Meet Richard Palarea
In this episode of Java with Jim, Jim Ries, Director of Business Development at Offit Kurman, sits down with Richard Palarea, Business Coach at Bloom Growth™. They discuss the unique features of Bloom Growth™'s operating system, the benefits it brings to businesses, and the supportive community behind it. Rich shares his journey, including his goals for the future and his unique background, such as being a Guinness World Record holder for the youngest person certified in CPR. This engaging conversation provides insights into effective business development and leadership coaching. The learn more about Richard Palarea and Bloom Growth™, visit https://www.bloomgrowth.com/.
July 16, 2025
Meet Mark Jankowski
Join Jim Ries, Director of Business Development at Offit Kurman, as he sits down with Mark Jankowski, Founder of Voltage Groups. Discover how Voltage Groups revitalizes CEOs through monthly sessions focused on business discussions, problem-solving, and peer support. In this interview, Mark shares the unique approach that sets Voltage Groups apart and highlights the importance of energy and community for CEOs. Stay tuned to learn more about Mark's personal journey and what makes Voltage Groups a crucial support system for business leaders.
June 11, 2025
Meet Eddie Burchell
In this episode of 'Java with Jim,' Jim Ries, Director of Business Development at Offit Kurman, sits down with Eddie Burchell, Partner and Chief Development Officer at Roseda Farm. Eddie discusses his transition from the Baltimore Ravens to running a family business, the unique aspects of Roseda Farm's operations, and their dedication to producing high-quality, local, natural, dry-aged Black Angus beef. He highlights the company's focus on great people, premium customer service, and sustaining local farming. Eddie also talks about the farm's growing focus on grading beef, corporate gifting, and community service initiatives like the Baltimore Hunger Project. Eddie wraps up by sharing a personal tidbit about his love for music and playing the piano. If you would like to learn more about Eddie and Roseda Farm, visit https://roseda.com/. If you are interested in learning more about corporate packages or the Concierge Butchery concept, please contact Eddie directly at 443.562.0079 or Eddie.roseda@olcmc.com.
May 21, 2025
Meet Cheryl Hickox and Lori Connolly
Mark your calendars for April 9th! Our 3rd Annual Nonprofit Showcase is set to be a fantastic event with 14 nonprofits, interactive tours, and great networking opportunities at Vehicles for Change.
March 12, 2025
Meet Alan Guyan
In this episode of Java with Jim, Jim Ries from Offit Kurman sits down with Alan Guyan, Founder and CEO of Made Plus, to explore the unique aspects of his local, sustainable, on-demand shoe manufacturing company based in Annapolis, Maryland. Alan shares insights into Made Plus's use of recycled materials, customization options, and commitment to reducing waste. He also speaks about the company's focus on community-based design and upcoming product launches in the pickleball and running shoe markets. Discover the personal side of Alan as he talks about his passion for tinkering and his love for outdoor activities. Tune in for an engaging conversation about entrepreneurship, sustainability, and innovation in the footwear industry. If you would like to learn more about Alan and Made Plus, Inc., visit https://www.madeplus.com/.
February 12, 2025
Meet Barb Clapp
Meet Barb Clapp, CEO of Dwyer Workforce Development. Dwyer Workforce Development provides comprehensive support to individuals who lack opportunity and aspire to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, alleviate a severe healthcare workforce shortage, and improve the lives of seniors. Barb is proud of the program that started from nothing and 2 years later has trained 5,000 Dwyer scholars. Barb looks forward to growing their geographic footprint and training 3,600 scholars.
December 11, 2024
Meet Lee Konen
Meet Lee Konen, CEO of Three Seas, Inc., an award-winning collective of boutique creative companies that work to craft ideas for the right audience in the right place at the right time. Lee is proud that the company has been able to adapt as the industry has changed. Lee looks forward to growth for the company.
November 14, 2024
Meet Chris Meadows
Meet Chris Meadows, president of Bio-One of Gaithersburg. Bio-One of Gaithersburg is a leader in crime scene cleanup and biohazard decontamination services in Gaithersburg. Chris is proud of the company's help first, business second mentality. Chris looks forward to hiring a new role and a new service area.
November 6, 2024
Meet Jay Nwachu
Meet A. Jay Nwachu, president, and CEO of Innovation Works. Innovation Works rebuilds neighborhood economies through social entrepreneurship and impact investing. Jay is proud the human centered approach that they have used to build their suite of services. Jay looks forward to launching more peer—advisory groups.
October 30, 2024
Meet Elana Burr
Meet Elana Burr, president of Talent Harbor. Talent Harbor is a company specializing in the recruitment of sales talent for small to medium-sized businesses through a unique "recruiting as a service" model. Elana is proud of the company's innovative recruiting as a service model. Elana looks forward to their growth.
October 23, 2024
Meet Alex Cecere
Meet Alex Cecere, President of Domain Rental Furnishings. Domain Rental Furnishings provides high-quality rental furniture to transform your home or apartment into a functional and showcase-worthy space. Alex is proud of the team they have established. Alex looks forward to optimizing their systems.
October 9, 2024
Meet Leslie Creedon
Meet Lesli Creedon, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic. Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Lesli is proud of the number of children and families' lives they changed every year. Lesli looks forward granting more wishes in the upcoming year.
September 25, 2024
Meet Mark Thistel
Meet Mark Thistel, the founder and president of FreedomCar. FreedomCar is a premium chauffeured car service prioritizing timeliness and security for diverse passenger needs. Mark is proud of the care and positive experience the company provides for their customers. Mark looks forward overcoming the uncertainty that comes to the hospitality industry tied to the upcoming election.
September 11, 2024
Meet Mike Toomey
Meet Michael P. Toomey, Jr., President of SECOM Security. Secom is a national security provider available to commercial, government, and non-profit sectors. Mike is proud of the team the company has built. Mike looks forward to a change in business depending on election.
August 28, 2024
Meet Rick Miller
Meet Rick Miller, President and Owner of Zeskind's Hardware & Millwork as well as Park Hardware. Zeskind's Hardware and Millwork is a Millwork Company that provides skilled professionals and materials for your home renovation and remodeling projects. Rick is proud that the company will hit their 100th year in business next year and the growth they have had. Rick looks forward to the busy months ahead to supply contractors or homeowners with custom millwork and hardware.
August 21, 2024
Meet Paul Baik
Meet Paul Baik, President of Paul's Beauty Warehouse. Paul's Beauty Company serves hairstylists and barbers in the mid-Atlantic region by being a distributor of professional hair care goods. Paul is proud of the company’s people because of their resilience. Paul looks forward to their growth and expansion in 2024 and 2025.
August 14, 2024
Meet Eddie Wingrat
Meet Eddie Wingrat, President of Flowers & Fancies. Flowers & Fancies delivers beautiful flowers for everyday occasions, anniversaries, birthdays, and weddings to the Baltimore and Central Maryland area for over five decades. Eddie is proud that business is still here, and the company name is still synonymous with quality products and high service. Eddie looks forward to the high season, events, and working with new hotels.
August 7, 2024
Meet Matt Cooper
Meet Matthew Cooper, CEO of Cooper Brothers Productions. Cooper Brothers Productions started 15 years ago producing documentaries, short films, videos and visuals. Matt is proud of the squeegee documentary, called “Understanding the Misunderstood.” Matt looks forward to generating financing for the next steps which is a docuseries.
July 31, 2024
Meet Manny Skevofilax
Meet Manny Skevofilax, Principal at PORTAL CFO Consulting. Portal CFO Consulting guides business owners on maximizing profits and overcoming growth challenges. Manny is proud of the long relationships he has with his customers and helping to reduce their stress. Manny looks forward to the Manny Money School and his new book, Ultimate Profit Management: Maximizing Profitability as You Grow Your Business.
July 24, 2024
Meet Alan Tsao
Meet Alan Tsao, CEO and Founder of Tsao Baltimore Watch Company. Tsao Baltimore is a premium watch company, established in 2017. Each timepiece is proudly designed, assembled, and established in Baltimore, Maryland. Alan is proud of the journey, from where the company started until now. Alan looks forward to creating a Key Bridge timepiece with steel from the Key Bridge.
July 10, 2024
Meet Kwame Kuadey
Meet Kwame Kuadey, CEO and Co-Founder of Pioneer Branding - The Personal Branding Agency. Pioneer Branding helps clients identify and carve out a unique perspective that only the client can deliver to the world. They customize and help their clients execute video content strategies that build trust and credibility with their ideal audience, positioning them as the authority in that space. Kwame is proud that within 30 days they have their clients comfortable on camera and create content that people enjoy watching. Kwame looks forward to assisting business owners and leaders use personal branding to create content and grow their business.
July 3, 2024
Meet Jennifer Gauthier
Meet Jennifer Gauthier, CEO and Executive Director at Lead4Life, Inc. Lead4Life, Inc.’s mission is to empower individuals to overcome adversity by providing the tools to guide them through their journey with authenticity and transparency. Jennifer is proud of their ability to hire people with personal experience and hire previous clients of the organization. Jennifer looks forward to expanding their returning citizens program and their gun diversion program.
June 19, 2024
Meet Tamir Ezzat
Meet Tamir Ezzat, AIA, Principal at ddbWorkshop. ddbWorkshop is a Baltimore-based architecture firm serving clients in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. across many typologies, including commercial, residential, multi-family, historic, and forensic projects. Tamir is proud of the relentless pursuit of enduring. Tamir looks forward to creating their office building in the Hollins Market area.
May 29, 2024
Meet Tina Miller
Meet Tina Miller, Co-Founder and Chief Positivity Officer at bekindsign.com. Bekindsign.com initiative is part of the Infinite Love Project where we encourage acts of kindness, through words, deeds and art, to raise the vibration of the community. Tina is proud of the way they think outside of the box on how to get their message out to the Maryland area. Tina looks forward to their community of kindness workshop, which will be integrated into summer camps as well as workshops for college freshman.
May 22, 2024
Meet Pamela Downes
Meet Pamela Downes, Founding Partner at REV Creative Group. REV Creative Group mixes strategy with creative design to help energize brands and drive results using an Outsourced Marketing Team model. Pamela is proud of the culture the company has created and their employees. She is also proud of the new program they launched called REV Talent. Pamela looks forward to building stronger relationship and connecting with new clients in the DMV area.
May 15, 2024
Meet Shannon Roberts
Meet Shannon Roberts, CEO of Brand Builders. Brand Builders is committed to exceeding our clients’ expectations by consistently delivering the highest-quality, results-oriented services, utilizing articulate, dedicated and responsible tasters and brand ambassadors, who possess the utmost in professionalism, consummate brand knowledge and who positively impact consumers at all points of distribution, delivering measurable sales results. Shannon is proud of their all-female leadership team. Shannon looks forward to continuing to solidify their “liquid to lips” process.
May 8, 2024
Meet Matt Ruck
Meet Matt Ruck, CEO of xop.ai. xop.ai helps organizations to become more efficient than how they operate today by enhancing the information stage and improving company processes. Matt is proud that they are enabling their customers to maintain a competitive edge. Matt looks forward to expanding their Microsoft AI practice.
May 1, 2024
Meet Steve Blair
Meet Stephen Blair, President at Lyceum Insurance Services. Lyceum Insurance Services provides creative benefits strategies, innovative human resources (HR) technologies, and comprehensive compliance services so that you and your employees can be happier, healthier, and more protected against unnecessary risk. Steve is proud that they have been able to build the agency around their clients and their client’s employees. Steve looks forward to 4th quarter which is their busiest time of the year.
April 24, 2024
Meet Joe DeMattos
Meet Joseph DeMattos, Jr., President and CEO of the Health Facilities Association of Maryland. Health Facilities Association of Maryland is a voluntary not-for-profit association comprised of skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, assisted living communities, and associate businesses that serve our provider members. Joe is proud of their sector and organization during the pandemic. Also, they have fought for increases in Medicare and Medicaid rates. Joe looks forward to finalizing the new regulations for assisted living providers.
April 17, 2024
Meet Mannie LeVaca
Meet Manuela LeVaca, Owner of LeVaca Construction. LeVaca Construction specializes in hardscape construction for outdoor spaces. Mannie is proud of the past projects they have completed and of the company's employees. Mannie looks forward working on more residential projects as well as bid on larger commercial jobs.
April 10, 2024
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