Our Expert Speakers for the Morning Presentations

Sessions at 9:00 am and 10:15am

Diana Shipley

Vice President – Leasing for Saul Centers, Inc.

Diana Shipley has been a noteworthy leader in the Retail Real Estate Industry space. You may know her from her work as the Vice President Leasing at Saul Centers, Inc. with contributions to Loudoun County area with the newest development of retail space in the Ashbrook Marketplace, Ashburn, Virginia area that is anchored by Lidl grocery store.

 Diana currently oversees leasing 12 shopping centers that covers 3.4 million square feet of retail space in Mid-Atlantic region including seven locations in Northern Virginia and North Carolina. Some of her customers include major anchors such as Harris Teeter, Lotte Plaza Market, Giant, Trader Joe’s and more. Her portfolio also includes national chain clients such as Planet Fitness, lululemon, Athleta, Orange Theory, Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, Dunkin. She handles an average of over 50 deals per year.

 Diana has been working in the industry for 30 plus years with a complete understanding of all aspects of retail phasing development from start to finish.  From site selection analysis, sales projections analysis, construction phasing to opening procedures. Her experience creates a successful win – win situation for both Retailers & Landlords. Her vision is to provide insightful information to allow the prospects looking to open a store or grow to multiple stores a successful journey.

Donald F. Jacubec

Regional Lending Manager for Virginia Small Business Financing Authority-VSBFA

I have had the pleasure of working in the financial services industry with businesses for the past 35+ years.  Prior to my employment with the State of Virginia, I worked for several large banks, a few community banks and a credit union as a commercial lender.  As a commercial lender those responsibilities included structuring loans and lines of credits for borrowers.  Those same skills acquired as a commercial lender are directly applicable to my role as a Regional Lending Manager with the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority by structuring our Guaranty or Direct Lending Programs for Lenders and their borrowers. My areas of expertise include:

Small Business credit (companies with revenue up to $25MM) – loans, lines and leases for working capital, equipment, lease-hold improvements and owner-occupied commercial real estate, to name a few.

Commercial and Residential Construction- I have personally completed several residential construction and rehabilitation projects.  As a commercial lender I have assisted commercial clients with their acquisition and development and rehabilitation loans.

Medical practice lending expertise-provided various loans and lines of credit to specialty medical practices over the past 25 years.  Have assisted several clients with the growth and eventual sale of several medical practices and surgery centers with a market value in excess of $100MM.

Keynote Panel Discussion: “Is This the New Normal?”

Lessons learned from 3 Loudoun small business owners

Meet the Panel @ 11:30am

Tony Stafford

Founder, Ford’s Fish Shack

Chef Tony Stafford was born in Huntington, West Virginia. After attending engineering school, Tony went to culinary school at the National Center of Hospitality Study.

Tony opened Ford’s Fish Shack in 2010 in Ashburn, Virginia. Three years later, he opened his second location in South Riding, Virginia. In 2017, he opened his third restaurant in Lansdowne Virginia.

In 2017, Tony Stafford, owner of Ford’s Fish Shack, was honored as the recipient of the Jim Wordsworth Restaurateur of the Year Award by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association.

The award recognizes a Virginia restaurateur who is distinguished as a successful operator, demonstrated exceptional leadership and extraordinary contributions to Virginia’s restaurant industry, his restaurant, and patrons.

In 2018, Tony took his team to New York City for the 10th Annual Lobster Rumble and a chance to win the title of “Best Lobster Roll in America.” Ford’s was a three-time repeat contestant in the legendary New York City Lobster Rumble hosted by Tasting Table on June 7, 2018. The competition invites 25 of the nation’s top lobster shacks from as far away as California and Texas to compete for the title.

Krista Woods

Founder, GloveStix

Krista was in the Sales, Training & Management Industry for 27 years. While raising three kids, she was promoted from sales to management quickly. In 2002 Krista became self-employed and for 12 years ran her own sales training and team building company where she used her skills as a Certified Color Code Instructor.

In 2016 Krista added award winning inventor to her resume when she created a product to eliminate odors caused by bacteria growth common with sports equipment and shoes.

After winning The Today Show’s “Next Big Thing” with her company GloveStix she went on ABC’s Shark Tank where she pitched her product to some of America’s toughest Investors and closed a deal with not one, but two of the Sharks, on National Television. Krista and her company GloveStix have been honored to receive over 15 awards over the last five years including GloveStix being recognized by Variety Magazine as one of The Best 12 Shark Tank Products That Are Pure Genius and most recently as one Washington Busines Journal’s Startups to Watch: 21 companies to follow in 2021.

Krista inspires audiences of hundreds of people with her dynamic energy and positive messaging. In her down time, she is always having fun with her family and friends. Post pandemic keep your eye out for Krista and her family on National Television as they were selected to compete on Family Feud hosted by Steve Harvey.

Justin Dobson

Founder and VP of Operations, Comfenergy

Justin Dobson has more than 25 years of experience in the heating and air conditioning industry. Doing work for residential and commercial clients throughout Northern Virginia, Justin developed a passion for solving customers’ comfort issues and high energy costs. He recognized the need for a better approach and founded Comfenergy in 2010 to give customers better solutions for their comfort, energy, and indoor air quality needs.

Justin is a graduate of Virginia Tech University, where he played baseball for the Hokies. After college, he played second base for the Ohio Valley Redcoats, a minor league baseball team in the Frontier League.

Eric Byrd

Manager, Loudoun Small Business Development Center

As the manager of the Small Business Development Program in Loudoun, Eric Byrd leads a team of experienced business advisors and educators to help small businesses thrive and grow. With 30 years of business experience, he has worked with companies and organizations of every size and structure. Melding strong storytelling skills from his days as a television editor, producer, director and screenwriter with skills learned from 20 years as a technology sales professional, Byrd uses proven tools to help business owners identify key areas of opportunity and challenges.