Great Guys, Great Cause.
Paying it forward for cancer patients in the Hudson Valley
The Great Guys Event was created in 2016 to honor four “Great Guys”, who have selflessly given assistance to the Hudson Valley Cancer Resource Center (HVCRC). Their initial contributions have enabled the HVCRC to make the cancer journey easier for over 700 patients and their families.
This year, we honor four “Great Guys” who have demonstrated their commitment to our mission and the cancer community in the Hudson Valley. Please join us in celebration, as we honor these four amazing men. In the spirit of giving, we ask attendees to consider to “Pay It Forward” by inviting a Great Guy they know and admire.
EVENT DETAILS
HUDSON VALLEY BLUES ROCK
LIVE MUSIC
BRILLIANT PRIZES FOR MEN
SILENT AUCTION ITEMS
LOCAL BREWERIES LOCAL DISTILLERIES LOCAL CIDERIES
LOCAL CRAFT BEER & SPIRITS
GOURMET FOOD STATIONS
ARTISANAL FARE
2018 HONOREES
2017 HONOREES
2016 HONOREES
THE VENUE
Join us at one of the finest golf and recreational venues in the region. Nestled along the majestic Wallkill River, this venue is perfect for our 3rd annual Great Guys Event.
West Hills Country Club
121 Golf Links Road Middletown, NY 10940
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY
Tickets are limited for this exclusive event!
Kick off your summer at the premier MEN ONLY networking event of 2018. Tickets will sell out quickly, so don’t delay. Tickets also make a great gift for your significant other, to let them know you think they’re a Great Guy!
I'd like to attend
I'd like to Invite a Great Guy
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OUR 2018 ALCOHOL VENDORS
We are very grateful to the following vendors
OUR 2018 SPONSORS
We are very grateful to the following sponsors
Integrity Sponsor
Loyalty Sponsors
Tenacity Sponsors
Commitment Sponsors
Persistence Sponsors
Media Sponsor
OUR 2017 SPONSORS
We are very grateful to the following sponsors
Integrity Sponsor
Loyalty Sponsors
Tenacity Sponsors
Commitment Sponsors
Persistence Sponsors
Media Sponsor
CORPORATE PARTNERS
James P. Smith, Jr., president and founder of Advance Testing Company, Inc., was raised in Pearl River, New York. Following high school, Jim earned his AAS in Civil Engineering from Alfred State College in 1977, followed by a BS in Civil Engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1982. He then started his career at Ward Pavements in Haverstraw, NY, as a materials technician. Jim would later take the position of Chief Quality Control Technician for Plaza Materials Co., a subsidiary of Yonkers Contracting, prior to founding Advance Testing in 1984.
Since that time, Advance Testing has grown to be an established, respected mid-size business with over 100 employees. Advance Testing operates a state-of-the-art, accredited materials testing laboratory in Campbell Hall, NY, with additional facilities in Central New York, Massachusetts and Florida, which allows the firm to service projects across the Eastern seaboard, as well as in parts of Canada.
In 1995, Jim founded Atech Center, Inc., specializing in construction materials testing training course development and instruction. Atech Center has become the primary course development firm for the Northeast Transportation Technician Certification Program, an eight state training organization that covers New England, New York and Ohio. The firm most recently completed a training manual in cooperation with the New York State Department of Transportation and Alfred State College. Atech Center has developed additional training programs and manuals for the New York State Department of Transportation, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the State University of New York and many private sector clients.
Outside of business ventures, he has also been active in the community and has served on the board of directors for a number of organizations, some of which include Newburgh Rotary (past president), Orange County Chamber of Commerce (past chairman), Orange County Partnership (past chairman), Orange County Workforce Investment Board (past chairman), Orange County Citizens Foundation, Mount Saint Mary College, SUNY Orange, Hudson Valley Boy Scout Council (past Chairman), Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, Patterns for Progress, New York State Chapter of the Associated General Contractors and the Construction Contractors Association. One of the firms’ major achievements is holding membership in over eighty community and professional organizations.
Over the years, Jim has been fortunate to be honored by a number of organizations, receiving awards such as the Medium-Size Business of the Year from the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts of America, Hudson Valley Council Distinguished Citizen, Board Member of the Year – Orange County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Orange Award, Orange County Youth Awards Outstanding Business Community Partner Award, the Dr. Milton Ash Corporate Inspiration Award, Orange County Community College Leadership and Business Award and the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Gateway to Entrepreneurial Tomorrows, Inc. Recently, Advance Testing was proud to be a recipient of the American Council of Independent Laboratories Seal of Excellence Award. While serving as president of the Newburgh Rotary, they had a motto of “Real happiness is helping others.” Since that time, Jim has adopted that as his personal philosophy and has strived to live by those words.
Jim has been blessed with a wonderful wife, Nancy Smith. Together they have six children and nine grandchildren. Hence, one of his hobbies is traveling to visit their grandchildren who reside in Arizona, South Carolina and Florida. Jim and Nancy live in beautiful Orange County, but spend most weekends at their cabin in upstate NY. Together they enjoy gardening, hiking, fishing, photography, traveling and watching sunsets.
Surprisingly, Charlie began his work as a creative in music, at a young age. He grew up in Orange County and after graduating from Valley Central, he wrote, produced, recorded and mixed albums for independent and platinum recording artists alike, for nearly a decade. His work with performing artists afforded him the opportunity to tour the world exploring almost every US state, Canada, South America, Asia and Europe.
Inspired by his travels, Charlie decided to leave his career as a music producer to explore other avenues of creativity. Some highlights from these formative years include living in the Amazon, where he was asked to write for National Geographic Traveler. Having his photography published on the cover and inside the inaugural issue of West Point Magazine. And working on graphic design projects for artists like Prince, Sade and John Legend. Through exploring various outlets for his creativity, he eventually landed in the world of web design; where his love for creativity, technology and strategy could thrive.
In 2011, he returned to Orange County, working as a freelance designer until the birth of his daughter, Solstice in 2013. It was at that point, that Volum8 Creative was also born. Not only to provide for his growing family, but to build a company and a culture that could create innovative solutions for a brave new technological world. All while bringing it home to the Hudson Valley.
At present, Charlie is active in the local community as a Board of Director for the Orange County Partnership, a leader of the Hudson Valley Tech Meetup, a fellow of Etsy.com’s Good Work Institute and a supporter of local non-profits, like the Hudson Valley Cancer Resource Center. There is much “good work” still to be done in the world and Charlie hopes to leave a legacy doing just that.
Prior to joining Walden Savings Bank, Mr. Wynkoop was with Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (HVFCU), from 2004 to 2011. He was Vice President of Retail Delivery & Marketing, where he was responsible for 21 branch locations, the Contact Center, HVFCU Financial Services, Insurance Agency of Hudson Valley, Business Development and Marketing. He was Chief Financial Officer from 2004 to 2007.
Prior to his work with HVFCU, Mr. Wynkoop was the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Marketing of Walden Federal S&L, from 1990 to 2004. He also served as President of the bank’s Ever-Green Financial Services. While at Walden Federal, Derrik hosted a radio show called “Financial Talk”.
Mr. Wynkoop served as an Adjunct Lecturer of Business in the undergraduate and MBA programs at Marist College (1996-2003) and as an Adjunct Professor of Business in the undergraduate program at Mount Saint Mary College (1992-1999). Wynkoop currently serves as a member of Marist College’s Hudson Valley Scholars program that awards scholarships to area graduates. In 2015, he collaborated with MSMC to create a 10 year endowed WSB / Medici Scholar’s Program.
In the community, Mr. Wynkoop is currently the Immediate Past Chairman for the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan County, and has served on the board since 2001. Also, he is the Chair-Elect for the SUNY Orange Foundation and has been on the board since 2010; and became a Board Member of the Orange County Partnership in 2016. Mr. Wynkoop was Co-President and Founder of the Walden Community Council from 1996 to 1999, an organization celebrating its 20th year in 2016. He also served as Vice President of the Walden Local Development Corporation from 1998 to 2004 and was one of the community leaders responsible for the 4 day construction of the Walden Community Park in 2001 at Wooster’s Grove in Walden.
In 1991, Mr. Wynkoop was one of the original Board of Directors for the Wallkill Valley Health Center (WVHC) in Walden; where he still serves as Vice President. He later joined the board of the Hudson River HealthCare (HRH) in Peekskill when WVHC became a satellite of HRH.
While at the credit union, Mr. Wynkoop was one of sixteen individuals nationwide selected to participate in the prestigious Filene’s Research Institute. He is currently the Hudson Valley Bank Representative for NYBA PAC and hosted a “Take Your Lawmaker to Work Day” with Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney in 2015.
In November 2015, Wynkoop received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Cornerstone Family Healthcare at the Annual Pillar’s of the Community Gala. In January 2017, Wynkoop served as the keynote speaker for the 7th Annual Village of Walden Leadership Awards.
Cancer awareness, prevention and education are a personal passion for Mr. Wynkoop. Under his leadership, Walden Savings Bank received the Corporate Community Partner award in 2014 from the American Cancer Society (ACS). Annually the bank participates in Relays for Life in Pine Bush and Newburgh and in 2013 an employee cookbook was produced with 100% of the proceeds going to the ACS. In 2016, Wynkoop was one of 15 Orange County men who dressed in pink everyday in October as part of the Real Men Wear Pink Initiative and over $50,000 was raised. Wynkoop and the bank have supported The Cancer Resource Center of the Hudson Valley with mini-grants and employee dress down days with all proceeds going to the Center.
Five generations of the Wynkoop family have lived in Walden and Mr. Wynkoop currently resides there with his wife Allison. He has three children, Sara, Christopher and Matthew. He received his Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Master of Business Administration in Accounting from Marist College. Mr. Wynkoop also possesses his securities (Series 6, 7 and 63) and life insurance licenses.
Sheriff DuBois leads by example. His criminal justice education and information systems experience brought with him prior to taking office in 2003 is comprehensive and extensive. He has participated in crime sweeps, special operations, marine patrol on the Hudson River, bike patrol on the Heritage Trail, and other details covered by the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office also includes a 400,000 square foot, 803 bed correctional facility, as well as investigations, K-9, Narcotics Task Force, and joint operations with Federal agencies. He has twice served as Co-Chair and Chair of the Zone 4 Counter-Terrorism Task Force. He attended the 219th Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA from September 2004 – December 2004, and also attended the 89th Session National Sheriff’s Institute in Longmont, CO, sponsored by the National Institute of Corrections and the National Sheriff’s Association. Sheriff DuBois has been very visible in all parts of Orange County, participating in many community and various organizational events.
In 2003, Sheriff DuBois promised to bring the Sheriff’s Office into the 21st Century and has delivered. The Sheriff’s Office has gone through major reorganization and restructuring on all levels, culminating in December 2005, with New York State Law Enforcement Accreditation by the Division of Criminal Justice Services. In May 2007, the Corrections Division received accreditation by the New York State Sheriff’s Association and the American Correctional Association, and subsequently achieved accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare. In 2015, the office received another accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, in addition to the prestigious Triple Crown Award from the National Sheriff’s Association, recognizing the Sheriff’s Office as being one of 40 nationwide to hold 3 national accreditations. In 2014, he planned and oversaw construction of an outdoor firearms training facility for agency staff as well as civilian firearms training programs. Sheriff DuBois encourages his staff to be innovative and adapt to constant change within all divisions of the Sheriff’s Office. He is an advocate for municipalities sharing resources and constant training to stay current. The Sheriff’s Office works together with all Orange County agencies and countywide elected officials.
Sheriff DuBois oversees a budget of approximately $70 million, and manages a revenue stream of about $8 million yearly, mostly through boarding US Immigration & Customs detainees. There is also revenue from the Civil Division, and additional revenue through various firearms training programs.
Orange County has a population of approximately 372,000 people and an area of 835 square miles, located approximately 50 miles northwest of New York City.
Dan started working part-time in the family steel business while in high school. He learned how to weld and fabricate structural and miscellaneous steel. After high school, Dan worked full-time in the field, first working under a foreman erecting structural and miscellaneous steel, and was then promoted to foreman of his own crew.
In 2003, Dan formed a steel erection company, Gabriel Steel Erectors, Inc. The following year, Dan started his own steel fabrication business, Orange County Ironworks, LLC. Dan oversees the day to day operations of both companies, focusing heavily on estimating and client development.
In 2009, with the continued success of both companies, Dan was able to purchase a piece of property on Maybrook Road in Montgomery and start construction of his state of the art fabrication facility. The building was completed in 2010, and Dan moved his staff into the new facility.
Most of the steel fabricated at the Montgomery facility is shipped to jobsites in NYC for erection by Gabriel Steel Erectors. Both Orange County Ironworks and Gabriel Steel Erectors have been highlighted in several trade magazines for their excellent work on various projects.
In addition to his duties for his businesses, Dan has also been involved in a number of industry-related organizations. Dan is a former board member of Construction Contractors Association.
He is currently a board member of the Journeyman and Apprentice Committee for Ironworkers Local 417 as well as a trustee of the Ironworkers Locals 40/361/417. Dan is a member of Allied Building Metal Industries, Inc., as well as the Fabricators, Erectors & Reinforcing Contractors Association.
After military service, Pete attended the University of Washington in Seattle on the G.I. Bill majoring in Economics and English. After college, he joined his father, mother and two brothers in Montreal where, with his father’s encouragement, he sought and got a job in advertising as a (very, very) junior copywriter/trainee in the Montreal office of J. Walter Thompson Canada. (At the time, JWT was the world’s largest advertising agency.)
JWT and advertising turned out to be a perfect fit for Pete. He moved up through the ranks in J. Walter Thompson-Montreal and then JWT-New York (1956-1969). On the way, he learned and excelled in his craft as a marketing and “branding” strategist. In Montreal, he held several positions, including V.P. Creative Director, V.P. General Manager and, at 26, became the youngest General Manager in JWT. Next step was a transfer to JWT-NY as a V.P. Creative Supervisor and creative trouble-shooter with a team tasked to tackle and solve difficult problems on major accounts.
In 1973, Pete set out on his own and was the founding partner of what became one of New York’s hottest, most successful advertising agencies – Mathieu, Gerfen & Bresner of New York (1973 -1981), a full service advertising agency & marketing communications company expert in positioning and differentiating premium brands and services. Perhaps MGB’s most notable success was the introduction of Perrier Naturally Sparkling Mineral Water to the USA and the resulting creation of the bottled water category industry.
In time, MGB was acquired by the Bloom Agency of New York & Dallas (1981-1984) where Pete became Vice-Chairman with overall creative and new business responsibility in both New York and Dallas. (During that period, the agency landed an Anheuser-Busch brand and grew from $90 to S200 million.)
In 1981, in search of a weekend get-away, Pete landed in Orange County’s Town of Montgomery where he purchased a 104 acre farm with a circa 1800 farm house desperately in need of restoration … White Tail Springs Farm. In the 90’s, as the Internet became “mainstream” and more and more business could be done on-line, Pete became a permanent resident when he moved his business and home to the Village and the Town of Montgomery. Local clients served at this time included: United Way of Orange County, Orange County Tourism, Frontier Communications, Horton Medical Center, ORMC – Orange Regional Medical Center, Reebok, Rockport, Calistoga Spring Water (CA), Celestial Seasonings Ice Teas, General Foods, Frank Shorter Sports, Dewers, etc.
Now, in semi-retirement, he volunteers to put his skills to work supporting Orange County causes and activities such as: Hudson Valley Cancer Resource Center, Orange County Veterans’ Association, OC Veterans’ Discount Program, United Way of Orange County, Montgomery Memorial Day Parade, Annual General Montgomery Day 8K, Memorial Day parades, the St. Pat’s Ramble, Orange County Volunteer Firemen’s Museum, etc.
166 Benedict Road, Montgomery, NY 12549
Born and raised in the Village of Montgomery. Graduated from Montgomery High School and attended Orange County Community College. Majored in business and real estate.
Founder and Broker of Devitt Real Estate, with extensive experience in land subdivisions, the development of single-family dwellings, commercial businesses and apartment complexes to contribute to the growth of the Village of Montgomery.
Founder and President of numerous corporations including Super 8 Motels Northeast, Super 8 Management East, Winding Hills Golf Course, The Barge Inn/Super 8 Motel of Ithaca, Devitt Management & Associates, Inc., Springhouse Apartments Ltd. and others.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
New York State Business Development Corporation; Director
Orange County Firefighters Museum and Education Center, Founder, Past President, Board Member
Orange County Firefighters Association, Lifetime Member
Orange County Chamber of Commerce, Emeritus Board Member
Orange County Foreign Trade Zone; Member
Orange County Partnership; Director
Orange County Citizens Foundation; Past Director, Past President and Recipient of Ottaway Medal Award
Orange County Water Authority; Past Director
Orange County Legislator; 18th District 1978-1986
Orange County Democrat of the Year 2005
Orange County Board of Realtors, Past Member
Town of Montgomery Chamber of Commerce; Director and Past President
Town of Montgomery IDA; President
Stewart Advisory Commission, Member
Montgomery Fire Department, Wallkill Engine & Hose Company; Past Captain, 1st and 2nd Lieutenant and Past President
Town of Montgomery Planning Board, Past Member
Town of Montgomery Board of Assessors, Past Member
Village of Montgomery Historical Society, Founder and Past President
Senator Art Gray’s Land Use Committee for Stewart Airport, Past Member
Walden Rotary Club; Past President and Past Member
Super 8 Motel Presidents Advisory Council; Past Member
National Democratic Delegate
For the last 19 years, Joe and wife Marie, who are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary this year, have made their home and raised their children in Cornwall, New York as well as spending time at their second home in Dana Point, California. Three of their children, Nicholas, Joseph and Hailey, are in college this year and Joe’s oldest daughter, Michelle, works with him at his company.
Joe lost his father, Paul, to Leukemia when he was 18. So when Casey MacDonald approached him with the concept to launch the Hudson Valley Cancer Resource Center, he encouraged her and jumped in to help her bring it to life. Joe wanted to honor his father’s memory and also try to help others who are facing the same devastating emotional and financial struggles his family experienced during his dad’s battle with cancer.
Joe founded Belsito Communications Inc. from his dining room table in 1993 and grew from a one-man show to a multi-million-dollar business with dozens of employees throughout the United States, including both coasts. The corporation was recently honored by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation.
Belsito Communications Inc. is diverse. In addition to publishing a variety of niche newspapers in 26 states, the company has launched strategic marketing, branding and custom software/website projects and business spin-offs into a wide variety of industries from banking and real estate to insurance and travel. Its strategic partners and customer base ranges from many local businesses, to national companies such as CNN, The Associated Press, MetLife, AFLAC, Peoples Bank, Skyline Financial, the American Red Cross and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.