Meet our esteemed panel of judges for the Build-Up Berkeley competition! These distinguished individuals come from various sectors of the business world, bringing a wealth of diverse expertise and unique insights to the table. Each judge understands the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship firsthand. Their discerning eyes will evaluate each business plan and pitch with precision, searching for innovation, feasibility, and potential for impact. Their role is pivotal in ensuring the integrity of the competition and selecting the deserving winners. Their commitment to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Berkeley County is truly commendable.
Mary is the Innovation-Technology (In-Tech) Program Manager for the WV Small Business Development Center (SBDC) where she has also worked as a business coach for the last eight years. A native of Morgan County, she spent over 20 years in the Boston high-tech business community as a software engineer, product manager and marketing director.
Drew Johnson is a prominent entrepreneur, restaurateur and concept visionary based in Martinsburg, West Virginia. He is the proud owner of Brix27, the most popular restaurant in the state, which has been featured on America’s Best Restaurants and has won many awards for design and concept.
300 Foxcroft Avenue, Suite 201
Martinsburg, WV 25401
Phone: 304-267-4144
Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
She returned home to West Virginia in 2006 to run the nonprofit Morgan Arts Council as its executive director. Mary earned her M.S. in Information Systems from the Northeastern University Graduate School of Engineering in Boston, a B.A. from the New School for Social Research in New York City, and a marketing certification from Harvard University Extension School. She is also a Certified Business Advisor (CBA®) through Kent State University. Mary has launched and grown her own businesses, including a music production company here in her home state.
Prior to his foray into the restaurant industry, Drew was an original founder of Touchstone Realty, a real estate firm that has gained national recognition based on his high production. He was recognized in the Wall Street Journal as the 11th, 14th, and 27th highest producing agent in the nation three years in a row. Touchstone Realty continues to be one of the highest producing agencies in the area. In addition to his successful real estate career, Drew is also the owner of Panhandle Dumpsters, the leading dumpster provider in the Tri-state area. The company services over 11,000 weekly residential curb side trash collection customers, cementing Drew's reputation as a successful businessman. Drew also owns a rental portfolio of over 100 units, including 23 Airbnb’s that offer luxury living in Berkeley County. He has a keen eye for real estate investments and has been able to grow his portfolio steadily over the years. Drew has been involved in over one billion dollars-worth of real estate transactions in his 21-year career. As a founding member of Clear Water Financial, Drew has been instrumental in providing millions of dollars of funding to local projects. Clearwater manages over $50,000,000 in lendable funds, making it a valuable asset for the community by offering alternative funding. Moreover, Drew's entrepreneurial spirit led him to develop the concept and design for The Hub and all of its locations, which has become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Drew's contributions to the local community have been invaluable, and his success has made him a well-respected figure in Martinsburg and beyond. Drew’s most important achievements include his 20-year marriage to his best friend and raising two perfect (sometimes) young ladies that are poised to attack the world with the same tenacity he has.
She is an active Rotary member, including Past-President and Past-Assistant District Governor for the service organization; she serves on the Health and Human Services Collaborative, the Healthy Smiles Board, and she is an Elder with Tuscarora Presbyterian Church. Having grown up in Martinsburg, she is a Hedgesville High and Shepherd graduate. As a McMurran Scholar, Penny holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a minor in Theater; she is happy to be raising her two daughters, Paige and Phoebe, in her hometown with her husband, David. Rounding out their family is their German Shepherd, Dexter, and rescue cats, Skipper and Gilmore.
Prior to that, Mr. Losada was Vice President for Analytics at Fannie Mae where he worked for almost 20 years developing commercial and residential real estate insights to advance the national mortgage industry. Mr. Losada has a Masters of Arts in Economics from the Johns Hopkins University and a Masters in Science in Finance from the George Washington University. He is a father of three and enjoys golfing and outdoor adventures in the weekends.
She is a Board Member with Main Street Martinsburg, and an active member of her community. After graduating from Hedgesville High School, she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with a focus on Non-Profit Accounting. She spent close to 18 years in the Finance industry until she decided to follow her passion of owning her own business. At Westwood Charm Boutique, the motto says it all, Be Bold. Be Unique. Be You. and Jillian manifests just that in her stylish, comfortable and inspirational boutique shop in Downtown Martinsburg. Customers can expect a size inclusive selection to meet the needs of many while exploring our growing community. She currently lives in Falling Waters with her husband, three fabulous children, and too many animals to name!
Combined with her strong work ethic of integrity and excellence, she is committed to the success of individuals and businesses.
Carol holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor’s in Business Education. She served as the Executive Director of the Region 9 Planning and Development Counsel from 2006-2013. She is currently employed as a full-time professor in the College of Business at Shepherd University and a part-time business coach for the WV Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in the Eastern Panhandle.