Written and Compiled by Brandy Centolanza & Beth Hester
Photos by David Uhrin
For the second year CoVaBIZ is shining a spotlight on those individuals whose efforts in their respective fields of endeavor serve to elevate our region and add to its vitality. Rich in history and fortunate in its geography, Coastal Virginia is an important hub for the tourism and maritime industries, for military and defense interests, for major healthcare systems, for institutions of higher education and for the arts.
In this issue, our editorial staff selected 150 of Coastal Virginia’s most influential leaders to highlight. The list is intentionally diverse, reflecting multiple spheres of economic and cultural activity. Within the list, bankers and real estate executives rub shoulders with political officials, manufacturing executives, entrepreneurs, STEM trailblazers and arts institution directors. All are actively engaged in initiatives and programs that foster economic growth, turn challenges into opportunities, enhance the quality of life, and boost collaborative efforts to solve pressing regional challenges.
Out of this list, we selected eleven Dynamic Duos, 11 influential pairs whose talents and enthusiasms augment one another in their work. Some duos like John Gardener and Radlyn Mendoza, Jake and Christina Mutch, and Joel and Sara Jo Rubin, are partners in life as well as work. We invite you to dive into the list and celebrate all of our 2024 honorees.
Dynamic Duo: Manan Shah Rudrax Patel
Pashm Global
Rudrax “Rudy” Patel and Manan Shah have been described as entrepreneurial visionaries with a passion for community service. In the dynamic world of business, their symbiotic connection is an exceptional model of corporate leadership. An atmosphere of mutual respect and unwavering trust in one another surrounds their association.
As CEO, Manan Shah brings to the table a strategic mindset and an eye toward the future, while president Rudrax Patel’s operational expertise and attention to detail rounds out their business relationship.
Their joint and individual portfolios include hotel management and hospitality, healthcare, enterprise development, and of course, the Virginia Strikers cricket team. Both are active in initiatives to share with others the vibrancy of the Indian community in Coastal Virginia through events like the A Taste of India Festival.
CoVaBIZ: You each have such diverse entrepreneurial and civic interests and you also work together at Pashm Global. How do your roles and skill sets support and complement one another, and how do your energies help to fuel your success?
Manan: Like the duo Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak at Apple, we combine visionary prowess with operational acumen to steer our company to extraordinary heights. Our friendship and professional camaraderie—reminiscent of the dynamic between Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen on the basketball court—is the catalyst for our success. My visionary approach is grounded by my partner’s pragmatic and detailed-oriented strategies.
Rudrax: This balance allows us to navigate challenges and seize opportunities with a unique blend of creativity and precision. Together, we form a partnership that is not just about business growth, but also about making a meaningful difference in the world, embodying the civic as well as entrepreneurial spirit of Pashm Global.
Dynamic Duo: Jerry Frostick & Amy Frostick
J&A RACING
LIVE. LOVE. RUN. Since 2003, J&A Racing has been helping people achieve a more healthy lifestyle through the sport of running. Their contagious upbeat attitudes and passion for fitness have inspired runners of all ages and abilities to participate in the racing experience.
As a nationally recognized race management company based in Virginia Beach, they currently boast a portfolio of high-profile events that includes the wildly popular Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, the Old Point National Bank Wicked 10K, the Big Blue 5K, and the festive the BayPort Foundation Crawlin’ Crab Half Marathon & 5K.
Through their energy and efforts, the Frosticks have expanded their “Starting Strides” program which provides scholarships to schools with economically disadvantaged communities to help eliminate the barriers that prevent students from running the Operation Smile Shamrock Final Mile. This program is now in 17 Coastal Virginia schools.
CoVaBIZ: You are partners in life as well as in business. How do your skill sets support and complement one another, and what makes you stronger together? What do you enjoy most about
working side-by-side?
Jerry & Amy: We believe what makes us such a strong team is that we both love what we do, are both passionate about running and fitness, are thankful that our platform allows us to give back to our community and that we have complete confidence in each other. Having that confidence allows us to focus on different aspects of our events. Amy, and her team, handle all marketing, accounting and most of the “smart, creative” ideas. Jerry, and his team, focus on all the operations, working with city departments, courses and all event day logistics.
What makes working together so special is in addition to being married for 23 years, we are first and foremost best friends who share the same goals, values and commitment to creating positive, memorable, experiences for our participants, volunteers and spectators.
Dynamic Duo: Bert Schmidt & Heather Mazzoni
WHRO Public Media
Bert Schmidt is President and CEO at WHRO Public Media, and Heather Mazzoni serves the organization as Chief Content Officer. Alongside a talented staff, this duo helps to create the kinds of exceptional experiences and programming that have made the organization a beloved force for good in our region.
WHRO Public Media was founded in 1961 and is owned by 21 public school systems in Hampton Roads, and education is still at the heart of the organization’s mission. By providing trusted news reporting, arts coverage, public affairs content, music and entertainment, and an array of educational services, WHRO Public Media enriches the lives of the people of Eastern Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina every day.
CoVaBIZ: How do your individual roles support and complement one another in your work in public media at WHRO? Can you share two recent initiatives that you worked on together of which you are most proud?
Bert: Our mission at WHRO is to inspire people to feel smarter and happier through the power of nonprofit media. I set the organization’s strategic goals and Heather oversees content creation for our broadcast and digital properties. Recently, we’ve expanded WHRO’s Journalism Department, to breathe new life into local reporting amidst the dwindling numbers of journalists in our region. By investing in resources, hiring talented journalists, and establishing partnerships, “WHRO News” provides the community with trustworthy and in-depth reporting on critical local issues.
Heather: Bert and I have worked together for over a decade and the media landscape has changed drastically. Our mission, however, is clear and makes programming our many properties thrilling. We recently launched a new radio station, “The Time Machine Radio Network” offering a rich array of musical styles and programming. The Time Machine pays tribute to the golden age of radio, providing listeners with nearly five decades of musical content, capturing the essence of radio’s historic role in our daily lives.
Bert: Strategy is important but execution is everything. Heather takes my ideas and makes them happen. Innovation comes from people who take joy in their work, like Heather.
Heather: For me, our partnership works because Bert’s vision is very clear and that makes the strategy easy. He brings me the ‘impossible’ but it always feels impossible until it’s done.
Dynamic Duo: Tim Ryan & Zack Miller
Hosts, “The Fervent Four” Podcast
Zack Miller is a serial entrepreneur and author of the new book Anomaly, a guide to help businesses differentiate themselves and grow their brand. Among other distinctions, Tim Ryan is the Executive Director of Innovate Hampton Roads.
Together, Zack and Tim are the entertaining and thoughtful hosts of the popular weekly podcast “The Fervent Four.” The name is a reference to the 4% of businesses able to achieve the $1M annual revenue mark. Through insightful interviews with regional entrepreneurs and subject matter experts, the show is dedicated to sharing the kinds of insights designed to help businesses break through the $1M revenue mark.
CoVaBIZ: How do your individual roles and personalities support and complement one another in your work on the podcast? You’ve interviewed a lot of people, so how do you keep things fresh? What do find most meaningful about sharing this information with the entrepreneurial community?
Zack & Tim: Every great duo needs diverse behaviors and thinking. Otherwise, it isn’t really a duo, it’s just one way of thinking. Maybe we’re the Lewis and Clark that’s discovering the next generation of founders and businesses that will change our landscape. Perhaps we’re the Larry Page and Sergey Brin of Hampton Roads. Instead of indexing the world, we’re interviewing all the elements and personalities of our business community.
We don’t have a canned set of questions; we allow the conversations to flow and take on a life of their own. That allows the true personalities and passions of our guests to shine during our long-form conversations. Okay, we may have one canned question—What is the “official food” that represents Hampton Roads?
The most meaningful aspect of the show is when our guests meet new people and they hear their new acquaintance say, ‘I listened to you on the Fervent Four Show!’ We have had that happen all over Virginia and beyond. This is about elevating those around us. It’s their platform, we just moderate it.
Dynamic Duo: Joel Rubin & Sara Jo Rubin
Rubin Communications Group
How to describe Joel and Sara Jo Rubin? Warm. Curious. Creative. These are just a few of the qualities that have made them a welcome and integral part of Coastal Virginia’s business and nonprofit community. Established in 1991, their full-service media and public relations company has shaped creative strategies for clients like Lawson, Dominion Energy, Mode5, the Hermitage Museum & Gardens, Beth Sholom Village, Fairlead and Williams Mullen.
Most recently, their imaginative WINDSdays campaign has served to boost awareness of Dominion Energy’s Coastal Offshore Wind project through a series of weekly public engagement events and newsletters.
CoVaBIZ: You are partners in life as well as in business. How did you decide to work together to form Rubin Communications, and how do your skill sets support and complement one another? What makes you stronger together?
Joel: I was a reporter at WAVY-TV for 15 years and in 1991, made the leap into public relations, starting with no clients but two kids and a mortgage.
Sara Jo: After two years, Joel needed assistance. He loves to say he did a “nationwide search.” I had been a social worker but learned quickly to handle billing, receivables and every other back-office function. I still do.
Joel: She gave me the freedom to do what I love best—pitch stories, produce videos and generate creative strategies like WINDSdays, a campaign featuring a weekly e-newsletter to raise awareness of Dominion Energy’s offshore wind project.
Sara Jo: Our skill sets complement each other. I’m detail oriented as the COO/CFO, but now I also manage accounts for some key clients. Joel is an excellent writer and communicator. I don’t know how many couples could be together 24/7, but it works for us.
Dynamic Duo: Radlyn Mendoza & John Gardner
Gardner & Mendoza, PC
If you visit the Gardner & Mendoza website, you’ll see their mission statement: “We Create Better Lives for Our Clients and Their Families.” Since 2000, their award-winning firm has been helping underserved communities through legal representation in the realm of immigration law.
A special combination of dogged determination and deep compassion has made this duo particularly effective. Radlyn’s decision to practice immigration law was informed by her childhood experiences and her understanding of the local immigrant community. John and Radlyn also specialize in helping immigrants in our region find a pathway to citizenship through their military service and sacrifice. The heartfelt testimonials from their many clients is evidence of the duo’s legal effectiveness and their kindness.
CoVaBIZ: You are partners in life as well as in business. How do your skill sets support and complement one another, and what makes you stronger together? What do you enjoy most about working together?
Radlyn: People think it’s crazy that we’ve worked together for almost 25 years. But it’s a success, because we’re very different. I love coming up with ideas and moving fast on them. John is methodical and makes sure we don’t get too far off track with shiny, bright objects. We’re synergetic, because we’re married and share similar goals. It also helps tremendously that we have a wonderful team and inspiring clients. Doing life-changing, exciting work together is a dream come true!
John: Radlyn is a big idea person with amazing vision—she’s always pushing us forward. I’m more cautious—always checking the guardrails. It’s a perfect combination! We joke that our superpower is us together. Folks always remember the two of us when we’re together. What I enjoy most about working togehter with Radlyn is that I get to spend most of my day with the love of my life, which is so amazing! And from a practical business standpoint, it is extremely helpful for us to be able to bounce ideas around in real time.
Dynamic Duo: Vinod Agarwal & Bob McNab
Old Dominion University
Though both might resist the moniker, Vinod and Bob are considered regional superstars when it comes to economic forecasting. Both are professors in the university’s department of economics.
Bob serves as director of the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy in the Strome College of Business, and Vinod serves the center as deputy director. Seasonal events like the “State of the Region Reports” are widely anticipated. Their strong suit is being able to deliver data-dense analysis and up-to-date date state and regional economic performance indicators with a sense of humor, andthey’re always generous and relatable.
Whether the news is good or bad, their perspectives and ability to place things within a larger context help individuals, businesses and organizations make better decisions.
CoVaBIZ: How do your individual roles support and complement one another in your work at ODU? You two seem to have a lot of fun when presenting data and statistics at various regional forums and events— what do find most meaningful about sharing this information with the community?
Vinod: I’ve been involved in the Economic Forecasting project since 1996. Bob joined us in July 2016 and we’ve been working together since that time. Bob and I have split roles when it comes to forecasting. He takes the lead role when it comes to forecasting at the national and state level whereas I take the lead for regional forecasting. Every year, I look at the data at all three levels and try to come up with a story about the economic landscape and then work on the analysis, At times the work can be actually quite boring but having another person to lean on leads to interesting observations. Hopefully, community gains a better understanding of the economic phenomenon with our presentations. We try to keep things simple yet intriguing.
Bob: I’ve found that instead of talking about the data, I talk about the story behind the data. How can the audience use our presentations to improve their decision making and adapt to a changing economic environment? If you can craft a compelling story, even if the news isn’t good, then people will find value in what you are presenting. The challenge, of course, is to find points of humor to connect with the audience.
Dynamic Duo: Harry Wason & Judy Wason
Philanthropy
Anyone who’s stepped inside the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News has Harry Wason to thank for its cofounding and development. But the museum is just one of many philanthropic projects he and his wife, Judy, have been a part of through the years. The couple, married since 2007, are well-known for their multiple contributions to the region, making it a better place to live.
The Virginia Living Museum is the brainchild of Harry Wason, a retired developer who credits his father and brother with instilling in him an appreciate of nature and conservation. “That is where it all started for me, Harry says. “I am pleased every time I go there because I see not just children but adults appreciating nature too.”
Judy spent much of her career working in politics, helping manage U.S. senatorial campaigns. The couple met when Judy served as vice president for university advancement at Christopher Newport University in 2006. They were instrumental in the creation of the university’s The Wason Center for Civic Leadership. Currently, 23 scholars are studying there with the goal of reaching 30 this fall.
“One of the things I always dreamed about was a place where students could learn to be good, strong leaders,” Judy says. “I think that is the most important thing I’ve done. It’s an amazing program. If there is any time in history where we need strong, dedicated leaders with integrity and honesty who are committed to enhancing the quality of lives of others, it is now.”
The Williamsburg-based couple continue to be involved in other causes separately and together, supporting organizations like Operation Smile, the Fairfield Foundation in Gloucester, and the VCU Massey Cancer Center in Richmond.
CoVaBIZ: Could you share what it has meant to you as partners in life to have spent a good portion of your journey together living lives in the service of others?
Judy: “We stay engaged, it enhances our lives to have all of these things happening that we are a small part of. Giving back is so gratifying. We really do work well as a team, and that’s been a joy—it gives our lives a wonderful purpose, to help others and enhance the community.”
Dynamic Duo: Dr. Jake Mutch & Dr. Christina Mutch
Defiant Direct Primary Care
Dr. Jake Mutch and Dr. Christina Mutch have spent much of their lives side-by-side personally and professionally and they wouldn’t have it any other way. The pair, who met at William & Mary and went to medical school together, founded Defiant Direct Primary Care in Williamsburg. The Mutches, both family medicine physicians, provide a variety of primary care services.
The couple knew in medical school that they wanted to run their own practice. Defiant Direct Primary Care aims to bring back the kind of attentive, old school bedside manner in healthcare by getting to know their patients on a more personal level and vice versa.
“By the time Christina and I were ready to start a practice, we’d become frustrated by what we call conveyor belt Medicine—a system where patients wait weeks for an appointment, then sit in a waiting room for an hour, all just to be double-booked for a seven-minute visit with a random doctor who barely looks at them and has one hand on the door,” Jake says. “This is why we founded Defiant Direct Primary Care: to combine modern hospitality with the old-fashioned doctoring your grandparents remember.”
“It is a privilege getting to hear the concerns of patients and to help them on the road to better health,” Jake says. “That connection, that idea of being a neighborhood PCP for our little corner of the universe, is what we call our ‘secret sauce.’ It’s what gets us up in the morning and excited about the day.”
The couple also have two young children, 2-year-old Isla and 5-month-old Beckett. “After going on adventures for our medical training, we knew we eventually wanted to plant roots here,” Jake shares.
The plan is to continue to expand Defiant Direct Primary Care. “This small-batch style of care is something we’re quite proud of and excited to see grow,” says Jake.
CoVaBIZ: Please share a little about what it has been like to found and grow your medical practice together?
Jake: Living and working each day with your best friend is wonderful beyond words. We lean on each other’s medical expertise, and then also come home to our family each night and get to trade perspectives on the day.
Dynamic Duo: J. Van Rose Jr. & Barbara Wolcott
Berkshire Hathaway RW Towne Home Services
When J. Van Rose Jr. of Rose & Womble Realty Co. and Barbara Wolcott of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Towne Realty joined forces, a new entity was born: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices RW Towne Realty. It’s quite a mouthful. But the joint venture leverages the strengths each company possesses, creating a real estate organization well-positioned to navigate industry changes, grow its market share, and offer an expended range of services.
CoVaBIZ: How do your combined talents and temperaments complement one another and contribute to the success of your business?
Van & Barbara: It’s remarkable that despite each of us having over 40 years of experience in the industry, we actually had never crossed paths before discussing a potential merger. As former strong competitors in the business, it took nearly two years to join forces and form a strong partnership.
We both have very different personalities. Barbara is a very quick to decide, action-oriented leader who wants immediate results. I, on the other hand, am a more contemplative leader. I like to consider all sides of an issue, and I’m team-focused. However, we are both very passionate about the industry and most importantly about our people. We have both run our companies as family-owned business and we consider everyone as part of the family.
While we both have vastly different experiences in the real estate business, we have used our collective talents to create the most vertically integrated company best positioned to serve all our clients and customers with just about any real estate need. Today we have a company that includes: listing and and selling real estate, property management, mortgage lending, title and closing services, research, and residential development.
Through our daily collaboration over the past two years, we’ve built a foundation of trust in each other’s abilities and unwavering support. As the company has grown in size, this trust is essential for seamless operations. Knowing that each member is dedicated to the shared goal of excellence and integrity in serving the Hampton Roads community brings us a sense of reassurance and confidence in the team’s success.
Dynamic Duo: Susan Goode & David R. Goode
Philanthropy
For David R. and Susan S. Goode, being a part of the community through philanthropic endeavors has always come naturally. Separately and together, the pair have had a significant impact on the Commonwealth. The couple, who met at Duke University, have lived in the region since 1990. The Goodes, along with their two daughters, Christina and Martha, have contributed to many worthy causes over the years through the Goode Family Foundation.
Art advocates, David and Susan Goode have supported The Chrysler Museum of Art, Virginia Symphony, Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond, and other arts organizations. Additionally, their contributions helped with the establishment of the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center at Virginia Wesleyan University.
“That was one of the biggest things we’ve done, and I am delighted to see that it is so loved by the community and has become such an important part of campus,” Susan says.
Next up, the Goodes, who’ve been honored by the Americans for the Arts for their support of the arts and arts education, plan to donate toward the new Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.
“A community is made better by having good, quality arts in it,” says David, who retired as chairman, president and CEO of Norfolk Southern. “Our family conviction is that access to the arts makes a community stronger.”
CoVaBIZ: Could you share what it has meant to you as partners in life to have spent a good portion of your journey together living lives in the service of others? Of what are you most proud?
Susan: “It’s always been seamless. It’s just a part of who we are.”
David: “It is a privilege, but also an obligation to give back,” he elaborates. “My mother always told me to leave things better than they were before. Hampton Roads and Virginia have been good to us and we are happy to give back.”
Beyond the arts, the pair have also been active with the Elizabeth River Project, Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters, United Way, League of Women Voters, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, and other organizations.
So, what are they most proud of? That’s a no brainer says Susan. “We raised two girls who are interested in carrying on our philosophy of philanthropy.”
CORRECTIONS: In the 150 Most Influential Leaders feature story in the May-June print edition of CoVaBIZ, some information was erroneously included on the influential leaders list. Under the Economic Development category (pg.32), Nancy Grden’s title was incorrect. Grden is President & CEO of the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable. Under the Transportation, Maritime & Logistics category, James S. Utterback was listed as Director of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel Expansion Project (pg. 36). Utterback retired from that position in 2023. His successor is Ryan Banas, HNTB Corporation/HRBT Expansion Project Director. Also on page 36, John Boyle was identified as President & CEO of Massimo Zanetti. We regret these errors. The online versions of this story reflect these corrections.
