Featured Clients: Success Stories

Raymond L. Vargo, Director of the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center at the IEE, counsels businesses at all stages of their lifecycle.

Working with businesses in industries such as retail, high tech, manufacturing and professional services, he provides strategic business and financial advice to help companies expand their profits, explore new markets and overcome business challenges.

Since opening the Washington County Outreach Office of the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center in 1995, Vargo has grown it to become one of the most successful outreach offices in the Pennsylvania SBDC system.

He has become a leader and valuable resource for Western Pennsylvania businesses, and in addition to his consulting management responsibilities, Vargo teaches accounting and small business management to both undergraduate and graduate students at Waynesburg College and the University of Pittsburgh.

Education
Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Pennsylvania State University
Master of Business Administration, California University of Pennsylvania

Victoria first joined the Small Business Development Center as an intern in Washington. As a Washington County native, she was thrilled to rejoin the team as a consultant in January 2015 managing the Washington and Waynesburg offices. She works closely with both start-ups and existing businesses to help them reach their goals. The majority of her work is focused on assisting clients with strategic planning, cash flow statements, and loan packaging. In addition, she does most of the educational programming within Washington and Greene County. She loves being active with entrepreneurs within her own community.

Prior to her return, Victoria worked as both a Financial Aid Advisor and Career Services Advisor at Penn Commercial Business/Technical School in Washington.

Victoria earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Grove City College.

In her spare time, Victoria sits on several boards and committees focused on civic involvement, ball room dancing, and education.

Meghan Hillegas is a Management Consultant with the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center.  At the SBDC Meghan works closely with clients in all stages of business growth. With nearly a decade of experience in small business and nonprofit operations and financial analysis, Meghan focuses her consulting work in organizational management and financial forecasting.

Education
Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, California University of Pennsylvania
Master of Business Administration, Waynesburg

Terri Kennelly-Cook began her career at the University of Pittsburgh in August 2006 as the Department Administrator in the Swanson School of Engineering Office of Diversity. Ten years later she transferred to the IEE as an administrative assistant handling the front desk duties and projects for the IEE with Pitt students. Prior to the University of Pittsburgh, Terri was a Certified Property Manager (CPM) and Regional Supervisor with Zink Partners, Inc., Johnstown Management Co. and Cushman & Wakefield working in various states in commercial and residential properties.

Education
Master of Studies in Law, University of Pittsburgh
Graduate Certificate, Human Resources Law, University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor’s of Business Administration & Management, LaRoche College
Bachelor’s of Arts, English Literature, LaRoche College

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Lynne began her career in retail management before transitioning to a project management position with PNC Bank. While at PNC Bank she was responsible for implementing bank marketing initiatives at the telebanking center and coordinating all aspects including training, operational support, and telecommunications. She held the position of accounting manager at an automotive dealership and most recently worked as a licensed and certified occupational therapy assistant, providing school-based occupational therapy in local school districts. In her spare time, Lynne enjoys spending time her with family, reading, and walking her two golden retrievers.

Zachery Patton is a Management Consultant at the University of Pittsburgh’s Small Business Development Center. Currently, he works with startups and small businesses out of the Washington and Waynesburg offices. Zachery brings experience in the restaurant industry, business development, as well as sustainability initiatives. His focus is to help entrepreneurs position themselves to succeed and prosper.

Before he joined the Small Business Development Center, Zachery was the Technology Transfer Coordinator at the Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory.

Education
Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Masters of Business Administration, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Jarrod started his career at the Saint Francis University SBDC in Fall 2017, assisting small businesses with marketing + digital strategy, including brand management, public relations (PR), website design, SEO, social media, graphic design, promotional strategy, corporate communications, and cybersecurity.

In addition to his role at the SBDC, Jarrod maintains a concurrent brand marketing position with a Fortune 500 technology company, where he assists with global brand development, channel optimization, unique value propositions, storytelling, positioning, and competitive intelligence.

He is also enrolled in an MBA program at Saint Francis University with a concentration in Project Management + Information Systems.

Jeff has been employed with the Saint Francis University Small Business Development Center since May 1985. He provides these services primarily to businesses in Blair, Bedford and Huntingdon Counties.

Jeff served as a Business Analyst at the Center from May 1985 through April 1997. He provided a variety of services to all types of businesses including start-up procedures, business planning, financial analysis, loan packaging, marketing/advertising and research.

In April 1997, he became the Center’s Senior Business Consultant. In addition to serving as a Business Analyst, he also oversees the activities of the other consultants and student assistants.

In July 2018, he became the Director of the Center. Jeff is a graduate of Saint Francis University with a BS in Economics and a Masters in Human Resource Management. He is the longest serving full-time employee in the PASBDC system.

Annette has been with St. Francis University since 1999. She brings over 35 years of business experience including retail, marketing, advertising, research, business planning, financial projections and analysis. The counties that she serves are mainly the Cambria and Somerset area providing confidential free one-on-one consulting to current and prospective entrepreneurs.

Annette has worked with clients in different industries and has assisted clients in assessing their idea, developing their business proposal including detailed financial projections. She has also assisted in the research and general management assistance to small business.

Prior to joining SFU SBDC, Annette worked at Kent State University-Stark SBDC as the Coordinator. She also was Vice President of Research and Business Retention, Stark Development Board along with a business instructor in the Adult Education Program. Annette is a St. Francis University graduate earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Management. She has hands on small business experience growing up in a family owned and operated grocery store.

Terry returned to the Saint Francis University SBDC in June 2020 and was previously employed at the Center from 1999-2012 as a business consultant where he worked with over 700 clients assisting them with startup procedures, planning, marketing, and obtaining financing. Currently he works with small businesses on turnaround strategies, marketing, and assisting them with obtaining appropriate funding. Additionally, Terry works with childcare centers under a new program aimed at helping them recover from the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic on their industry. Terry is working directly with centers to help them obtain funding dedicated to their industry, providing marketing and turnaround strategy consulting, advising on hiring issues, and advising on other operational issues.

Prior to returning to the SBDC, Terry served the last seven years as the Director of Juniata College’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and taught the Entrepreneurship curriculum for their Accounting, Business, & Economics department. As Director, Terry worked with students from all majors in planning, creating, and starting small businesses and managed the Center’s Seed Capital Fund providing startup funding to student startups.

Most recently, Terry started 5 Strong Apparel, an e-commerce business providing solutions for highly customized and personalized printed apparel and accessories for individuals, schools, businesses, and events.

Jeanne Best joined the PennWest Clarion SBDC in January 2018. Jeanne is responsible for coordination of training events and marketing them in all ten counties served by the SBDC. She also facilitates, teaches and does follow-up reporting for workshops, classes and other training events.

Jeanne has over 20 years of experience in many areas of business, including: management, operations, marketing, sales, customer service, human resources, and finance. She has worked in numerous industries, such as: marketing, education, health care, philanthropy and technology. Jeanne is an entrepreneur by nature and strives to help others start their own successful businesses.

Jason Strohm is a business consultant at the SBDC. He joined the PennWest Clarion SBDC in October of 2017. He serves Jefferson and Armstrong counties, providing free, confidential one-on-one consulting to current or prospective small business owners. He also provides research, marketing, and general business consulting. Jason is a graduate of PennWest Clarion. He has started and overseen multiple businesses of his own. He also has experience in web and graphic design, communications, marketing, and teaching.

Jason meets with clients at the PennWest Clarion SBDC main office and at outreach locations within Jefferson and Armstrong counties.

Di processes all necessary budget transactions, invoices, etc. She assists clients and counselors to obtain various types of business information requested.

Corry Riley graduated from PennWest Clarion and began working at the SBDC as a consultant in May of 2005. Corry serves Cameron and Clearfield counties, providing free, confidential one-on-one business consulting to current or prospective small business owners. He also provides assistance with research, marketing, employee handbooks, QuickBooks accounting software, and general management assistance. Corry instructs educational programs and seminars for the SBDC, including the popular QuickBooks seminars. Corry is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

Corry meets with clients at the PennWest Clarion SBDC main office and at outreach locations within Cameron and Clearfield counties.

Aleshia has been a business consultant with the PennWest Clarion SBDC since November 2017. The counties that she serves include Elk, Potter and McKean providing free, confidential one-on-one consulting to current or prospective small business owners. In addition, she instructs educational programs and seminars for the SBDC. Aleshia specializes in preparing comprehensive business plans that include financial forecasts, as well as providing general management assistance.

Prior to joining the SBDC, Aleshia worked in the private sector as an account representative at a machine company. She also has retail experience and is a former intern at the PennWest Clarion SBDC. She is a PennWest Clarion graduate.

Aleshia meets with clients at the PennWest Clarion SBDC main office, via Zoom, and at outreach locations within Elk, McKean, and Potter counties.

Amy has been a business consultant with the PennWest Clarion SBDC since July 2004. The counties that she serves include Forest, Clarion, and Venango providing free, confidential one-on-one consulting to current or prospective small business owners. In addition, she instructs educational programs and seminars for the SBDC.

Prior to joining the SBDC, Amy worked in the banking industry. She also has experience as a tax-preparer. She is a PennWest Clarion graduate.

Amy meets with clients at the PennWest Clarion SBDC main office and at outreach locations within Forest and Venango counties.

Cindy has been with the PennWest Clarion SBDC since September 1996. Cindy is responsible for overseeing and directing the assignment and coordination of the SBDC staff and its operations. In addition, Cindy provides confidential one-on-one consulting to current or prospective small business owners and developing and instructing educational programs for the SBDC.

Prior to joining the SBDC, Cindy worked in the banking industry for 10 years. She graduated from The Ohio State University.

Jim Kunkel is the Director of St. Vincent College SBDC. In this position, he heads a team of management consultants whose mission is to provide professional planning, technical assistance, education and information to small and medium sized businesses. Mr. Kunkel earned his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Penn State University. He has also successfully completed faculty development certificate training in international business at the University of South Carolina and the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird Management Center). In addition to his duties within the SBDC, Mr. Kunkel is also an adjunct professor at Saint Vincent College where he teaches two courses: Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Global Management.

Cindy has been with the Clarion University SBDC since September 1996. Cindy is responsible for overseeing and directing the assignment and coordination of the SBDC staff and its operations. In addition, Cindy provides confidential one-on-one consulting to current or prospective small business owners and developing and instructing educational programs for the SBDC.

Prior to joining the SBDC, Cindy worked in the banking industry for 10 years. She graduated from The Ohio State University.

Karl Kraus is the interim director of the Temple University Small Business Development Center. He manages Temple University’s Ambler Campus SBDC location and is a Senior Business Consultant specializing in companies that are commercializing new technologies and those in the manufacturing sector. Karl also serves as Adjunct Faculty in the Fox School of Business’ Department of Management, teaching both graduate and undergraduate courses focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and small business management. He is Managing Partner of Material Growth Partners LLC, a consulting firm that provides technical and market evaluation of emerging technologies for the investment community in order to inform their investing decisions. Karl also serves as a member of the Advisory Committee for investments in the Physical Sciences Sector at Ben Franklin Technology Partners Southeastern PA. Karl has started and operated 2 independent firms, 4 new business units within industrial corporations, and has advised over 800 client companies in all phases of operations, from pre-venture through launch and growth to successful exits, all in a wide variety of business sectors.

Robin has a Master’s of Business Administration and a M.A. in Higher Education Administration. Robin has been with the center since its opening in January 2007.

Over 15 years of experience working with businesses and organizations, helping them increase profitability/productivity and improve company culture and business growth. Previously held positions as Director of Business Operations for a private small business, CFO of his family start-up and a manager of budget and entrepreneurship programs for Montgomery County Community College’s Workforce Development and Continuing Education departments. John is now responsible for planning, developing and implementing programs offered by the Small Business Administration to the Kutztown University SBDC and oversight of those initiatives.

Areas of Expertise
Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Resources, Project Change Management and Business Operations.

Educational Background
Master of Science – Organizational Leadership/Project Management, Colorado State University, Pueblo, CO
Bachelor of Science – Accounting, DeVry University, Fort Washington, PA

Margaret (Maggie) U. Horne, MBA, CVA is the Director of Gannon University Small Business Development Center. Maggie earned an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with concentration in marketing and management from Penn State University, and her MBA from Point Park University. She is also an Certified Valuation Analyst. Her background includes experience in law, accounting, education and business valuation. Maggie co-launched the first independent valuation firm in Western Pennsylvania where she consulted with numerous clients, including Microsoft, UPS, Ford, Proctor & Gamble, and Caterpillar. She was involved in over 50 mergers and acquisitions. Maggie developed and conducted numerous presentations related to business valuation and competitive intelligence.

Maggie has published articles and presented locally and nationally on topics including competitive intelligence, business valuation and business management. She has also taught a variety of courses for colleges and universities. The first six years with the SBDC, Maggie provided general consulting services to pre-venture clients and existing businesses in Mercer County and specialized business valuation consulting services to clients in Erie, Warren, Crawford and Mercer counties. She served as Manager of Business Consulting prior to her appointment as Director of the Center. Maggie currently provides strategic planning and valuation services for SBDC clients.

Rich Longo is the Director of Duquesne University Palumbo-Donahue School of Business – Small Business Development Center (SBDC) where he assists new and existing businesses in the areas of business plan development: financial forecasting/financial statement development: marketing strategy and implementation plans. Rich is also certified in Technology Commercialization.

Previous positions held include Owner/CEO of RIOL; LLC a boutique consulting firm specializing in Group Medical Practice Management, Pay for Performance, Accountable Care Organizations (ACO’S), and Productivity and Quality Outcomes-based physician-based compensation and Senior Vice President, Network Management for Devon Health Services, Inc. King of Prussia, PA, one of the largest regional PPOs in the Northeast.

Rich has also served as adjunct faculty at Robert Morris University and the University of Pittsburgh. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (cum laude) from Duquesne University and a Master’s Degree (magna cum laude) from the University of Pittsburgh.

Rich Longo named distinguished alumni in the School of Nursing in 2021.

Steven Stumbris promotes an entrepreneurial mindset and a culture of innovation in central Pennsylvania as the Director of the Bucknell University Small Business Development Center. Bucknell’s center was recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration with the Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award for Pennsylvania in 2016. He initiated the Startup Lewisburg entrepreneur incubator program and founded BizPitch, a business pitch competition for student startups. Stumbris serves on the boards of the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership and the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation; and is a community organizer for One Million Cups Susquehanna Valley, a regional program that educates, engages, and connects entrepreneurs. He holds a Master of Professional Studies in Community and Economic Development from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University.

Kelly is the Budget Analyst for the Pennsylvania SBDC network. She is responsible for assisting the Senior Budget Analyst complete and organize financial workbooks, invoices, and schedules in a timely manner. She has a degree in Accounting from Saint Joseph’s University and has worked in public accounting for over three years where she specialized as a tax accountant for individual and trust returns. Kelly has goals to help the SBDC expand their tax accounting assistance for their clients allowing them to better take advantage of tax credits and initiatives without overspending.

Lynn Loaiza has worked in various positions throughout the PASBDC network. In 2018 she joined the PASBDC as an intern and in August 2019 as a marketing and finance graduate assistant in pursuit of a Master of Business administration. She was employed as a business consultant for the KUSBDC in 2020, providing guidance to existing and start up businesses in developing business plans, financial projections, and underlying narrative financial assumptions, along with loan structuring and preparing a loan package for lenders. Currently she is the Assistant Director of Capital Acquisition, responsible for helping the oversight of capital formation goals for the network and training workshops to help clients access capital. When Lynn is not at her desk, you can find her in a yoga class or cuddled up with her two dogs reading history-related books.

Natasa possesses over 25 years of management experience in international development, human resources and commercial retail at Philadelphia International Airport. She has also designed and implemented public information strategies and workshops on civic education approaches in countries undergoing political transition.

Natasa was also a collaborator in an Emmy-nominated documentary “Picture Me and Enemy” and has a background in journalism working with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, CNN and public radio. One of her passions is coffee and she considers being an entrepreneur for 15 years, having developed and managed all aspects of a multi-retail, fair-trade coffee business, one of the highlights of her career. It is precisely this mix of expertise and Borcanin’s 360° approach to management, a knack to mobilize necessary resources and to motivate people, that result in positive outcomes. Currently she is delighted to offer assistance to small businesses in accomplishing their government contracting goals, in her current role as the Assistant Program Manager for the Southeast PA PTAC, based in Philadelphia.

Val is a well rounded graphic and web designer who is passionate about user experience and inclusivity in design. Beyond aesthetics, Val believes that great design involves research, critical thinking, and an understanding of who she is designing for. Val is responsible for working independently and strategically with the lead office strategic leadership team and Center Directors to craft visual content that helps educate prospective small business clients while also supporting key strategic network messaging and helping to differentiate the SBDC experience.

In addition to her design skills, Val has proven to be someone who takes initiative, is dependable, and has the ability to motivate and lead others in a team environment. These characteristics have allowed her to successfully hold supervisory and managerial positions. Prior to her design career, Val managed a popular, fast-paced  salon in Bethlehem for several years. In that role she was responsible for upwards of 14 staff members, the daily operation of the business, small business financial management, and superior customer relations.

Juliet joined the Pennsylvania SBDC in August of 2018 as an accounting and finance graduate assistant in pursuit of a Master of Business Administration. She is currently the Pennsylvania SBDC Budget Analyst and is responsible for managing the funding sources relevant to the operation of the SBDC and administering all necessary documentation to such sources. She coordinates all internal federal budget operations including reporting requirements in compliance with federal, university policies, and audit requirements. She also monitors and maintains direct, indirect, overhead, and in-kind matching requirements and budgetary controls as mandated by each funding source and contractual obligation for the Lead Office and the Pennsylvania SBDC Network.

In addition, Juliet provides support for special projects that are funded at the Lead Office and within the network. She prepares monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and year-end reports that are relevant and contain compliance issues to the myriad of programs conducted by the Network.

Sarah is a recognized leader in the workforce, with a demonstrated track record of managing, training, and collaborating with colleagues and organizational partners. A three-time University of Delaware alumna, she holds a Bachelor’s in International Relations (with specializations in Political Economics, Asian Studies, and Legal Studies), a Master’s of Science in International Business, and an MBA in Entrepreneurship.

Prior to being the Associate State Director, Sarah was the Digital Strategies Program Manager for the PASBDC at Temple University and also holds Lead Office experience as the Operations Manager for Delaware SBDC. She has over 10 years of work experience that runs the gamut from operations management, strategic leadership, change management, project management, business licensing, accounting, government planning and legislative policy, non-profit public relations, program analytics, research and data collection, entrepreneurial leadership and strategy, market research and implementation, social media and web design, instructional design, to retail and customer service.

Sarah is known for emphasizing strategic leadership and lean efficiencies to spur growth and change. An accomplished public speaker, Sarah has presented at multiple universities and economic development organizations, including several statewide conferences. With a background in instructional design, she has also created educational programs in digital marketing, onboarding and orientation, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning.

Certificates in international trade and exporting from Thunderbird Management School. Assisted in launching the CIM program that provided the primary PC and CAD/CAM training for a Fortune 100 Company. Initiated the launch of the international trade program at Gannon University. Provided strategic direction for the launch of a blended learning program for nascent entrepreneurs at KUSBDC. Taught MBA and undergraduate courses in international trade and marketing research. Over 20 years of senior level management responsibility in a higher education management consulting group.

Specialties: Entrepreneurial learning, online learning effectiveness, international trade, economic development.

Private pilot VFR certified, single engine. Currently preparing for IFR exam.

Before serving in current capacity as director of the Penn State SBDC, Tim worked with the Lock Haven University SBDC for 20 years as director and business consultant. He has spent the majority of professional career focusing on relationship building – with customers, clients, and other organizations, as well as co-workers, volunteers and supervisors.

Specialties: Business planning, financial and feasibility analysis, financing and loan packaging, capital acquisition, sales, marketing and advertising, tax compliance

Raised in a family business, Lisa Hall Zielinski has always had a passion for leadership and entrepreneurship. As Director of The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, Lisa ensures small businesses in eight Northeastern Pennsylvania counties have access to the guidance and support they need to overcome challenges and find success.

Lisa continues to grow her passion for leadership through active involvement in the local community and by serving as an adjunct leadership and management instructor. A graduate of Duquesne University (MS) and Keystone College (BS, AA), she is experienced in the areas of training and consulting, fundraising, and non-profit management. Assisting food and agriculture businesses is one of her areas of expertise and she is a ServSafe® certified instructor and proctor for the National Restaurant Association.

Lisa has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards; most recently she was named one of the Northeast PA Business Journal’s 2013 Top 25 Women in Business. Involved in initiatives within Pennsylvania and across the nation, she serves on the boards of various organizations, as well as America’s SBDC Professional Development & Education Conference Committee.

With over 35 years of experience in education, consulting and working within the food service industry, Michael joined the Clarion SBDC in January of 2021 under Cares Act. After earning a BS in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from LVC, Michael has assisted numerous food service establishments in various ways.

Michael has assisted restaurants of all sizes, food trucks, farmers markets and farm stands, as well as small grocery stores and chains. His areas of expertise include workflow analysis, cost control (food/beverage/labor), human resources (hiring/retention/job descriptions), customer service training/professional development, maximizing menu effectiveness (marketing/pricing/kitchen capabilities), and marketing strategies including internet & social media.

Benefits Michael’s clients have seen are increased profitability and sustainability, better work-life balance, social responsibility in the community, increased employee retention, more efficient internal controls, and greater confidence in strategic direction.

Winifred’s areas of expertise include agri-business and food enterprise start-up and expansion; shared kitchen incubator management; enterprise feasibility studies, business planning and financial analysis; and grant application coaching for agricultural and food enterprises. She initiated and served as lead instructor for the Penn State Extension Food for Profit workshop (providing an introduction to the building blocks for food entrepreneurship to more than 1500 participants throughout Pennsylvania, other states and at National conferences). She co-authored curriculum, and has served as instructor, for workshops on business planning for farm and food enterprises, and farm financial management, as well as provided extensive one-to-one counseling about starting and managing growth for farm and food ventures.

Winifred is a certified instructor for Annie’s Project©, True Colors® and NxLevel™ instruction and received certification as a Master Consultant, Business Retention and Expansion International. She also completed the US Small Business Administration, Office of Investment and Innovation’s SBIR Outreach, Training and Technical Assistance Program, enabling her to coach farmers preparing applications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Small Business Innovation and Research grant funding. In addition, in 2018 she was recognized for outstanding service related to Extension education by Gamma Sigma Delta, The Honor Society of Agriculture.

Martin Brill has been with the Kutztown and Penn State SBDCs for 26 years and is the Coordinator for the Agricultural Center of Excellence. His experience with ag and food entities includes business planning for growth, increased sales and product line extensions; reviewing Federal and State loan applications, projections and assumptions; organizing & participating in advisory board meetings; practical research of competitors, best practices and benchmarking: and exporting a variety of shelf stable, refrigerated and frozen food products.

Many agribusiness challenges are complex, requiring multiple disciplines and a range of expertise that any one individual may not have. We therefore routinely work with SBDCs across Pennsylvania and with outside & private consultants to reach optimal results.