Making Waves

>>For Jessica Macera, life is about four Ps-priorities, preparation, being positive and persistence. "If I remember what's important [priorities], learn what I need to know [preparation], stay positive and keep trying [persistence], I am going to find success," she says.

At 27, Macera has already found some success. As office activity coordinator for Midwest Title, she works on marketing campaigns and acts as the right hand to the president, a woman Macera says "drives me hard and expects the best." Only later does she reveal that woman is her mom, Chris Wohlbrandt.

"She inspires me. She supports me and is completely dedicated to helping me learn and grow," says Macera, who came to her current job in a roundabout way. After moving to Florida in 2002, she took an assistant manager's job for Wal-Mart, where she worked through college. Desiring a career change, she moved into the Collier County Sheriff's Office where she prepared a written history of the organization.

"It was fascinating to interview retired deputies and dig through thousands of photos, newspaper clippings and museum files," she says. But that's when Midwest Title came calling with an offer Macera couldn't refuse-not just because of her mom. "I now have the ability to really make a difference in a locally owned business," she says.

And not just one; Macera aggressively helps other locally owned businesses as chair of the Navigator Program at the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce. She pairs new business owners with veterans to foster much-needed connections. "It's hard to run a business and I'm proud to help those who have the guts to try it," she says.

Macera is also involved in the American Business Woman's Association as well as fundraising for various organizations. With all she does, maybe Macera should add one more P to her list of what life is about: people.

-Lauren Bernaldo