Meet Marin’s Local Business Owners: Faces of Success 2021

When you think about it, every business is a people business. And it’s not just clients and customers; there are important personalities driving the success of every endeavor. The people who make these businesses live and grow are also the ones you’ll see behind the counter, at a desk or on your doorstep. So take a moment to come face to face with these important Marin personalities.

Face of the Next Generation in Real Estate

Dietrich Krous Vanguard Properties

Dietrich Krous, Vanguard Properties

I am Dietrich Krous, a real estate agent dedicated to excelling in client services. I am from a “real estate family” and am steeped in the culture of client care and understanding the importance of integrating best practices into everything I undertake. I began my career at 19 and have been committed since. I worked alongside the top team in Napa and Solano county, which allowed me to familiarize myself with every facet of this complex business, building on my prior knowledge. I love meeting new faces and helping my clients with their real estate needs.

I am passionate, proficient, productive, driven, and incorporate all my energy into what I do. I am very relatable, especially to clients who are new to the selling or buying process because of my endless energy to guide you through your transactions and will proactively provide you with the information you need to successfully navigate your sale or purchase. My technology skills, among other talents, set me apart from the rest.

San Francisco, Marin, Solano, CA
707.567.8279 | [email protected]

Faces of Compassion

Valley Memorial

When faced with an end of life event for a loved one, it is always comforting to see a familiar face. When you have suffered the loss of a loved one, you can trust that the caring staff at Valley Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Home will provide your family with compassionate, dignified, affordable, highest quality of care during your time of need. We take pride in our responsibility to lighten your burden as you take the first steps toward healing.

As a full-service facility, we are able to handle all your needs in one location. Funeral services held in our chapel or your house of worship, cremations done on site, cemetery property for traditional or natural green burial, including a reception center. From the first hour to funeral, burial and celebration of life, we will be there for you and your family. Locally Owned serving the community for over 60 years.

Valley Memorial Park Cemetery and Funeral Home
650 Bugeia Lane, Novato, CA l [email protected]
COA#377, FD#2295 | 415.897-9609

Faces of Electric Bicycles

The new wheel electric bikes

Brett Thurber, Karen Wiener Co-founders and Jelani Bertoni Store Manager, The New Wheel Electric Bikes

With deep roots in Marin, these young entrepreneurs are changing the transportation landscape in the Bay Area. Hailing from San Francisco and Marshall, Brett Thurber and Karen Wiener started The New Wheel in 2010 with a vision of transforming transportation and working to fight climate change. They opened their flagship store in San Francisco in 2011 and in Larkspur in 2016. Today they live with their daughter Ida in Sausalito, leading a team of more than 30 professionals who help thousands of Bay Area ebike riders find the perfect bike and service it over time. Jelani Bertoni grew up in Marin and was an early promoter of electric bikes, running a beloved community bike shop in San Anselmo. Jelani obtained his MBA from Dominican University, then joined The New Wheel to lead their successful Larkspur store.

He lives in Point Reyes with his family. Every mile ridden on an ebike instead of driven reduces pollution in the air, saves pounds of carbon emissions, and brings joy, health, and happiness.

14 E Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Larkspur, CA | 415.524.7362

Face of Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams

Petra Bergstein Higby, President and Founder, The Caviar Co

Since 2015, Petra Bergstein Higby’s Company has quickly become one of San Francisco’s top trusted sources for high quality caviar and roe. Higby’s experience with caviar first began in the luxury food and hospitality industry, which led to working with a caviar wholesaler in the Bay Area and then a Sacramento farm. After gaining an admiration for a more diverse range and variety of sturgeon species, she founded The Caviar Co. with sister, Saskia. The company, which sells top-quality caviar and roe throughout the US, aims to achieve quality, integrity and sustainability, with a mission of making caviar more approachable. Higby also hopes to provide transparency and education to her customers, with immersive tasting experiences, both in person and virtually. In addition to partnering with top chefs and restaurants nationwide, The Caviar Co. has a San Francisco storefront on Union Street and a newly opened Caviar and Champagne Tasting Room in Tiburon.

46A Main Street, Tiburon, CA | 415.580.7986

Faces of Tile and Stone Fabrication and Installation

North Coast Tile Stone

Martha Bodell, Scarlett and Caity, North Coast Tile & Stone

North Coast Tile & Stone has been helping people navigate through heartache due to local fires over the past three years. Now we face another challenging time with Covid-19. NCT continues to be a company that cares, helps, contributes and is dedicated to keeping you in your home and working for you in a way that is mindful as well as detail orientated.

Martha leads the North Coast Tile and Showroom team in working with designers, contractors, architects and homeowners with a confident, thoughtful and professional attitude. NCT is a one stop shop which offers stone slabs, a beautiful tile selection, design services and installation of both stone and tile. One client says, “Being in Martha’s showroom is like being in her living room. The care that was taken with the selection, design and installation of our slabs and tile made us feel like family.” We are fully open and ask that if you are not vaccinated wear a mask… and you are always welcome to call and make an appointment, although not necessary.

3854 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA | 707.586.2064

Face of Fitness

get fit marin

Nadia Tarlow, Founder, Get Fit Marin

Nadia Tarlow has been in the fitness business for over ten years. She founded Get Fit Marin, Elite Personal Training Studio as an Ohana, or family, where skilled trainers using state-of the-art equipment help clients achieve their full fitness potential. GFM welcomes young people, athletes, adults of all ages and couples.

Nadia specializes in working with women. “I love how strength training makes them stronger,” she explains, “and gives them the self-confidence to do anything they want.” Get Fit Marin is unique, with an Infrared Sauna and the only bioDensity device (a proven method to reduce osteoporosis) in Marin. Power Plate sessions are also offered, affording whole body vibration to keep muscles and joints strong, for better performance and faster recovery. To Nadia and everyone at the Studio, Get Fit Marin is more than a name, it’s a mission.

5768 Paradise Drive, Suite J, Corte Madera, CA, 415.945.9778

Faces of Wealth Management

faces of success wealth management

Peg Pike, Steve Janachowski, Rita Lee and Christian Thwaites, Brouwer & Janachowski

For more than 30 years, Brouwer & Janachowski has designed and managed customized investment portfolios. We believe our strength lies in our deep understanding that no two of our clients are the same and each one requires personally crafted financial solutions to match their financial goals. We take the time and attention to seek to fully understand you, your goals and concerns and we use our knowledge and experience to help meet your requirements.

Our expertise is in understanding your world and how you need your finances to perform to make your goals a reality. As with every success, smart planning is always the most important first step. Our team has access to institutional-grade investments for private clients and are 100% independent and objective top to bottom. We never take a commission and our independent ownership model and tenure in investment management gives us a strong and durable foundation.

100 Shoreline Highway, Suite B-101, Mill Valley, CA | 415.435.8330

Face of Elevated Design

Matthew Simon

Matthew Simon, Owner, SIMON DESIGNS

Matthew Simon, a Marin County Native, is the owner of SIMON DESIGNS, a San Francisco based interior design firm specializing in remodels and furniture installations. “I want to look at classical design aesthetics and push their boundaries to reflect the personal style of my clients, while still maintaining a comfortable livability. Being able to trust the process revolves around having a team of craftsman and experts in their field to execute projects that surpass expectations.”

His goal is to take an idea presented by a client, and to push them enough out of their comfort zone that they feel their space has been elevated beyond their own imagination, but still feels like home. Matthew says he is inspired by his northern California upbringing, with a focus on bringing elements of nature into every space. “Starting a project from the ground up requires a focus and layering of ideas that is synonymous with SIMON DESIGNS. My clients’ happiness is my number one priority from the first consultation to the last minute styling.”

San Francisco, CA | 415.939.4001

Faces of Plastic Surgery and Med Spa

Plastic Surgery Specialists

Stanley G. Poulos, M.D., Trent D. Douglas, M.D., Yngvar Hvistendahl, M.D., Plastic Surgery Specialists

Plastic Surgery Specialists (PSS) is well known as a top aesthetic practice in the Bay Area, and we continue to innovate and elevate our services and procedures. Our three board-certified plastic surgeons have over 75 years of combined surgical experience, and are supported by a team of 25 experienced aesthetic specialists. Our unique ability to use a two-surgeon team for larger cases shortens anesthesia for the comfort and safety of our patients. We’ve also
instituted a post operative support program that follows our patients well into recovery.

We won Best MedSpa in Marin, and are both thankful for those votes and excited to share news of the 8-room expansion of our MedSpa space. The “Best of Marin” title for our world class MedSpa reflects the dedication of our nurses and staff and the number of top technology choices we offer to our patients. Whether you need a touch of Botox, or a Mommy Makeover, PSS is the place to be. We thank our patients again for so many years of support.

350 Bon Air Road, Suite 300, Greenbrae, CA | 415.925.2880

Faces of Medical Aesthetics

Morphesus aesthetics

Vicki Schmitt, NP, RN and Dr. Marisha Chilcott, Morpheus Medical Aesthetics

There’s no “I” in team. But there is in “Vicki!” Meet Vicki Schmitt, NP, RN. A San Francisco native and esteemed professional with a gentle touch, Vicki’s warmth and unmatched skills are a breath of fresh air to everyone who enters Morpheus’ doors. After a successful career in nursing and taking time to raise her kids right here in Marin County, Vicki returned to the medical world via the former Simple Radiance in Larkspur. “I loved my time at Simple Radiance but was thrilled when Dr. Marisha Chilcott took over as Medical Director.

With this change ca me a whole new level of cutting-edge filler techniques, brand new lasers, hair restoration, the use of platelet rich plasma for healing, and so much more. I was so excited to be able to take my skills to the next level and have access to the wonderful things she has added to our beautifying arsenal.”

5 Bon Air Road. Ste. 107, Larkspur, CA | 415.924.1330

Face of Youth Services in Marin and Beyond

Side by Side

Side by Side

At Side by Side, we walk with young people impacted by adversity on their journeys to heal from trauma, restore resilience, and embrace their potential. We provide comprehensive essential services that honor our clients’ unique needs and strengths to prevent the escalation of dangerous conditions and behaviors and set them on a positive path. And as our world opens back up again, our behavioral and mental health services are needed now more than ever to support youth and families still reeling from the effects of the pandemic.

From special education and early intervention in school to counseling services, LGBTQIA+ support and transitional housing for foster youth, Side by Side provides the safe space most have missed in their lives. When they feel seen for who they are today, we believe the young people we serve can move with confidence toward a future with meaning and connection.

For over 125 years, Side by Side has been at the forefront of best practices in child welfare. Today, Side by Side operates in four counties – Marin, Alameda, Sonoma, and Napa – each year reaching nearly 2,000 young people ages 5-26 and family members.

300 Sunny Hills Drive, Bldg. #5, San Anselmo, CA, 415.457.3200

Face of Financial Security

Helen Abe

Helen Abe, Senior Vice President Financial Advisor

Helen Abe was born and raised in San Francisco. Her immigrant parents worked hard and sacrificed to raise a large family. They taught their children the importance of living within your means. “My mother literally saved pennies and proved that it’s not what you earn, but what you save that matters”. Helen said. With strong values, Helen set out to achieve her financial objectives while helping others to achieve their financial dreams. She makes it a point to listen and to acknowledge each person’s concerns and circumstances. Her approach is to keep it simple, understandable and tailored to each individual. Some people are comfortable working with a woman; although less than 20% of financial advisors are women. Many widows, needing help understanding their own finances; have engaged Helen for help after their husbands had passed away.

Helen believes in helping others to live a life that makes them happy. She believes that we should focus on what we want out of life instead of being fearful.

RBC Wealth Management
300B Drakes Landing Road, Ste 155,
Greenbrae, CA 415.445.8468
A division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. All rights reserved.

Face of Concierge Dating

Cassie Zampa Keim

Cassie-Zampa-Keim, Innovative Match

Dating Strategist and Consultant Cassie-Zampa-Keim has her clients’ backs. After more than three decades in the dating industry, Cassie Zampa-Keim knows a thing or two about making long-lasting matches. And that is to be part of a healthy relationship you have first to be a good dater. As a dating strategist and consultant, Cassie offers invaluable advice and proven dating tips which enable her clients to discern what and who they’re looking for in a relationship. She writes her clients one-of-a-kind dating profiles, teaches them how to interact before a date, what to do on dates, and how to feel more confident.

Cassie offers her clients peace of mind because her unique concierge style service allows her clients to access her day or night, whether they have questions, need advice, or want to talk. Clients come to Cassie during all stages of life, often when they could benefit most from a warm ear. They take comfort knowing Cassie has their best interests at heart and is the wall potential suitors must climb to win theirs.

Ross, CA | 415.259.8714

Faces of Luxury Kitchens and Baths

Lamperti Contracting and Design

Michael Kelly, Project Foreman and Sean Kelly, Owner/CEO, Lamperti Contracting and Design

“Redefining home… one customer at a time” is a standard we truly live by. When Sean Kelly, owner of Lamperti Contracting and Design founded the company in 2005, the opportunity to elevate the design/build experience in Marin County came into clear focus. The family-owned operation places their client’s needs first and quality without compromise pave the way to a superior client experience.

With a full-service design team, we will help you envision creative and functional ideas to incorporate into your dream home. Lamperti Contracting and Design takes pride in knowing each project reflects our standards of excellence. We invite you to visit our all-inclusive kitchen and bath showroom featuring the finest custom cabinetry, and our new Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove appliance salon – showcasing the latest innovations and trends in cabinetry, appliances, and home renovations.

1241 Andersen Drive, San Rafael, CA | 415.454.1623

Faces of Marin Real Estate: Traci and Beth

Traci Thiercof and Beth Sasan

Traci Thiercof and Beth Sasan, Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty

When it comes to real estate, Traci Thiercof and Beth Sasan thrive on experiences a nd connections. Both third-generation Marin natives, Traci and Beth help buyers and sellers through the home buying process with a mission to make the journey enjoyable. The dynamic duo has become one of Marin County’s top producing teams since joining forces and was recently ranked in the top 1% of realtor teams in California by Real Trend’s prestigious “America’s Best” list. A deep connection to their community, as well as strong partnerships with architects, developers, contractors, stagers, and mortgage bankers allow Traci and Beth to deliver unparalleled service for their clients.

The team has built a reputation for their keen eye for finding hidden gems and their collaborative approach to real estate. When they’re not helping their clients, you can find Traci and Beth spending quality time with their families and hiking the trails of Marin with their beloved dogs.

500 Drakes Landing Road, Greenbrae, CA
Traci: 415.793.0111 | Lic.# 01817886 | [email protected]
Beth: 415.990.7186 | Lic.# 01433542 | [email protected]

Faces of the Best Builders in the Bay Area

Larry and Jeff Hadley

President Larry Hadley with his nephew General Manager Jeff Hadley

Hadley General Contractors, Inc. was voted Marin Magazine‘s Best Bay Area Builder, 2021. “Over the years our name has come to signify a quality of construction that is second to none and client-oriented customer service that creates lasting relationships. Our focus on our clients’ best interest, unchanged for 70 years, is the reason we are the premier homebuilder in Marin County. We will always stand by our work and take on any project, big or small. And we will always give back to the place that has given so much to us.” ~ Jeff Hadley

85 Beach Road, Belvedere, CA
Lic#702420 | 415.383.0583

Face of Contemporary Cannabis

House of Saka

Tracey Mason, Co-Founder and CEO of House of Saka Infused Luxury

Inspired by the legend of the Saka; an ancient group of fierce female warriors for whom wine infused with the sacred cannabis plant was at the center of their rites of passage, wine industry veteran Tracey Mason joined forces with cannabis entrepreneur Cynthia Salarizadeh to form House of Saka and bring this ancient tradition into the modern age.

Today, House of Saka is known for its award-winning, alcohol removed, cannabis-infused wines from Napa Valley – the first and only infused beverages to lay claim to this extraordinary provenance. Saka’s popular PINK is made from 100% Rose, their delectable WHITE is made from 100% Chardonnay while their delicious new single-serve offering, Saka SPARK MIMOSA, is made from sparkling Chardonnay bolstered Mimosa Strain-Specific Live Resin and natural essence of orange blossom and nectarine.

These low calorie, hangover-free alternatives to alcohol are the first high-end cannabis products to effectively bridge the gap between cannabis and the mainstream and have definitely found a niche with the women of Marin.

Napa Valley, CA

Faces of Luxury Housekeeping Services

The Cooperative Cleaning Company

Sarah and Mike Neil, The Cooperative Cleaning Company

Owned by Sarah Neil, The Cooperative Cleaning Company (CCC) is the oldest housekeeping company in the Bay Area. Our goal is to deliver exceptional service using “Certified Green” products, and provide our people the respect, compensation and benefits that exceeds that which can be found anywhere else in the industry.

A native of France, Sarah holds an MA in Anthropology from the Sorbonne in Paris and speaks eight languages. Mike Neil spent 40 years in accounting and enterprise software management before “retiring” to help Sarah with the business. CCC ranks among the top housekeeping companies in the Bay Area according to a well-known consumer rating agency and benefits from a strong and loyal base of over 220 clients, some of whom have with us since we opened our doors in 1987.

And finally, we are a “living wage” employer, offering our employees (not 1099 contractors) compensation well in excess of minimum wage, “platinum” Kaiser, Delta Dental and VSP health benefits, paid holidays and paid vacations.

510.845.0003 | [email protected]

Face of Marin Home Loans

CrossCountry Mortgage

Marney Solle, Loan Officer and Branch Manager, CrossCountry Mortgage

Marin mother and businesswoman, Marney Solle closed more than 300 home loans in 2020. Her extraordinary production places her among the top home loan experts in Marin and top 1% nationwide. Marney is also the Manager of Marin’s three new CrossCountry Mortgage branch offices. CrossCountry is a direct lender specializing in jumbo purchase and refinance mortgages, including jumbo cash-out refinance loans. CrossCountry offers industry leading closing times and unique loan programs designed with Marin Homebuyers in mind. “I have lived in Marin and worked in Marin Real Estate Lending for almost 30 years. I feel blessed. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Working with home buyers and Realtors is an honor and genuine pleasure. And nothing makes me happier than running into a former client who is now a Marin neighbor.” Whether you are considering buying, selling, or refinancing a home, the journey begins with Marney and CrossCountry Mortgage.

Marin Home Loan Center (opening Fall 2021):
1177 Magnolia Street, Larkspur, CA I NMLS 286003
Equal Housing Lender | 415.454.8881

Face of Flooring Design

Floortex Design
Rudy Hassid, CEO, Floortex Design

Rudy Hassid, CEO of Floortex Design, has been in the home improvement industry for 35 years. After exploring all areas of home improvement, he narrowed his focus to one area – flooring. Through his passion for woodworking, he developed a keen eye for craftsmanship and attention to detail. His experience and skill led to the honor of being certified as a flooring inspector by the National Wood Flooring Association. Flooring inspectors examine failed flooring installations and determine what went wrong. Rudy brings his eye for detail to every job he does, solving flooring problems before they happen. And he transfers his knowledge and experience to his staff. Floortex employees go beyond the creative side of flooring, bringing technical expertise to every project. That’s why interior designers love working with Floortex Design. They have you covered with eight locations in the Bay Area, and their designer partnerships are a great place to start for inspiration: floortexdesign.com/designers-corner

Marin and San Francisco | 415.785.4614

Face of Payroll Workforce Solutions

Leslie Ruhland Accuchex Payroll
Leslie Ruhland, Accuchex Payroll & Insurance Services

Payroll plays a critical role for every business. Since 1990, Accuchex has been privileged with the responsibility of paying people correctly, and on time, every pay cycle. Leslie Ruhland is a Marin County native and is the EVP of Accuchex Corp. Headquartered in Novato for 30 years, Accuchex is the largest independent payroll company in the Bay Area. “One of my favorite things”, says Ruhland, “about working with companies’ payroll is that no matter the size or industry, our friendly and knowledgeable staff adds value, and in doing so, we become part of our clients’ adventure.” Accuchex provides innovative workforce solutions with web-based Time2Pay, blending “Hi-Tech with Hi-Touch”. Accuchex supports employers with one to thousands of employees nationwide. Accuchex appreciates that Payroll remains at the center of our daily lives and the fabric of our communities. During this challenging business environment, we are glad to be a resource to our clients as they navigate the fall out and recovery of Covid 19. Supporting employer clients with the reports and data for PPP loans, remote workforce management and returning employees with worksite safety compliance posters.

365 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Novato, CA
415.883.7733, ext 110 | [email protected]

Faces of Allergy and Asthma Care in Marin County

Allergy and Asthma Care
Dr. Maria Petrick, FACAAI, FAAAAI and Dr. Juline Caraballo, FACAAI, FamilyCare Allergy and Asthma

Opened last fall, the San Rafael / Marin Office clinical team from FamilyCare Allergy and Asthma consists of board-certified allergists Dr. Maria M. Petrick, MD, FACAAI-FAAAAI, and Dr. Juline Caraballo, MD, FACAAI, each of whom specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, food allergy diagnosis and treatment, asthma, and immunologic disorders. While new to Marin, the FamilyCare clinical team has been serving patients throughout the North Bay since 1979, with a dedication to providing every patient with leading edge, personalized, precision care. FamilyCare Allergy and Asthma treats patients of all ages, so if you or your loved ones are experiencing chronic sinus issues, coughing, wheezing, or any of these often frustrating symptoms, a variety of effective treatments are available that can put you back in control. Life-Breathe it in!

4000 Civic Center Drive, Suite 300, San Rafael, CA
Offices also in Petaluma and Santa Rosa
415.847.4022 | 707.525.0211

Faces of Vitality and Longevity

cryo

Dr Cat and Randy Gibson LAc, Medical Director, 9 Corners Med-Cryo-Spa

When it comes to helping people achieve vitality and longevity, Dr. Cat and Randy Gibson lead the way. They masterfully blend hi-touch, hi tech healthcare with gracious hospitality. “Next generation healthcare goes beyond momentary treatment and dives into the essence of living health; health is more than something you tend to, it is a keystone of who you are.” Walk through the doors at 9 Corners and their acumen unfolds with stylish delight. The Summer Room houses private IR saunas — ideal for post cryo therapy and acupuncture. In the Cupola you can securely nap or read on comfy loungers after a facial or massage. Enjoy customized consults at the glass dining table, situated in the Grand Hall. Shop the Noble House for curated items ranging from nutraceuticals to luxury robes, and hand woven African baskets. Relax on the Veranda and watch the sunset over Big Rock Ridge. Spend an hour or the day. Create your own experience. Enjoy high-level treatments in combination with architecture and design that create a captivating, sensorial experience never before seen in healthcare. It enwraps you. It’s a re-igniting of your spirit, your body, your grace.

Vintage Oaks Plaza by Costco, Novato, CA
415.209.2600 | Established 1999