Member Spotlight

Member Spotlight - Mimi Warren

Author and Crafter found her home at WBF!

Everyone has to eat, but there is so much conflicting nutritional information out there and people are always talking about the next super food. What is the truth and whom should you trust? Mimi has a deep understanding of all the challenges and stumbling blocks that people encounter on their journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Having personally lost 50 pounds, she knows how to successfully lose weight and keep it off without a struggle or constant worry about regaining the weight.

As a Certified Nutritional Specialist, she educates and instills confidence in her clients as they progress towards their personal health goals. Whether someone has a substantial weight loss goal, those pesky few pounds that creep on every year, a challenging family to feed, or if doctor's orders are to clean up your eating habits, Mimi will design a customized plan that fits your lifestyle. She believes healthy eating involves enjoying food, savoring it. It is not about dieting, good or bad foods, deprivation or being a slave to your kitchen. Do you need an advocate, cheerleader and at times someone to make you accountable as you work towards a healthier lifestyle? Mimi is committed to helping her clients succeed and is with them every step of the way.

"I first attended the Women's Business Forum Summer Social in 2013. Typically, I am not a fan of networking events, or large groups of people, but I was pleasantly surprised to experience a warm, friendly and welcoming group of women. I decided to join that night. I first volunteered to help on the social committee. Later I joined the membership committee to help with sign-in for the monthly meeting. In January, I stepped up to be co-chair of membership. Along with the friendships I have made at WBF, there is no better feeling than leaving each meeting feeling motivated, inspired and with a smile on my face, ready to tackle anything that comes my way."

Member Spotlight - Clare Kohler

We Empower Leaders, Coach and Speaker

Clare came to the Women's Business Forum on the invitation of the wonderful Dana Baedke of Key Marketing. Dana coordinated with Clare to start running a Master Mind Group after the meetings, starting with John Maxwell's book "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership." Clare is now leading Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich". She says, "I have met many terrific women through these meetings. I'm grateful for the connections and the informative talks during the meeting."

Clare is a business consultant who brings over 30 years of experience to help business owners grow their business, experience greater satisfaction and achieve new levels of success. She brings a wide variety of expertise to my consulting and loves to work with clients as a partner to review areas of their business they would like to improve.
Another area that Clare works with clients in is running a financial analysis to increase sales or cut costsand creating marketing plans to grow business by honing in on the ideal customer and how to get to them. Clare says, "We can create a strategic plan that charts the priorities and keeps the day to day tasks focused and on target. I love helping my clients get more money in their bank accounts and spend less money in the process!"

“I walked into the first meeting not knowing what to expect. I listened to the speaker presenting that month. After the speaker's presentation, I looked at the advertisements displayed on the table and introduced myself to a few people. I was ready to leave when I was told there would be an advisory meeting and I was invited to attend. I joined the circle and the next thing I knew, I had volunteered to be their next treasurer.”

Judy’s passion to become a part of the mission of Women’s Business Forum has been a gift to the organization. She has found a place where she is not only thriving professionally, but growing personally as well. In her words,

“I am so grateful I attended that first meeting and volunteered to be the treasurer. I needed WBF in my life at that time and still do. If it wasn't for WBF I would not have met so many amazing people. I found a very talented and delightful woman, Esther Hughes, who is helping me tell my story as a motivational speaker. Two months ago I met a delightful young woman who identified herself as a web graphics designer and specializes with Wordpress. Wow, I needed her help to create a dynamic business website and Molly Dodge and I are working together.

What more can I say? WBF is an organization I needed at this time of my life. I was floundering. I had a dream to share my life experiences in a unique business and WBF is helping me make my dream come to fruition.”

So to all those who dream and want to be connected to a growing group of like-minded women, we welcome you to get to know the WBF. You will be glad you did!

Running Master Mind Groups are one of Clare's favorite aspects of her job. She says,"The personal growth, the relationships formed, the insights gained from people being in these groups is inspiring and exciting. For those that don't know what a Master Mind Group is, it's a gathering of people focused on a particular topic or book who bring their collective energies together to increase their understandings and to help others gain a deeper knowledge of the topic."
Clare is also a public speaker and is always looking for opportunities to speak, particularly on the topics of The Power of Listening, The Importance of Persevering toward your Goals, and The Laws of Leadership. For more information and for a free 30 minute consultation, visit www.WeEmpowerLeaders.com.

Member Spotlight - Laura Templeton

30 Second Success

Laura had been a visitor for years to the monthly WBF meetings and finally made the commitment to becoming a supporting member last year for a few specific reasons. The main reason was that she felt that it is her turn to give back to this organization for all of the amazing support and programs they make available to women (and a few smart men.) Laura says, "There are member benefits that are a great perk, but the fact that WBF has helped me grow through their amazing speakers and inspiring board members is the best reason for me to show my appreciation."

"I have enjoyed being one of the speakers and appreciate the amazing mastermind group that meets monthly and am excited to participate in the new series, Think & Grow Rich lead by WBF Supporting Member, Claire Brown-Kohler of We Empower Leaders.

Through the years I have been blessed to enjoy many wonderful relationships with the incredible women in this organization. Every month there are several members that gather after the meeting at one of the local coffee shops. I enjoy getting to know each and every one and feel a deeper connection to my WBF family because of it. Many great ideas have stemmed from the group meetings because there are so many inspired minds coming together to continue the support that WBF encourages."

As the Founder and CEO of 30 Second Success, Laura helps people effectively communicate who they are in that 30 second window we've all come to know as your elevator speech. Your 30 second pitch is a key part of your networking, and 30 Second Success helps you develop your 30 second pitch that will resonate with your audience and drive business to your door. They help you answer the question "So, what do you do?" with confidence and clarity. If you need help creating a pitch that truly connects with your audience in your networking, videos, and content visit 30SecondSuccess today!

Member Spotlight - Esther Hughes

The Center for ELITE Women Communicators

Esther Hughes originally came to Women's Business Forum in 2009 shortly after publishing her second book. "I walked in not knowing anyone and was so warmly welcomed that I wanted to come back," Esther described of her initial experience with WBF.

She became a supporting member and has recently partnered with Nancy Richards to co-chair the Programs Committee. This role is perfect for her because the mission of her company, The Center For ELITE Women Communicators, is to equip, spotlight and connect ambitious mission-minded women to grow their following and their profitability by being irresistible speakers, well-crafted authors and leaders who impact.

"What I have gained from being a supporting member at WBF is education, information and especially the meaningful and lasting relationships of an inspiring and dedicated group of people."

Member Spotlight - James Lucas

Grape Cat Cofounder

James says he came to Women's Business Forum because it was one of the first networking groups that he found. He became a member because of the monthly meetings and the relationships he was building. According to James, "the connections I have made at the Women's Business Forum have inspired me to make myself and business better by using member's services and the Mastermind group."


James is the co-founder of Grape Cat, an online vegan clothing and accessory store. More and more conscientious consumers are looking for earth friendly clothing and accessories that help reduce their carbon footprint. Grape Cat makes it a lot easier to find what they are looking for all in one place. They do extensive research and bring high-quality vegan and environmentally friendly products to you through their online store. If you are looking for products that make a difference, visit GrapeCat.com today and use the coupon code "WBF" for 15% off.

Member Spotlight - Joanna Chodorowska

Nutrition in Motion

Joanna first came sporadically to the WBF events, and only made time for the Summer and Winter socials. She had been burned out from networking groups. When it came time to start networking again, Joanna reviewed which groups she was attending and thought that she should check out WBF's monthly meetings to see what it was really all about. She says, "Once I did, I realized I not only was meeting with other women business owners, but I had the opportunity to learn from others presentations, too. I now was looking forward to the monthly meetings so I could connect, learn and grow."

She also became a member of Claire Brown Kohler's mastermind group. "I loved being part of a monthly group to help each other with personal and business growth. I really felt connected in so many ways with the group."

Joanna specializes in sports nutrition, GI distress, blood sugar management and pain resolution. She founded Nutrition in Motion, a nutrition coaching service, to focus on finding the underlying cause and 'fix' of your issues. Using real food, Path to Heal energy work, and essential oils, Joanna helps her clients learn what foods they can eat to bring vitality, resolution and peace of mind. She'll find the right blend of foods and mindful activity to create a nutrition plan you can live with (that includes chocolate!). She offers private sessions and monthly group classes. WBF members can receive 15% off any nutrition or Path To Heal services including packages. Visit www.nutritioninmotion.net for more information.

Member Spotlight - Kathy Marcino

KMM DISC Consulting

Say hello to our new vice president, Kathy Marcino! Kathy believes in the power of awareness to create individual and team success, and building a better team through enhanced communication. With 18 successful years of pharmaceutical sales, management and marketing experience, and work as a personal trainer, she offers a uniquely intuitive perspective supporting small to mid-size businesses.

Kathy is certified in facilitating the DISC Behavioral Model, a proven, cost-effective tool used widely throughout the business community nationwide. Through DISC, individuals develop awareness of their own, as well as their colleagues' behavioral preferences, to gain higher performance and a deeper level of communication.
"I am a sales consultant helping individuals and sales teams improve their communication, increase productivity and foster teamwork by leveraging their personality traits. Understanding your own behaviors and motivators, along with those of colleagues and customers, leads to overall better relationships and ultimately an increase in sales! Understand your personality and maximize performance."

To learn more about Kathy, visit her website here.


Member Spotlight - Christine Gallagher

Leveraging Systems and Processes To Make More, Work Smarter, and Automate Your Business

When entrepreneurs find the courage to share their gifts and their message in a much bigger way, they will not only attract raving fans, enroll more clients, and enjoy more income, they also become a force for positive change in the world.

Christine Gallagher, founder of ShesGotClients.com, wants to help entrepreneurs find a renewed sense of purpose and passion to allow them to step into their bigger vision, connect to their "why," and make a lasting impact in the world through a business they love. Christine focuses on:
  • Three key areas every business should be systematizing.
  • What you can "technologize" and put on autopilot to free up time and earn more by doing less.
  • The simple but crucial tool you need to make delegation and growing a team more effortless and fun.

Member Spotight - Mary Lennon

Lennon's Small Jobs - Owner

Mary has been our Membership Co-Chair since 2011. We want to thank her for her amazing service!

She owns Lennon's Small Jobs, offering handyperson services to homeowners including: repairs, painting, replacement of existing electrical and plumbing fixtures. Mary specializes in helping seniors stay in their homes by doing the little stuff like going up a ladder to change bulbs or smoke detector batteries.

After reading an article in the Bucks County Herald, Mary came to her first WBF meeting in February 2010. She says, "Here I was, a woman business owner, working alone for almost three years. I didn't realize how much I missed talking to like-minded women! I'm in a somewhat male-dominated business and believe me, they don't want to talk... or for that matter, listen. I admit, I was hooked after the first meeting. It was like a huge staff meeting with everyone sharing what was happening in their work. I am so happy I found such a welcoming place and look forward to the monthly meetings, where we all talk... and we all listen."

Member Spotlight - Xana Bertino

Back on Track Counseling

Xana Bertino started attending the Women's Business Forum in 2010. Xana quickly became involved in WBF, becoming Co-Chair of the Membership Committee and then a Board Member. In 2011, she became a Margaret Mead Lifetime Member, recognizing the organization's value to her and to others. Xana says, "The more involved you become, the more you (and others) will benefit. You belong."

"Being in business for yourself can be isolating," Xana notes. "WBF provides belonging. We, the members of WBF, collaborate and help each other. There is no competition; only support, building relationships, and the sharing of knowledge, experience, advice, and resources."

Xana Bertino is the owner of Back On Track Counseling. She has been helping individuals and families for over 20 years. Xana helps clients of all ages and specializes in helping teens and young adults. Xana is able to quickly build trusting relationships, identify issues, teach skills and strategies, help overcome obstacles, and move clients towards the changes they (and/or their parents) seek.

Member Spotlight - Judith Quaite

This month we'd like to highlight one of our newest and brightest additions to the Women’s Business Forum. Judy Quate attended her first meeting in November 2014. She was looking for a community of empowering women to surround her as she continued her work with Scrapper Jude Designs and also awaited the publication of her first book, Jason's Story, which was released in March of 2015. “I walked into the first meeting not knowing what to expect. I listened to the speaker presenting that month. After the speaker's presentation, I looked at the advertisements displayed on the table and introduced myself to a few people. I was ready to leave when I was told there would be an advisory meeting and I was invited to attend. I joined the circle and the next thing I knew, I had volunteered to be their next treasurer.”

Judy’s passion to become a part of the mission of Women’s Business Forum has been a gift to the organization. She has found a place where she is not only thriving professionally, but growing personally as well. In her words, “I am so grateful I attended that first meeting and volunteered to be the treasurer. I needed WBF in my life at that time and still do. If it wasn't for WBF I would not have met so many amazing people. I found a very talented and delightful woman, Esther Hughes, who is helping me tell my story as a motivational speaker. I met a delightful young woman who specializes with Wordpress. Wow, I needed her help to create a dynamic business website and Molly Dodge and I are working together.
What more can I say? WBF is an organization I needed at this time of my life. I was floundering. I had a dream to share my life experiences in a unique business and WBF is helping me make my dream come to fruition.” So to all those who dream and want to be connected to a growing group of like-minded women, we welcome you to get to know the WBF. You will be glad you did!

Member Spotlight - Brenda Bagonis-Cooke

Helping create a better financial life for you!!

Brenda brings over 28 years of industry experience to her 11th year in the business that she loves. She has worked for large and small firms including Primerica Financial Services, Merrill Lynch, Sovereign Bank, and currently TransAmerica, developing an in-depth knowledge of all financial products to assist you in retirement and income planning, from everyday savings and investing, to protection with insurance products. This well-rounded approach gives her the ability to bring trust to the relationship early on. You can believe in the products you choose, and be assured that you are being offered everything that could be beneficial to your financial needs - not just a small wedge of the product pie.

Brenda’s dedication to guiding you through the financial choices in your life will bring you peace of mind. Brenda will guide you so that you have a complete understanding of the choices you make. She will also update you weekly about where the economy and financial world is heading and how to stay ahead of it. Brenda has always believed, “When it comes to people’s finances, an advisor is more than that guy on the other line who makes trades and works from nine to five. They must be a confidante, like a family’s physician for finances who makes house calls and is there for you when you need them.” Brenda is most grateful when her clients consider her, not just a financial advisor, but also a friend.

Brenda specializes in small business retirement plans including 401(k) and profit sharing plans, as well as private portfolio management. She will take the time to not only meet with business owners, but she insists on meeting the individual employees’ needs on a personal level. It’s all about making sure every individual’s needs are met, whether it is individual investment or a group plan. Brenda wishes to thank all of her clients for their loyalty, which led to Brenda being given the “Women Top Producer Award” by the 2010-14 Leaders Recognition Society for Women in Insurance and Financial Services. Outside of work you will find Brenda staying active at her church through worship and community groups. Brenda loves working out at the gym, and getting outdoors.

Brenda Bagonis-Cooke www.assetfinancialservice.com

Investment Advisor Representative

215- 491-4346 P 215-491-2803 F

ASSET FINANCIAL SERVICES

PO Box 413

Warrington Pa. 18976