All Entries in the "Profiles" Category
Rita Danielle Steele,Esq., Steele Realty Consultants International
Eight years ago Rita Danielle Steele left her legal career to pursue another true passion of hers, real estate. She opened her first business in real estate, a small boutique real estate brokerage firm, alongside a business partner. The little experience they had in the way day-to-day business operations were typically performed gave them freedom to build a business model unique from their competitors. Rita’s brokerage was at the forefront of adapting to the needs of consumers. Her business experienced rapid growth but after overcoming much trial and tribulation, she felt she was complacent in the business.
Rita was compelled to shift gears, creating Steele Realty Consultants International (SRCI) last Fall. Her new company specializes in consultant-based services, a new and emerging business model in Rhode Island. “To me, a status quo, unfocused life is a neglectful life. It matters to me deeply that I make a difference, even if in the smallest way, every day. And I am building my company upon that foundation,” Rita said.
Their mission is to provide expert advice and to serve their clients best interests. “It is never simply to sell.” Rita explained, “In order to share our services to a broader pool of consumers, and to reach consumers who don’t like the current industry system, our consultation services and compensation alternatives provide a tailored fit to every clients’ particular situation.”
Her vow to make a difference is not only the building blocks of her new business; Rita shows a strong commitment to Rhode Island, recently elected to the Providence Preservation’s Society’s Board of Trustees. As a unique consultant-based service, her business has many opportunities for growth.
Amy Levesque Fields, Hub Digital
From a young age, Amy Levesque Fields was taught by her father that “there is no greater pride than owning something that you can call your own.” Shaping her career path around the firm belief that a person can’t be honorable in life unless they are honorable in business, Amy always knew that she would come to own her own business someday.
“To me, there is no one braver than an entrepreneur, and I want to help them thrive by successfully promoting their products and services online,” said Amy. It is in this spirit and frame of mind that Amy channeled her strengths in digital marketing and pursued her dream of becoming a small business owner. With a forward-thinking mind and a strong belief in the necessity of effective digital practices in business, Amy founded Hub Digital—a full-service marketing business—to assist small businesses in Rhode Island grow and gain a better understanding of the online and digital world.
For Amy, her mission has always been greater than just driving success and establishing a profitable business, it includes empowering other small business owners and showing them that they can hold their own in the marketplace. In the past year, Hub Digital has tripled their sales. To further growth, Amy has developed a series of online classes geared towards teaching clients about a wide variety of topics so that they can maintain their digital practices more efficiently. These classes are offered at more affordable price points, and come broken in smaller modules to accommodate the busy schedules of business owners. Taken independently, these classes are meant to empower the small business owner and help them gain a better understanding of all aspects of digital marketing. Hub Digital’s online marketing services—including website design, blogging, copywriting, grassroots marketing strategies, email marketing, graphic design, and display ad purchase/design—continue to help transform Rhode Island into a place where small businesses can thrive.
Megan McGuinness, McGuinness Media and Marketing
Megan McGuinness, Owner of McGuinness Media and Marketing received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Connecticut in Communications. She jumped into her marketing career working at an advertising agency in Boston. In 2009, Megan left for a position as Advertising Manager at Twin River Casino and from there, she became the go-to media and marketing guru for multiple casinos. Currently her company services advertising efforts for Twin River Casino in Lincoln, RI, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Biloxi, MS, and Newport Grand Casino in Newport, RI.
Megan is highly passionate about what she does, “The gaming industry is a very exciting, forever changing, fast-paced environment. I not only get to advertise the gaming and casino segment, but also concerts, restaurants, tradeshows and more. Every week is different from the last, there is never a dull moment,” said Megan.
McGuinness Media is entirely run by her. She is responsible for overseeing the advertising and media for three casinos, fifteen restaurants, nine entertainment venues, and a hotel. Her tenacity, ability to bring fresh new ideas to the table, and here entrepreneurial spirit is what drives her to reach new levels. One of the most noteworthy projects she worked on involved marketing a major repositioning of Twin River’s slots-only facility to full-scale casino with Live Table Games. After much hard work, launching teaser campaigns, advertising, PR, and coordinating a grand gala event for 2,000 local influencers, media, and celebrities, Megan reached 79-percent awareness of table games within Southern New England in just six months!
Megan will continue to stay committed to Rhode Island, as she recently purchased a home in Warwick. She also has plans to expand her company in the future, hiring graphic designers and a media buyer, renting or purchasing commercial space, and taking her company to the next level by expanding their offerings. Megan said, “We will be the best agency for anyone that needs marketing support within the gaming, dining, and entertainment industries, as this is what we live and breathe every day.”
Marni MacLean Karro, Jack’s Snacks, A Dog Bakery
Marni MacLean Karro is the owner and operator of Jack’s Snacks, a dog bakery, a full-service bakery for your beloved dog. Before Marni began her business, she attended college at Syracuse University with dreams of opening a restaurant of her own. After college she moved to California soaking up any knowledge she possibly could from any restaurant that would hire her. She then landed a dream job working as the Executive Assistant to Arsenio Hall, learning much about herself, how to be a self-starter, and building confidence in her abilities. She later returned to Rhode Island with her husband to be closer to home and family.
With a passion for dogs and baking, her husband suggested she start a dog bakery which eventually was named after their black lab/pitbull mix, Jack. At the time, Marni saw the pet industry was growing substantially and intuitively she saw there was a demand for higher quality pet food. Her fortitude built what is now one of the only places to buy handmade, wholesome treats and birthday cakes for dogs in Rhode Island.
All of her high-quality products are handmade using human-grade ingredients sourced locally, free from sugar, salt, artificial colors, or preservatives, all of which distinguishes her product from the rest. In addition to her bakery, you can find Jack’s Snacks at local dog boutiques and four Whole Foods Market locations.
Marni works out of her bakery and at local Farmers’ Markets throughout Rhode Island. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Hope Street Farmers’ Market in Providence. She is also a part of Toll Gate High School’s Vocational Transition Program, where students with special needs gain work experience doing various tasks at Jack’s Snacks. Marni said humbly, “I probably gain more from this program. The students’ enthusiasm and the pride in their work is inspiring and invigorating.”
Although many pups are wowed by her product, her success is clearly a testament to her gratitude, ability to cultivate relationships, creativity, and devotion to giving back to others. This is what keeps loyal customers coming back and what attracts new ones.
