Services

Small Business Course

Dodie Jacobi
Small Business Consultant and Entrepreneur - dodiejacobi.com

From sole proprietor start-ups and "Mom & Pop" shop owners to multi-million-dollar-funded gazelles, Dodie has consulted with more than 100 companies from various industries in her 30-plus-year span creating marketing and growth strategies with entrepreneurial ventures. A three-time entrepreneur who also co-founded three not-for- profit organizations, Dodie was instrumental in developing business plans for several entrepreneurship support programs funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Currently, Dodie consults with small businesses in the for- and not-for-profit sectors, teaches courses for small business owners at Missouri Bank, hosts Circles of Trust (peer think tank groups), and is a frequently quoted media source, having appeared in the Wall Street Journal, NPR's Marketplace, and Good Morning America. Dodie graduated with a bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from Southern Methodist University. She lives in Hyde Park with dog Pippa, and can be found quilting, dancing the Samba (really!), or riding horse Sami on the trails at the Saddle & Sirloin Club.

Julie Nelson Meers
Senior Vice President, Missouri Bank - mobank.com

Growing up the daughter of a community banker in a small town in central Kansas, Julie discovered her interest in banking and small business at an early age. Julie spent 8 years working with regional banks, Commerce Bank and Mark Twain Bank, as a middle market commercial lender, before joining Missouri Bank in 1996 as a commercial lender. She quickly developed a reputation as an advocate and financial educator for small business, particularly for those in the creative industry. Today Julie serves as Senior Vice President with responsibilities in both Commercial Banking and Marketing, and serves as part of the bank's Executive Management Committee. She also co-owns Meers Advertising with her husband Sam Meers. Julie has served on numerous boards and committees and is a frequent guest speaker on a range of entrepreneurial, banking, and financial topics. Julie graduated from the University of Kansas in 1988 with a degree in Business. She lives in Brookside, Missouri with her husband Sam, daughter Katherine, and Golden Retriever Boulder.

Jenné Fromm
JennéInk - jenneink.com

Jenné believes each one of us is here for a reason. She further believes knowing our own unique purpose drives and satisfies us and not knowing it causes pain, confusion and hopelessness. As a keynote speaker, leadership consultant, facilitator and teacher, Jenné thrives on helping individuals and companies unleash their potential and find their purpose. Her personal stories and off-beat humor capture the attention of her audiences while her insight triggers sensible ideas for meaningful change. Audiences around the country have described her as motivating, soul stirring, no-nonsense and warm-hearted. With creativity, compassion and courage, Jenné brings her professional gift to every situation. She discerns the potential locked inside of people, helping them think differently about their work, the world and themselves in a way that helps them come alive. Jenné lives in Brookside, Missouri with her fabulous husband Steve and is a Bonus Mom to 10 year old Nena. They also share their home with two rotten (but lovable) dogs. Additionally, Jenné serves as the National Spokesperson for The Breast Cancer 3-Day. Jenné can be reached through her website www.jenneink.com.

Margaret Lawlor
e-media bloc, llc - e-mediabloc.com

In 1995, following 12+ years in print, direct mail and publishing, Margaret shifted her focus to the web. It's been a wild ride ever since. A seasoned marketer, Margaret works with companies of all sizes to develop web sites, choose third-party vendors, create user-and-search-friendly content, design and build sound email programs, develop on-site merchandising plans, build and manage cross-channel campaigns and strategize on customer acquisition programs. Formerly a founding partner of BOLD Internet Business Solutions, Margaret now heads e-media bloc, inc., based in Kansas City, and focuses on ecommerce marketing and online operations. e-media bloc helps such ecommerce ventures as Russell Stover Candies, J. Schmid & Associates, and Peruvian Connection use the Internet to work smarter, faster, and more cost-effectively. Equally adept at strategy and implementation, Margaret combines proven experience and a commitment to best practices with a passion for capitalizing on the latest opportunities in the fast-evolving web world. Margaret loves her peaceful, quiet home in Olathe and spends much of her time working outdoors.

Danielle Rodenbough
Trouble at Work - troubleatwork.net

Danielle is the principal of trouble at work?, a human resources consulting firm founded in 2000 that provides outsourcing and consulting services. She works regularly with non-profits, the federal government, municipalities, the hospitality industry, architectural firms, service and manufacturing organizations. Through her work, Danielle is regularly providing counsel about employee relations issues, performance management, culture development, time off practices, recruitment and selection, organizational development, conflict management and legal compliance. Before founding trouble at work?, Danielle was the Director of Human Resources for Hallmark's Crayola subsidiary, the Director of Sourcing and Immigration for Pasteur Merieux Connaught, an Aventis company, and consulted to Merck, General Electric and TransAmerica Financial Services. Danielle asked to use a picture of Katherine Hepburn instead of her headshot, but you’ll just have to come meet her in person if you want a face for the name.