Special Show on PPL: Spunky Old Broads
2-23-13
Listen to the show online here.
Don't blame us, it's Spunky Old Broads Month. So TechnoGranny, one of the original spunky old broads, decided to honor Pittsburgh Spunky Old Broads to celebrate the Sixth Anniversary of PositivelyPittsburghLive. Co-Host for this show is Jo Ann Forrester, Host of EmpressofBiz, Listern, Learn, Prosper, she's another of the original Spunky Old Broads.The two JoAnn's will be joined by nine others who have earned the nomenclature. They range from 52 to 75. (You had to be over 50 to qualify and still enduring in your life's work).
***
Spunky Old Broad Number 1: Joanne Quinn-Smith aka TechnoGranny
Joanne Quinn-Smith, Award winning internet radio
broadcaster, blogger, author and
internet radio and TV network editor and publisher. Joanne is the owner and CEO, Creative Energy
Officer, of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates, a successful Pittsburgh-based
marketing company. She is a grandmother and great grandmother, an unlikely
trendsetter for online journalism and broadcasting. Joanne is internationally
known as the “Get Your Google On” Gal. But better known as Techno Granny™ to over one
million accumulated online listeners worldwide.
Joanne has created a
revolutionary online NEW MEDIA platform in Internet broadcasting, blogging and
other social media participation that represents the new second generation of
World Wide Web interactions, known in technology circles as Web 2.0. JQS is the
online publisher of PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com, an online community
magazine to disseminate the Positive News for Positive Pittsburghers. PPL Mag is Pittsburgh’s First Internet radio
and TV network with syndicated channels and online radio and TV capabilities.
Joanne has used her PositivelyPittsburghLive™ Talk Radio
broadcasts to focus largely on small business topics in the Greater Pittsburgh
and Tri-State area. She also hosts the
Techno Granny Show™, where her expert guests advise listeners on navigating the
new world of Technology. Between these
two shows she has interviewed over 1800 guests, mostly small business
owners. Not satisfied with just
interviewing she has turned her talents to offering 15 minute marketing webinars
every Monday on Monday Morning Marketeer™.
She has turned these webinars into a series of E-books on no cost and
low cost “Gorilla” Marketing. Joanne
also teaches her social media platform building to small businesses in a client
personalized training, Web2.0 Gorilla Branding Training™.
Why She's a Spunky Old Broad
At 57 After losing her limousine business in the aftermaths of Hurricane Ivan, she re-invented herself as a full service marketing company and created one international brand, TechnoGranny and one local, PositivelyPittsburghLive
She is not the paradigm for podcasting, talkcasting or new media as it is "Male" from 15 to 35.
When she started her podcasts/talkcasts she was a trailblazer and no one was out there teaching it.
She has the guts to broadcast the good news and refuses to use being controversial or contrary to get attention.
She launched http://positivelypittsburghlivemagazine.com while in recovery from quadruple bypass heart surgery.
Spunky Old Broad Number 2: Jo Ann Forrester
 |
| Jo Ann R. Forrester |
JoAnn R. Forrester is
founder, president and owner of S I Business Associates, a business growth
management firm established in 1975. Over 75,000 hours of
experience in teaching, consulting, financing, human relations and business
development classes, writing and public relations, seminars and individual
consultations have made her a prominent woman on the business scene in
Pennsylvania. As a financial consultant and growth management specialist, JoAnn has
specialized in helping small businesses grow and prosper. She has raised over 40
million dollars in business capital for her business and
not-profit-clients.
Concentrating on small businesses, Jo Ann's experience includes
developing over five hundred business plans and being the on-site
consultant for the Women's Entrepreneurial Training Program for the City of
Pittsburgh and the State of Pennsylvania.
Co-author of STEPS TO OWNING YOUR OWN SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS and the DAVID Vs GOLIATH MARKETING WORKBOOK, JoAnn has led hundreds of
men and women into an understanding of the often confusing world of business.
Jo Ann is a nationally certified trainer for the National Foundation of Women
Business Owners and on site reviewer for the National Business Women Owners
Corporation. She has shared her expertise with many organizations and
institutions, including Carlow College, Chatham University, Robert Morris
University, and Community College of Allegheny County.
JoAnn has served as 5 times as regional President of the National Association of Women
Business Owners, and has served on the 2008-09 National Nominating
Committee for NAWBO. Currently JoAnn serves as the Public
Policy Representative for the Greater Pittsburgh chapter of NAWBO.
JoAnn was actively involved in establishing WOMEN DIRECT the largest directory of women
business owners to be published in the United States.
JoAnn is co-founder of Celebrate & Share,
an organization, which supports and highlights the achievement of women
business owners. In 2005 Celebrate & Share established The Women
of Achievement Awards Dinner, which is held during March,
More than 171 women have been recognized to their contributions.
Jo Ann's advocacy and support of small business has led her to be appointed to a number of board
positions, including First Commonwealth Bank, Community Development Corporation, the Business
Loan Review Committee of the URA of the City of Pittsburgh, and Program Manager
for the Allegheny County Working Capital Loan Fund.
She is host of Empress of Biz: Listen,
Learn, Prosper
Why She’s A Spunky Old Broad
Thirty
five years in business.
Dealt in fields where women usually don't go.
First one in her family to get divorced, which caused no one to talk to her for
years.
She’s raised 40 million dollars in loans for small business
She testified in Congress and other agencies on unfair treatment of
women and minority business owners.
She survived a business partner who pledged property that their real estate
property company owned for his loans.
She paid off debt from the real estate company, while all the men went scot free.
***
Spunky Old Broad Number 3: Claire C. Schuchman
"Your Blooms Are My Business”
 |
| Claire C. Schuchman |
The following is from
Catherine Tyson, Claire’s mentor from the Small Business Development Center at
Pitt where she did her business plan many years ago.
This is my take on
Claire Schuchman & spunk:
- To
me you would not grow a business as you have without spunk – turning a
hobby into a money making venture.
- You
are focused and straight forward – speak your mind with humor
- You
are gracious but no one is going to put anything over on you.
- You
have taken care of your family & kept all the pieces together during
your husbands’ illness.
- You had your own health struggles, elderly parents, teenagers, teenage employees, that contract from hell with the condo people, no deep pockets, no health insurance, back taxes, learning and mastering technology – there is probably more - and yet with a smile and a shrug you kept going.
Why She's A Spunky Old Broad
Claire has had a lifelong love of
gardening. Her mom and Nana were both gardeners, both organic, mom for the veggies and Nana for the beauty.
She was a newlywed in Virginia Beach with a new house and a terrible landscape. She didn't see a squirrel for five years, but now she's back in the Burgh. The young mom looking for part time work, became a job in gardening.
The years went by and her husband became ill. They needed money fast, so she worked at a large grocery store, almost becoming manager of the floral department, but yearned instead for the out of doors gardening.
Backed into a corner with bills to be paid and very few options, she felt that God said, "GO." She did a business plan at SBDC and now she creates beautiful gardens, as well as teaches, writes, speaks, and even can be heard on the radio.
Her business motto is to provide
exceptionally high quality, individual service, and do what you say you are going
to do in a timely fashion. Also, to hire like minded
people.
***
 |
| Joyce Kane |
After over 30+ successful years in corporate IT and
Telecommunications Management for firms such as Verizon, USAirways and PNC,
Joyce Kane decided to try her hand at something new. Joyce traveled the
road to entrepreneurship after encountering the U- turn of a layoff from her
corporate position. She is the owner of
Cybertary Pittsburgh, a virtual administrative firm that provides business
support services to small business owners, solopreneurs and individuals.
She launched the business in September of 2009.
Joyce is a native of Philadelphia, but has adopted the
city of Pittsburgh and most especially its Steelers, as home.
She holds an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in
Psychology from St. Joseph’s University (Philadelphia) and an MBA from the Katz
Graduate School of Business Administration, University of Pittsburgh.
Joyce and her husband David live in Robinson Township and
are the proud, parents of a golden retriever, Kayly. When she isn't working on growing her business, Joyce serves on several Boards, among them a
non-profit Board (Consumer Health Coalition - Treasurer), NAWBO Greater
Pittsburgh Chapter, Golden Triangle Executives Association and the Three Rivers
Referral Network. Joyce is also a member
of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce and The Chamber, Inc., and
is an active volunteer with Phipps Conservatory and Botanic Gardens, The
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden and the WPA Humane Society.
Joyce is a mentor in the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy
Council telephone Partners program, working with English as a Second Language
adult students, an eMentor with the PA-eMentoring program, working with
at-risk High School students, and a volunteer instructor with the
Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber’s Choices program, geared to middle school
students in Allegheny County. Her passions include gardening and
cooking; she is a certified Master Gardener and certified Personal
Chef.
Joyce was appointed Secretary of the NAWBO Pittsburgh
Chapter Board in September 2011.
Why
She’s A Spunky Old Broad
1. When life handed me
lemons, I made lemonade - I totally reinvented myself after a corporate layoff
and decided to pursue the life of an entrepreneur. It has been a roller
coaster ride where the highs are high, the lows are low and I never know what
twists there may be in the track ahead, but I am too darn stubborn to give up!
2. I always try to
see the positive in every situation, even when I am surrounded by negativity -
call me Susie Sunshine, but I believe all aspects of life are better approached
with a smile rather than a frown.
3. I am much more
active socially and in my community than I was 5,10 or even 20 years ago.
I have more contacts, network extensively and volunteer with several
organizations every month. This past month, for example, I volunteered
over 20 hours with the Western PA Humane Society/Valentine's Day Gift Wrapping
and am gearing up for the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council's Annual Trivia
Bowl where I have volunteered the last 4 years as part of the fundraising
committee. I am meeting interesting people who are not focused on
corporate politics (or at least that doesn't dominate the conversation),
learning new things every day, and supporting worthwhile causes; not bad for an
old broad!
***
Spunky Old Broad Number 5: Tamar
Cerafici
 |
| Tamar Cerafici |
Tamar has been an
environmental and energy attorney for almost 25 years. She has been a thought
leader in the nuclear energy industry, but has now turned her attention to her
profession, which according to many reports, is disintegrating.
Tamar holds a
lot of hands, from those considering law school and those creating their own
firm. She is the author of DOMINATE: How Smart Lawyers CRUSH the Competition.
She is also the founder and publisher of LegalShoe,(a syndicated blog on PPL
Mag) elifementor.com and The
Barefoot Barrister. She’s working on the launch of her own radio show on
PPLMag and Talkshoe.
And future projects include seminars in the tri-state
area; other book projects for law students and beginner attorneys; building
mentoring programs base on the works and research of Yoshi Ariizum and working
with Michael Gerber's Dreaming Room.
Why
She’s a Spunky Old Broad
1. Cuz I'm younger than
all y'all, so I have the energy
2. I'm the hard core
Grandma
3. My motto is: If I
can't be a good example, I can at least be a horrible warning
4. In new communities
always gets involved
5. Surrounds herself with Spunky Old Broads
***
Spunky Old Broad Number 6: Diane Bianchi
 |
| Diane Bianchi |
Diane Bianchi is the owner and founder of
Business Expansion Enterprises, small business consulting practice. She's worked
in the office management field for about 25 years. In 2003 she became co-owner
of a carpet and upholstery cleaning company with her husband, Walt. She took
over many of the administrative functions of the business including
organization, marketing, financial management and statistics management. In all
these years she has gleaned a large amount of knowledge and experience of the
strategies needed to successfully expand and grow a business. In addition, she
has done a large amount of training in this field. Since founding
Business Expansion Enterprises, Diane has helped a number of small business
owners in the Greater Pittsburgh to expand their businesses.
Business Expansion Enterprises is a business
consulting practice that specializes in helping small businesses to grow, be
successful, and help small business owners achieve their business and personal
goals. We help small businesses run and expand with our arsenal of tools
including setting and achieving business goals, growing your business,
marketing your business, managing your business using statistics, and
organizing your business for optimum production.
Diane became a business consultant because she wanted to help small businesses in the area to thrive despite any adverse economic conditions. The main tool she uses to help businesses is a precise management tool called the Administrative Scale of Importance, which consists of 10 key parts of management which, when aligned and used, will enable any business to be successful.
Diane became a business consultant because she wanted to help small businesses in the area to thrive despite any adverse economic conditions. The main tool she uses to help businesses is a precise management tool called the Administrative Scale of Importance, which consists of 10 key parts of management which, when aligned and used, will enable any business to be successful.
Along with her husband, she just started a new business called the Kids Fun Club America (they are affiliates of the main company in California), which is an Internet based
family membership club. Businesses who offer services and products for
children and families will be "sponsors" and have a free ad on the website. In exchange for the ad, they just need to offer some kind of
discount to the members.
Why She’s A Spunky Old Broad
1. My husband and I sold the business he owned for 20 years to start a
brand new business together.2. I started my own consultant practice in addition to the above.
3. I don't give up easily!
***
Spunky Old Broad Number 7: Melody Firmani
 |
| Melody Firmani |
Melody Firmani is a Transformational Energy Coach, author, speaker, and entrepreneur. Her
unique mission is to move clients from negativity, despair, and hopelessness
into extreme optimism and energy through motivation, mentoring, and
education.
She specializes in serving the delicate needs of caretakers,
both professional and personal, at senior living, nursing homes, and other care giving facilities throughout the country. Her coaching programs help her
clients to discover their gifts, value their vitality and above all…protect
their energy.
Melody has studied with
personal development industry leaders such as Joe Vitale, Lisa Nichols, and
Loral Langemeier just to name a few. She is certified in the Universal
Law of Attraction and as a YES! Energy Coach and Consultant. Connect with
her at www.transformyoureconomy.com.
Statistics show that
over 50% of today's caregivers die before the people they care for. In caring
for others they neglect to take care of themselves. Care givers are tired of
hearing they "need to find time to take care of themselves.” They are
tired of hearing of "support groups.” Those of us who serve the Caregiver
must be creative in our approach in order to engage them in a supportive
conversation.
Melody shares creative
ways for the caregiver to energize themselves with snippets of time they squeeze
out of their busy day. She also likes to get them involved in the creative
process. By giving them some tools and skills to think of ways to turn these
snippets of time into replenishment of energy turns their thoughts around to
themselves. Once they start thinking about themselves, energy transformations
begin.
Another area she likes
to touch on is "team.” It's really a common thread with everyone, but the
caregivers need to be reminded of this. They don't have to do it alone. They
can get some type of support/help/reinforcement. They need to engage a team.
She also feels the
community needs to get engaged at some level. Neighbors, friends should
acknowledge the caregiver and offer to lend a hand: picking something up from
the store, cooking "too much" and offering a free meal without any
preparation. Just making the offer assures the caregiver someone is there for
them. Celebrate Caregivers is her attempt to reach out to the CareGiver and let
them know the community is supportive of them.
Melody Firmani, CYEC
(Certified Yes Energy Coach), The Little Lady with a Lot of energy
Why She’s A Spunky Old Broad
- I'm the "WOO WOO" girl
- When I hear line dancing music, I dance all
night!
- My energy & optimism is still contagious: I
actually change the energy in a room
- When I tell people how old I am, no one can believe it
***
Spunky Old Broad Number 8: Mary Pam Kilgore
 |
| Mary Pam Kilgore |
Mary Pam Kilgore, CMP, is
the owner of the former Kilgore Events and Meetings. She changed her business
name in December, but still offers the same great service. Kilgore Business Services provides a personalized approach to meetings, conferences,
or special events. From site selection to wrap-up meeting, they do the work for
you.
Kilgore
Business Services has what it takes to make your
meeting or event a success: Organization, Creativity, and Attention to Detail.
At Kilgore Business Services, they know what it takes to make a
meeting/event a success. Meeting/Event planning can be like traveling through a
maze filled with hundreds of small details that can make you run in circles or
hit dead ends. Kilgore Business Services will help you with those details from
site selection and catering to registration and nametags. They will
provide you with "amazing" results at your next event.
Why She’s A Spunky Old
Broad
- Health
issues – take head with great attitude and support from Family, friends
and great doctors
- Business
– Always looking for great new business
- Age
– Attitude and a new hair cut
- Definition: Been through it all and still standing
*Her husband Bob doesn't like the old part of spunky old broads. Spunky broads is better.
***
Spunky Old Broad Number 9: Sunita
Pandit: Mrs. Cardiology
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| Sunita Pandit |
Sunita is also an expert in caring for a severely handicapped child, adolescent and adult. Her son Sachin was born with severe cerebral palsy and mental retardation. She has designed a home that allows her family to live a normal lifestyle while giving excellent care to her severely handicapped adult son.
Sunita has two e-books in progress one on healthy heart care and the other on designing a lifestyle as the caregiver to an individual with handicaps.
Specialties:
• Healthy Nutrition and Cooking for all
• Lifestyle Creation for Caregivers of relatives with Handicaps
• Nuskin Distributor of Anti-Aging Products including the Micro Current Hand Held Galvanic Spa, “the Wrinkle Free Diva”
• Viz VBO – Viz Pur technology allowing for high absorption of Vitamin D, A, E and CoQ10
Blog Features
Gem Moments with Aai
Fireside Chats with
Cardiologist Husband
Why She’s A Spunky Old Broad
1) Cares for an adult handicapped son, runs her
husbands' cardiology practice and her own
business. I always ask everyone
'what are they going to be when they grow up'? No matter what age they are...
2) I ask 'Where do you
see yourself in five years?' All the time....
3) I overwhelm people with my ability to come up with crazy ideas
a mile a minute?????
4) I'm willing to take on
the medical community to let them know they need to work more on preventions
than cures.
***
Spunky Old Broad Number 10 Faye Ritter
Faye
is the owner of the Allegheny Group.
Why She’s A Spunky Old Broad
Being in business and facing
many challenges, including overcoming a $500,000 embezzlement in
business, in which she REFUSED to go bankrupt when advised. Faye said $500K is
not Enough reason to go bankrupt.
She started her first business at
the age of 32, now she’s 75
In her manufacturing, she faced
problems with male engineers who convinced her they were right
She faced health challenges,
including two heart attacks and a Mersi
infection
She’s been in business with her own
family members, husband and son
She’s supported people through
transitions
She’s the first appointed Minority
Business Opportunity Director, Federal appointment
She doesn’t take no for an answer,
and will keep asking until she gets the answer she wants
She uses grace and determination as
a tool
***
Spunky Old Broad Number 11: Joyce Faulkner
 |
| Joyce Faulkner |
Joyce Faulkner has been
writing since she was a teenager. She loves storytelling in a variety of
formats...and has worked with veterans and others to create their own histories
-- both as an editor and as a ghostwriter. However, she prefers writing
historical fiction and mystery/suspense novels.
Her background includes
many years as an engineer and she loves the relationship of technology and art.
She lives in Bridgeville.
Joyce writes about the human experience...her books
include "In the Shadow of Suribachi" about young marines hitting the
beaches of Iwo Jima in February 1945, "Windshift" about the women who
ferried aircraft during WWII (WASP), "Username" about a serial killer
and an identity thief who target the same woman...and she is republishing her
first book, a collection of short fiction, called "Losing Patience."
She loves using fiction ... whether mystery/suspense
format or historical novels to explore how we think, feel, behave...and
understand each other. She is also exploring new ways to deliver a
story...using images and sound. In face, she has collaborated with fellow
author, Mike Mullins, to create an audio posted just last night on YouTube.
It's a short story that she wrote many years ago called "Just Hold
Me." However, with video and Mullins' evocative voice, it has new life.
Joyce is interested in creating an environment for the
reader that allows them to use their own emotions, experiences, and memories to
appreciate her stories in a personal way. Aside from this her first video/audio
of a short story on YouTube, Joyce is also working with a new electronic book
format called "iBooks"...which at this time is only available through
iTunes and readable on iPads. However, it offers the author many new ways to
interact with audiences...images, video, audio, and other creative techniques.
Why She’s A Spunky Old Broad
I have a life list I've been working on since high
school...when I achieve one of the items on the list, I mark it off and add
another...and I've found that the more I do the braver my dreams and ambitions
become.
I love the concept of "why"...it helps me
create characters of depth...and it drives the people around me crazy...
Being an old broad just happens over time...Spunk is an
investment though...in thought, time, achievement growth.
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