A veteran of small business creation, Alex Plotkin joined the SBDC in 2013, after more than a decade of building his own small businesses. A graduate of the Honors Business Program at The University of Texas with a Master of Business Administration from University of California – Los Angeles, Alex served as chief financial officer for Streetball Partners International, organizers of the Hoop-It-Up 3-on-3 basketball tournaments, until that business was sold. Alex has built businesses in areas as diverse as daycare, health clubs/athletic training, automotive aftermarket and restaurants. He draws on that experience when advising clients and considers his role at the SBDC as one of a problem solver, using both personal insight and professional experience to help his clients’ businesses thrive. With his assistance, clients have created more than 220 jobs in the past year and a half, while also seeing sales increase by $4 million. In addition to his work with small businesses, Alex volunteers at the North Texas Food Bank and was a founding member of the DME Exchange of Dallas, which collects and refurbishes wheelchairs, crutches and other durable medical equipment (DME) for those in need.

APlotkin@Collin.edu

Karen has an extensive background in sales and marketing including working for Minolta and Xerox.  While employed with a small business in the Hospitality arena, Karen was a contributor to the company obtaining the 10th Fastest Growing Company in Dallas under $1 million in sales. Later she transferred to Houston and successfully opened a new branch for the company.  Leveraging her sales, marketing and management background, Karen decided to purchase a franchise in 2002. In the 13 years of ownership, the company tripled in business, realized an average increase of 20% in revenues per year, averaged #5 Franchise out of the 140 stores, received the President’s Club, Franchise of the Year, Sales & Marketing Awards, and Gold and Platinum levels. Karen served as the Advisory Board President for the franchise, sat on the Women’s Division Board of the Plano Chamber of Commerce and was a certified Women Owned Business through the Women’s Business Enterprise. She sold the business in 2015. Karen graduated from Texas Tech University with her Bachelor of Business Administrative degree emphasis in Marketing.  Karen enjoys volunteering in the Children’s Ministry at her church.

KRaymond@collin.edu

Laura has over 12 years of international and small business experience. She is excited to join the Collin SBDC and is committed to helping businesses navigate their entrepreneurial journey to increase revenue, to obtain funding and effectively implement strategies for growth. Driven by a genuine passion for supporting the backbone of the economy, Laura worked with Collin Corporate College to facilitate training for the Collin and Rockwall Counties business community before joining the SBDC. As a Wisconsin native she helped grow her family’s businesses, which has had an important impact on her life.  She worked at Kohler Co. and Thomas Industries (Gardner Denver) as an Area Manager for Latin America obtaining 8 % growth. Laura holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of Wisconsin, teaching certification for Spanish and a Master’s degree from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. Laura enjoys volunteering at the Literacy Council, watching Lakeland University Soccer and traveling with her family.

LDelllandazuri@collin.edu