision. Keep going.”

Hester Schell Creative Since 2001(650) 560-0000

www.alifano.com, [email protected] Main Street, Half Moon Bay

Cortney AlifanoOwner, Alifano Technolgies Inc

““I had my fi rst job when I was 14. I was a fi le clerk for my family doctor every day after school. I learned about responsibility, taking pride in my work and the importance of working with others and customer service. It defi nitely built my foundation in how I deal with situations now. I am forever grateful for that opportunity.”

Since 2008

(650) 726-7200 [email protected]

Amy Hoffmann Co-Founder, Catherine Anderson, Studio 4 Pilates

““I taught dance at cheerleading summer camps all over California. I learned so much from managing hundreds of teenage girls! The most important thing I learned was how to improvise — when the facility was locked, when the music system failed, when the students wilted in the hot sun. It’s a skill that has served me over and over again!”

Since 2004

(650) 720-0923 [email protected] F Main Street Half Moon Bay

Suneenat SrisuanOwner, Suneenat Dressmaker

““I have been doing dressmaking and alterations for 30 years. I studied dressmaking on my own for 4 years before attending dressmaking school. I have extensive experience with silk and a vast assortment of fabrics. I was an administrative social worker in Thailand. I am a single Mom and have raised my 2 daughters on my own since they were 2 and 8 years old.” Dressmaking for

20 years in Thailand.Since 2008 in USA

(650) 726-1177 [email protected] Main Street, Half Moon Bay

Jamie BarberOwner, Half Moon Bay Inn

““My fi rst job, besides teen jobs, was at United Airlines. I worked there for 26 years in the Customer Service, First Class International Department. I retired from United Airlines and found myself running the hotel after an extensive renovation. My time at United was valuable with handling customers and making sure they were given the best service.”

Half Moon Bay Inn Since 2008

(650) 726-6321 www.GotToSmile.com705 Purissima St., Half Moon Bay

Dr. Alexa AlborziDDS, MDS

““I have had great success in rapidly and effectively transforming smiles from crooked to confi dent for over 20 years. As an Elite Invisalign and Damon provider, I continue to bring into my practice the latest technology in orthodontics, resulting in gentler treatment, faster results and a more comfortable, conservative orthodontic experience for you and your family. When I know I have given my patients a smile that lasts a lifetime, I know I have made a difference!”

Alborzi OrthodonticsSince 1972

Question: What was the fi rst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?

NationalBusinessWomen’s Week

Cooking is more than a career for

HofmannBusinesswoman: Lori Hofmann

Business: California Girl Catering

Lori Hofmann has a bit of advice for the rest of us as we approach the holiday season and unpack the good china for big meals around the dining

room table:“Don’t stress,” the owner of California Girl Catering

says. “It will all work out.”She should know. Hofmann routinely cooks for a

crowd, from the engineers at HP to the yoga practi-tioners at a Coastside retreat. It’s both a lot of work and a labor of love.

“I call it a calling,” she said. “It’s a vocation for me and not really a job.”

Hofmann grew up on the coast in a family that took the local bounty straight into the kitchen long before “farm-to-table” became a marketing catch phrase. She once ran a Strawfl ower Village eatery called Cali-fornia Girl Café and her catering service allows her to continue connection to her neighbors on the coast.

“I care about the ingredients, and for me it’s more than just providing food,” Hofmann said. “It’s about nurturing.”

With that in mind, she says cooking should be a joyous experience. Remembering that joy will help you juggle brining the bird and seven side dishes.

Make it a celebration.“I like to start with a mimosa!” she said.

— Clay Lambert