2021 Women in Business

adno=3810583-1 Kathleen Callahan Owner Xpertech Auto Repair, Inc. 101 N McCall Road, Englewood 941-474-3793 www.XpertechAutoRepair.com Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Proudly owning Xpertech Auto Repair since 2003, my awesome team has earned several awards including Women in Auto Care's 2018 Female Shop Owner of the Year, 2020 Englewood Chamber Excellence in Business, 2021 AAA Best Small Shop Silver Award, and multiple Best of Englewood awards. I believe in giving back to my community by participating in fundraising efforts for our schools, Dollars For Mammograms, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and more. Englewood Leadership 2019 graduate, Chair of 2021 class, and President Elect of the Chamber. I have an immense amount of gratitude for the incredible and supportive team and community surrounding me. adno=3810206-1 Ashley Brown is the President & CEO of the Women's Resource (WRC). This 501(c)(3) not-for-profi t agency provides women (and men) with life skills training, career planning, and educational scholarships in the Suncoast Region. Ashley is an advocate for women, an innovative thought leader with a record of developing collaborative relationships with complimentary non-profi t organizations and educational, municipal, and private sector institutions, an experienced and respected motivator and team leader. Ashley has been with the WRC for 18 years and is committed to creating a region where women and their families can thrive. Ashley Brown President & CEO Women's Resource Center 530 US-41 Bypass South #5A Venice, FL 34285 (941) 485-9724 Mywrc.org info@mywrc.org adno=3810581-1 As the studio owner, Kari brings an extensive wealth of information to her space. Kari is a certifi ed TRX trainer and is a certifi ed KAY instructor. A registered nurse for over 20 years, she has decided to transfer her clinical knowledge of healthcare into a more holistic expression by creating the Palm Studio. After many years of having to travel to different studios for particular classes, she has incorporated her favorite mind-body fi tness classes into a singular zen environment. It is Kari's belief that kindness matters above all else and it is her intention that students leave her studio feeling rejuvenated, inspired and loved. She is happily married to her wonderful and supportive husband, Dave, of 19 years. She is the mother of three children, and they reside in Englewood. Kerri Haden Owner Palm Studio and Boutique 441 W Dearborn St., Englewood (941) 208-5568 www.palmstudioandboutique.com Q: What advice would you give other women considering going into business? A: I think as a woman; owning a business, being a mother and a wife there comes a lot of old fashion stigmatism. I remember in a meeting I was having with a potential retail location, the male owner looked at me and said "so who's raising your kids if you're not there"? I paused, and thought if I was a man, he wouldn't ask that… I'll never forget that statement. Moms, wives, women, we can do it all. Which also includes being an entrepreneur and running a business. I'm thankful to have my business partner be my husband. Who supports my dreams and encourages my success. I think it's important to remember to just start, there are always reasons and obstacles why you shouldn't. I love this quote I tell myself, "confidence has no competition". Find what you love, if there is a fire in your soul for it, it will work. I promise. Q: Anything else you would like to share? A: We rise by lifting others. Compiled by Nicole Stitz September 2021 Women In Business 53

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