Carolyn Helms
Bell Tower Salon 8 State Hill Rd., Wyomissing 610.372.6379 belltowersalonspa.com
Organizations, both local and international, have acknowledged the level of excellence achieved by Carolyn Helms. Under her guidance, Bell Tower has been named Berks County’s People’s Choice year after year, the “Best of Berks,” Modern Salon’s “Salon of the Year” and winner of Salon Today’s Top 200 Salons for many years. A graduate of the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy, Helms became licensed as teacher and stylist. Her salon education spans Bumble and bumble and R&CO training, Brazilian Blowout Certification, Oribe Advanced Training in Miami, Oribe Backstage Las Vegas and Oribe Atelier. With more than 25 years of experience in advanced cutting and coloring for women, Helms creates modern looks her guests can easily recreate, between maintaining passionate connections to the community and styling for various photo shoots.
Carolyn established Bell Tower in January of 1989. It is currently located at 18 State Hill Rd., Wyomissing, after outgrowing two previous locations. Carolyn’s confidence in providing the premier beauty and wellness destination Day Spa in Berks — housing a café, boutique, salon and spa with 60-plus employees and revenues exceeding $3 million annually — has led her to purchase an adjacent building to continue Bell Tower’s growth into 2017.
Lauren Minnich
Owner/Chief Instructor Wyomissing ATA Martial Arts 98 Commerce Drive, Wyomissing 610. 375.3170 ATAKaratePA.com
Lauren Minnich, a Wyomissing native, is the owner/chief instructor of Wyomissing ATA Martial Arts. When she started martial arts at the age of 11, she never dreamed that she would one day own an American Taekwondo Association (ATA) school. After earning her first degree black belt at the age of 14, she began working toward becoming a fully certified instructor. In 2007, she graduated from Wyomissing Area High School and continued her education at Muhlenberg College. While studying as a full-time college student, Lauren flew to Miami to fully certify as an ATA instructor so that she could open her first school in 2009. After graduating college with a BA in Business in January of 2011, Lauren took a position with Penske. She left that position prior to purchasing the Wyomissing ATA School in January of 2013, later closing her first school to focus solely on running the Wyomissing location.
Lauren has travelled extensively to places including South America, Europe, Africa and Antarctica. Last year, she travelled to Korea and China with the ATA to train at Taekwondowon, the largest Taekwondo training facility in the world! She also competed and judged at an international tournament (she’s classified as an international judge). In the summertime, she spent a week in Dallas, TX, training with the ATA USA Sparring Team recruits. Lauren holds multiple state and district champion titles.
In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and volunteering with the Junior League of Reading. Their mission, “To empower youth,” resonates with her personal dedication to community service. Her ATA students continually learn about service leadership, completing numerous projects each year. Lauren also received the Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Entrepreneurial Excellence award last year. She is excited to inspire future leaders through service, leadership, and martial arts.
Dr. Mindy Brudereck & Dr. Bre Myers
Owners and Audiologists, Berks Hearing Professionals 321 N. Furnace St. | Suite 90 | Birdsboro | 610.427.8779 1 Greenwood Mall | Wyomissing | 484.334.2647 berkshearing.com
Since 2006, Berks Hearing Professionals has provided unparalleled, caring service that is tailored to each patient. The focus of the audiology practice is to accurately diagnose and address the unique hearing needs of everyone who comes in to see Dr. Mindy Brudereck and Dr. Bre Myers.
In addition to diagnostic hearing evaluations, Berks Hearing Professionals also expertly fits hearing aids from most major manufacturers and assesses and treats those suffering from tinnitus.
Both Dr. Brudereck and Dr. Myers take time to listen to patients’ concerns and answer all their questions before deciding on treatment options that best fit their lifestyles.
In 2016, Berks Hearing Professionals was presented with a Greater Reading Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneurial Excellence Award for the second year in a row.
Dr. Brudereck earned her clinical doctorate in audiology at Salus University in Elkins Park, PA. She is a past chair of the American Board of Audiology’s Board of Governors and is a past president of the Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology.
Dr. Myers earned her clinical doctorate in audiology and her PhD in Biomedicine at Salus University, where she is an assistant professor in the College of Audiology.
Both Dr. Brudereck and Dr. Myers were born and raised in Berks County and are pleased to offer audiology services to the community.
Kelly Spayd
975 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing C: 484.256.8818 O: 610.373.9900 kellyspayd.com
Your home is probably the biggest purchase your family will ever make, and it involves many decisions that go beyond simply choosing the one you like best. My experience and expertise can help make your home buying or selling a less stressful process. I will treat you as I would want to be treated! When you hire me to list or sell your property, you get a lot more than just me working for you. There is a whole team of individuals each providing their own expertise, including comprehensive marketing, a professional stager, a professional photographer, and a full office support staff. Together we help ensure all your real estate needs are met.
My experience and expertise comes from 11 years in the business. In 2016, I had 100 closed units equaling $20 million in sales. My average sale price is 74 percent over the current county average.
I am a life-long resident of Berks and a proud alum of Fleetwood High School and Penn State Berks. I reside in Ruscombmanor Township with my husband Michael; sons Finn, AJ and Parker; daughter Emily; and our two Yorkshire terriers, Bentley and Tiki. Being a full-time realtor truly is my passion. I am devoted to making my clients’ dreams come true. It is not just a hashtag; it is my promise. #makingdreamscometrue
Power Kunkle Benefits Consulting
999 Berkshire Blvd., Wyomissing 610.685.1790 pkbenefits.com
Jessica Dean
Employee Benefits Consultant, PK Benefits
Jessica Dean joined Power Kunkle in May 2010. As an Employee Benefits Consultant, she is responsible for new business development and overall strategic planning and management of her client accounts. Jessica has extensive knowledge of benefits, including market trends, plan designs, pricing, funding alternatives, contribution analysis and employee communication. Jessica is a graduate of North Schuylkill High School and Shippensburg University. She is also an active member with the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and the Berks Chapter of SHRM.
Sandi Keller
Vice President of Strategic Accounts, PK Benefits
Sandi Keller, GBDS, joined Power Kunkle as Senior Vice President, Strategic Accounts, in 2015. As an Employee Benefits Executive with more than 25 years of experience, Sandi has a proven track record of developing and implementing health and welfare programs for complex, multi-disciplined organizations. Her specialties include comprehensive claim analytics, alternative funding options, and cost containment strategies. She has significant experience working with large corporate accounts, educational institutions and health care systems.
Deana Hollister
Managing Director, PK Human Resources Solutions
Deana Hollister, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, joined Power Kunkle as Managing Director of the HR Solutions Division in March 2015. Deana is a seasoned HR executive with more than 24 years of experience. She previously worked in HR consulting firms, law firms and in the banking industry. Her experience includes employee relations, legal compliance, recruitment, payroll, training, compensation, performance management and employer handbooks, among many other topics.
Lori Kunkle
Clinical Wellness Director, PK Wellness Matters
Lori Kunkle, RN, MSN, CCWS, joined Power Kunkle as the Clinical Wellness Director in January 2014. In addition to assisting with the development and design of a corporate wellness plan, Lori is able to bring knowledge and experience from the clinical side of nursing to break down claims information and data provided by health insurance carriers to determine which wellness initiatives will have the greatest impact in reducing your health care costs.
ENT Head & Neck Specialists
985 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 101, Wyomissing 610.374.5599 ent-hns.net
Dr. Kathleen Vivaldi and Dr. Melanie Appler have been providing exceptional diagnostic and rehabilitative hearing health care at ENT Head & Neck Specialists, P.C., for 20 years. They strive to provide the best care for their patients, while remaining on the cutting edge of technology in the industry.
Dr. Vivaldi was born and raised in Berks. She earned her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees at Penn State University, and her doctorate at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry School of Audiology. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Audiology, a fellow in the American Academy of Audiology, and an active member of the American Speech Language and Hearing Association and the Academy of Rehabilitative Audiologists.
Dr. Appler was born and raised in Berks too. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from West Chester University, her Master of Science degree from Penn State University, and her doctorate from The Pennsylvania College of Optometry School of Audiology. Dr. Appler is a fellow in the American Academy of Audiology, as well as an active member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Audiology and the American Speech Language and Hearing Association.
The doctors are available weekdays to help those experiencing hearing loss, vertigo and tinnitus. The office serves pediatric through adult patients and recently added BAHA and cochlear implant surgeries to the list of services available.
Cynthia Huls
Director, Visiting Angels 112 Love Rd. Suite J, Reading 610.898.7880 visitingangels.com/reading
Cynthia Sedgwick Huls, director of Visiting Angels, has lived and worked in Berks County for more than 18 years. After earning her degree in Economics from Allegheny College, Huls worked for 11 years in the financial industry for companies including Merrill Lynch and The Vanguard Group. Next, she served for a decade in the pharmaceutical industry, last working for Pfizer. During those years, Huls developed a special empathy for senior citizens and the challenges they face. Looking for a way to combine her business experience with her passion for supporting seniors and their independence, she opened Visiting Angels of Berks County. Huls joined a strong national team of more than 550 offices that are independently owned, operated and insured. Visiting Angels of Berks County is proud to be celebrating 10 years of service providing non-medical care including dementia care, medication reminders, meal preparation, errands, light housekeeping, companionship and assistance with bathing and hygiene, with clients controlling their own schedules. With the help of Visiting Angels' caring staff, many seniors have remained in the home they love, surrounded by their family and the memories they have created throughout their lives.
Now Celebrating our 10 year Anniversary!
Andrea Smith, DDS
Owner/Prosthodontist, Berks Prosthodontics 616 Reading Avenue, West Reading 484.577.3530 berkspros.com
Dr. Andrea Smith is the founder of Berks Prosthodontics. A prosthodontist is a dental specialist who has completed dental school plus a three-year Advanced Prosthodontics residency at an ADA-accredited graduate program focusing on technical excellence in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Prosthodontists are THE acknowledged experts in dental implant restorations, crowns, bridges, dentures, cosmetic dentistry, and full-mouth implant prosthetics such as Teeth-in-One-Day or All-On-4.
A Berks County native, Dr. Smith received her Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Medicine from Penn State University, where she graduated as class valedictorian of the Eberly College of Science. She then attended the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York City, where she again graduated as class valedictorian with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. After receiving her dental degree, Dr. Smith completed three years of specialty training in the field of prosthodontics at UCLA’s Advanced Prosthodontics Residency Program, followed by an additional one-year residency at UCLA in Maxillofacial Prosthetics, making her one of only 350 Maxillofacial Prosthodontists worldwide.
Dr. Smith returned to our area in 2009 to become the first female clinical director of the world-renowned Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, the oldest clinic in the world devoted to the treatment of children born with facial birth defects, a position she held for seven years. Today, she continues to devote her services to the clinic once a week, creating oral and facial prostheses for cleft and cancer patients.
In 2015, Dr. Smith opened Berks Prosthodontics in West Reading, bringing her specialty training back to her hometown. At Berks Prosthodontics, she sees patients with a wide variety of dental concerns, such as broken or missing teeth, uncomfortable dentures, extensive tooth wear, or dissatisfaction with the appearance of their smile. From a single perfect tooth to state-of-the-art full mouth reconstruction, Dr. Smith strives to provide all of her patients with an unparalleled level of care.
Britany LaManna
Account Executive The Loomis Company 850 North Park Rd., Wyomissing 610.374.4040 loomisco.com
Britany (Maack) LaManna joined The Loomis Company in 2012, working closely with the Large Risk Management Team to properly identify and monitor risks while simultaneously implementing safety procedures and designing the proper risk transfers with insurance carrier partners. Britany’s unique background of previously working for a nationally recognized lobbyist communication firm has given her high-level experience in advocating for her clients’ interests and understanding their concerns. She takes a very high touch approach with all of her clients to ensure they have the correct coverage at the lowest possible price by learning their business inside and out. This allows her clients to focus on building their business with peace of mind that they are secure in all facets of that growth.
Britany is also the owner of the boutique coffee shop and restaurant Relish on Penn Avenue in West Reading and a frequent article contributor to Women2Women Magazine.
Says Britany, “Putting people first has always been my mantra and genuine purpose. I value my success by the help and support I give not only to my clients, but to all people in my life.”
Dot Basile
General Merchandise Manager Classic Harley-Davidson 983 James Drive, Leesport 610.916.7777 classicharley.com
Harley-Davidson riders aren’t just customers; they are lifestyle evangelists. As the Marketing Manager at Classic Harley-Davidson in Bern Township, Dot Basile has learned what they love about the lifestyle. She is now taking her 17 years of experience into her role as the new General Merchandise Manager at Classic H-D.
She’s spent her career crafting events to entertain and connect with the riders who span generations in riding families. As the General Merchandise Manager, Dot will now take her knowledge of what riders enjoy and apply it to purchasing and merchandising the products that complement the Harley-Davidson lifestyle. As a lifelong riding enthusiast, this is a role that Dot is perfectly suited to fill.
In addition to working with riders, Dot has spent her time at Classic working with various community organizations to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, fallen officers, and local charities to benefit those in need. She has consistently kept charitable events on the calendar at Classic and is the regional coordinator for Toys for Tots. Her new role will allow her to continue to connect with the community while also taking on an expanded role at the store.
Chiara Sockel Renninger, CFP®
Wealth Advisor Buckingham Strategic Wealth buckinghamadvisor.com
When it comes to wealth management, Chiara is the advisor to have in your family’s corner. She helps clients and families develop, implement and monitor wealth management strategies in pursuit of their financial goals and a stress-free life. She also works to help clients create comprehensive, customized financial plans to fit their specific circumstances. For more than 10 years, she served as a partner and wealth strategist for Herbein Wealth Management. In 2016, Herbein Wealth Management joined with Buckingham Strategic Wealth where, as a wealth advisor, Chiara continues to provide the same unwavering dedication and service to her clients.
Shannon Heffner
Owner, Skin Sanctuary 2019 Penn Avenue, West Lawn 610.670.1546 myskinsanctuaryspa.com
Shannon Heffner, skin expert and owner of Skin Sanctuary, believes her career satisfaction is no secret. “Seeing my clients' joy and confidence as their skin is transformed is such a huge reward.” Not far behind her obvious enthusiasm for her craft is the pride she takes in being a confident role model for her two beautiful daughters, Mackana and Bailey. “Showing them that career independence is at their fingertips is invaluable,” says Heffner. Specializing in corrective skin treatments, Skin Sanctuary, West Lawn, also houses a team of muscle-dissolving massage experts, master Reiki practitioner Megan Scheuring and a wide variety of professional skincare products.
Lisa Tiger
Realtor® Century 21 Gold 925 Berkshire Blvd., Suite 100, Wyomissing 610.207.6186 610.779.2500 ext. 8466 LTiger@C21Gold.com LisaTigerHomes.com
As Berks County’s top producing Realtor® for several years running, Lisa Tiger is one of the best known faces around town. She is a top producer on both local and national levels. Her extensive marketing and community efforts are just part of her presence. Talk with anyone who knows her, and you understand that there’s much more to Lisa than her visibility.
Lisa has a reputation for making her clients’ priorities her own, and is tenaciously dedicated to meeting their goals. Buyers and sellers alike will tell you that she knows values, trends and marketing. She is reachable, connected and straightforward.
Lisa is just as engaged with our community. You’ll see her among the board members and supporters of the Yocum Institute for Arts Education, Berks Arts Council, Habitat for Humanity, Reading Public Museum, Safe Berks (formely known as Berks Women in Crisis), Berks County Tennis Association, the Humane Society of Berks County and a dozen other organizations at the heart of Berks.
Her commitment to her work, our community and her family, husband John Herman, and children Bill (who works with her at Century 21 Gold), Jake and Kate are at the core of who she is and contribute to her success.
Debbie Stiller
Director of Wellness and Aquatics Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex 3103 Paper Mill Rd., Wyomissing 610.376.2100 bodyzonesports.com
Debbie Stiller, Director of Wellness and Aquatics at Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex, is passionate about promoting wellness and creating a fitness environment that's supportive and welcoming to all.
Debbie has a B.A. in Psychology from Central Connecticut State College and an M.S. in Health Care Administration from St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia.
Debbie has worked with women suffering from trauma and debilitating eating disorders, as well as in the nursing home industry, ultimately finding her way to Body Zone, where she develops holistic health services for a diverse member population.
Devoted to animal rescue, she has volunteered at Best Friend Animal Sanctuary in Kanaab, Utah, and does so presently at the Animal Rescue League of Berks County. Canine friends aside, you'll find Debbie volunteering for Girls on the Run Berks County as head coach of the BZ team.
Kim Updegraff
Owner/Designer Shade Tree Interiors 3461 Penn Avenue Sinking Spring 610.678.1221 shadetreeinteriors.com
Window treatments have always been Kim’s favorite part of design. She says, “A well-decorated room isn’t quite complete until you add the finishing touch of custom window treatments.” This passion has led her to focus on this area of design and she is an expert in her field. Kim has been transforming client’s homes since 2003 and loves the challenge of coming up with creative ideas. Her showroom is an exquisite display of endless possibilities... beautiful fabrics, trims, drapery hardware, shades and shutters are just a few of the things you will see adorning its walls and windows. “The greatest joy of my work is the relationships I’ve developed," explains Kim. "I've helped clients through many of life’s transitions and it makes me happy to be a small part of that.”
Whitney Raifsnider
Owner, Thrifty Gypsy Co. 420 Beacon St., Birdsboro 610.924.7039 thriftygypsyco.com
Having grown up in Berks, with parents owning and managing rental properties, I experienced the contracting world from a young age. I always loved being alongside my mom renovating properties together. After attending BCTC and The University of the Arts, I wasn't sure where my talents would take me. I did know that I would do whatever it took to use my craft to better my community. Years later, when I was working a job that left me defeated, I turned my passions and experience into a business plan.
That’s when Thrifty Gypsy Co. was born.
I started Thrifty Gypsy Co. from love for home design, and for doing honest, meticulous work. It derives from my belief that "home" is a special place and everyone should love the one they live in. With the kitchen being the heart of the home, I decided to make our primary focus redesigning and updating kitchens in an affordable, unconventional way, by salvaging what clients already have and using it to their financial benefit. I instill the love and values I have in my team, creating a work environment that’s not only fun, but one that is conducive to their creativity, which ensures everyone here at Thrifty Gypsy Co. and everyone that we work with, has a pleasurable experience.
Beverly Kelly-Carfagno
Owner Muddy Creek Soap Company 608 Penn Avenue, West Reading 610. 781.5371 muddycreeksoapcompany.com
Beverly Kelly-Carfagno, owner of Muddy Creek Soap Company, a handmade soap and bath products business, has always been interested in the handmade soap making process, the benefits of essential oils, and aromatherapy. She explains, “Every time I bought some at a craft show it would always make my skin look and feel so much better than store bought soaps.”
Her soap making started as a hobby. She’d give soaps as gifts for special occasions. Before long, she had a whole line of natural and organic products sold on her own website, at craft shows and wholesale to shops.
Her dream was to open a shop on Penn Avenue in West Reading. February 12, 2016, marked her dream coming true with the Grand Opening of Muddy Creek Soap Company, and she couldn’t be happier.
Loretta Ottinger
Solar Project Developer RER Energy Group 4700 Pottsville Pike, Reading 610.914.5947 rerenergygroup.com
Loretta Ottinger is a Solar Project Developer at RER Energy Group, a leading Commercial solar developer in Pennsylvania.
Loretta successfully opened the New Jersey and New York markets for RER by securing the company’s first contracts, and she established RER’s presence by initiating multiple affiliate relationships. RER has developed, financed and constructed solar arrays for commercial, agricultural and municipal clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US, as well as in Iowa and Mexico.
Loretta's passions include making the world’s energy production cleaner and helping mankind through her service in Rotary, where she was past-president of Fleetwood Rotary and assistant governor. She currently co-chairs the Gourmet Gala.
Loretta established her career signature as a leader who delivers on promises.
L to R: Angela Frantz; Terri Terrenchin; Beth Gallen Mastromarino, CFP®; Tricia Ludgate; Nancy W. Magee, CFP®; Julie Kemp, CFP®; Paula Christian, CFP®
The financial services team at Van Reed Wealth Management, LLC & Financial Planning Advisors, Inc.
2950 Van Reed Rd. Reading, PA, 610.678.8999
1122 Penn Avenue Wyomissing, PA, 610.376.6334
Two of the most respected names in Berks County’s financial community joined forces in 2016 to create a more comprehensive financial services company.
Van Reed Wealth Management acquired Financial Planning Advisors, which will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
The two firms capitalize on a common heritage of highly experienced principals and staff. Plus, they share a passion and reputation for providing personal service and impartial investment advice.
“With our team approach, our expanded group can offer clients more options than before,” says Beth Gallen Mastromarino, president of the firm she founded in 2007. “These include financial planning, retirement planning, college planning, investment advisory services, estate and trust planning, insurances, risk management, expense management and more.”
Nancy Magee, who founded Financial Planning Advisors in 1987, adds, “We’re very excited to be working together as a team. We believe our combined experience and knowledge, products and services means we can serve our clients even better.”
The firm’s services are appropriate for investors of all types, including individuals and families, institutional firms, entrepreneurs, successful business people and retirees.
To learn more, call 610.678.8999 or 610.376.6334.
Lindsay Schell Dunlap
Gipprich Jewelers Inc. 103 W. Lancaster Avenue, Reading 610.777.7034 gipprich.com
Looking for an experienced goldsmith? Head to Gipprich Jewelers and ask for Lindsay Schell Dunlap. A graduate of Kutztown University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree focused on metalsmithing and design, Lindsay boasts 16 years of experience as a jeweler locally. She began her career with Gipprich in 2012 and is focused on quality custom design from start to finish. Her laser welding capabilities are unsurpassed, allowing her to perform sensitive repairs on precious gemstones, heirlooms and platinum pieces. Lindsey is an asset to Gipprich, giving the business a competitive edge with her knowledge and creativity pertaining to jewelry design and repair.
Beth Hahn
President Berkshire Systems Group, Inc. SAH, Inc. 50 South Museum Rd., Reading 610.372.8872 sahinc.com
Beth Hahn started SAH, Inc. in 1988 with the main focus of providing professional Security/Fire equipment to the Do-It-Yourself Industry. The business has grown to professionally installed systems for the last 28+ years. As of January 2016, Beth became President of BSGI, started by her father, Robert Yerger, in 1982. Beth and her team members have been working on updating the culture of BSGI/SAH to continue moving the companies toward world-class service.
She says, “I’m proud to be a part of a team that is incorporating new behavioral standards and best practices that will help drive us through 2017 and beyond.”
