Naperville building managers live American dream
Mina and Ali Setork married in 1976 in their native Tehran, Iran. As young newlyweds they planned to gain American educations and return home. Ali was on a scholarship at Brown University and Mina majored in computer sciences at Southern Illinois University. But the revolution in Iran changed all that.
When their native country was in chaos, they remained in the United States, leaving behind their families and other loved ones.
“That was a tough time,” Mina Setork said. “We decided to stay here and raise a family. But we didn't really have a home until our daughter was 5 years old and we finally said 'This is our life.' We couldn't go back.”
They bought a home in Lisle, established roots and then raised two daughters. They later moved to Naperville, where they continued their careers as college professors. Mina also worked at AT&T Bell Labs. Then Ali got into real estate with a passion, buying residential properties. They started a home office, which eventually grew into a storefront. They incorporated, eliminated the residential properties and focused just on commercial properties with their privately held DynaCom Management Inc. in Naperville.
The firm now has about 15 employees and they manage commercial buildings, including DynaCom Center on McDowell Street, DynaCom Center II and Bond Street Offices, both on Bond Street, among others in Naperville and Warrenville. Their latest project is constructing the iMed campus for medical offices. Ground breaking is scheduled for Nov. 12 and occupancy for fall 2014.
“We have been very blessed,” Mina said. “We have great people in our office and we're always doing above the market. While commercial buildings are hurting, we've been doing good.”
In addition, Ali is on the board of directors for the Naperville Development Partnership and other not-for-profits. Mina is a member of the DuPage PADS board of directors and have sponsored some local charities.
Their two daughters now are grown and have families of their own. Leila Azarbad is a psychologist in Naperville and Sheila Setork is an optometrist in Geneva.
Mina and Ali also have had the chance to travel throughout the world and have since returned to Iran to visit family after the political chaos subsided. The first return visit was emotional, Mina said, but her daughters were young at the time and enjoyed seeing their relatives.
“We've actually been able to accomplish the American dream here,” Mina said. “If you had asked me 40 years ago, where I'd be, I would never have thought of this. But once we came here, we had so many opportunities available to us. We worked hard and it pays off. God has been good to us.”
Consultant in D.C.
Dona Marrone of Naperville, an independent consultant for Premier Designs, a jewelry company, and other members of the Direct Selling Association went to Washington, D.C., to let their elected representatives know that the direct selling model allows them the personal and financial freedom to support their families. “I have always wanted to own my own business, but didn't have the financial capital to purchase a franchise. I wanted to be able to raise my daughters, and now as a single mother, love the flexibility of working around my family, life and values,” she said.
AmCheck gets award
John Bawden, managing principal of AmCheck Payroll, marked the move of the company into the Schaumburg Corporate Center with the announcement that it received an award for “best in class” from Corlea Group of San Diego. Ninety-six percent of those surveyed said the company “excels in responsiveness.”
FastTrack
David Hanson and his wife, Kristen Hanson, have opened Hanson Family Chiropractic in Batavia at the corner of Randall Road and Wilson Street. They're planning a grand opening at 1 p.m. on Nov. 2. ... Johanna White, Summit School principal for eight years, has been named as president and CEO of Summit School Inc. in Elgin, replacing Robert Hansen, who recently retired.
Pam Schutt, boutique clothing stylist from Stein Mart in St. Charles, presented a fashion clinic at Visiting Angels of South Elgin. She offered tips and trends, showing the audience how to create a personalized wardrobe style for the season. ... Donald G. Duvall of Cary has joined Wayne Hummer Investments as senior vice president. Wayne Hummer is part of Wintrust Wealth Management. He will serve as financial adviser for the Cary Bank & Trust. Before that, Duvall worked for BMO Harris Financial Advisors in Huntley and Algonquin.
Mother and son business partners, Sara and Chris Douglas, have opened a My Mail Box location at 1284 S. U.S. Highway 12, Fox Lake. ... Kelly Kah is the new sales manager responsible for corporate accounts at the Q Center conference center in St. Charles. ... Sarah Menke of Naperville and Marinelle Rizzo of Schaumburg have become independent consultants with Tastefully Simple Inc., a national direct sales company featuring more than 60 foods. ... John Kurkowski is now an office managing partner of the Chicago and Oak Brook offices, and Stuart Miller is the local geographic leader for the Chicago and Oak Brook general audit practice for Crowe Horwath LLP, an accounting and consulting firm.
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