Sandra James
March 18, 2008
Sandra James
President and Founder
Private Eyes, Inc.
Founded: 1999
Certifying Council: AstraWomen’s
Business Alliance
Private Eyes, Inc. has created a set of internal business practices that, when followed by clients, provide a
completed, thorough high-quality background check in less than 72 hours,which is a faster turnaround time than the industry standard. From 2003 to 2006,the company grew 364.4 percent and has standardized the background check, drug testing, physicals, and driver qualification file maintenance process for Coca- Cola Enterprises, won a national contract with Unisource Worldwide, Inc., Intercontinental Hotels Group, Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles, and most recently was selected by Vulcan Materials Company. Sandra James, president and founder of Private Eyes, Inc., plays an active role for the AstraWomen’s Business Alliance by participating in the certification process for women-owned businesses.She participates by conducting the on-site inspections and reviewing certification applications. For 2008, the company’s potential growth is projected to be over 100 percent – keeping it on the Fast Track!
www.privateeyesinc.com
Maria Irwin and Shelley Rote
March 18, 2008
Maria Irwin and Shelley Rote Managing Partners Signature Destination Management, LLCAcquired: 1998 Certifying Council:Women’s Business Council Gulf Coast Celebrating its 10th year as a successful woman-owned business in New Orleans, La., Signature Destination Management has had many accomplishments on the fast track. In 2004 it was named one of the Top 25 destination management companies by Special Events magazine, and in 2007 it was named one of the top 15 companies to
work for in New Orleans by City Business.The company specializes in conventionrelated services, incentive travel planningand execution as well as professional associationmanagement.Three years after Managing Partners Maria Irwin and Shelley Rote purchased Signature Events in 1998, the company grew three fold,increasing its revenues and employees;in its fifth year, the company grew five fold.With Hurricane Katrina and thedemise of the hospitality industry in New Orleans, Signature’s partners never lost sight of their ultimate goal of being the premierdestination management company in New Orleans.They have rebranded and added meeting management to their famous destination management and event management product.
www.signature-dmc.com
Debbie Heitzman
March 18, 2008
Founded: 2003 Certifying Council: Georgia Women’s Business Council Strategic Hospital Resources is a company specializing in medical equipment planning and clinical design consulting for new hospital construction or renovation. SHR has worked around the globe to cover all facets of health care project management, marketing, service and equipment planning. Proven, xperienced, clinically trained planners serve as the liaison between the architect, hospital administration, clinical users and the vendors to provide clear and defined expectations and direction regarding user requirements and clinical design. The company has seen significant growth since opening. With its first office in Georgia, SHR has since opened offices in Minneapolis (2004); Australia (2006); Dubai, United Arab Emirates (2007); and will open an office in Dallas in the second quarter of 2008. SHR CEO Debbie Heitzman is an active member of the American College of Healthcare and participated as a member of the educational faculty of Harvard Graduate School of Design Professional Development Program and presented at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the UCLA annual seminar on Medical Imaging and Medical informatics executives. www.strategichospitalresources.com
JJ (Jacqueline) Falk
March 18, 2008
JJ (Jacqueline) Falk Managing Principal JJ Falk Design LLC Founded: 1998 Certifying Council:Women Presidents’ Educational Organization JJ Falk Design LLC opened for business in March 1998 in a mall bartered space on 42nd Street and 5th Avenue. Managing Principal JJ Falk was the only full-time employee, with a part-time staff of two other persons. This year, JJFD celebrates its 10th year in continuous operation, has grown to 25 employees and recently signed a long-term lease for the top floor at 315 5th Avenue, a prestigious location. JJFD provides full architecture and interior designs services, specializing in corporate offices of various industries. Gross receipts for fiscal year 2007 nearly eclipsed the $2 million mark, and the company works with many Fortune 500 giants including New York Life,AIG, JPMorgan Chase, Polo Ralph Lauren and CBS.“From the start, I have been determined to impart my philosophy on design into every project we touch,” Falk said.“said.“Simple clean lines, appropriate levels of lighting, applied color, and through the use of cutting-edge products,we have forged a vernacular that our clients have found thoughtful, exciting, and has served to foster better working environments for them.”With a high-profile client list, perhaps you’ve seen the work of this Fast Track WBE and don’t even know it!
Claire Evans
March 18, 2008
Claire Evans President amaZulu, Inc. Founded: 2002 Certifying Council:Women’s Business Development Center – Florida
Claire Evans’ “green” company, amaZulu, Inc., imports natural architectural materials from villages around the world and brings them to a central warehouse in Orlando, Fla. With just four employees, amaZulu hit the $1 million mark in September 2007. Evans is constantly creating innovative new products to fill customers’ needs. Zoos were complaining about wood that was treated with arsenic,so amaZulu worked along side the Environmental Protection Agency and manufacturer, and developed an arsenic-free treatment safe for animals and umans, which received a golden seal from the EPA. Hard work has paid off – amaZulu has secured clients such as Disney, SeaWorld and Universal, Outback Steakhouse, Tropical Smoothie, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Bahama Bucks and the Rainforest Café. In 2007, the company re-thatched the grand entrance building, 1,000- square-foot roof at Discovery Cove. In March 2007, amaZulu was a winner of the Make Mine A Million $ Business Program in Boston, held by aount Me In for Women’s Economic Independence and OPEN from American Express. www.amazuluinc.com
