About Us
Laura Kirby-Meck, Chief Executive Officer
For over twenty years I have shared my passion for marketing, sales, coaching and training with public and privately held companies. My strength and experience comes from time spent in Operations, Sales & Marketing; primary industry focus has been healthcare, hospitality, and technology.
I take great pride in helping businesses grow and move in new directions; from start- up companies that do not have a need or resources for a full time marketing team to seasoned businesses that need a fresh set of eyes. I have found my greatest asset is taking a company's goals and objectives and turning them into strategic and tactical action plans for success!
If growing your business through marketing, branding, communication and public relations has been on your "to-do" list, call me today to see how together we can give your business the jump start needed!
For over twenty years I have shared my passion for marketing, sales, coaching and training with public and privately held companies. My strength and experience comes from time spent in Operations, Sales & Marketing; primary industry focus has been healthcare, hospitality, and technology.
I take great pride in helping businesses grow and move in new directions; from start- up companies that do not have a need or resources for a full time marketing team to seasoned businesses that need a fresh set of eyes. I have found my greatest asset is taking a company's goals and objectives and turning them into strategic and tactical action plans for success!
If growing your business through marketing, branding, communication and public relations has been on your "to-do" list, call me today to see how together we can give your business the jump start needed!
Elizabeth L. Lilley, Chief Perspective Officer
Elizabeth Lilley is a partner in possibility for leaders and emerging executives in business and community. Wearing glasses since the age of two, she brings a variety of fresh perspectives in facilitating a vision of growth and transformation beyond the limitations of the day to day business experience.
Elizabeth has been facilitating change as a Coach, Business Analyst, Project Manager and Consultant for more than 25 years with extensive experience in financial services, information technology, consulting and manufacturing industries as well as local and globally focused NGO’s.
Growing The Launch Box™ fulfills a primary objective of helping entrepreneurs and business leaders survive and thrive in both stable and volatile economies. She delights in providing the resources that inspire and strengthen individuals, teams and families in bringing their talents to the local, national and global marketplace.
A Certified Hudson Institute Coach (CHIC) and Associate Certified Coach (ACC) of the International Coach Federation, Elizabeth received her MAS in Information Technology Management from Johns Hopkins University, a Certificate in Transformational Leadership from Georgetown University, and her BA in French from Salisbury University. Through the Global Business Network, Elizabeth completed the renowned training "Developing and Using Scenarios" for strengthening organizational strategy and future perspective. She is qualified to administer and interpret the MBTI, SEI, SEI 360, OTCI and PMAI instruments as well as other professional development assessments and is also a Certified Reach Personal Brand Strategist.
Elizabeth avidly follows news, foreign policy, politics, and current events for topics of her own interest as well as those that relate to the work of her clients. She generously shares information and always enjoys a good intellectual discussion with friends and colleagues. She currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Elizabeth Lilley is a partner in possibility for leaders and emerging executives in business and community. Wearing glasses since the age of two, she brings a variety of fresh perspectives in facilitating a vision of growth and transformation beyond the limitations of the day to day business experience.
Elizabeth has been facilitating change as a Coach, Business Analyst, Project Manager and Consultant for more than 25 years with extensive experience in financial services, information technology, consulting and manufacturing industries as well as local and globally focused NGO’s.
Growing The Launch Box™ fulfills a primary objective of helping entrepreneurs and business leaders survive and thrive in both stable and volatile economies. She delights in providing the resources that inspire and strengthen individuals, teams and families in bringing their talents to the local, national and global marketplace.
A Certified Hudson Institute Coach (CHIC) and Associate Certified Coach (ACC) of the International Coach Federation, Elizabeth received her MAS in Information Technology Management from Johns Hopkins University, a Certificate in Transformational Leadership from Georgetown University, and her BA in French from Salisbury University. Through the Global Business Network, Elizabeth completed the renowned training "Developing and Using Scenarios" for strengthening organizational strategy and future perspective. She is qualified to administer and interpret the MBTI, SEI, SEI 360, OTCI and PMAI instruments as well as other professional development assessments and is also a Certified Reach Personal Brand Strategist.
Elizabeth avidly follows news, foreign policy, politics, and current events for topics of her own interest as well as those that relate to the work of her clients. She generously shares information and always enjoys a good intellectual discussion with friends and colleagues. She currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Eric Meck, Vice President
With over 15 years in the Hospitality Technology and Office Automation Industries, I have achieved a successful track record in evaluation, planning, execution, and follow-through in a variety of customer and client-focused positions. I have been successful in gaining customer and team confidence, while building long-term, profitable relationships. As a creative and detail oriented person, I have developed roles that have provided the opportunity to showcase my abilities and promote leadership, allowing me to foster and become an integral part of an organization's success.
Specialties
I have a strong aptitude for customer service, detail oriented organizational skills and demonstrated leadership. Additional specialties include:
With over 15 years in the Hospitality Technology and Office Automation Industries, I have achieved a successful track record in evaluation, planning, execution, and follow-through in a variety of customer and client-focused positions. I have been successful in gaining customer and team confidence, while building long-term, profitable relationships. As a creative and detail oriented person, I have developed roles that have provided the opportunity to showcase my abilities and promote leadership, allowing me to foster and become an integral part of an organization's success.
Specialties
I have a strong aptitude for customer service, detail oriented organizational skills and demonstrated leadership. Additional specialties include:
- Management (Account, Human Resource, Project, Case)
- Customer Service & Communication
- Corporate Presentations / Negotiation
- Contract sales and renewal to Fortune 500 / 100 companies
- Sales / Marketing
- Proposal / Requirement Writing
- Presentation and Training
- Expo and Trade Show
Maggie Clayton, Executive Director
For over 20 years Maggie has worked in the technology and hospitality arenas with her core focus on customer relations and marketing activities. During her career Maggie has managed multiple projects, implementations, departments, accounts and people.
While gaining significant experience, Maggie has gained the most personal fulfillment from mentoring her clients, employees and colleagues. She has shared that, “Watching someone grow personally and professionally to reach success provides payback for years to come. Knowing you played a positive role in someone's life is very gratifying.”
Maggie is committed to creating and maintaining personal relationships with clients. She has managed hundreds of clients over the years. Ensuring clients feel they can trust who they are working with is paramount.
Maggie Clayton’s strength lies in bridging a client's desire with the products or services available.
"I like to keep it real, but more importantly I solve problems in the most straight forward manner available."
For over 20 years Maggie has worked in the technology and hospitality arenas with her core focus on customer relations and marketing activities. During her career Maggie has managed multiple projects, implementations, departments, accounts and people.
While gaining significant experience, Maggie has gained the most personal fulfillment from mentoring her clients, employees and colleagues. She has shared that, “Watching someone grow personally and professionally to reach success provides payback for years to come. Knowing you played a positive role in someone's life is very gratifying.”
Maggie is committed to creating and maintaining personal relationships with clients. She has managed hundreds of clients over the years. Ensuring clients feel they can trust who they are working with is paramount.
Maggie Clayton’s strength lies in bridging a client's desire with the products or services available.
"I like to keep it real, but more importantly I solve problems in the most straight forward manner available."
Rory Fincham, Graphic Designer & Web Technology Specialist
Since first days with a Commodore 64 Rory has had a strong love for designing and coding user interfaces. For over 15 years he has honed his design and web advertising skills through consistent education in the newest developments of web technology.
Mr. Fincham’s strength and experience comes time spent in Graphic Design, Web Marketing, Web-Centric Programming, and Social Media Strategy; primary industry focus has been B2B retail and technology.
In the years spent obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout Rory learned that to fully understand the world around him he had to "Be Prepared." Taking this motto into account Rory has spent much of his free time reading and fine-tuning his skills, and keeping up with the latest working documents by the W3C.
Since first days with a Commodore 64 Rory has had a strong love for designing and coding user interfaces. For over 15 years he has honed his design and web advertising skills through consistent education in the newest developments of web technology.
Mr. Fincham’s strength and experience comes time spent in Graphic Design, Web Marketing, Web-Centric Programming, and Social Media Strategy; primary industry focus has been B2B retail and technology.
In the years spent obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout Rory learned that to fully understand the world around him he had to "Be Prepared." Taking this motto into account Rory has spent much of his free time reading and fine-tuning his skills, and keeping up with the latest working documents by the W3C.
Amanda Rose Hrabik, Marketing Specialist
Amanda Rose Hrabik, newest member of Sonata Venture. Organized and open minded and a recent graduate of Stevenson University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Communications Amanda joins the team as Marketing Specialist. She will focus much of her time on content development, social media and marketing and building strong community relationships.
While at Stevenson, Amanda studied Marketing, Media Relations, Design for Business, Event Industry, Intercultural Communications, Magazine and News and Feature Writing. She studied abroad in London and had the pleasure of visiting many other countries including Spain, Italy, Germany, and France to experience the people and tradition of other cultures.
Amanda interned for Professionals in the City, working on promotion and events including speed dating, mixers, and wine tasting.
Amanda is a huge advocate for customer service and customer relationships. She has worked at Hoffman’s Ice Cream and Deli gaining valuable hands on experience in direct retail and customer relations.
Ms. Hrabik has enjoyed volunteer work with Carroll County Humane Society, Carroll Hospital Center, and is a Girl Scout Gold Award Recipient. During her free time, she takes time for the simple pleasures of life family and friends, traveling, and snowboarding.
Amanda Rose Hrabik, newest member of Sonata Venture. Organized and open minded and a recent graduate of Stevenson University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Communications Amanda joins the team as Marketing Specialist. She will focus much of her time on content development, social media and marketing and building strong community relationships.
While at Stevenson, Amanda studied Marketing, Media Relations, Design for Business, Event Industry, Intercultural Communications, Magazine and News and Feature Writing. She studied abroad in London and had the pleasure of visiting many other countries including Spain, Italy, Germany, and France to experience the people and tradition of other cultures.
Amanda interned for Professionals in the City, working on promotion and events including speed dating, mixers, and wine tasting.
Amanda is a huge advocate for customer service and customer relationships. She has worked at Hoffman’s Ice Cream and Deli gaining valuable hands on experience in direct retail and customer relations.
Ms. Hrabik has enjoyed volunteer work with Carroll County Humane Society, Carroll Hospital Center, and is a Girl Scout Gold Award Recipient. During her free time, she takes time for the simple pleasures of life family and friends, traveling, and snowboarding.
