Maryland Capital Enterprises Hosts 5th Annual “Aspire to Succeed and Lead” Women’s Conference

(Maryland Capital Enterprises)

Maryland Capital Enterprises is proud to host the 5th annual “Aspire to Succeed and Lead” Women’s Conference on April 27th, 2018. The featured keynote speakers include Sandy Gillis and Kimmerly Messick.

Businesswoman and philanthropist Sandy Gillis is a familiar name and face to the residents of Ocean City and Salisbury and everywhere in between. A lifelong resident of the region, Sandy has spent her entire adult life earning the respect, admiration and loyalty of everyone who’s had the pleasure of interacting with her at work, at play or through any of the numerous charitable endeavors of which she’s a part.

Sandy’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on, when she opened her first Creative Day Spa location at the tender age of 18. Still going strong in her original location at 137th Street, she’s also the proprietor of a second location in the Princess Royale Hotel, which she opened in 2012; she now employs more than 30 salon professionals with expertise in more than 100 spa services.

In addition to her success as a woman entrepreneur, Sandy is well known for her philanthropic activities that support several of her personal passions: local and regional artists, community healthcare and education, and promotion of emerging entrepreneurs. A consummate hostess, Sandy, along with her husband, Palmer Gillis, frequently open their home to local organizations, raising money for, among others, the PRMC Behavioral Health Campaign, The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, the Ocean City Art League and the Atlantic General Hospital Junior Auxiliary Group, the last two on which she serves as a board member. She’s also an expert live auctioneer and stand-up comic—talents she’s often called on to perform at local fundraising events.

The title she relishes most however is that of “Mom” to her two children, daughter Nichole and son Cameron, and despite a demanding career, it’s that role that always takes precedence. The extended Gillis household (which also includes Palmer’s children Brad, Shelby and Jordon, Brad’s wife Kim and two energetic grandkids) is a hub of activity and where you’re most likely to find Sandy enjoying her
“downtime” gardening, reading, cooking, watching movies or indulging in the family’s favorite watersports.

Sandy’s advice for women entrepreneurs? She says it’s simple. “When people ask me what’s most important in business, I tell them this: Always have a mentor you can rely on for guidance—like I have in Kim Messick—and always maintain great credit. But most of all, put your family first and seek balance. Without that, you can’t truly succeed.”

“Furniture Queen” Kimmerly Messick, was born and raised in Salisbury, MD, and is a 1981 graduate from Salisbury State College (now SU). She has made a name for herself through her highly successful furniture endeavors, catering to the Maryland and Delaware beach resorts. You will find her at nearly every local charity event, fundraiser or function, or sitting on the Board of Directors at both the Farmers Bank of Willards and the PRMC Foundation.

Kimmerly started selling furniture in 1981, than opened her own boutique store in Ocean City, MD in 1991. In 1996, she opened a large furniture store in Bethany Beach, DE, which over time grew into four large furniture stores, located at the MD and DE beaches, as well as inland DE. The name of her company is Furnish, Inc. She currently has over 50 employees. In addition to being an extremely savvy business owner, she also found much success over the years in real estate investments and real estate development.

When she’s not making an important business decision, on a buying trip for her four stores, or sitting on the bank or hospital Board, she is heavily involved in her community. In addition to raising money and hosting events for numerous local charities and organizations, she served many years on Big Brothers & Big Sisters Committee, donated a wing in the Outpatient Center at PRMC, and is a yearly sponsor of the Capt. Steve Harman’s Poor Girls Open fishing tournament benefitting Breast Cancer Research. She sponsored the top dolphin in honor of her late father and mentor, “Clearwater,” Robert Messick for the Ocean City Development Corporation’s “Dance of the Dolphins” statue. She is a sponsor of the OC Art League, and an active member in all the local area Chambers of Commerce. She donates a yearly percentage of her stores’ sales revenue to charities such as American Cancer Society and Habitat for Humanity, as well as countless local organizations, i.e., Worcester Co. Humane Society, PRMC Cancer Center, PRMC’s new Behavioral Health Center, OC VFW, Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, and many more.

In addition to her successes, she has been awarded “Best Businesswoman” in Sussex County, DE two years in a row and Worcester County, MD in 2015, and her stores have won “Best Furniture Store” in Sussex Co. five years in a row, and “Best Furniture Store” in Ocean City/Berlin, MD for the past three years. Her crowing personal achievement was when she won “Dancing With Delmarva Stars” in 2010, raising more than $63,000 for the Wellness Community Delmarva (aka Cancer Support Community), as well as bringing home the mirror ball trophy (and never had a dance lesson before!)

When not in “business mode,” Kimmerly likes to travel, enjoys dinners out with friends, quality time with her family, and spending time with her two cats–Jackson and Parker.

To what does Kim attribute her great success and achievements? Having great mentors such as Dr. Lenny Berger and her dad. Set goals, listen–don’t talk–make time for your friends and family, and always have an “Over the Top” that sets you apart from any competitor. Be sure to thank the people that help you along the way (no matter how small), and try to live each day to the fullest.
If you’re looking for a great book to read to grow your business, Kimmerly recommends The E Myth, by Michael E. Gerber.

To hear more from these two amazing Ladies register by April 6th to get the early bird pricing. Hope to see you there!

Registration: Contact Lisa Twilley, Outreach & Training Manager by telephone: 410-546-1900 or via email: ltwilley@marylandcapital.org. Register online at www.marylandcapital.org

5th Annual “Aspire to Succeed and Lead” Women’s Conference
When: Where:
Friday, April 27th 2018
Wicomico Youth & Civic Center (Midway Room)
500 Glen Ave
Salisbury, MD 21804
Early Bird Registration: $65/per person – Now Through April 6th
April 7th –April 27th $75/per person

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