Our Members

Jim Ames

Founder, Smart Start Personal Finance

Through CBE I collaborate with local business owners to better reach and serve my ideal clients: young professionals who could benefit from financial mentorship.

Jim Ames

I mentor young professionals to overcome financial frustration and confidently create their best life.

This is my encore career coming after a 35-year technical and business career in telecommunications that took me all over the world. A great mentor inspired my passion for personal finance early on and it changed my life.

My clients are ambitious to create great lives. But they’re dealing with new experiences around career, marriage, starting a family, buying a house, etc. and the money aspects are daunting, even for high-income earners. They’re time crunched, worry they’re messing up or missing out, and maybe having money fights. That’s why they need a mentor; to help them cut through the fog, get oriented, and get on the right track.

Just as having a great mentor can be a game-changer in a professional’s career, having a financial mentor can transform their relationship with money and jump-start their financial success.

www.smartstartpersonalfinance.com

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Aaron Coulter

Air Quality Specialist with Green Home Solutions

In CBE, I find a source of trusted partners to help meet my customers’ needs that fall outside my business scope. CBE is also a mastermind group where I get ideas for improving my sales and marketing.

Aaron Coulter

Aaron grew up in the Roanoke Valley, and has lived in several different areas of the US, including Alaska, Idaho, and the California Coast. He has an extensive technical background in a broad range of industries from construction and real estate to aircraft, to medical equipment, which he now applies to building science and making your living/working environments healthy. He is a Certified Residential Indoor Environmentalist.

Green Home Solutions is an indoor air quality company. We treat homes and commercial properties for mold issues, as well as odors and other common allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, and dust mite waste. Inspections are free, so if you have any concerns, have us come take a look.

The Green Home Solutions process is unique in the remediation industry. We have the only product in the marketplace which is scientifically proven to destroy mold all the way to the root system, break down the spores, and eliminate the toxigenic and allergenic elements. Our exclusive products and unique processes avoid costly demolition and reconstruction while salvaging your valuables and restoring the health of your environment. And your air quality is guaranteed (through testing) after treatment. In other words - You get better results, with a less invasive process, at a fraction of the cost of traditional remediation. Call Green Home Solutions. We Make Air Better.

https://www.greenhomesolutions.com/fredericksburg-va/

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Michelle DeLang Conner

The Club at Glenmore

Through CBE I hope to share my passion for helping local schools, non-profits, major employers, business groups and trade organizations raise above-average funds – and have a lot of fun – with Golf Outings.

Michelle DeLang Conner

Michelle is a Wahoo who brings a 20+ year background in CVille broadcast media, promotions and advertising sales management to her role at The Club at Glenmore.

Her community service includes leadership roles with Albemarle County Schools’ Special Education Advisory Committee, The Paramount Theater, MACAA, The ziMS Foundation and most notably an annual golf outing that raised $750k for UVA’s Children’s Hospital in gratitude for saving her son’s life.

Golf Outings at private clubs raise more money than courses where participants can play on their own for less. And Glenmore is helping more groups than ever raise record amounts of money. Get in the game by emailing [email protected] to reserve your date today. Non-member events welcome.

www.theclubatglenmore.com

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Nina Crawford

Owner and Designer, MSS Designs

Being a member of CBE has helped me remember the true value of networking with a group of like- minded professionals.

Nina Crawford

MSS Designs is a full service interior design studio serving Charlottesville and the surrounding area since 1991. We are a priority dealer for Hunter Douglas offering everything from shutters and shades to remote control blinds and drapery. In addition we can provide wallpaper, artwork, lighting, furniture and custom bedding and drapery. We pride ourselves in being hands–on with the customer from inception to completion.

https://www.mssdesigns.net/ 

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Libby Edwards-Allbaugh

President & Co-Owner of the Tax Ladies Inc.

CBE offers me the opportunity to meet other local business owners. It enables me to enhance my referral network for my clients. The relationships that I have developed allow me to refer my clients to CBE business partners without hesitation.

Libby Edwards-Allbaugh

At the Tax Ladies, we pride ourselves in offering personalized services for our clients. We work with both Individual and Small Businesses and provide a wide variety of services. We have built our businesses around the following three principals: Accuracy, Integrity and Personal Service.

At the Tax Ladies, we specialize in financial consulting (budgeting, bill pay, credit clean -up) and services for startups/small businesses (business set-up, tax prep, payroll, QuickBooks hosting and training).  We also service Non-Profit organizations ( Financials, Tax filings, set up) sole proprietors (tax & tax liability planning) and individuals. If you are in need of accounting or financial services, please give us a call. It would be our pleasure to apply our experience to your specific situation.

https://www.taxladiesofcville.com/ 

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Dan Elash

PhD Business and Life Coach

Dr. Dan Elash, Ph.D. is a member of CBE to share his long experience helping businesses and professional practices to profitably realize their profit goals.

Dan Elash

Dan Elash Ph.D. is a business and life coach, bringing over 35 years of experience consulting to major corporations, he currently brings the lessons learned to the business community in Central Virginia and beyond. With a deep background in behavioral science he brings expert leadership coaching to business people, as well as sharing his broad experience with individuals, couples and families to live their best in their daily lives.

Dr. Elash is a coach and consultant with the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV), Living Free 2Gether (a support group for military families and veterans), as well as speaking and lecturing to the business community.

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Steve Gaines

Fulton Bank

Being in CBE has allowed me to quickly and solidly expand my network in the community with other small business owners and managers.  This also becomes an excellent way to connect others from outside CBE to members who can help solve problems as trusted advisors!

Steve Gaines

I’ve been a member of the Charlottesville business community for nearly 25 years.  Most of my professional life has been in management or consulting roles where my primary focus (and passion) has been working with local business professionals to solve problems or uncover opportunities.  In years past that came within marketing and media, and now comes within the area of banking services for small businesses.  

In Charlottesville Fulton Bank is small and relatively new to the market.  That means I can be hyper-focused on personal service and advice to customers here.  My goal always is being a trusted advisor that an owner or manager of a small business can lean on for guidance.  And we work with small businesses on all aspects of business banking including lending/credit and merchant services.  Fulton Bank overall is a regional bank headquartered in Lancaster, PA with locations in a 5-state Mid-Atlantic region.  

Fulton Bank - Small Business Banking

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Steve
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Donald Giannangeli, AAMS®

Financial Advisor with Edward Jones

We offer numerous investments and services to help you reach your financial goals, including smart spending and borrowing options, retirement, paying for education, estate considerations and protecting your assets.

Donald Giannangeli, AAMS®

Edward Jones is a different kind of investment firm. To us, face time and think time make sense. We meet with you to learn your individual needs so we can develop a strategy to help you achieve your long-term financial goals. So, whether you want to plan for retirement, save for college, reduce your tax bills or ensure you have income to cover your expenses, you can expect personalized service and long-term investing strategies instead of the latest investment fads. Join the nearly 7 million investors who know. Contact me today to help develop an investment strategy that makes sense for you.

 www.edwardjones.com/donald-giannangeli

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Bryan Harris

The Arc of the Piedmont

CBE offers me the opportunity to interact with others to exchange information, meaningful referrals, and develop professional and social contacts. This network always proves that relationship building is a top priority of successful business. I enjoy networking with CBE for the close relationships and friendships I have developed.

Bryan Harris

I’m in my seventh year as the Director of Development at the Arc of the Piedmont in Charlottesville. With over 15 years of Development experience in our local community, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and connections with the members of CBE. I find great joy in making connections with and between folks in our local community. Most recently, I was selected as one of eight participants to the Emerging Leaders Program through the Center for Nonprofit Excellence in Charlottesville. I possess extensive knowledge and experience with nonprofit events, corporate and private donor relations, fundraising, marketing, and public relations.  As part of The Arc’s Leadership Team, I enjoy promoting sustainable organizational growth while supporting the visions and goals within of The Arc’s overarching strategic plan. I take pride in helping shape the overall mission to build a future where all people with developmental disabilities and their families experience their best lives possible.

arcpva.org

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Josephine Humphrey

Marketing Partner, CBS19 ABC16 & FOX27 Charlottesville, Virginia

In CBE, I have found a group of small businesses that truly care and want to help me grow both personally and professionally.

Josephine Humphrey

I am Josephine Humphrey, an experienced Marketing Partner with a demonstrated history of working in the marketing and advertising industry. I began my career at CBS19 roughly 4 years ago as a Marketing Partner and today, I work with multiple businesses to give our advertisers top of the line customer service. I work with our award-winning creative team to help clients grow their business while influencing the growth of our television and digital products.

I implement TV and digital media marketing campaigns for local clients resulting in increased sales and customer base.

In order to provide the best advertising options to my clients, I utilize market research and provide data in order for clients to make the best advertising and marketing decisions. Working with these businesses, I am responsible for all aspects of client marketing including production, scheduling and billing. Please visit us at cbs19news.com.

https://www.cbs19news.com/ 

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Todd Jenkins

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group

Since 2008, CBE has been a huge part of my network of small business owners who continue to provide me helpful insight and referrals to help me grow my business.  

Todd Jenkins

Todd Jenkins is the Producing Sales Manager of Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group®, Charlottesville, VA. In his 14 years of experience, he has helped nearly 1,500 families get settled into their dream homes and has earned a reputation characterized by responsiveness and dedication.

Todd says, “From first-time homebuyers to empty-nesters, I take pride in helping my clients achieve their homeownership goals. A mortgage can be one of the biggest financial decisions of my clients’ lives. I enjoy helping them connect all the pieces of the puzzle, navigating the detailed process for them, and taking extra care to ensure they’re comfortable and happy along the way.”

Licensed in Virginia, he focuses on Central Virginia, including Charlottesville and surrounding areas from Augusta to Louisa. Todd is a member of Charlottesville Association of REALTORS®, Greater Augusta Association of REALTORS®, Mortgage Bankers Association, and sits on the advisory board of the Virginia Housing Development Authority.

https://www.atlanticbay.com/

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Robert Johnson

Three Ridges, LLC, Small Business Advisory

In CBE, I find a group of small business peers that help me grow my business through revenue related referrals, best business practices and helpful resources.  

Robert L. Johnson

I am Robert Johnson, owner of Three Ridges, LLC. I was born and raised in Nelson County and after receiving a B.S. Degree in Business Administration from Radford University, I began a career in the Financial Services Industry with emphasis on commercial insurance, finance and risk management. In 1998, I received my Masters of Business Administration Degree with Honors from Kennesaw State University. Working for two Fortune 300 Global Financial Service firms was beyond educational. Competition was incredible and it took exceptional skills in innovation, service, brand and financial acumen to excel. But excel I did and grateful to have reached the level of Managing Director.

I knew I would return to Virginia for my next chapter and that materialized in the Spring of 2017 when I opened my own small business. Oliva was born a wholesale, retail and e-commerce specialty food store based in Charlottesville. My creative side was unleashed but my background in finance, branding and customer service was my cornerstone. It was during this time I discovered an appreciation for small business and the challenges faced.

In 2022, I sold Oliva and decided I would build a new chapter in support of small business. I have often said that a small business is sacred and the backbone of a community. I live this statement and am now dedicated to helping small businesses not just survive but thrive.

www.threeridges.net

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Fred Jung

Blue Ridge Eldercare Advisors, LLC

CBE is a key part of my business and marketing plan providing valuable networking, referral, support and guidance from other forward thinking, community oriented businesses.

Fred Jung

Blue Ridge Eldercare Advisors, LLC, helps the aging, their families & other healthcare providers to better navigate senior care in Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.   Services include in-home safety and needs assessments; guidance, recommendations and referral for home and long-term care; and management of more complex situations including chronic disease management, hospitalization and consideration of nursing home care.   Long-distance monitoring and coordination of care can also be provided as well as guidance on managing care during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

www.blueridgeeldercare.com

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Franklin Knox

Franklin Knox

Owner, Franklin Knox Photography

In CBE I plan to build meaningful relationships with other business owners so that we can give referrals and help each other expand our businesses.

Franklin Knox

I am originally from Richmond, Virginia and have been a photographer, trainer and manager for 5 studios over 30 years.   I began my photography career in the Tidewater area and later developed a photography business in Greenville, North Carolina.

Phase II of my career is to support business owners and corporations through photography.  I established Franklin Knox Photography in 2019 with a primary focus on headshot photography.

Potential clients and connections form opinions about you based on your photo and either want to know more about you and your message —or they ignore and forget you.   My work is to level that playing field.  I help my clients battle anonymity by helping them transform that first impression to one that makes them stand out and be remembered.

https://franklinknoxphotography.com

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Ben Kunkle

skyline home inspections

CBE has allowed me access to professionals that share the same standards of quality and client care. This is invaluable as I have increased my referral network, gained clarity and insight from high performing individuals with different skills and backgrounds.

Ben Kunkle

Growing up in Rockingham County of Virginia, Ben gained a wide expanse of knowledge in the fields of construction and architecture and has over 6 years of experience framing/building homes. He achieved his certification as a Licensed Home Inspector by studying under William Browne. Upon William’s retirement, Ben purchased Skyline Home Inspections and is continuing to provide the community with a company and inspector that will work hard to ensure that homebuyers are aware of any issues or major defects in the structures and components of their future property.

When not performing inspections, Ben is most likely with family or on two wheels! Motocross is his passion as he races various off-road series across the Mid-Atlantic. He loves his community and hopes his business can benefit the people in it.

https://skyline-homeinspections.com/

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Hilary Mathes

Digital Sales Manager, Lockwood Digital Solutions

Being a member of CBE allows me to connect with local industry professionals who share a like-minded goal to invest in their personal and professional development through meaningful relationships and conversations.

Hilary Mathes

I am Hilary Mathes, the Digital Sales Manager for the Charlottesville broadcast TV stations of CBS19, FOX Virginia, & ABC Virginia, part of the Lockwood Broadcast Group.

A Virginia native, I have spent most of life in the Charlottesville area. From my experience working for my parents’ business and other small businesses in administrative capacities, I gained an understanding of the challenges small business owners face. This led me to pursue a degree in marketing, where I could put my creativity and analytical skills to use helping businesses in one aspect most find overwhelming: advertising.

I joined CBS19 in 2016 and have since helped many local businesses of all sizes and across various industries navigate the oft-confusing world of digital advertising. With access to 180+ digital products, the capability to deliver highly targetable ads across top-tier display, video, and audio platforms, and an understanding of effective tactics, I am able to provide quality solutions tailored to my clients’ needs. I particularly enjoy developing comprehensive strategies with compatible creatives and messaging for a robust campaign. It’s exciting to watch my clients achieve their goals, and I look forward to being a resource for other businesses who need help.

www.cbs19news.com

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Erica May

Owner, Movendi Properties LLC

I am excited to join CBE to find motivated business owners who enjoy collaborating in order to expand their businesses and community reach through relationships.

Erica May

Movendi Properties' Owners are local real estate investors whose primary goal is creating solutions for property owners who need to sell FAST. We recognize life doesn't always happen according to plan, and when that happens we provide a confidential and stress-free consultation on selling your property at a fair price. As real estate investors we understand the market and can provide the best solutions for homeowners.

https://www.movendiproperties.com 

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Paul McArtor

Realtor with Avenue Realty

CBE has helped me grow my business. Having a diverse group of business leaders, their experiences, and their connections is invaluable to the success of my business.

Paul McArtor

I am Paul McArtor and a proud veteran brought to Charlottesville by the US Air Force. Quickly we were hooked and knew Charlottesville was the place for us.

During my time in the Air Force, real estate became a hobby quickly turning into a passion. Once I retired, I knew real estate was my path. I became a Realtor in 2014 specializing in helping people buy and sell residential real estate.

https://www.avenuerealtygroup.com/paul_mcartor

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Chris Parsnow

Five star services

In CBE I enjoy growing my business through referrals, feedback on business strategy and connections throughout the community.

Chris Parsnow

I am Chris Parsnow and have been working in Albemarle county on and off for twenty years. After receiving an Engineering Technology degree and Masters in Entrepreneurship, I started a home service
business while investing in real estate.

Through my experience improving residential real estate I have completed projects ranging from complete remodels to off grid solar installations.

Five Star Services was founded in January 2019 and became a certified Roof Maxx dealer in April 2020 when we shifted our focus to a roofing & exterior service business. From new to experienced homeowners, property managers and real estate professionals we provide roof rejuvenation and related services that minimize maintenance to prolong the life of any roofing system.

www.fivestarservicesllc.com/roofing

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Bill Rudd

Principal, Rudd Insurance Group

As a CBE member, I connect with strong, regional entrepreneurs who support one another through referrals, best practices and resources and who address common challenges collectively.

Bill Rudd

My passion for the Insurance and Financial Services profession was born as a youngster.  My Father’s premature death due to a vehicular accident created financial and emotional challenges for my family.  We were blessed to have a compassionate and caring Insurance Agent who helped counsel my family during those difficult years.  During my career as an Agent, Sales Manager, Regional Marketing Assistant (a Home Office position) and Regional Manager, I gained the knowledge and experience that has led me to my present position. In 1996, I was afforded an opportunity to return to my native Virginia and serve as Principal of William L. Rudd & Associates.   Now known as The Rudd Insurance Group, we represent a diverse blend of Insurance and Financial Services.  Collectively, our team of professionals have over 100 years of industry experience.  I have served as a two term President of the Central Virginia Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. 

https://www.theruddinsurancegroup.com/

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Nancy Trudel

Attorney with Trudel Law, PLLC

As a CBE member, I connect with strong, regional entrepreneurs who support one another through referrals, best practices and resources and who address common challenges collectively.

Nancy Trudel

Licensed in Virginia, West Virginia and DC, Nancy’s law practice incorporates 23+ years of experience serving for-profit and tax-exempt businesses in transactional and real estate law. Nancy provides a variety of legal services, including: business formation; corporate governance; government and commercial contract negotiation/compliance matters; real estate sales and purchases; commercial leasing; trademark registrations/infringements; employment issues; debt collections; small claims; mediations; and company sales, acquisitions and mergers.

Nancy served for 21 years as general counsel to the High Technology Foundation, as interim director/adjunct lecturer to the WVU College of Law Entrepreneurship Law Clinic and on behalf of countless early-stage entrepreneurs and established businesses. Currently, she serves as secretary/director to the I-79 Technology Park Association, in Fairmont, WV, and secretary to the Charlottesville Business Exchange Group, Inc., in Charlottesville, VA.

When not practicing law, Nancy enjoys time with her husband and extended family and, also, traveling, hiking, golfing and gardening.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-trudel-64815615/

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James Tsikerdanos

Executive Sales Coach, Sonder Insights LLC

CBE has provided me with a great group of business professionals that I can network and connect with to help grow my business.

James Tsikerdanos

I am James Tsikerdanos and have been in sales for over 15 years. Originally from Laurel, Maryland, I joined the Army Reserve and after training began attending the Corcoran College of Art in DC to study education. During that time, I also worked toward and received my Army Officer Commission from Howard University.

As a sales professional, I have worked with various technology based companies offering consumer lending, fintech, AI, and various other Software as a Service (Saas) products. Throughout my time at other companies I have always provided additional sales support and mentorship for my teams.

At Smart Systematic Selling, we focus on helping train sales representatives to have better and more dynamic sales conversations utilizing non-traditional sales strategies.  Through on-going sales reinforcement training, students get regular role-playing sessions and support from our trainers beyond just their initial sales training.

Smart Systematic Selling (s3.training)

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