Meet The Board
Co-workers and colleagues are a valuable starting point when discussing the important business decisions that will encourage growth, but there comes a point when the insight of an impartial business owner is necessary. Introducing the Fox Valley Business Network – and advisory board that is so much more.
Experts you can expect to work with:
Jonathan Gripe Financial Advisor – Over 30 years of experience in corporate benefits, human resources and financial consulting. Licensed with the Series 7 and Series 66 Securities and a field trainer for new financial advisors. A member of Kiwanis and sits on the State Attorney’s Second Chance Program panel. Locally involved in Christ Community Church’s children and worship ministries, the Miss Illinois Scholarship Association board and District Commissioner for the Boy Scouts.
Sharon O'Leary Commercial Realtor – Sharon O’Leary has been a lifetime resident of the Fox Valley and is very involved in the local community volunteering with several local organizations. Sharon has been practicing Commercial Real Estate in local communities for five years. She handles transactions for retail, office and industrial leasing and sales and Tenant Representation. She can help new and existing businesses with finding the right space for their business and help with lease negotiations. Sharon is a member of Northern Illinois Commercial Alliance of Realtors, International Council of Shopping Centers, St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, Geneva Chamber of Commerce, on the Board of Directors for the St. Charles Downtown Partnership and the Realtors Commercial Alliance of the National Association of Realtors.
Robert James Corporate Risk Management – Rob has been working as a Health and Life Insurance agent for over 7 years in the Fox Valley.He primarily helps small businesses establish and manage their employee benefits plans. As business owners consider their options in the challenging Health Insurance environment, Rob can help with the analysis, design and implementation of various insurance solutions for the company employees. Rob is experienced in working with Consumer Directed Insurance Solutions such as HSA’s, HRA’s and FSA programs. Rob is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters, is certified as a Consumer Directed Health Plan consultant and Long Term Care Consultant in Illinois. Rob is also a member of the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce. Rob lives in St Charles and actively involved in several volunteer organizations. Rob also enjoys coaching in various athletic youth organizations in the Fox Valley.
William Papp Business Coaching – Company President and Accredited Executive Associate of The Institute for Independent Business. Assists companies with performance improvements by focusing on planning, accountability, controlling costs, expanding capabilities, and improving quality service. Pro Bono counselor with SCORE, chaired committees of the St Charles Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Illinois Entrepreneurial and Small Business Growth Association.
Sheryl Theisen Marketing Consultant – After 15 years in the marketing and advertising arena launched a Marketing business that combines traditional techniques with innovative internet solutions to build corporate brand recognition and create new opportunities. Focused on an interconnected use of corporate newsletters and business communications, social media marketing, relationship building, brand management, and marketing strategy development. Locally involved in the St Charles Chamber and fundraising for the TriCity Family Services.
Barry Bourdage IT Development and Hosting – A full service provider of a wide range of computer networking solutions and services with the diversity to handle a variety of businesses from medical to manufacturing to legal as well as the breadth of experience to handle complex enterprise issues alongside unique issues of medium and small businesses. We specialize in customizing and installing systems such as Microsoft Windows operating systems, Microsoft Exchange, Cisco Systems and the most current telephony products, as well as both web design and web hosting.
Mary Beth DeBord Attorney – A practice focused in counseling businesses on various forms of business ownership, negotiation and drafting business contracts, the purchase and sale of businesses and stock purchase agreements. Services in the area of employment law, real estate, commercial litigation including the prosecution and defense of complaints under federal and state causes of action for employment discrimination, as well as drafting of employment contracts and non-compete covenants.
Kevin Hull Lending Officer – 20 years of Commercial Banking and Commercial Real Estate Banking experience, assisting companies with merger and acquisition financing, working capital financing and equipment financing. A philosophy focused on putting the client first, understanding the client’s needs and then recommending solutions that are consistent with the client’s goals. Board Director and Past Chairman for Serenity House, Inc., a non-profit organization based in Addison, IL and has been actively involved in various local trade and professional organizations.
Pete LaSalle Business Accounting and Bookkeeping -- Provide bookkeeping, payroll and management consulting services as well as QuickBooks training and implementation. Backed by 30+ years of management, technology design and implementation and operations as an Executive VP for an international market research firm.