Women In Business 2021!

Name: Women In Business 2021!

Date: May 24, 2021

Time: 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM EDT

Event Description:

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THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT! Please join the waitlist - if event restrictions allow for higher attendance ahead of the event, we will contact those on the waitlist based on the order in which they signed up.

This event features a panel of three inspirational, educational, and motivational women.

In addition to watching the panel session live, registrants will get to enjoy brunch, networking and access to a variety of exhibitors consisting of local businesses.

Our Panelists

Whitney Findlay - Beyond Juice Clarkston and Findlay Investments

A proven leader and critical thinker, Whitney approaches every opportunity with purpose, passion, and discipline. Growing up in Waterford, she spent most of her time either on the basketball court or doing something outdoors. Her parents were both educated business professionals who began teaching her concepts of financial responsibility, business management, and sales and marketing at a young age.

Whitney started in the workforce around the age of 14 as a referee and coach for girl’s youth basketball and working the front desk at a Century 21 real estate office. While finishing her senior year of high school, she was working a co-op job during the week, the front desk at Deer Lake Athletic Club and babysitting for a family of 3 on the weekends.

In 2004, Whitney entered the commercial real estate industry by accepting a full-time job for a local real estate developer/builder/investor. Loving the work that she was doing, she decided to enroll in evening and online courses and later received a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. Having worked her way to a Director role and becoming licensed to sell real estate on her own, in October 2017, Whitney decided to start her own company, Findlay Investments. A name inspired by her roots, her inspiration, and a commitment to invest in herself and her career.

Whitney then discovered an opportunity with a Birmingham, MI based restaurant by the name of Beyond Juicery and Eatery and became determined to bring one to the Clarkston market. She is now a proud Co-Owner of Beyond Juicery + Eatery Clarkston which opened its doors in September 2019 at the corner of Sashabaw and Maybee.

As an active member of CREW Detroit who has held many leadership roles within the Chapter including a two-year term as a CREW Detroit Board Director in 2018-2019. Now being both a resident and business owner in Clarkston, Whitney is invested more than ever in the local community. While currently focused on growing both of her businesses, she is also proud to be serving as a Board Director for the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce as of January 2021.

Deb Gordinier - Ideas For You and Town Planner Community Calendar

Deb and her husband Jay have lived in the Clarkston area since 1996, both growing up in nearby communities. She and Jay have 3 amazing girls, Heather (32), Jenna (24) and Jessica (19).

When Deb and Jay were first married, it was agreed by both that Deb would be a stay-at-home mom. The economic times of 2008 changed that, and catapulted Deb into making the decision to start a business. Once that decision was made, she never looked back!

Now, Deb is the proud owner of two businesses: the Town Planner Community Calendar (since 2009); and, in 2018, she purchased an existing business, Ideas For You – a promotional marketing company, previously owned by other Clarkston Chamber members, Fritz & David Jackson.

Deb has been an active member of the Chamber since 2009 – serving on the Board of Directors, being an Ambassador, chairing events, and volunteering when needed.

The “Golden Rule” is Deb’s way of doing business – treat everyone as you yourself would like to be treated. Deb loves being a part of the Chamber and has been able to build not only lasting business relationships, but lasting friendships as well.

Carrie Wheeler - McLaren Clarkston

Carrie has lived in the Clarkston community for 17 years. She is happily married to her husband Brent and they are blessed with a beautiful 9 year old daughter who is active in Clarkston area schools.

Carrie is the Manager of Specialty Services at McLaren Clarkston. She has been with McLaren Clarkston since the opening of the Clarkston campus in 2009. She studied at Ferris State University and graduated with a degree in Applied Science of Radiology. Carrie has over 29 years’ experience in healthcare and over 23 years’ management experience in multi-modality imaging services with concentration on women’s health. She is active in Clarkston with many community awareness initiatives as well as major fund-raising events.

Carrie has been an active member of the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce since 2009 and joined the CACOC Board of Directors in 2016. She received the President’s Award in 2019 and she just finished a term as President 2020. Carrie is currently serving the Executive Board as Immediate Past President.

Our Moderator - Jesica Spencer, Spencer Real Estate

Jesica Spencer is a Christian, a wife, a mother, a podcast host and the owner of Spencer Real Estate.

Jesica was born and raised in Oakland County, at 12 years old Jesica’s parents moved her and her two brothers to Independence Township. Her parents each worked tirelessly to afford her the opportunity to attend Clarkston Schools. It was her parents dream to raise their children in one of the best school districts available. Jesica went on to graduate from Clarkston High School in 2003.

Jesica is the proud wife of a police officer, in 2020 she and her husband celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary. Jesica and her husband opened their home to three foster children. After struggling for years with infertility, Jesica and Aaron welcomed a son. In 2017 she and her husband adopted two children through foster care completing the Spencer family.

After years in the real estate industry Jesica identified a need in the community for a consumer focused real estate company, so she built one from the ground up. Despite industry setbacks and uncertainty of COVID-19, Jesica was still able to open her brick & mortar office in October 2020. Spencer Real Estate is located next to Gregg’s Gourmet Cafe on M-15. The office doubles as a free coffee shop AND workspace for the community. Jesica works daily to achieve a healthy work/life balance while exceeding her clients’ expectations and coaching her team to do the same.

Jesica is proud to be The 2019 Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce Fritz Jackson Small Business Leader of the Year recipient.

Attendance Limits and Safety Notice
Due to current event and public gathering restrictions, attendance will be limited. A wait list will be created upon sellout. If MDHHS standards allow for larger gatherings prior to the event, the chamber will reach out to wait list registrants and allow them to purchase tickets, based on the order in which they signed up. Please contact the Clarkston Chamber at (248) 625-8055 or info@clarkston.org if you have any questions. Please expect to social distance, wear a mask when appropriate, and follow other safety precautions laid out by MDHHS. More information can be found at michigan.gov/coronavirus.

We expect tickets and space for exhibitors to move quickly. Upon sellout, a waitlist will open on a first-come basis (Clarkston Chamber members will also receive priority over non-members). Please contact the chamber directly if you have interest in sponsoring.

Event Sponsors: