MELODY BIRINGER / foundress of CRAVEcompany

A self-avowed "start-up junkie," Melody has built companies that range from Biringer Farm, a family-run specialty food business to home furnishings to a fitness studio. Now she runs the CRAVEcompany, a network of companies designed to innovatively connect entrepreneurs who approach business in a fresh, new way with the stylish consumers they desire. The CRAVE Company's family includes CRAVEparty, CRAVEguides and CRAVEbusiness. After initially launching CRAVEparty in Seattle, Melody has branched out to over 13 cities including Phoenix, Chicago, Portland, and San Francisco. CRAVEparty has also gone international, in cities like Rotterdam and Toronto. CRAVEparty has expanded into CRAVEbusiness, a resource for entrepreneurs seeking a fresh approach to modern business and CRAVEguides, delivering style and substance through city guides to small businesses, and other content. Melody is a loyal community supporter, versed traveler and strong advocate for women-owned businesses.

SHERRI HANSEN / Crave MARKETING STRATEGIST

Sherri Hansen started her own entrepreneurial career in downtown Snohomish, WA as an interior designer renting space from Melody's furniture store. After five years she started a new venture as a caterer and event planner, and owned and operated Celebrate Catering for the next 15 years. She has spent the last five years working at Dream Dinners Inc, acquiring, establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships, while positioning a new brand into a growing industry by leading a team of individuals with her creative direction and innovation.

Sherri has a keen eye for detail, and great skills at building vendor relationships. She is tenacious and creative in driving customer acquisition programs. She enjoys working with a team, managing others, coordinating events and developing creative materials to support marketing programs. She is now an "empty nester" as both of her daughters are grown, and enjoys her time entertaining and fishing with her husband of 29 years.