Small Giants expands with assistant project manager
Small Giants, LLC., a rapidly growing creative marketing agency in Phoenix and Denver, has hired Amanda Aiello as assistant project manager to support the agency’s organization and communication, as well as support Small Giants’ client accounts.
In her role, Amanda will help communicate to team members the proper deliverables to be fulfilled for each project and client, including providing maintaining the CRM database, project proposal development support and invoicing.
“As Small Giants has grown we have been very fortunate to gain the trust of existing clients on larger projects, as well as added national accounts, all of which has increased our need for the talent and experience that Amanda brings to assist in client workflow and communication,” said Founder and President of Small Giants Danielle Feroleto.
“I am excited to support the Small Giants team create more structure, and to move toward being able to execute additional duties, such as scheduling tasks and monitoring budgets,” stated Aiello.
Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a concentration in communication skills and technologies at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She also graduated with two minors; one in graphic design and the other in digital studies.
Scottsdale-based YAM Capital bolsters staff
YAM Capital, a private real estate bridge lender specializing in short-term commercial real estate financing, has added Ryan Muranaka as Director of Business Development to its growing team. In this role, Muranaka is responsible for origination, underwriting and servicing of commercial mortgage loans for YAM Capital.
Muranaka brings more than 15 years of experience in commercial real estate financing to the Scottsdale firm. Prior to joining Yam Capital, he served as Senior Vice President and Director of Underwriting and Asset Management at IMH Financial Corporation, where he assisted with the underwriting and funding of more than a billion dollars’ worth of commercial real estate.
“YAM Capital has the ability to lend nationwide and can underwrite and close large loans much faster than other lenders,” said Muranaka. “I’m excited to join this highly-regarded firm and look forward to expanding our portfolio as the Director of Business Development.”
YAM Capital’s lending program is designed to be efficient, creative and reliable, and its approval process is built for speed and certainty of execution. The private lender is one of 14 businesses that operate under YAM Worldwide Inc., founded by American entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob Parsons. As a privately held commercial real estate bridge lender, YAM Capital offers unique funding options not available through other channels.
Muranaka received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Communications from Arizona State University and has been involved with a wide variety of professional organizations throughout his career including the Arizona Private Lenders Association, Urban Land Institute, Self-Storage Association and Mortgage Banker Association.
Plexus Worldwide adds chief operating officer
Plexus Worldwide (Plexus), a leading direct-selling health and wellness company focused on health and happiness, announced the addition of Gene Tipps as Chief Operations Officer (COO). Tipps leads the Operations, Manufacturing and Logistics Teams.
“Gene is a proven leader with exceptional experience leading global operations for network marketing companies around the world,” said Christopher Pair Garza, Plexus’ President of Operations and International. “He is one of the industry’s top experts and we are pleased he chose to join Plexus as the company enters its second decade with a focus on domestic growth and expansion into new international markets.”
“I have spent more than 20-years building high performance teams in fast-growing environments in the United States, as well as Latin American, Europe and Asia-Pacific,” said Gene Tipps. “Plexus has a stellar reputation, and this is a fantastic opportunity to further develop a World Class International Supply Chain as we continue to bring Health and Happiness around the globe though our unique products and opportunity.”
“Gene not only brings a wealth of experience to the Plexus team, he is also an excellent fit within our One Plexus culture,” said Plexus CEO Tarl Robinson. “He’s hit the ground running and will continue to be a key leader for our expanding operations.”
Operation Homefront names area manager
Operation Homefront, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit, recently named Joe Warhol as their new Area Manager for Region 6 – East. In this role Joe will be leading volunteers and donors as well as managing events throughout the Southwest in Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada providing a variety of impactful programs and services to military families.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to serve out of uniform and take on a role that I am passionate about. Bringing my military background, my education, and passion together in one role has been a dream career come true so far. I look forward to building Operation Homefront’s brand as well as providing resources to our well-deserved military and veteran families.”
Joe is a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota but has called the desert here home now for over 15 years. Joe is a W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University graduate and United States Marine Corps combat veteran currently serving as a Staff Sergeant in the Marine Reserves. Before taking on his new role with Operation Homefront he had worked for USAA in North Phoenix and most recently on active duty orders with Wounded Warrior Battalion – West at Camp Pendleton, CA. Taking his passion for servant leadership, helping military service members, his professional experience, and education Joe hopes to connect with organizations, enterprises, and community leaders across the Southwest to facilitate the well-being and success of military service members and veterans.
