72 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine 73 Millennium - Twentieth Edition BUSINESS, FINANCE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP PRESIDENT Eckhardt Trading Company OPERATIONS MANAGER Pecan Pro LLC Baxley, GA ROB SORRENTINO Rob Sorrentino is passionate about helping businesses thrive in complex and evolving environments. Known for building strong teams and leading them toward meaningful results, he has played a key role in transforming several businesses in transition. Since 2019, he has served as the president of Eckhardt Trading Company (ETC), where he has driven strategic improvements across the organization. Beyond his leadership at ETC, Mr. Sorrentino provides consulting services and connects talent with opportunities, supporting a range of asset managers in the hedge fund industry. A seasoned industry professional, Mr. Sorrentino began his trading career on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade. Over the past 35 years, he has traded and developed futures trading systems, gaining deep expertise in the field. At ETC, he has spearheaded initiatives to modernize IT infrastructure, enhance order management processes, and launch a global marketing strategy. Mr. Sorrentino holds a BS from DePaul University and a JD from Loyola University Chicago. Outside of his professional pursuits, he is committed to giving back — especially in education — by supporting schools and academic programs through charitable initiatives. While working as an engineer, Ralph E. Steger began planting pecan trees in 1997. When he retired from the corporate sector in 2016, he developed the “Krak-N-Blo,” an affordable all-in-one pecan shelling machine. Since 2021, he has served as the operations manager of Pecan Pro LLC, a company he developed to offer the “KrakN-Blo” to a wider market. After earning an associate degree in electronic engineering at the DeVry Institute of Technology, Mr. Steger began working as a quality assurance supervisor for the Continental Illinois Bank and Trust Company. He went on to work as an engineer at companies such as Western Electric Company, Eagle Rubber Company Inc. and Kent Sporting Goods Company Inc. During this time, he returned to school, achieving a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering technology at Ohio Technical College and a master’s degree in management and supervision at Central Michigan University. In the coming years, Mr. Steger intends to continue expanding Pecan Pro LLC and develop an effective succession plan for the business. He hopes to improve exports of the “Krak-N-Blo” and is accordingly collaborating with companies and representatives to accomplish this feat. RALPH E. STEGER BUSINESS, FINANCE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOUNDER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Equalizer Project DeWitt, MI Tiffany Leigh Raynes leverages over 25 years of practiced expertise as a proven financial expert. Since 2023, she has served as the senior vice president of credit and underwriting for Nations Direct Mortgage. In her leadership role, she oversees more than $100 million in monthly revenue across seven states. Previously, between 2022 and 2023, she was the vice president of credit risk at Champions Funding LLC. Trained as a teacher, Ms. Raynes transitioned to the mortgage and loan sector in 2006 due to a shortage of academic positions. During this time, she quickly discovered her talent for the work. In just one year, she had advanced to an underwriter position, leading to roles with Lend America, The Money Source Inc., and Nationwide Equities Corporation, among others. Ms. Raynes considers her time at The Money Source Inc. fundamental to her success, and she is proud to have played a key role in the company’s growth and success in residential and commercial lending. In the coming years, she looks forward to furthering her experience with Nations Direct Mortgage, with the eventual goal of moving into a C-suite position. Greg McNeil leverages over four decades of professional experience as the founder and chief executive officer of the Equalizer Project. The community and policy coalition is dedicated to improving safety and reducing violence in Lansing, Michigan. To wit, the operation’s core strength is strategic alliance building. Before entering the nonprofit space, Mr. McNeil cultivated his expertise in executive leadership and turnaround management, operating in senior roles with Neogen Corporation, Dean Foods and Starbucks Coffee Company. Most notably, he spent 26 years working as the chief executive officer of DeWitt Management LLC. The Equalizer Project currently partners with law enforcement, local businesses and community leaders to provide programming and create positive practices. In 2025, Mr. McNeil plans to expand its mission to include a second pillar focused on creating small, interestbased communities, in addition to creating a new revenue stream to better support future outreach. He credits his success to dedication and empathy and advises others not to be afraid to take risks and pursue authenticity. SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF CREDIT AND UNDERWRITING Nations Direct Mortgage Patchogue, NY Millennium Magazine Featured Listee TIFFANY LEIGH RAYNES GREG MCNEIL
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