MELISSA JOHNSON
Melissa Johnson is the Vice President of Premier Events and Community Relations and an Operating Partner at Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. Since joining the company in 1997, she has played a key role in launching and growing Cameron Mitchell Premier Events into Central Ohio’s leading catering and special events company, generating more than $16 million in annual sales and employing over 250 associates.
A respected hospitality leader, Johnson is passionate about community involvement, team development, and creating exceptional guest experiences. She serves as a lecturer and advisory board member for hospitality programs at The Ohio State University, sits on several community boards, and has earned numerous industry and company awards. Johnson is also a founding member of CMR’s WHOLE Commitment initiative, which promotes fairness, diversity, and inclusion throughout the organization.
MICHAEL PHELAN
Michael Phelan has spent 30 years buried in almost every aspect of the real estate business. He started as an award-winning agent, worked as a loan officer during the mortgage meltdown, and has spent the past 15 years leading marketing and technology strategy for brokerages of all sizes and types, from regional independents to serving as an advisor to national brands like Century 21 Canada.
Today, Michael advises proptech companies on building technology that brokerages and agents actually want to use. Having sat in almost every seat at the table, he brings a rare ability to understand the demands each stakeholder faces and to build strategies, systems, and tools that work with their strengths alongside deep knowledge of the real estate industry's peculiarities. He currently leads the national expansion of LoLo's "Locals Supporting Locals" platform. When he's not banging on a keyboard, you'll find him on a mountain bike trail or finishing the day on a tailgate with his favorite people.
CLARA CAPANO
Clara Capano is a business strategist, speaker, bestselling author, and founder of Censpire Consulting, where she helps entrepreneurs and business owners increase their success while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. With more than 25 years of experience in sales, leadership, coaching, and training, she has worked with clients across the United States and Canada and is a Master Trainer and Coach with Ninja Selling.
Drawing from her own experiences balancing career growth and family life, Capano developed the CLARATY Success Method, a framework designed to help professionals achieve greater productivity, profitability, and fulfillment without burnout. She has been featured on major media outlets, published in leading business publications, and travels internationally speaking and coaching individuals and organizations on leadership, sales, and intentional living.
MICHAEL MINARD
Michael Minard is at once a life-long innovator, proven problem solver, skilled data analyst, compassionate business leader, and automation visionary who is redefining the future of real estate marketing. As CEO and owner of Delta Media Group since 2000, Delta has become the quiet giant of real estate brokerage technology and digital marketing, growing an astonishing 4,000% under Michael’s leadership.
Michael is a self-proclaimed tech “geek” and developer who is impassioned about automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI). His entrepreneurial journey began as a sixth-grader when he discovered the power of computers and programming.
Michael credits his father, who was a self-taught Management Information Systems (MIS) Manager for fostering his intense interest in technology. His dad headed the development of the software -- Inventory, Accounting, Payroll and more -- that ran the Manchester Tool Company. Michael watched his dad’s success as a technologist grow, helping the tool firm’s parent company turnaround other manufacturing companies it had acquired.
COURTNEY DeMARCO
Courtney DeMarco is a Business Development Manager with CrossCountry Mortgage, a nationally recognized speaker, Ohio CE instructor, and growth strategist. With more than 30 years of experience across real estate, title, and mortgage lending, she helps professionals grow through education, marketing, and strategic partnerships. Known to many as “Keeping Up with CoCo,” she’s passionate about helping people grow their businesses, expand their networks, and create opportunities for others to succeed..
JESSICA GESUE
Jessica Gesue is the founder of Alluvita Health + Wellness and Alluvita Social Wellness, built on a lifelong belief that women deserve a better approach to their health and wellness. Her passion for wellness took root at a young age, and deepened through decades of experience as a health and wellness coach, personal trainer, and competitive bodybuilder — and through years of listening to the women in her life. After repeatedly hearing the same frustrations from patients and providers alike, she set out to build something different. Alluvita Health + Wellness brings physicians, mental health professionals, and nutrition experts together under one roof, creating a seamless, whole-person experience. This experience is further integrated through the Alluvita Social Wellness Club, a wellness community designed to meet women where they are. The model is built on a simple belief: women shouldn't have to navigate their health and wellness in pieces. As Alluvita grows, Jessica remains committed to evolving alongside the women it serves by continuously welcoming new disciplines and partnerships that reflect the full complexity of women's health and their lives.