Meet the Consultants

Certified Business Analyst

Polk County

Ms. Adrienne Darby, Certified Business Analyst, comes to the Small Business Development Center at the Central Florida Development Council, Polk County, following a 26- year career in the travel industry. During the earlier part of that career, she worked for a major U.S. airline carrier, holding positions in front line passenger sales, and as an Automation Coordinator. These positions afforded Adrienne opportunities to gain expertise in customer relations and support, training and sales support. She later worked for 11 years with Worldspan, a leader in electronic travel distribution systems, travel transaction processing and e-commerce. As Account Executive, Adrienne was part of the company's North American Travel Distribution sales team. She conducted contract negotiations and provided business consulting and sales support to large and medium sized travel agencies. Ms. Darby's experience allows her to rollup her sleeves, work one-on-one with business owners and to learn their core operational structures and challenges. While presenting educational seminars, and counseling small business owners through start-up and expansion challenges, she taps into her wealth of experience and breadth of business acumen. Reviewing business plans and helping small business owners create viable loan proposal packages is one of the most fulfilling aspects of her job as a certified business analyst. Adrienne's areas of expertise also include Minority Certification, and Sales. Ms. Darby earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota. She is also a Certified Fast Trac (Entrepreneurial Training) facilitator.

Certified Business Analyst, SBDC Manatee County

General Business Assistance, Marketing

Art Mahoney, Certified Business Analyst, comes to the Small Business Development Center at Manatee Community College with a broad background of experience in the fields of marketing and business development which make him an excellent resource. He was president of a company that was voted Best strategic marketing company in the Denver region for 2 years running and was one of the top 5 marketing agencies in the Denver market and built the agency from $600,000 annual billings to over $25 million. Art holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Rutgers University and attended Boston University's Graduate School of Public Relations and Communication.. Art is currently volunteering as a Branding Advisor with the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, on the Marketing Committee with the Sarasota Economic Development Corporation and as a Marketing Advisor with Sarasota's Jewish Family and Children's Service and the Senior Friendship Center. Art provides counseling services to businesses in the areas of marketing and necessary steps to start a business.

Assistant Director, SBDC Tampa

Marketing, Business Planning

Bill McKown is a Certified Business Analyst and marketing specialist. He has experience in training, facilitating, sales, organizational management, and entrepreneurship. As Retail Vice President for a petroleum marketing company, Bill directed the chain's marketing, co-op advertising, signage, retail construction, human resources, purchasing, and vendor relations. Bill served on the Florida Petroleum Marketers Association's education and environmental committees. He has also owned and operated businesses in the transportation industry, wholesale distribution, and vending. Bill earned his BA degree in Organizational Management from Warner Southern College and his MBA from Warner University. He is a past member of the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and was the first President of the Rotary Club of Hardee County. Bill is also a volunteer for high school Junior Achievement programs.

Certified Business Analyst, PTAC Manager

Government Procurement, PTAC, Florida Procurement Technical Assistance Centers

Ms. Charlene Bostic serves as manager of the Tampa Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), located within the Florida Small Business Development Center at USF. A Certified Acquisition Professional through the Defense Acquisition University, Ms. Bostic has more than 20 years of contracting experience with the Department of Defense. She is a Certified Business Analyst with the SBDC and joined the SBDC/PTAC in 2002 as a consultant to small and large businesses trying to obtain government contracts. Ms. Bostic earned her Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Administration from Saint Leo University, graduating in the top 10 percent of her class. She began her contracting career as an active duty member with the United States Air Force. She is Level II Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) certified. She spent 20 years purchasing a wide variety of products and services for the Air Force, ranging from small purchases of component parts to $100 million, high-tech research and development contracts. Her expertise in securing government contracts is evident at the Annual Government Trade Show she coordinates with the manufacturing sector.

Certified Business Analyst

SBDC at State College of Florida, Director

Carolyn Griffin is the Assistant Director of the Small Business Development Center at Manatee Community College, located at the MCC Venice campus. Carolyn has over 13 years experience as project manager with a major accounting firm. Carolyn earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Alabama State University. She has owned her own small business and is currently a managing member with a local hauling company.

Business Analyst

As an entrepreneur herself, Carol Hendrix provides technical assistance to business owners seeking expertise in everything from optimizing business performance to figuring out how to get it all started. Hendrix spent 25 years as a small business and nonprofit lender prior to starting a consulting firm in 1997, which she still owns today. She’s served as executive director of several community development financial institutions and micro-lending organizations as well as a nonprofit business service firm, which was certified by the SBA as a Technical Assistance Provider for small, start-up and expanding firms. Hendrix was awarded the Mary McLeod Bethune Award for Education and Advocacy in 1996 and the Small Business Administration Minority Small Business Advocate Award in 2000. She holds a master’s in business administration and taught as an adjunct professor at several colleges and universities in the subjects of business, management, business finance and entrepreneurial studies.

Certified Business Analyst

Center Director, SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development

Dr. Cynthia Johnson serves as center director for the SBDC at PCED and senior manager of the business assistance division. She is an experienced business consultant with specialties in business planning, disaster mitigation, operations management, government procurement, as well as Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) grants. She directs a highly professional team of consultants that are committed to creating relevant relationships that assist in the creation of new businesses, leading to more and better jobs for Pinellas County. She is the project manager and certified facilitator for SBDC at PCED’s FastTrac® program, an award winning training program for entrepreneurs. Before making the transition to Pinellas County Economic Development in July, 2000, Dr. Johnson was an assistant principal with the Pinellas County Schools. During her 10 years as an educator, she led the business and education partner relations. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor at the University of South Florida and serves on the Florida High Tech Corridor Council’s SBIR/STTR Matching Grand Advisory Board. In 2010 she was nominated for business women of the year by Tampa Bay Business Journal and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce for her work with entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Certified Business Analyst

Dawn Decaminada a Certified Business Analyst with the Small Business Development Center of Polk County has been with the Central Florida Development Council for 4 years. Prior to joining the Small Business Development Center, Dawn worked for the CFDC in the role of Sales and Event Representative for Central Florida Sports Marketing. In that role Dawn helped recruit and manage both large and small sporting events located in Polk County, including her role as onsite coordinator for the 2008 ESPN Bassmaster Elite Citrus Slam and as Convention Director for the 52nd Annual Road Runners Club of America National Convention. Dawn’s background in marketing allows her to help businesses develop successful marketing strategies for both start up and businesses looking to expand and reach a larger audience. In addition Dawn enjoys working with the many entrepreneurs that come through her door seeking guidance on issues ranging from developing a business plan to brainstorming solutions to various issues business owners face. Dawn has an undergraduate degree in Communication from The Ohio State University and has lived in Florida for 11 years. Dawn is also a personal running and triathlon coach and is a 4 time Ironman finisher. In her spare time she likes to participate in triathlons and give back to the community by participating in charitable events.

Certified Business Analyst

David Noel is a Certified Business Analyst serving DeSoto, Hardee and Highlands counties. He assists small business owners with a variety of general business support and offers expertise in the areas of government contracting, minority certification, rural entrepreneurship, organization development, human resources and networking. Noel has more than 25 years of experience in business with a background in education. He also has extensive practical knowledge in meeting planning and employee relations. Prior to working at the SBDC, Noel owned a management consulting business and spent more than 14 years in the aerospace industry. While in the aerospace field, he worked as a logistics engineer until transferring to human resources to become an organization development specialist and executive development coordinator. As an active member of the small business community he has served as the chairman of the Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce board of directors, board member for the Rotary Club of Sebring, a member of the Highlands County Economic Development Commission, the Avon Park Chamber of Commerce and the Highlands County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, and served on the board of directors for Drug Free Highlands. Noel obtained a bachelor’s from Samford University and master’s in administration and supervision from the University of Montevallo.

Director

International Business, Women/Minority Businesses

Ms. Eileen Rodriguez serves as Director for the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida. She is a Certified Business Analyst. Eileen has been working with the SBDC since 1997, providing one-on-one confidential counseling and teachings seminars in English and Spanish on small business start-up, international trade, and women and minority certification. Prior to working at the SBDC, Eileen owned her own business for four years. She has more than 21 years of experience as a professional businesswoman. Eileen obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master of Science Degree and an MBA from the University of South Florida. Eileen is active in many organizations including the Florida Minority Supplier's Development Council, Tampa Bay Women in International Trade, the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators, and the University of South Florida Alumni Association.

Certified Business Analyst

Jerry Karp brings an array of experience to the SBDC. For 13 years, he owned a business that specialized in selling business to business. When it was sold to a large corporation, he remained at the company for seven years as manager. Prior to owning his business, he worked in upper management at two successful audio/visual companies. At one, he was the executive vice president of sales and marketing and at the other, CEO. In addition, he has more than 30 years experience selling to both commercial and government accounts.

Assistant Director

Finance, SBA Loans, Business Planning, Franchising & Buying/Selling Businesses

Mr. Jim Parrish is a Certified Business Analyst with the Small Business Development Center at USF. He has more than 30 years of extensive experience as a bank manager, small business loan officer, financial counselor, and instructor. He has had direct responsibilities in the areas of accounting, auditing, operations, security, insurance, investments, retail lending, commercial lending, budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and personnel. Mr. Parrish received his B.A. degree from the University of Memphis, his M.B.A. from the University of Tampa, and a Doctorate in Business Administration-Finance (ABD) at Nova Southeastern University. He also graduated from the Mid-South School of Banking and the National Commercial Lending School. Jim provides counseling services to businesses on such topics as: starting a business, Small Business Administration Loan Programs, how to prepare a business plan, getting a business loan, how to find investors, raising venture capital, franchising, and buying and selling a business. Jim has authored numerous articles including "88 Ways To Get Money Without Going To The Bank", "How To Find Private Investors For Your Business", "Grants for Small Business: Myths versus Reality", and "Why Buying Your Building May Be An Economic Mistake" and the FTC Consumer Alert Free Government Grants: Don't Take Them For Grant-ed

Business Assistance Manager

Pinellas County Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Kurt found his interest in business counseling and training working at the USF Center for Organizational Communication while completing his Master's Degree in Communication. Later he put that experience to use, owning and operating two separate market research businesses. The entrepreneurial spirit stuck with Kurt even while working in large organizations, opening new offices for St. Petersburg College and later the State of Wyoming's Business Council. Additionally, he led the marketing efforts to redevelop downtown St.Petersburg as the Director of Marketing for the Bay Plaza Companies. Today, he enjoys serving the community as Manager and Certified Business Analyst for the Small Business Development Center at Pinellas County Economic Development. Kurt developed his enthusiastic facilitator style working in an interesting variety of teaching positions from alpine ski instructor and Sea World animal trainer to college instructor. He is also recognized as a Certified Instructor for both the NxLeveL Business Training Programs and the Kauffman Foundation FastTrac TechVenture Program. As a community leader Kurt founded Common Ground, a downtown development organization in St. Petersburg, and assists a variety of technology and entrepreneurship organizations throughout Tampa Bay.

CPA, Accounting, Business Taxes , Quick Books Training

As a child Mario Iezzoni always had an interest in starting and owning a business. His first foray as an entrepreneur was to form the Lehigh River Company. Printing and publishing river maps, Mario started the company while he worked as a river guide on that Pennsylvania River A desire to expand his knowledge in the business arena led to enrollment at Wilkes University in Pa. where he earned an MBA with a concentration in Accounting and Finance. While in graduate school, he opened Lehigh Rafting Rentals, Inc. with a long-time friend, Ted Newton. The company operated successfully from 1988 to 2003 when it was sold to a competitor. In conjunction with his other businesses Mario opened a CPA firms that specialized in assisting small business within his community. He has taught at several Colleges including the University of South Florida where he teaches Entrepreneurship at the College of Business. Mr. Iezzoni moved to Florida after accepting a position at a tax consulting firm based in Clearwater, Fla. The firm specialized in representing individuals with civil and criminal tax matters before the Internal Revenue Service. Mr. Iezzoni is a CPA and has always enjoyed helping small business owners.

Certified Business Analyst

International Trade, Women/Minority Certification, Spanish speaking

Ms. Maria Clara Yepes is a Certified Business Analyst with the Small Business Development Center at USF. She provides counseling services to small businesses in the areas of business start-up, women/minority certification, international trade and business planning. She counsels and teaches seminars in English and Spanish. Prior to working at the SBDC, Ms. Yepes worked for Citigroup as an Anti-Money Laundering Analyst and at AchieveGlobal as an Alliance Partner Intern. Ms. Yepes was born in Medellin, Colombia where she spent her childhood and teenage years. In 2001, she came to the United States to pursue a professional education. She obtained an Associate of Arts Degree from Hillsborough Community College, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida, and an MBA also from the University of South Florida. Her areas of study include: marketing, international business, management and sustainability. Ms. Yepes is a member of NASBITE International and a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP). She is also a member of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA), where she currently serves as VP of Education for the Tampa Bay Chapter.

Certified Business Analyst

Business Planning, Valuation, & Financials

Martin Zients is a Certified Business Analyst with the Small Business Development Center at USF. His background includes owning and operating several small businesses over the past 50 years. These included a residential general contracting business, a sales training business, and several small business consulting companies. Martin has been involved with the SBDC since 1992 and specializes in financing and capital improvement. He has advised both prospective and existing entrepreneurs in the areas of business start-up, financing, buying a business, real estate investing and business plans. He also works with clients as concerns their personal credit, a prerequisite for business financing. As part of an ongoing commitment to counseling and teaching excellence, he regularly attends professional development, small business, & industry events. In addition to one-on-one counseling, Martin has taught on nearly every aspect of small business operation and, like his colleagues he is constantly reviewing the entrepreneurial landscape in search of new topics to offer clients. One of Marty’s more recent new program developed for SBDC clients is: Personal Credit versus Business Credit and How to Control Your Scores.

Certified Business Analyst, CPA

Starting Business, Accounting

With a unique combination of business and personal savvy, Pearl Dahmen Para, CPA and SBDC Certified Business Analyst, is dedicated to teaching small business owners to develop effective financial, tax and money management systems while coaching them toward cultivating a balanced, healthy approach to a prosperous life. She is a certified public accountant and offers Quickbooks training, as well. Ms. Para served as an auditor with Coopers & Lybrand, budget analyst and pricing specialist with Honeywell, accounting systems analyst with AT&T Paradyne, financial director for the city of Guadalupe, Calif., and accounting manager for the city of Santa Barbara, Calif. She has created and owned several small businesses over the years including a daycare center, auto restoration company, tropical fish distribution, teen life skills/motivation educational training business and Pearl Financial Services, Inc. supporting small business owners from 1992 through 2008. Ms. Para earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration/accounting from the University of Dayton, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of South Florida and also is a graduate of the Coach U core essentials training program.

Certified Business Analyst

SBDC Polk County, Director

As Director of Economic Development in Polk County, Rodney is responsible for the development and implementation of the organization’s overall economic development strategic plan including, the formulation of target industry strategies for marketing of new business recruitment (domestically and internationally) as well as local business expansion. Prior to joining the Central Florida Development Council (CFDC), Rodney has served as vice president for a 3 state - 15 county regional economic development program, a senior economic development representative with a Fortune 250 company, an international business consultant, an internet international operations manager and a corporate banker. He is also an accomplished entrepreneur, having started and sold several different small businesses in Texas and Hawaii. Rodney obtained his undergraduate degree, with a double major in international business management and business finance, from the University of Hawaii. He holds an MBA with a focus in international internet and e-commerce management from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. In addition to his degrees, Rodney is a certified economic developer. Rodney is also a recipient of Progress Energy’s highest employee award – the Pinnacle Award –– for his leadership work with Entergy-Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. Rodney is actively involved in local, regional and state economic development organizations, having held various board positions with Tampa Bay Partnership, Florida’s Great Northwest, Opportunity Florida and the Haines City Economic Development Council. He is currently a board member on the Polk Works Workforce Board and is an active member of the Florida Economic Development Council and the International Economic Development Council. Rodney is an accomplished scuba diver, having reached the ranks of master scuba instructor, and now spends his free time spear fishing, running and keeping up with his children.

ASBDC Certified Technology Business Counselor

Pinellas County Area Manager, Marketing, Business Planning, Technology

Mr. Brass is the Pinellas County Area Manager for the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg. His responsibilities include providing one on one counseling and teaching seminars to assist start up and growing companies. Prior to taking this position, Mr. Brass was the Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Technology Incubator at the University of South Florida (USF). Also, while at USF, he was the Executive Director of the Office for Technology Entrepreneurship and the Executive Director for the Office for Corporate Development.

Assistant Director & Certified Business Analyst

Business Planning

Yanina Rosario, SBDC assistant director and Certified Business Analyst, specializes in business planning and marketing. Rosario’s expertise comes from 10 years of guiding pre-venture and well-established business owners through procurement, licensing, planning, marketing and financing at the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida, Inc. As the regional vice president she oversaw operations and developed a team of specialists to provide business assistance and education outreach. In ensuring that businesses have access to vital resources, she helped clients secure more than $3.2 million in small business loans. Rosario serves on the board of directors for the Tampa Bay WorkForce Alliance and the Tampa Bay Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She’s also a member of the City of Tampa Equal Business Opportunity Advisory Committee and member of the Minority Enterprise Development Week (MEDWeek) planning committee. She obtained a bachelor’s in marketing from the University of Central Florida and a MBA in management from the Florida Institute of Technology.