Fort Myers: Lessons from the Top: How Great Entrepreneurs Built Their Success

This month’s Above Board Chamber meetings will shines a light on the real-world journeys of some of Southwest Florida’s most accomplished entrepreneurs and business leaders. This dynamic discussion will uncover how each panelist turned early obstacles into opportunities, made bold decisions to grow their companies, and stayed true to their mission while adapting to change. You’ll walk away with practical insights, inspiration, and tools to elevate your own business or professional path.💬

Fort Myers: Lessons from the Top: How Great Entrepreneurs Built Their Success!

Thursday, June 12th at the DoubleTree By Hilton Fort Myers at the Bell Tower Shops

Panel discussion (11:30 to 1:00) 💬 
Optional Mini Workshop (1:00 PM – 1:30 PM)

 Sponsors:

• William M Blevin,   Gulf Coast Business Bank
• Peter Ocsody, PhD,. Program Director, Daveler Institute of Entrepeneurship at Florida SouthWestern State College

🎤 Emcee:

Dr. Guido Minaya is CEO and Chief Learning Officer of Minaya Learning Global Solutions, a global corporate training firm serving Fortune 500 and large organizations. With a track record of leading regional and global teams, he founded the company after holding executive roles at AT&T, Lucent Technologies, Avaya, and Accenture. In 2024, his firm launched an AI-HI Center of Excellence. Dr. Minaya is also a founder of the Horizon Council and currently serves as President of the Horizon Foundation. LinkedIN

👥 Panelists:

L. Gail Markham, CPA/ABV, CFF, CFE, CFP®, Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator Partner / Litigation Support, Forensic Accounting and Mediation. Gail is  the founder and partner of Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company, P.A. (MNMW), which she began as a sole practitioner in 1979. Today, she is member of a team of 60 across Fort Myers and Naples, offering services in tax, accounting, business consulting, forensic accounting, litigation support, and mediation. A highly decorated professional, Gail has received numerous honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from Gulfshore Business, Woman of the Year by Gulfshore Life, and induction into the Business Hall of Fame by Junior Achievement of SWFL. Her firm is consistently ranked among Florida’s best places to work. She holds credentials as a CPA, CFP, CFE, and Florida Certified Family Mediator, and is accredited in Business Valuation and Financial Forensics. LinkedIn 

JoAnn Elardo,is the Founder and Owner of Wicked Dolphin Distillery. she is a dynamic and accomplished serial entrepreneur with a diverse business background spanning several industries.recognized as one of GrowFL’s Companies to Watch in 2016. JoAnn is also the Founder of Cape Spirits Inc., Commercial Quest / L & E Capers – Commercial Investments, and a proud Founder of the Cape Coral Animal Shelter.Her entrepreneurial journey began in 1991 when she launched AmerSport, a U.S. athletic and shoe distribution company focused on Central and Eastern Europe. Under her leadership, AmerSport grew to become one of the largest privately owned companies of its kind in the region. JoAnn also owned Soul, a successful athleisure retail brand with stores in multiple countries.​ After selling her European ventures, JoAnn moved to Florida in 2008, where she continued to build successful businesses and make a lasting impact on her community.  LinkedIn

Sandy Stilwell Youngquist is the CEO and owner of Stilwell Enterprises & Restaurant Group, which includes seven restaurants, an inn, shopping centers, and a food truck across Southwest Florida. An entrepreneur since age 17, She helped to organize Gulf Coast Business Bank in Fort Myers, a de novo (new) community bank. She is currently on the Board of Directors. She is the author of Resilient Spirit and an active leader in philanthropy and community service, serving on numerous boards including Hope Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, SWFL Children’s Charities, Pace Center for Girls, and Lee Health Foundation. Sandy also played a key role in the Resilient Lee initiative that secured $1.2 billion for post-Hurricane Ian recovery. LinkedIn

Kena Yoke, Vice President of Island Piling, Inc. and Managing Member of Island Piling Manufacturing, LLC, brings 40+ years of expertise in construction, administration, and project coordination. A former founder of Kena Yoke Consulting, she pioneered virtual office solutions post-2008. Known for leadership in business and philanthropy, Kena supports veteran initiatives and nonprofits like Collier-Lee Honor Flight and Freedom Waters Foundation. Her passion for community and service is inspired by her lifelong commitment to connection and building relationships. LinkedIn

Jennifer Johnson is the Founder of True Fashionistas, Florida’s largest lifestyle resale store, and creator of The Confident Entrepreneur, a platform empowering small business owners to succeed without sacrificing balance. A former national model and actress, Jennifer is the bestselling author of Grace & Grit and host of The Confident Entrepreneur podcast. She’s been featured on national TV, radio, and in publications including TIME, Newsweek, Vogue, and Real Simple, and is a sought-after speaker both locally and nationally. She is passionate about helping entrepreneurs grow with confidence, clarity, and grace. LinkedIn