MILLENNIUM A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine Sixth Edition DR. BARRETT S. CALDWELL Engineering Educator, Purdue University Page 73 FIVE WAYS TO SECURE ZOOM MEETINGS BEST WAYS TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES HONORING THE LEGACIES OF PROFESSIONALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Important Dates in History 1898 Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his “I Have a Dream” speech during the civil rights march on Washington, DC, on August 28, 1963. Albert Einstein publishes his theory of special relativity on September 26, 1905, setting the groundwork for atomic physics, nuclear physics and quantum mechanics. Albert Nelson Marquis establishes Marquis Who’s Who in 1898. 1905 1963
The Department of Homeland Security is established following the September 11th terrorist attacks on November 25, 2002. 2002 MTV launches on August 1, 1981 with its first music video to air on television, “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles. 1981 Infectious disease COVID-19 is declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. 2020
4 Table of Contents 80 How to Secure Virtual Meetings on Zoom Large numbers of businesses are using Zoom to allow employees to work from home. Highlighted are five ways a business can keep Zoom confidential. 8Worldwide Biographies Meet our listees, distinguished professionals from around the world who have dedicated their lives to providing monumental services across all industries. 7Editor's Letter An introduction to the sixth edition of Millennium Magazine, a reflection of our prestigious listees whose perseverance has garnered inspiration worldwide.
5 171 Beat the Winter Blues Winter is approaching, prompting us to acclimate to shorter days and seasonal slumps. Here are five tips to help keep your mood positive and remain in good health this season. 250 Green Jobs: A Working Definition In an eco-friendly world, a key issue confronting businesses is how to define green jobs. As a green economy progresses, every job can become greener. 190 Five Tips for Safer Online Shopping Though there are benefits associated with shopping online, there are also serious dangers. With these five guidelines, you can ensure that your online shopping will be secure.
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Welcome to the sixth edition of Marquis Millennium Magazine! With each passing year, we learn more about our listees whose determination, perseverance and drive to excel have led to achievement and success. The willpower of our roster of industry leaders is inspiring, and amid the tumult of the 2020 year, this ambition and versatility is held in the highest regard. Whether they are involved in the arts, technology, health care, academia, military service, the sciences or humanitarian efforts, the cumulative strength of our listees serves as a testament to humankind’s profound gift to adapt and shine. Although this year has proved difficult, and there are many unknowns still ahead, history has taught us that inspiration is often realized during the bleakest moments. This is illustrated by the achievements of the 350-plus professionals showcased in Millennium Magazine — their triumphs apparent despite uncertainty and turmoil in rebellion against a world undefined. Since Albert Nelson Marquis established Marquis Who’s Who in 1898, we have sought to highlight the most esteemed individuals whose contributions have made notable impacts and paved the way for generations of future professionals. More than 120 years later, Mr. Marquis’ mission continues to resonate; our listees have not only achieved professional and personal fulfillment, but have even affected the course of history. While you peruse the latest edition of Millennium Magazine, we encourage you to forge ahead in solidarity with Marquis listees from generations past. We hope that our roster’s great narration will inspire those of you who are enjoying established success or are emerging leaders in your fields. Continuing our founder’s mission, we celebrate the legacies of all who are part of our seasoned network. With best wishes for success and continued health and safety, Lisa Diamond Senior Editor, Millennium Magazine Editor’s Letter MILLENNIUM Millennium Magazine is published by Marquis Who’s Who Ventures LLC 350 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – including, but not limited to, electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise – or used for any commercial purpose whatsoever without the prior written permission of the publisher and, if the publisher deems necessary, execution of a formal license agreement with the publisher. Manufactured in the United States of America. ISSN 2577-7009 (Print) ISSN 2577-6991 (Online) President Erica Lee Executive Vice President, HR and Organizational Development Deborah A. Morrissey Director, Print Production John Sartoris Director, Editorial Process Development Renée Dutcher-Pryer Technical Administrator, Editorial Charles Varriale Director, Compliance and Quality Assurance Iris Cannetti Director, Branding Services Nikki Masih Director, Sales and Training Michael Swinarski Senior Editor Lisa Diamond Staff Writer Isabella Bruni Senior Graphic Designer Carlton Ramsey
8 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine A woman of extraordinary talent and business acumen, Tania E. Bricel commenced her career in the cosmetic industry. After earning a diploma in business administration from Champlain Regional College in 1976, she went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in commerce, marketing and international business from Concordia University in 1980. As she continued to hone her skills in marketing management throughout the 1980s, Ms. Bricel was afforded the opportunity to transition into a leadership role with her father’s company, which had been founded as a furniture marketing and design firm. Under her leadership as owner, president, chief executive officer and chief designer since 1998, the company was renamed as Colour Creations-Progressive Marketing Ltd., and she quickly became recognized as a leading designer, at the helm of her glass and accessories brand, Colour Creations, Timeless Serenity by Tania Bricel. Celebrating the company’s 20th anniversary in 2020, Ms. Bricel has proudly utilized stained colored glass, her material of choice, to create exclusive oneof-a-kind lighting, mirrors, tables, bowls and trays with a modern twist. She is dedicated to creating evergreen designs that sell with longevity, while also following trend statements, to create appealing and eye-catching designs. These trend statements are showcased each year by color forecasters, and she works by following the trends each year. Notably, she is working with the top 100 furniture retailers and has become the leading accessory line on the market, featuring her signature butterfly pull chain on every unique design. Ms. Bricel, who was the first designer to introduce color into the home furnishing retail environment, cites her greatest accomplishment as having her company recognized as the first lighting supplier to acquire floor space in home furnishing retail stores. With this sentiment, she was a featured designer in Home Lighting & Accessories in 2010 and 2011. Simply put, she attributes her success to perseverance. Outside of her professional endeavors, Ms. Bricel finds great fulfillment in giving back to her community. Inspired by her own experience with breast cancer, she launched Colour Creations Breast Cancer Lighting Designs, which furthers breast cancer awareness in all markets. All proceeds acquired through the brand are donated directly to breast cancer research centers or related charitable organizations. In the coming years, Ms. Bricel aims to expand her private label brand, Colour Creations Timeless Serenity by Tania Bricel. ADVERTISING, MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS TANIA E. BRICEL OWNER, PRESIDENT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CHIEF DESIGNER Colour Creations-Progressive Marketing Ltd. Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
9 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine Ms. Wharff has held leadership positions across numerous high-tech companies focusing on hardware, software and security. Notably, Ms. Wharff was recognized in 2013, 2019 and 2020 as one of the Top 100 Women in the Channel, and in 2010, was recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who for leadership and excellence in sales and marketing campaigns. Throughout her career, Ms. Wharff has been engaged in a number of “firsts” and highly recognized and industry-awarded channel and technology programs that she has brought to market. During her tenure at GTE CyberTrust, she was involved in the launch of the first ever eCheck that passed through the Department of Treasury, leveraging PKI Technology that forever changed the face of banking as we know it today. Ms. Wharff is the recipient of the Automation Hall of Fame Award for joint NT Manufacturing Partner Programs sponsored by Digital, Microsoft and Thomas Publishing, and received an MIMC Finalist Award from the MA Interactive Media Council, honoring outstanding interactive technology through a partnership network for the first Internet interactive Windows NT CD in Healthcare. Ms. Wharff is an alumni of Jackson Business University in Jackson, Michigan, from whom she received an AS in 1976, and is an active member of such organizations as Women of the Channel, Women in Technology, Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu and SHINE. She also volunteers time to support civic pursuits within her church outreach efforts, Boston’s Best Buddies and the Perkins School for the Blind via her Watertown Yacht Club activities. Ms. Wharff is also an avid water-skier, and she has competed nationally in competitions. She is married with three children and three grandchildren. Drawing upon numerous years of experience across sales, marketing and channel positions, Sheryl Wharff excels at developing and driving creative and profitable demand generation campaigns that help partnerships promote their “better together” offerings to the market to build joint pipeline and grow revenues. SHERYL WHARFF CHANNEL AND ALLIANCE MARKETING LEADER Micro Focus Hudson, MA ADVERTISING, MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
10 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine A loyal and honorable member of the Madden Elevator team, Kassie Robinson has notably served as the sales and marketing manager for the company since 2019. From simple repairs, preventative monitoring and new installation, Madden Elevator and its team provide dependable solutions and reliable consultations for all elevator needs. Commencing her tenure with Madden Elevator in 2015, Mrs. Robinson first served as a dispatch coordinator for one year and office manager for two years before moving onto the role of project coordinator in 2017. During her tenure with Madden Elevator, Mrs. Robinson completed a Skills for Success Certification and an Attitudes for Service Certification at Dale Carnegie Training, as well as received a Construction Management Certification from Builders Exchange and Eastern Kentucky University. Looking ahead, she has her sights set on one day being named CEO of Madden Elevator, or owning her own company. Mrs. Robinson is a member of the National Association of Elevator Contractors. She attributes her success to a motivation to be the best team member to her ability. Mrs. Robinson also credits her colleagues for being a constant support system and always offering a helping hand. SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER Madden Elevator Louisville, KY KASSIE ROBINSON INDEPENDENT, MEDICAL AND REGULATORY CONSULTANT Wayne, NJ MARYANN MAJOR Backed by a BS in nursing from Villanova University, Maryann Major planned to use her background in nursing to pursue a career within the business sector of the health care industry. Starting in sales, Ms. Major moved up to medical education within various pharmaceutical companies. From there, she was exposed to even more moving parts of the industry. Today, she serves as an independent, medical and regulatory consultant and was the recipient of the Gold Cup Award for Top Sales Region in 1989. Prior, Ms. Major worked with Hoffman La-Roche between 2006 and 2012 as director, associate director and senior program manager. In the early 2000s, she was executive vice president of IPG Complete Medical Communications, product director for Accutane Roche Labs and senior vice president and group account supervisor for Hyphen-Omnicom. She held similar roles at Promeda, MPE Communications, CommonHealth and ProCom International between 1995 and 2000. Ms. Major also worked for Lederle Laboratories as a medical sales representative and education manager from 1987 to 1995. She commenced her career in 1984 as a medical-surgical nurse at Valley Hospital and a medical records coordinator at Morristown Memorial Hospital. ADVERTISING, MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
11 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine Mason Andrews received a Bachelor of Arts in English literature and in history from the University of Virginia in 1976 and a Master of Architecture from Princeton University in 1982. She attributes her successes in professional, academic and civic endeavors to habits of active listening, respect and confidence. Her interests lie literally in the public realm – at the intersection of design decisions and their impact on public life. A founding partner of the design practice ARCHIPELAGO, which began operations in Manhattan in 1984 and later relocated to Virginia until 2009, Ms. Andrews also began and led several successful real estate development companies operating in New York and Virginia. Her work has been published in national design magazines, and she is herself the author of two monographs for Rizzolli. In 2009, Ms. Andrews began teaching at Hampton University, believing her experiences might help students learn skills to persist and contribute to their communities and to a profession in which they may not be initially welcomed. Special projects have included Team Tidewater’s entry in the Department of Energy’s 2011 Solar Decathlon, and an urban design program in France annually since 2010. In 2014, Ms. Andrews began a cross-university cross-disciplinary program focused on mitigation and adaptation strategies for urban neighborhoods anticipating impacts of sea level rise and climate change, the Coastal Community Design Collaborative. The recipient of an array of awards and grants, the program works closely with community members, an experience Ms. Andrews believes is crucial to successful design and to the creation of successful designers. Ms. Andrews’ commitment to public engagement, to urban design and to her native region of southeastern Virginia have led to decades of public service. She hopes to continue lending her skills to the challenges of keeping Norfolk neighborhoods safe and dry for the near future, following her life philosophy, “Make what you find a little better.” She is married to her husband, Bill Understood, with whom she shared one child, Alston Cook Underwood. MASON ANDREWS ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ARCHITECTURE Hampton University Hampton, VA ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE
12 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine Backed by more than 40 years of professional business experience, Gregg Antonsen presently serves as the senior vice president, manager and qualifying broker at Sotheby’s International Realty in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Sotheby’s International Realty, the world’s pre-eminent luxury real estate brand, operates through franchise and corporate owned offices focused on brokering and marketing of residential luxury real estate. Throughout his career, Mr. Antonsen has found great reward in helping people successfully purchase homes that meet or exceed their expectations. In his current role since 2011, Mr. Antonsen moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to serve as senior vice president of business development for Christie’s Great Estates, now Christie’s International Realty, a role he occupied from 2003 to 2011. Prior to that, he commenced his career as the owner of his own boutique real estate company, Antonsen Garrett & Associates, Ltd., which served numerous international clients in the Hawaii real estate market from 1979 to 1993. He also operated his own law firm while in Honolulu. Mr. Antonsen currently serves on the board of directors for Performance Santa Fe and is on the advisory board with the Santa Fe Regional Airport, Fly Santa Fe. He also serves as a member of the advisory board of Enterprise Bank & Trust in Santa Fe. Mr. Antonsen is backed by a Bachelor of Science in history and political science from Gustavus Adolphus College from 1975, as well as a JD from the William Mitchell College of Law from 1979. While living in Hawaii, he served as a lecturer and adjunct professor of business law at the University of Hawaii’s renowned Manoa Campus. Mr. Antonsen’s personal definition of success is to be truly in touch with yourself, your truth and your integrity. Mr. Antonsen aims to continue the professional path he is currently on and do so to the best of his ability. GREGG ANTONSEN SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, MANAGER Sotheby’s International Realty Santa Fe, NM ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE
13 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine Millennium Magazine Featured Listee Exposed to the contracting and real estate industries from a young age, Mike Close was inspired to continue on the legacy of his carpenter grandfather. The youngest of three, one of Mr. Close’s siblings works as a high-end luxury contractor and the other as a luxury real estate agent. After working for local affiliates and high end home builder companies for many years, in 2009, he spearheaded Spinnaker Development, where he currently serves as president and owner. A licensed contractor in the State of California, Mr. Close won the distinguished Golden Nugget Award at the Pacific Coast Building Conference. Additionally, he has been honored and nominated for several leading industry awards from the Building Association of America and the National Housing Association. Mr. Close attributes his success to his standards of ethics and strong belief in loyalty. In an industry he says is often described as an “unethical trade,” Mr. Close makes it his priority to offer his clients great service with full transparency. Since kick-starting his career in the industry, Mr. Close has noticed major advancements in the field within the realm of technology. In terms of the accounting functions of a business, Mr. Close now uses technological platforms to have clients interact with them on a much more visible and approachable level. Mr. Close believes that in family businesses, it is more than common for certain practices to remain the same throughout years of production, but it is imperative to update practices with the times. Mr. Close is a member of the Building Association of America, National Housing Association, National Association of Home Builders and the Building Industry of America. He is also involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Alzheimer’s Orange County, Orange County Community Foundation and Cure Duchenne. He works and lives by the motto, “Passion fuels dedication, dedication leads to performance, performance drives success.” MIKE CLOSE PRESIDENT Spinnaker Development Newport Beach, CA ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE
14 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine JEFF GREENE CHAIRMAN, FOUNDER Evergreene Architectural Arts, Inc. Brooklyn, NY From studying at the Fresno School, Jeff Greene was deeply interested in public art and mural painting, but later he expanded his horizons to fine art and preservation after an apprenticeship painting billboards in Times Square. Upon working with more arts and theater groups, Mr. Greene began to see how important preserving the past was to maintaining the character of New York City. Soon enough, he found his niche in architecture. Mr. Greene received a BFA in painting from the Art Students League of New York in 1975 and a second BFA in painting from the School of Art Institute of Chicago in 1976. He was also a student at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in 1976. Since 1978, he has been the chairman, founder and president of the Brooklyn-based Evergreene Architectural Arts, Inc. Following a series of left turns and a natural progression, Mr. Greene molded himself a very success art career. In 2018, he was the recipient of the Historic Districts Council’s Landmarks Lion Award, and in 2014, was granted the New York Preservation League’s Pillar Award. Additionally, he was recognized with the Institute for Classical Art and Architecture’s Arthur Ross Award in 2011. Mr. Greene attributes his success to hard work, luck, finding creative solutions to complex problems, and his team of great colleagues who share his vision and quality standards. Mr. Greene is a member of the American Institute for Conservation, American Society of Interior Designers, Cooper Hewitt Museum, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Society of Gilders, The Smithsonian Institution and the Theatre Historical Society of America. He is also a board member for the National Society of Mural Painters, Association for the Preservation of Technology and League of Historic American Theaters. Looking ahead, Mr. Greene plans to spend more time with his grandchildren, work on his personal art and mentor the next generation of emerging artists. He also strvies to maintain the same quality and aspirations that his business has had for the past 40 years. ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE
15 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine With a love for helping others achieve their American dream within their price range, Peter “Pete” Laurence has his military service to thank for introducing him to real estate. Following active combat in Vietnam as a Green Beret (Special Forces Team A-237), Mr. Laurence enrolled in Diablo Valley College, earning an AA in business in 1968. With funds accumulated overseas, he had the down payments to buy two modest homes, and resold one of them for a significant profit. This helped him to decide to make a career out of real estate, and with his dedication and hard work, he has achieved success as an agent, then broker and owner. Still active as a real estate broker with Remax/Accord in Walnut Creek, California, Mr. Laurence serves the entire Contra Costa County, and he was elected to serve on the Clayton City Council for 16 years, with three terms as mayor. He also served as the president of his local Chamber of Commerce, has served as director on both the local and state Boards of Realtors, and earned the Realtor Emeritus Award locally and nationally. He still works in all areas of real estate from beginners to large custom homes, and helps his clients if they also want to acquire real estate investments. Mr. Laurence attributes his success to competence, sincerity and friendliness, coupled with enjoying long hours of preparation to ensure he gets the best properties for his clients. He has paid off investments in California, Idaho and Nevada, and has traveled to all U.S. states, as well as most of the world from the pyramids of Egypt, the ruins of Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China and all of Europe. He has also traveled to Korea, Japan, Thailand, India, Australia and Tahiti. Mr. Laurence has been a pillar of his community, is a member of the National Realtor Emeritus, the local Chamber of Commerce, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Special Forces Association with friends who served together overseas and in combat. He and his wife, Sher, have been married for 50 years. PETER “PETE” LAURENCE REAL ESTATE BROKER, INVESTOR REMAX ACCORD Walnut Creek, CA ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE
16 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine Inspired by his father who was a skilled architect, Edward C. Mathes aspired to join the same field as he believed architecture would allow him to make a change in the world. In 1968, he earned a BArch from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He is now a certified architect in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia and Connecticut. Since 2001, Mr. Mathes has been chairman of Mathes Brierre Architects, focusing on institutional work and interior design, in his home of New Orleans. He is former president of the Mathes Group and Mathes, Bergman & Associates, Inc., from 1982 to 2000 and 1969 to 1982, respectively. Earlier, he was assistant to the managing architect at RTKL in Baltimore, one of the oldest architecture firms in the country. In 1968, he also was an American Institute of Architects Institute Scholar in Washington, D.C. Mr. Mathes has been involved in numerous highprofile projects, including the National World War II Museum Capital Expansion Projects, J. Edgar and Louise S. Monroe University Library, Loyola University New Orleans, Performance Halls at 15 universities across the country, Place St Charles, the Headquarters Building for Pelican Homestead and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. In 2018, Mr. Mathes was the recipient of the SPARK Lifetime Achievement Award from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. In 1991, he was among a team of architects who received an Honor Award of Excellence for the Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans. He received Honor Awards for Place St Charles, Pelican Homestead, the Palaestra at Newman School and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts. In 2002, he was recognized by the National Organization of Minority Architects, and won a 2000 People’s Choice Award for the University Library and the Communications, Music, Theater Complex in 1989. Mr. Mathes is a member of the American Institute of Architects, Construction Industry Association, City Energy Club, Metairie Country Club, Pickwick Club and Rotary Club. EDWARD C. MATHES CHAIRMAN Mathes Brierre Architects New Orleans, LA ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE
17 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine Upon a friend’s recommendation to take up real estate, Joanne McBride is now a distinguished realtor with 30-plus years of experience within the Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, area. Backed by a Bachelor of Arts from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia from 1963, once Ms. McBride completed her real estate training, she quickly received a job offer from Weigert Realtors. Subsequently, Roach Brothers Realty, where her friend worked, also offered her a position, noting that if they had not tried to get her on their team, they would “regret it for the rest of their lives.” Out of dedication to her friend introducing her to the business, Ms. McBride accepted the second offer and has been a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach in Bryn Mawr since 2010. In addition to her professional career, Ms. McBride takes great pride in becoming a board member at Chestnut Hill College. She is also a volunteer for Speak Up and Fox & Roach Charities, alongside other volunteer initiatives through private schools and homeless shelters. Notably, Ms. McBride was the recipient of the Chairman Circle Award from Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach in 2019 and was also named by Philadelphia Magazine as a Top Real Estate Producer of 2019. Prior, Main Line Magazine named Ms. McBride a Top Agent of 2017, and she holds the highly coveted PREA 100 Award as one of the top 100 real estate agents in the country. Ms. McBride humbly attributes her success to the hard work she puts in each day on the job. She says, “When you get to the top, send the elevator down.” Looking ahead, Ms. McBride hopes to see the firm grow in clientele and sales, and watch her daughter succeed in the business as well. With her dedication to real estate missions and contributing to positive stepping stones in people’s lives, Ms. McBride does not see herself stepping away from her profession any time soon. Looking forward, she intends to experience the continued growth and success of her career. In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her five children and 11 grandsons. JOANNE MCBRIDE REALTOR Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach Bryn Mawr, PA ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE
18 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE From his father’s influence, who was heavily involved in politics, Michael A. Occhiato was always encouraged to take leadership positions and eventually followed in his father’s footsteps by getting involved in the Eisenhower-Stevenson campaign. Mr. Occhiato received a BBA from the University of Denver in 1961 and an MBA from the University of Colorado in 1984. Additionally, he served four years of active duty and six years of reserves with the U.S. Navy, which Mr. Occhiato calls the highlight of his career. Mr. Occhiato commenced his career in 1965 as a sales manager for the Tivoli Brewing Company, where he moved up to acting brewmaster, production control manager and plant manager by 1969. For one year, he was an administrative assistant at King Resource Co. and then was the owner of Peps Advertising Company from 1976 to 1978. Mr. Occhiato had a 13-year run with the Pepsi-Cola Company, where he was vice president, president and area vice president of the Pueblo Group Division. Discovering his skill with livestock, Mr. Occhiato was the owner of Occhiato Land & Cattle LLC in 1984, and was with Die Marketing Developmental Lambs Information Systems from 1983 to 1985. Getting back to his leadership roots, Mr. Occhiato notably served as a city councilman during the 2000s, and was the president of the City Council from 2001 to 2006. Additionally, he has been a broker associate with Jones Healy Better Homes & Gardens since 1998, as well as an independent consultant since 1983. Mr. Occhiato joined the team at Sound Ventures Realty/Coldwell Banker from 2006 to 2012. In 2007, Mr. Occhiato was a representative in signing the Sister City Agreement with Bergamo, Italy, and Pueblo, Colorado, in which he was named Italian Citizen of the Year in 2008. Mr. Occhiato is a member of the American Quarter Horse Association, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Pueblo Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International and Pi Kappa Alpha, serving as vice president in 1960. In his spare time, he enjoys working on his ranch. MICHAEL A. OCCHIATO BROKER ASSOCIATE, CONSULTANT Jones Healy Better Homes & Gardens Pueblo, CO
19 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE Millennium Magazine Featured Listee Backed by a BA in business administration and management from Dowling College, Tammy Ramsay worked as a kindergarten teacher at the East Islip School District for two years before marrying and starting a family. With intentions to return to the classroom, an opportunity arose for Ms. Ramsay in real estate through her husband’s family. Being in the presence of a family who ate, breathed and slept real estate was inspiring. Therefore, Ms. Ramsay pursued obtaining a real estate license in order to join the family business. Since 1995, Ms. Ramsay has served as a realtor with Ramsay Realtors, also known as Eric G. Ramsay Jr. Associates, LLC. Throughout her career, she has mastered the art of listening, searching and landing a dream home for her clients on Long Island’s area of Suffolk County. In addition to her work, Ms. Ramsay is a sponsor for the Charlie’s Champions Foundation, which raises awareness and funds to benefit the Cancer Center for Kids at NYU Winthrop University Hospital. With her exceptional traits and impressive repertoire of sales, Ms. Ramsay has been the recipient of various recognitions and accolades. In 2019, she was named to the Best of Zillow and honored to Top 10 Best Agents. Additionally, in 2018, she was named to America’s Top 100 Real Estate Agents. Ms. Ramsay attributes the bulk of her success to having a sales background from her experiences working and growing up at her father’s car dealerships. Looking ahead, Ms. Ramsay plans to slow down her time in sales and move to the management and teaching side of the business. With her son soon entering the family business, she hopes to train him to be a pristine and passionate realtor. Ms. Ramsay’s advice to her son, as well as other aspiring realtors, is to be in it for the long haul, as it takes time to get established and work your way up in the real estate world. She also says realty can be a very challenging profession and it is important to remain patient, but driven. TAMMY RAMSAY REALTOR Ramsay Realtor Bay Shore, NY
20 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine Roy M. Simon’s mother tells the tale that Mr. Simon had wanted to be an architect since he was in the fourth grade. Subsequently, many of Mr. Simon’s middle school teachers encouraged him to continue to follow this dream, and by high school, he landed an architecture apprenticeship with architect Kennith Jacobson. From this experience, Mr. Simon was given many independent tasks which solidified his desire to pursue a career in architecture. In 1952, Mr. Simon received a BS, and in 1953, he obtained a BArch, both from the Georgia Institute of Technology. From 1954 to 1956, Mr. Simon served to the rank of captain with the U.S. Air Force. During the Cold War and Korean War, there was no air base in the North Atlantic, despite it being the location of much battle action. With his architectural background, Mr. Simon was sent to build a base. Upon his arrival back to the mainland, Mr. Simon commenced his career as an architect of a private practice in Delray Beach, Florida, where he has served since 1959. A registered architect in the states of South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and New Jersey, Mr. Simon has built numerous schools, churches and other structures. He is most proud of his community work, and the opportunity for his three children to all have jobs under the umbrella of his profession. Mr. Simon was honored by the Florida Association of Architects and the Palm Beach chapter of the American Institute of Architects with the Architect Community Service Award in 1992, as well as the Hilliard T. Smith Award in 1971. In 1976, he was featured in and was on the cover of Florida Builder Magazine. Mr. Simon is a member of the American Institute of Architects, Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, Florida Association of Architects and Lions Lodge. He is also a member of the Building Board of Appeals, Delray Beach Code Enforcement Board, Delray Beach Community Appearance Board, and Delray Beach Planning and Zoning Board. Additionally, Mr. Simon has been a trustee of the Delray Beach Historical Society since 1977. ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE ROY M. SIMON ARCHITECT Delray Beach, FL
21 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine Moving from Maine to Rhode Island, Ryan P. Somers worked as a construction worker and painter for Thomas Construction from 1998 to 2003. Clients consistently raved about his painting skills, and so Mr. Somers pondered the possibility of solely focusing on painting. In 2003, he spearheaded his business, Somers Painting LLC, and has built a reputable name for himself in the South Kingstown community of Rhode Island. Mr. Somers received a BFA in ceramics and glass blowing with a minor in painting from Jacksonville University in Florida in 1996. Now holding a Benjamin Moore staining certification, he serves on the Benjamin Moore Planning and Advisory Board and has a contract with every painting store in the state of Rhode Island. Specializing in interior painting, exterior painting, pressure washing, specialty finishes and decks, Mr. Somers uses only the highest quality products and subscribes to the latest eco-friendly and “green” painting techniques. Notably, Rhode Island Monthly Magazine granted Mr. Somers the Gold Design Award in 2014 for residential interior design, improving from his 2013 Silver Design Award in the same category. He attributes his success to his hard work, passion and dedication to painting. Holding a strong work ethic and never afraid of a challenge, Mr. Somers loves problem-solving and does not like to hear the word “cannot.” He believes there is always a solution to a road bump, and goes above and beyond in order to find an answer. Mr. Somers learned many of these lessons from his mentor Ben Mondor, the owner of the Pawtucket Red Sox, a minor league baseball team. Prior to his painting career, Mr. Somers was a lifeguard and the manager of a surf shop. To this day, he still volunteers for beach clean ups, as well as donates to various charities. Looking ahead, Mr. Somers plans to continue to grow his business and spread his name past state borders as a lead-safe remodeler and renovator. He notes that “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein is his favorite book, and he tries to live his life according to the book’s message. RYAN P. SOMERS OWNER Somers Painting LLC South Kingstown, RI ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE
22 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine Theodore Calvin Taub became involved in his profession out of a desire to serve his community. In beginning this journey, he received a BA from Duke University in 1956 and a JD from the University of Florida in 1960. He was subsequently admitted to practice by the Florida Bar and before the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. A board certified real estate lawyer, Mr. Taub notably served as an attorney with Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP until his retirement in 2012. From 1974 to 2007, he was a city attorney for the City of Temple Terrace, and from 1963 to 1967, he was an assistant city attorney for the City of Tampa, where he currently resides. Additionally, Mr. Taub had also been the City of Oldsmar’s city attorney and a renowned panelist in his field. Since his retirement, Mr. Taub has been involved in leadership research. A lecturer and author of more than 150 articles to professional journals, Mr. Taub is known in the Tampa area as one of the top real estate attorneys. He has been recognized by Florida Super Lawyers and the Bar Register of Pre-Eminent Lawyers, and was also named to the Best Lawyers in America. Mr. Taub simply attributes his success to hard work. Mr. Taub was president and legal counsel to the Florida Jaycees, also known as JCI Florida, and is a member of Tau Epsilon Phi. He is a fellow of the American Bar Association and on the board of governors for the American College of Real Estate Lawyers. Also holding a love for the arts outside of his professional background, Mr. Taub was a founder of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, now known as the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. Additionally, Mr. Taub has previously been chairman of the Committee on Housing and Urban Environment, the Real Property Litigation Committee and the Tampa-Hillsborough County Expressway Authority. He has further been involved with the State of Florida Environmental Efficiency Study Commission, Local Government Management Efficiency Committee and Hillsborough County Charter Commission. THEODORE CALVIN TAUB ATTORNEY (RETIRED) Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP Tampa, FL ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE
23 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine certification to aid him in his career in the real estate industry. For 15 years since 2005, Mr. Umanzor has worked at his firm, Umanzor & Associates and Long & Foster Companies. Each year since 2018, Mr. Umanzor was ranked among the top 1% of agents nationwide acquired by Warren Buffet, and has been the recipient of the Best of Homelight Award, Best of Zillow Award and the Master’s Club Award. Additionally, Mr. Umanzor has received several nominations for recognitions from Real DC Metro Producers, The Washingtonian, Top Agent, Virginia Living and the Best of Bethesda. Mr. Umanzor attributes his success to his passion for helping others and wanting to better himself as a realtor. As a devoted Christian, Mr. Umanzor has never been driven by money. He believes the true nature of his profession is to help others, listen to them, be patient in their needs and wants, and figure out the best way to make clients satisfied with their home-buying situation. Mr. Umanzor says the highlight of his career was building his team and pushing his team to achieve personal success. Mr. Umanzor encourages others to “be hungry and knock on doors. If you fail, pick yourself up and keep trying. Surround yourself with the best and always help others.” Mr. Umanzor is a member of the Salvadoran Chamber of Commerce, Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. He also sits on the board for the Latino Association of Realtors. Looking ahead, Mr. Umanzor is pondering becoming a professional speaker. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, experiencing different cultures with his family and networking. Juan A. Umanzor Jr. moved to the United States from El Salvador when he was 20 years old in 1996, and had to build his dream life from scratch. Wanting to change his life and the lives of those behind him, Mr. Umanzor obtained a BS in business administration in 2001, as well as a short sales and foreclosure resource JUAN A. UMANZOR JR. REALTOR Long and Foster Real Estate, Inc. Bethesda, MD ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE
24 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine Growing up in Western Europe, Carolena van den Berk noticed the destruction of villas and homes in Berlin, Germany, following the war and was interested in how they could be fixed in order for cities to look whole again. In her youth, she was always drawing homes, and she tried to envision what a building would look like in real life after restoration. Fast forward to present day, Ms. van den Berk is the head artist, interior designer and builder for Van Den Berk-Clark Properties, Inc., in St. Louis, Missouri. Ms. van den Berk was born in Eindhoven in the Netherlands in 1941 and immigrated to the United States in 1972 after the birth of her youngest child. When she arrived to St. Louis, she noticed all of the large, beautiful buildings that stood vacant, similar to Berlin whose buildings were neglected and run down during the war. Ms. van den Berk made it her mission to work toward the restoration and rebeautification of St. Louis through her business, one job at a time. Her father was a writer for politics and economics, and she believes she inherited her business sense from him. Ms. van den Berk specializes in the rehabilitation of historical brick buildings, and she also works within the commercial and residential sectors of building and interior design. Notably, Ms. van den Berk was the recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. She attributes her career success simply to hard work. She has an enormous amount of drive and does not let anyone obstruct her confidence and work because she is a woman, noting that her presence in the male-dominated field has not dissuaded her from achieving her dreams. In her free time, Ms. van den Berk enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her husband, Professor John Clark; her children, Marcel, Andre, Carissa, Jessica, Sabrina and Eugene; and her grandchildren, Charlotte and Andrew. CAROLENA VAN DEN BERK ARTIST, INTERIOR DESIGNER, BUILDER Van Den Berk-Clark Properties, Inc. Saint Louis, MO ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE
25 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE EDWARD FULLER VON BRIESEN BUILDER, REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER Long Island Lead Assessment and Control Mill Neck, NY Backed by a BS in electrical engineering from Tufts University in 1970, Edward Fuller von Briesen has served as president and sole proprietor of Long Island Lead Assessment and Control (LILAC) since 1996. Mr. von Briesen boasts more than 20 years of experience in lead-based paint inspection services. Following the real estate and savings bank crash of the 1990s, Mr. von Briesen had to unexpectedly halt his work as a builder. When a neighbor brought to his attention of the fruition of a new lead paint law, he chose to enter the lead paint business and quickly obtained a lead paint inspector certification, as well as asbestos and mold certifications. Alongside his current role, Mr. von Briesen has been the owner of Breza Enterprises in Oyster Bay, New York, since 1982 and previously served as president of Briesmar, Inc. These firms were single-family house building companies as well as home restoration firms. Additionally, he has served as the road commissioner for the Village of Oyster Bay Cove and Village of Matinecock. Directly after obtaining his electrical engineering degree, Mr. von Briesen commenced his career as an engineer, working for the Long Island Lighting Company in Hicksville, New York. Over the course of his career, Mr. von Briesen is most proud to have discovered lead paint in a home where a child was living with elevated levels of lead in their body. Despite the physical toll of his profession, Mr. von Briesen takes pride in situations like these in which he is able to bring comfort to a family. The advice Mr. von Briesen can offer the next generation of builders and real estate developers is to be willing to learn, listen to people, be polite and never presume any situation. The work can be extremely fulfilling if approached with the right mindset, and he thanks his mentors for instilling this lesson in him. Mr. von Briesen is currently involved with Piping Rock, the Grenville Baker Boys and Girls Club, and the Nassau County chapter of the American Red Cross, where he sat on the board of directors in 1998.
26 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine A third-generation California realtor, Philip J. Yeager is renowned for his work in spearheading Century 21 offices in the western United States, Mexico and parts of South America. Backed by a BA in business from Claremont McKenna College, as well as postgraduate studies in real estate, finance and law at The Ohio State University, Mr. Yeager has been recognized as Realtor of the Year. He holds a broker’s license from 1958, a California Real Estate Salesman License from 1956 and a California Lifetime Teaching Credential in Real Estate Subjects. Mr. Yeager is the regional founder of two Century 21 Regions with 400 offices in Western U.S. from 1972 to 1976. In 1989, he commenced efforts for Century 21 growth in Mexico, which now has 175 offices. In South America, Century 21 has 300 offices from the work of Mr. Yeager, and in 2020, he plans to spearhead an additional 1,000 offices in Brazil. As an owner of Century 21 in Greater Europe with nine countries, he has been serving as co-founder and chairman of the board of Century 21 Master, South America, Mexico and Brazil since 1972. Mr. Yeager attributes his career success to being able to provide leadership and direction to people who want to be successful. He is the author of “Home Trade-Ins” and is a distinguished U.S. and Canadian speaker for numerous real estate subjects and conferences. An industry innovator of new concepts, his “I Listing” concept in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in listings selling within a matter of days despite individuals quarantined in their homes. In establishing one of the best known real estate brands in the world, he plans to continue his work in perfecting the Brazilian offices, as well as brainstorm future locations worldwide. Mr. Yeager is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the California Association of Realtors, and is also involved with the Eagle Scouts. He calls the most rewarding aspect of his career to be his ability to help other people become successful, which at the same time creates success for himself. PHILIP J. YEAGER CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Century 21 Master South America, Mexico, Brazil Anacortes, WA ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE
27 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine Millennium Magazine Featured Listee The president and owner of Creative Masonry, Inc., Fred Campbell learned the mechanisms of masonry from his father, whom he credits as his greatest mentor. Taking over the family business in Greeneville, Tennessee, at the age of 18, Mr. Campbell specializes in all types of masonry work. Creative Masonry currently has more than 40 dedicated employees, many of whom have been with the company for more than 20 years. Notably, Mr. Campbell has been named the World’s Best Bricklayer by the Specmix Bricklayer 500 Competition in Las Vegas in 2013 and 2015. He is backed by an MCCR certification, a vocational school education, and is a member of the Mason Contractors Association. He credits his career success to having a good work ethic, getting all jobs done on time and being proud of his work, which is his advice to all up-and-coming workers. He works and lives by the motto, “Hard work always pays off.” In his free time, Mr. Campbell enjoys spending time with his wife, Sharon, and his six children: Kayla, Krista, Kendra, Kylie, Lacie and Braylon. He also enjoys time spent with his grandson, Carter. PRESIDENT, OWNER Creative Masonry, Inc. Greeneville, TN FRED CAMPBELL PRESIDENT AND CEO 3 IN 1 ROOF, Inc. CARMENUCCI R. BELLAVIA Discovering and certifying a solar product based in the building industry is challenging to say the least. However, after 10 years of research and development, Carmenucci Bellavia has unveiled the 3 IN 1 ROOF Solar Tile System, now manufactured in Dayton, Ohio. As the founder, president and CEO of 3 IN 1 ROOF, Mr. Bellavia has successfully integrated highly efficient solar performance with thermal technology into a remarkable 200-plus mph wind-resistant sloped rooftop tile, capable of changing traditional roofing and construction. Mr. Bellavia started out as a roofing entrepreneur in 1985 as owner of Ability Contractors, and since Hurricane Andrew, has several more substantial rebuilding efforts under his belt. During that time, he documented what type of roof products held up under high-velocitywinds and what failed. From this experience he devised a product so versatile, it was awarded “Most Innovative Global Solar Roofing Product” by BUILD magazine in 2019. Mr. Bellavia holds BS and BA degrees from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Looking ahead, he plans to soon retire and only sit on the corporation’s board as chairman. He may someday consider throwing his hat into the political ring, as a final career. ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER Arthur Gensler Associates Las Vegas, NV Growing up on a large Idaho ranch, the late Ival “Val” Crandall Thornton discovered drawing, and soon became passionate about architecture. From then until his passing, he had an eclectic career as an interior architectural designer throughout Europe and North America. Notably, he painted 44,000 square feet of murals in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at the Salt Lake Temple in Utah. After studying at the Colorado Institute of Art, Mr. Thornton was a conceptual architectural designer for architectural firms throughout Las Vegas. In Los Angeles, he was an architectural and interior designer, artist and illustrator, and most recently, a senior associate at Arthur Gensler Associates in San Francisco. Principal works to his credit have included two personal jets for Frank Sinatra, various designs for Ford Motor Company, the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace and the Shah of Iran’s 747 jets. Mr. Thornton was also involved in projects with Investment Mortgage International and Grand Princess Cruise ships. Inducted into the Mountain Bell Training Center Hall of Fame, Mr. Thornton has been remembered for his creativity. He is survived by his wife Cheryl, two children, six grandchildren and one great-grand child. IVAL “VAL” CRANDALL THORNTON ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE 28 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine
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