“Changing the World One Family Business at a Time”
“We are always there when our families in business need us”

Jim Kwaiser, CMC (Certified Management Consultant)
Ann Marie Kwaiser, RN

Communication and emotional issues as well as a lack of planning can destroy family businesses and family relationships.  In fact, most of the 2/3rds of family businesses that fail before the end of the second generation due either the fear of inciting conflict or the inability or to properly address these issues.  Jim and Ann Marie, founded C.H.A.L.L.E.N.G.E.S.® in 1993 with the goal of stopping the erosion of family businesses.  After working with over 1,000 family businesses for over past 35 years, Jim and Ann Marie are known to “break the rules” by caring enough to help each family in business find the right solutions to the business and personal challenges they face every day.   They work for the best interest of the whole family and not just for one person.  They believe “family” MUST come before business and each family in business must find the direction that is right for him or her.  There are no “off the shelf” solutions.  Allow Jim and Ann Marie to meet with your family in business to discover if our services are a “fit” for you and your family in business.  For more information go to: www.challengesinc.com or call 888-273-8307.  We know we can help.

Patty Kreamer, CPO® (Certified Professional Organizer), is the President of Kreamer Connect, Inc., a Pittsburgh-based company that works with business, corporate and residential clients to become more productive and perform better while at the same time simplifying work and life. This is delivered through Patty’s books, keynotes and seminars, phone coaching, and hands-on organizing.

Author – Patty's first book "But I Might Need It Someday" helps individuals understand the habits that keep them from organizing their work and lives. Then it shows them how to overcome their natural tendencies and conquer clutter in all its forms once and for all. Her second book "The Power of Simplicity" will compel you to think before you make choices. This insightful gem will change the way you live your life!  She just released the World’s Most Complete Online Organizing E-Course called “The Clutter Rescue Course” which is available as an online course with a companion workbook that FINALLY makes clearing the clutter possible!

National Speaker – Patty creates custom programs for regional and national corporate and association audiences on topics ranging from organizing workspaces to enhancing productivity to creating simplicity in chaotic lives.

Consultant & Organizer – Patty, a Certified Professional Organizer, works with corporate managers to help them identify gaps in productivity, streamline paper and processes, and helps groups of people work better together.

Patty is the Founding Past President of the National Association of Professional Organizers - Pittsburgh chapter and Past President of and The National Speakers Association - Pittsburgh chapter.  Patty was named Women's Business Network's 2007 Woman of the Year as well as one of Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business and one of Pittsburgh’s FasTrackers in 2005. 

If you are looking to be more productive, perform better and simplify your life, you’ll want to contact Kreamer Connect, Inc. at patty@ByeByeClutter.com, www.ByeByeClutter.com, or 412-344-3252.

Kimberly Kisner, a practicing employment law attorney, is founder of the Kisner Law Firm, one of only three boutique employment law practices in Pittsburgh. With more than ten years of employment-related legal experience, she advises business owners, professional practices, and human resource managers concerning legal issues in the workplace and litigates employment discrimination cases in federal and state courts. In May 2009, she was honored as one of Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business for 2009. In addition to her work as an attorney, Ms. Kisner is a residential real estate investor in the city of Pittsburgh’s Park Place neighborhood where she resides.

Ms. Kisner is a board member of the Junior League of Pittsburgh, Inc. and the Greater Pittsburgh Chapter of the West Virginia University Alumni Association. In 2007, Ms. Kisner chaired the Junior League of Pittsburgh’s Designers’ Show House, raising a record $122,000 for the League’s service projects. Ms. Kisner was recognized for her community commitment when she was selected by Pittsburgh Magazine and the Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (PUMP) as one of 2006’s “40 Under 40,” and by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as a 2008 Community Champion.

Ms. Kisner earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from West Virginia University (summa cum laude) and a Juris Doctor from the University Pittsburgh School of Law. She is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

You can contact Kim at kim@kisnerlawfirm.com or at 412-242-7787.

Karen Litzinger, MA, LPC, has been a career coaching professional for over 20 years. Her expertise includes outplacement consulting and business etiquette training for corporations and other organizations.  She also provides career counseling and job search advising for individuals at her Regent Square office.

If you want to be sure your employees are representing your organization with the highest professionalism, Karen’s business etiquette training programs and keynote addresses could add value to your organization.   Learn how to juggle dishes and small talk at receptions, master dining etiquette, and present oneself well in electronic, written and verbal communication.  “Engaging, articulate, and energetic” is how Karen’s past clients describe her interactive speaking style that blends entertainment with education.

If you are planning on an employee separation, whether from layoff or termination, then Karen’s highly personalized and affordable outplacement services can help smooth the employee exit and maintain company morale.  Karen is available for separation planning, on-site assistance on the day of notification, workshops and individual coaching.  “Karen has met or exceeded all of my expectations as they relate to this process.” is what one recent outplacement client wrote on his evaluation.  Karen has a network of associates available to handle larger outplacement projects.

Karen's past positions include Director of Career Services at Chatham College, Career Center Associate Director at Carnegie Mellon University, and Outplacement Consultant at DBM, an international consulting firm.

Karen has an M.A. from Michigan State University in Higher Education Administration with a focus in Career Education, and a B.A. in Business Administration from Duquesne University. She is a National Certified Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania, and a certified Global Career Development Facilitator.  She has also been recognized with the status of Master Career Development Professional by the National Career Development Association.  Karen is a member of the National Speakers Association and Pittsburgh Coaches Association.

Midnight Blue Technology Services is a team of seasoned technology experts based in the Pittsburgh area.  We specialize in providing end-to-end IT solutions that fit the needs and budgets of small and mid-sized business.  Midnight Blue’s mission is to deliver enterprise-grade IT services to small and medium-size organizations, while maximizing Return on Technology Investment, and minimizing the hassle and confusion surrounding IT operations.  Combining exceptional technical skills, experience and advanced tools we offer a proactive approach to IT, focusing on efficient prevention of problems, rather than merely on their solution.  Our reliable, dedicated, relationship-focused service is designed to maintain lasting partnership with our clients, as their long-term success is vital to ours.

Midnight Blue offers a wide range of IT solutions that can suit your business’ needs, size and budget. Our services range from our BlueCentral - our fixed-price, proactive support packages – to IT projects, consulting, and hourly support. Regardless of the solution you engage us to provide, you will find us to be a group of dedicated and trustworthy professionals. We will always listen to you, sell you only what you need, and do all we can to retain you as our satisfied customer.