Lara Andrake is recognized for relationship building and is experienced in translating complicated organizational risk and insurance concepts, benefits administration, change management, and financial principles into useful language for all levels within an organization.

Lara brings a dynamic perspective that incorporates a practical approach to solving organizational obstacles. Currently, she serves as the Chief, Shared Services and Enterprise Risk Management at Albemarle County and adjunct Faculty at PVCC, where she teaches Human Resources, Business Law and Principles of Management. Lara has served on the Charlottesville SHRM Board as Secretary.

In her free time, you can find her spending time with Christopher, her husband, kayaking, watching movies, or visiting craft shows.

Eric 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.

Lisa is an advisor and coach to business leaders. She has 15 years of experience as an entrepreneur and business consultant for STEM startups and small companies worldwide. She specializes in helping scientists gather and understand data to achieve their commercialization goals. Lisa has led
instructional tools and processes, mentored and instructed for the National Science Foundation’s I-Corps program, and taught at Virginia Tech’s College of Business and College of Engineering. She previously directed the Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program (RAMP) in Roanoke, VA, and served
as Vice President of entrepreneurial development at Verge. Lisa now works with SBDC Virginia to support STEM companies in international trade. With a background in journalism, Lisa’s career evolved through nonprofit work and
financial planning into technology-focused roles. She is actively engaged in community service, including leadership roles in the New River Valley TimeBank, Dialogue on Race, and the Town of Blacksburg’s Recreation Advisory Board. Lisa is a Virginia Tech graduate and resides in Blacksburg with her husband and is the proud parent of two grown children.

Greg McFetridge grew up on a 3000 acre farm in Upstate NY, which inspired him to receive his business degree from Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Upon graduating Greg joined Citibank, but left after a few years to pursue agriculture related lending. He held positions with savings institutions, commercial lenders, an ag-lending program through Aetna Life Insurance, credit unions, and regional loan committees. Greg’s broad lending background caused the SBDC to pull him out of retirement not once, but twice, as we find his skill set unmatched.

Carolina oversees CIC’s loan program, as well as office operational staff. She has a passion for small businesses and enjoys working with entrepreneurs as they launch and grow their businesses. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Lynchburg College and enjoys working with our community of entrepreneurs.

As the former CEO of a D2C and wholesale consumer products company, Brittany has the informed perspective and understanding of the opportunities small and medium-sized businesses are facing. With broad experience in strategic planning, product development, alternative sales channels, pricing strategies to drive profitability and a coaching mind-set, Brittany delivers long-term value to her clients. Her unique background in entrepreneurial- owned organizations and leading a CPG company for Private Equity informs Brittany’s global perspective with a drive to make a positive impact and be a stabilizing force in companies.

When Brittany implemented EOS® in her business, she saw how these tools change businesses for the better and became an implementer herself. She helps her clients clarify their VISION, gain more TRACTION towards that vision throughout the organization, and have a HEALTHY team able to resolve conflict and align on execution while enjoying the work together. Her clients are entrepreneurial, growth-minded companies throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

Based in Richmond VA, Brittany enjoys the history, hiking, and opportunities Virginia offers her and her family.

Tabatha Fulton, originally from Oklahoma, found her home in Culpeper, Virginia, attracted by its picturesque mountains and small-town ambiance. She joined her now-husband Eric in launching “Let’s Go and Stay” in 2017, a short-term rental business that marked the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey. They expanded their portfolio with “Botanical Dwellings,” a popular home decor and gift shop focusing on house plants, and then “Fulton Found,” a masculine lifestyle boutique that has quickly become a community favorite.

Tabatha is also a proactive member of the Culpeper community, serving on the board of
Culpeper Renaissance Inc., and actively contributes through various local initiatives, including fundraising and collaborative projects that boost tourism. Her commitment to fostering a vibrant community and economic vitality in Culpeper is evident in both her business ventures and
community activities.

Wade Schick, President of Chrysler Culpeper was born and lived in Northern Virginia and worked in the family auto dealership since he was 13 years old. A graduate of Northwood University with a degree in business management and automotive marketing led Wade to working full time in the family auto business for 17 years.

Wade bought the Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram franchise in 1996 and moved to Culpepper that same year. Over the next 28 years Wade and his family have grown the business almost ten fold going from selling 15 vehicles per month to selling an average of 80 vehicles per month and taking the employee base from 12 to 30 employees. Semi retired now Wade’s son Joseph is running the day-to-day operation of the business.