The women featured in this article encompass a wide spectrum of businesses ranging from the pragmatic to the creative/artsy. They all possess the above-mentioned attributes of success and reveal why the Port Orchard community is blessed to have them.

On a pragmatic level, we have State Farm agent Dee Fitzgerald. Born and raised in the Puget Sound area, Dee became involved in the insurance field during her college years. While assisting a male agent, she discovered an interest in the field.

On Sept. 1 this year, Dee will celebrate her 20th anniversary as an insurance agent. She designed her first building/office in 1989, moved in, and grew her business steadily. Then in 1998 her business warranted a larger office, so she designed and built her current building at the top of Mile Hill.

Dee attributes her success to her desire of being of value to others. Not only her customers, but everyone she comes in contact with benefits from this trait. She listens to what others say then tries her best to do what is right for them. It is an all around win-win situation.

Her knowledge of both the business and insurance worlds provide her with the aptitude to be both a mentor and a trainer for upcoming agents.

Upon entering her office, one can see her walls are proud displays for handwritten letters of gratitude from clients as well as a variety of plaques recognizing her community involvement.

In her ‘free time’ Dee enjoys scuba diving — the hobby which brought her and her husband together.

What sets Dee Fitzgerald apart from other insurance agents is the fact one gets a strong sense that they are a real person and not simply another insurance policy.

Another pragmatic field would involve when one is in the market for building a new house, has an idea, but is not sure where to turn for the fulfillment of the dream.

Look no further. Port Orchard is privileged to have local home building diva Dori Shobert — owner of Shobert Construction.

Born and raised in Port Orchard, Dori became involved in the home building industry 31 years ago while working side-by-side with her partner. The two formed Shobert Construction, and when her partner wanted to change career paths in 1979- Dori purchased the business.

In her time in the business she has earned an excellent reputation among not only her clients, but her male peers as well. She has served as president of the Homebuilders Association of Kitsap County (HBA), and has won top honors in its annual Parade of Homes several times, as well as being named its Builder of the Year. She serves on the board of the group and a number of years ago was chosen to ramrod a publicity project called the “Eight Hour Wonder” in which HBA members built a home from the ground up in just one work day.

Dori’s self-proclaimed reason for success rests in her treating others with respect and being up-front/honest. She accepts no less than the best from all she is involved with and she knows her boundaries. Her subcontractors know exactly what is expected of them and Dori herself will be out at the site daily to be available for questions. No job is too small for Dori, and if needed she will lend a hand hauling lumber or hammering nails.

Her customers can be assured of high quality since Dori does not associate with subs who try to “cut costs at the expense of quality”. On the opposite end, if a sub’s costs are high, she asks for an explanation. The customer’s interest is always number one with Dori.

In her free time Dori enjoys her Australian Shepherds, while her husband raises cattle on their ranch. She also “does the books” for six businesses and attributes her accounting knowledge as being the backbone of her business success.

So when you need to feel confident knowing someone can handle the entire spectrum of home building — turn to Dori Shobert. You will be glad you did.

This leads us to the more creative/artsy business side, that of Mallory Jackson’s Bay Street Framing.

Mallory will pique your curiosity with her passion of bringing creativeness to your personal treasures. She has always been a creative/artsy type and transforms her love of art easily into her framing business. She develops not only museum quality frames, but unique shadow boxes as well.

On Valentine’s Day, Mallory’s business celebrated its sixth year anniversary. Amongst other traits, she attributes her success to her dedication, perseverance, hard work and passion for what she does.

Upon taking items/pictures they want preserved to Mallory, customers are provided with a multitude of choices for frame materials, glass types, etc. The end product is a cherished piece.

In her ‘free time’ Mallory enjoys reading, mainly English history. She also enjoys her three kittens and two dogs. Being culturally inclined, she frequents Bay Street Playhouse. In November she is sponsoring a play entitled “Tuna Christmas” which will be performed by the South Kitsap Actors Guild.

Most everyone has a favorite photograph or family heirloom hiding away somewhere. Why not take it out of the box, visit Mallory at Bay Street Framing, and have it become a comforting daily site on your favorite wall?

Let us now turn to a business which creates a sense of total pampering and relaxation. Touch of Health, owned by Celia Bentzinger, started as a massage therapy business and has evolved into becoming a full-service day spa.

As soon as one opens the front door to this business, all tension is removed. A sense of tranquillity is provided by the beautiful atmosphere and friendly staff.

After working in retail management for years, a back injury required her to choose a different field. It was then that Celia decided on the skin care industry since it 1) was not male dominated; 2) she could control her schedule; 3) continuing education was required; and 4) age is not a barrier.

A licensed clinical esthetician, Celia loves the client interaction plus the sharing of information. She loves to learn, stating this trait as being beneficial to her success. Seeing her clients happy and smiling provides her with much comfort.

A Seattle native, Celia enjoys renovating houses and is an avid reader. She also is a proud grandmother of three grandsons.

When you visit The Touch of Health during lunch, you can partake of a special treat offered by them of having lunch delivered by our next business — the Victorian Tea Room.

Located on Bethel Avenue, the Victorian Tea Room and Springhouse Gift Shop are owned and operated by Sandy O’Donnell. Sandy will be celebrating her eighth year anniversary here in June. Upon noticing that women shoppers were usually accompanied by either their significant other or children (“non-shoppers”), Sandy could not find an appropriate building to make all parties happy. It was then that she decided to design and build her current landmark building. While the women shopped, the non-shoppers could enjoy a meal in the restaurant.

Ever since childhood, Sandy has enjoyed dolls and found herself finding dolls for others. This gradually evolved into her current business concept.

Sandy attributes her success to having a strong work ethic, and being a dreamer who has the willingness/fortitude to make those dreams come true. She knows that long hours and sacrifices are necessary to fulfill dreams. Business-wise, she is “hands on” and will handle all aspects of her business. She knows the importance of following a business plan and emphasizes the necessity of reinvesting profits into the business for the first few years.

Sandy has a love for people and feels very fortunate to witness others’ passages of life. Wedding rehearsals, baby showers, etc. are common occurrences at her business. Her passion for her field is obvious to all watching and listening to her.

With a background in teaching, and later real estate, Sandy loves to help others. Even though she is originally from Philadelphia, she considers Port Orchard her home since she has been her 26 years.

In her ‘free time’ Sandy loves to garden, spend time with her family (her husband has been a teacher for 24 years), interior designing, and designing buildings.

When you are in the mood to step back in time, escape the everyday stress, visit Sandy’s Victorian Tea Room and enjoy an afternoon tea while sitting in a Victorian era setting. Or, have lunch or dinner after browsing in her wonderful gift store. Your soul will thank you.

(Editor’s Note: Marie E. Buckner is a Port Orchard free-lance writer. Contact her at (360) 613-1085.).