Our Team

Jane Applegate

Writer / Speaker / Producer

Jane Applegate is America's most respected small business management expert. She is the author of four books about entrepreneurial success, including 201 Great Ideas for Your Small Business, published by Bloomberg/John Wiley & Sons. She's writing her fifth book: The Power of Personal Connections in an Impersonal World.

A former syndicated columnist for the Los Angeles Times, she writes columns for Pitney Bowes, American Express' OPEN Forum website, Bloomberg.com and Coxsbn.com.

Applegate is keynoting several small business events sponsored by Bloomberg Television in 2011. She's also producing and hosting a new online talk show about small business technology for Microsoft. Tech Essentials debuts in December.

Applegate provides strategic marketing and event production services for clients including: American Express, Montecito Bank, Pitney Bowes and The New York Times.

An experienced film producer, Applegate's most recent documentary, Much Ado in Mostar, about a theater program for Bosnia teenagers affected by war, has won five festival awards. Brief Reunion, a feature film, debuted at the Rhode Island International Film Festival and won the Audience Choice award at the Gotham Screen Film Festival in New York City in October, 2011.

Jane Applegate is one of the most popular keynote speakers in America. Watch her Keynote.

Profile of Jane Applegate

 

Traci Long

Marketing Strategist

A proven track record in launching new businesses and directing operations for successful businesses throughout North America. Credited with brand conception & start up implementation of revenue strategies for multiple businesses that continue to grow financially in the marketplace. Recognized for strong leadership skills, committed philanthropic spirit & consulting expertise. Widely known for creation of unique marketing solutions designed to complement standard marketing strategies & grow revenue.

Traci was formerly the CEO of Ladies Who Launch where she owned and operated three of the first local community licenses since 2005, before joining the Company in 2008 as CEO. As the CEO, she is credited with the build out of a Franchise Media Model for LWL Franchising, LLC, as well as the online infrastructure and automated, recurring revenue streams that facilitate franchise growth, advertising and sponsorship revenue streams on the local and national level along with applied technology systems allowing for a seamless, front-end user experience on the website.

From 1997 to 2004, Traci successfully led the growth of Southern Broadcasting Companies, Inc., a broadcasting cluster of radio stations, taking it from 1.2 million dollars to over 10 million dollars in revenues and positioned it for a later exit of 60 million dollars.

 

 

Alice Look

Writer / Producer

Alice Look is an experienced, award-winning writer, producer and talent. She's produced corporate videos for Hasbro, IBM, Nabisco, Coca-Cola, GE Medical and Pitney Bowes. A former reporter and producer for WNBC in New York City and "Business Now" on ABC, Alice is currently a post-production producer for A&E Networks.

 

 

 

 

Heidi Gennaro

 Marketing Assistant and Reporter for The Great Ideas Network

Heidi Gennaro is TAG's new marketing assistant and reporter for The Great Ideas Network. She is also an actress with television and film experience. Heidi will be interviewing entrepreneurs and experts for our newest venture, which will be featured on 201GreatIdeas.com.

She adds energy, enthusiasm and sparkle to our growing team.

 

 

 

Suzanne Dudley Schon

Life Coach

Suzanne Dudley Schon is a member of the ICF (International Coach Federation). She received her training as a life coach with ILCT, Institute for Life Coach Training, and her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Duke University. Holistic in mindset, she helps her clients move from identifying goals to success and satisfaction. Her techniques are a unique blend gleaned from her education and her varied professional background as a writer, certified massage therapist/Reiki practitioner, actress, and producer. Her clients appreciate her approach to coaching which includes creativity, compassion, and plenty of humor.