National

Harland Henry is the founder and owner of SunBiz Showcase Alliance, LLC., an economic and community development advocacy company focused on the development of small enterprises based in Tampa, Florida. Harland has a history of working with and promoting the development and building of relationships for small businesses. Before relocating to Florida, he created a state-wide program in Connecticut to develop, sustain and grow small businesses under the banner of the Office of the Secretary of the State.

LaJuanna Russell is founder and president of Business Management Associates, Inc (BMA), a business process and human capital management firm. Ms. Russell possesses more than 20 years of experience in all aspects of business operations and government contracting, serving federal and state governments and international entities. She has broad and deep knowledge of the IT industry, business operations, and human resource management. Ms.

Mike Roach is a seasoned entrepreneur who has co-owned Paloma Clothing in Portland, Oregon since 1975. The 1,500-square-foot retail store has 15 employees and sells a wide variety of women's apparel, jewelry and accessories. In addition to co-owning his business, Mike has been president of the Hillsdale Business and Professional Association for 25 years and sits on the board of the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations. 

A small business owner residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ron Nelsen took full ownership of his family’s small company, Pioneer Overhead Door, in 1998. He employs five workers full time. Ron began his career in the family business at their Nebraska branch, which opened in the mid 1960s. Since the Las Vegas Valley location opened in 1978, Pioneer Overhead Door has been well known for its commitment to running an honest business, and offering quality garage doors and accessories.

Zachary Davis is the co-owner of The Glass Jar, a farm to table restaurant group based in Santa Cruz, California, with a focus on the nexus between sustainable food and community. The group formed in 2010 with the opening of The Penny Ice Creamery, an ice cream manufacturing and retail business dedicated to the use of organic, locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.

Nancy Clark has owned Drive Brand Studio, a branding and advertising agency since 1997. Her firm's clients include medium-size and small businesses from Maine to Colorado, as well as nonprofits and government agencies.

In 1992, after working for large retailers throughout college, small business owner Mike Brey knew he understood the ins and outs of professionalizing the retail workforce. Mike believes a successful retail business takes employees who know the product, are happy with their job and provide excellent customer service. This combination proved to be a recipe for success. Hobby Works has two locations in Maryland with 24 employees.