Arlington runner's transformation includes national award
About six years ago, Pom Rousehad headaches, frequently felt tired and had other health concerns until she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. Still, every day she encountered healthy, vibrant people who came into the athletic supply store called Runners High ‘n Tri in Arlington Heights that she co-owns with husband, Mark Rouse.
She was inspired by the customers, many who were marathoners who achieved incredible goals and often competed for charities to help others. She talked with her husband, a longtime marathon runner, and others and began working out. That led to walking and then running, then competitions in 5K races and, eventually, the 2011 Chicago Marathon, finishing in 5 hours, 21 minutes.
“It's a decision you have to make to live a better life,” she said.
Rouse, 41, experienced an incredible turnaround, just like 15 years ago when she left her native Thailand and married Mark, arriving in the United States to start a new life.
The Rouses, along with two other business partners, also gave new life to their retail store by expanding and moving it from Dunton to Campbell Street in Arlington Heights. In fact, the store was honored last week during a ceremony in Austin, Texas, by Competitor Magazine for being among the Top 50 Best Running Retailers in America. Another suburban store, Naperville Running Company in Naperville, was also named to the list.
“We have become a solution for a lot of people,” Rouse said.
Pet-friendly Realtor moves to Coldwell
Jeannine Haffner, known as the “Pet Friendly Realtor,” has joined Coldwell Banker's Lombard office. Haffner has a passion for animals and is a volunteer at the West suburban Humane Society in Downers Grove, where she helps homeless dogs find new homes with loving families. Like many she has met throughout her career as a Realtor, Haffner considers her pets as family members and enjoys working with other animal lovers.
Keson recognized
Aaron Nosek, president of Aurora-based manufacturer Keson Industries, said the company was recognized nationally for its marketing for product package design with the 2012 STAR Award, and locally for its emphasis on conservation, being named one of The Conservation Foundation's Fab 40.
Changes at Cooper's Hawk
David A. Grooms, former vice president and chief information officer at McDonald's Corp. in Oak Brook, has been named the senior vice president of information systems with Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants, a multiunit winery, restaurant and retail concept in Countryside. Other corporate changes include Michael Moore is the new vice president of operations; Jill Golder replaces Dee Sortino as chief financial officer, as Sortino steps into her new role as executive vice president of production; Ron Dee is the new senior vice president of development; and Robert Hartley has been named director of culinary operations. Founder and CEO Tim McEnery opened his first location in south suburban Orland Park in 2005 and now has 10 locations, including Arlington Heights, Naperville, South Barrington and Wheeling. Three more establishments are expected to open in Florida, Missouri and Ohio.
FastTrack
Hoffman Estates resident Michael J. Sisto joined Itasca-based Lemko Corp. as vice president of sales. He has about 30 years of technology and telecommunication experience with various companies, including IBM in Schaumburg. ... Hussain Hasan, a consulting principal based in Schaumburg, was elected to a four-year term as board member of McGladrey LLP, a provider of assurance, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market.
Thomas McNeela of Inverness and Michael Jan of Naperville were expected to be among the competitors at TigerDirect's Chicago Consumer PC Race over last weekend at CompUSA/TigerDirect.com store in Hoffman Estates. They vied to see who could build the fastest PC. ... Gregory J. Guidos has been named president of Allstate Benefits in Northbrook and will replace current President David Bird when he retires in March. Guidos will report to Don Civgin, president and CEO of Allstate Financial. ... Aurora resident Kevin Cross has been named news director for Comcast SportsNet Chicago. Comcast has its Midwest headquarters in Schaumburg.
Matthew L. Primack is now vice president of Clinical Institutes at Advocate Condell in Libertyville. In his new role at Advocate Condell, Primack will oversee clinical operations of the Heart and Vascular Center, Oncology Services, Rehabilitation Services, and the Immediate Care Centers. Primack will also spearhead the growth and development of key strategic service lines at Condell, including the cardiovascular, oncology, and orthopedic services.
Sanjay Khosla, executive vice president and president of developing markets at Mondelez International in Deerfield, will retire in the spring. Afterward, Khosla will continue to work with the company through the end of 2013 as a consultant to sponsor and further advance Mondelez International's leadership development programs. ... Bruce Donenberg, emergency physician and president of DuPage Emergency Physicians LTD in Downers Grove, said the group marks its 30-year anniversary with Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. ... Michael J. Horne has been hired as the regional director who oversees acquisitions, leasing and asset management in the Chicago area for Palm Beach, Fla.-based Serling Organization, a privately owned retail real estate investment and services company. He soon will be based at Hoffman Plaza shopping center in Hoffman Estates.
Scott Abney will head the new SQS USA Inc., which has moved to a new space at 1548 Bond St. in Naperville, owned and operated by DynaCom Management Inc. The move marks an expansion for SQS, now with an office with 1,957 square feet, nearly double the size of its former location. It had previously occupied 1,067 square feet at 1601 Bond St. SQS USA offers software. ... Greg Brown, chairman and CEO of Motorola Solutions in Schaumburg, was named to the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago board as deputy chair for 2013.
Family practice physician Alison Holloway has joined the staff of Northwestern Memorial Physicians Group in Lake Forest. Holloway has practiced at the Grayslake Family Health Center in Grayslake and at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital. ... Tom Henry assumed the role of chief operating officer; Arthur Reingold joined as vice president of marketing; and CyHyoung Park accepted the position of director of digital marketing at Bridgestone Retail Operations LLC in Bloomingdale. ... Savvy Interior Design's Donna Hall is featured in the November/December issue of Hinsdale Living.
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