Business Directory

I am the founder of BIZolutions Consulting, my consulting practice founded in 2012.  We are a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) registered with the Government (Federal, the VA and several States, incl. Florida). We team with others to provide cost effective products & services to the Gov’t, primarily under SDVOSB set-aside contracts.  We also selectively market & distribute unique and impactful Client products. Our services include business and marketing plan generation, start-up support and mentoring, financial plans and projections, proposal and grant writing, etc. See www.BIZolutionsconsult.com

I am also the Founder and Exec. Director of the Florida Helps Foundation, an IRS & Florida State approved 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2012. We raise funds for Disabled Veterans, helping others with fundraisers and supporting a range of other initiatives. We also “Help U Help Others” thru our “Fiscal Sponsorship” services, providing our non-profit status, tools, financial management services (expert in Quickbooks accounting system) and support large organizations to small groups or individuals for their Grant writing, reporting and management and fund-raising needs. We also offer consulting to help establish and grow your non-profit organization. See www.FLhelps.org

Additionally, I’ve had many challenging and rewarding career assignments over my prior 28 year Military (Air Force Captain, ’81) & Defense Dept.-related career, culminating as a Corporate Vice President of a Defense & Information Technology firm. 

Education:

=       BS in Aerospace Engineering, Penn State University

=       MS in Astronautical Engineering, The Air Force Institute of Technology

=       MBA in Management, Penn State University

=       Executive Certificate, Systems Management, USC

=       Executive Certificate, Small Business Management, Robert Morris College

=       Non-Profit Management courses, Miami-Dade College

I have also taken many post-grad and professional development courses + held an FL real estate license for 8 years.  I have held Defense Dept. security clearances above Top Secret. 

As a small business, Kraken Automotive is operated solely by a dedicated husband and wife team. Scott, our technician, holds an ASE certification and boasts over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry.

Kraken Automotive is not your ordinary run-of-the-mill auto mechanic service. We take pride in offering a quality service with professional equipment. Our services are appointment-based, ensuring we allocate dedicated time to focus on your vehicle. In addition to our mobile service, we also have a physical shop, as well as offer pick-up and drop-off service, when available. If your vehicle needs towing, we have established a partnership with a reputable local towing provider that we can recommend.

At Kraken Automotive, we stand behind the quality of our work with a Nationwide 24-month Warranty on most repairs. We take immense pride in our craftsmanship and strive to ensure your satisfaction and peace of mind. We proudly serve the Lake and Sumter County area and encourage you to contact us by phone or text for all your vehicle maintenance and repair needs.

Gary and Erica Wise are the dynamic duo behind Wise Leadership Solutions, a veteran-owned firm dedicated to empowering leaders and organizations through customized, research-backed training programs.

Gary, a retired U.S. Navy Command Master Chief with over 25 years of experience, honed his leadership acumen in high-pressure environments, mentoring over 500 personnel and fostering a culture of resilience and high performance. His expertise in creating positive organizational climates, developing cohesive teams, and facilitating effective communication is invaluable to Wise Leadership Solutions' clients.

Erica complements Gary's skillset with her extensive experience in operations and management, gained through her successful career in both the non-profit and corporate sectors. Her strategic insights and operational efficiency ensure seamless program delivery and client satisfaction.

Together, Gary and Erica have created Wise Leadership Solutions, the exclusive RBLP® (Resilience-Building Leadership Professional®) Authorized Training Center in North Central Florida. Their shared passion for leadership development and their commitment to building resilient teams are the driving forces behind the company's mission.

Wise Leadership Solutions offers a comprehensive suite of RBLP® training programs that empower individuals and organizations to thrive amidst complexity. From foundational leadership principles to advanced coaching and training techniques, our programs equip professionals at all levels with the tools they need to foster positive organizational climates, develop cohesive teams, and achieve sustainable high performance.

With a foundation in real-world experience and a commitment to excellence, Gary and Erica Wise are dedicated to transforming the leadership landscape in North Central Florida and beyond.

Amanda Wishork is a career banker with over 17 years in the industry.  Amanda has a passion for people and a proven track record of performance.  Prior to TD, she worked in other financial institutions and restaurant management. Amanda started her career at TD Bank in 2007. 

Amanda has been involved in the community at local schools reading to elementary age children. She is part of the GenNext community as well as an ally for the LGBTQ+ Community. Amanda is currently on the board of directors for the Eustis area Chamber of Commerce and participates in lots of local community events.  It has often been said that Amanda has never met a stranger due to her comfort and passion for meeting and talking with people. Asking questions and getting to know people is what she does best. 

When Amanda is not at work you can find her spending time with family and friends at the beach or by the bon fire. Amanda loves visiting her family in her hometown in upstate NY. Amanda enjoys reading as well as taking time to practice self-care. Amanda and her husband have been married for 13 years and have 4 children ranging from ages 12-18. 

Amanda has been the recipient of quarterly wow star several times over her career with TD Bank and has been a two-time winner of the CEO Leadership Trip.