CARLSBAD, CA— The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the launch of its Top 50 Over 50 tribute, a special edition of the Carlsbad Business Journal honoring fifty extraordinary leaders, entrepreneurs, and community champions who prove that success only grows with time.
This inaugural recognition celebrates individuals over the age of 50 who continue to break barriers, inspire innovation, and shape the future of our region. These honorees span diverse industries and backgrounds, yet share one common thread: they are redefining what it means to thrive in the second half of life.
“We’re shining a spotlight on the power of experience,” said Carlsbad Chamber President and CEO, Bret Schanzenbach. “Our Top 50 Over 50 are not only leaders in business, but also mentors, visionaries, and catalysts for positive change in Carlsbad.”
The special Top 50 Over 50 edition of the Carlsbad Business Journal is available now in print and online. Readers will find compelling stories of resilience, reinvention, and relentless dedication to community and purpose.
To view the full list of honorees and read their stories, grab a printed copy on stands around town or visit page 2 of the digital journal.
Carlsbad’s 50 over 50
Alan Shimamoto
Strategic Growth Partner, Leadership Coach, and Speaker
Accelerate Growth Coaching
Andria Taylor
Founder
The Mentors Collective
Bennett Mann
Business Advisor
The Chase Group
Betty Moore
President
Bottom Line Management
Brad and Beth Thorp
CEO/Co-Founder and Executive Director/Co-Founder
Mitchell Thorp Foundation
Bryan Devore
Realtor and Owner
Devore Realty Group
Carol Fehr
Senior Sales Director
MaryKay Cosmetics
Carolyn Reinmiller
President
Carolyn B. Reinmiller Public Relations
Cherimarie Poulos
Owner & Founder
Carlsbad Food Tours
Chris
Cochran
Director of Operations
Carlsbad Chamber Community Foundation
Chris Ryan
Owner / Founder
Chris Ryan Video Productions
Christine Davis
Executive Director
Carlsbad Village Association
Dan Baillie
Principal
Withum
Dan Sweiger
Owner/President
BrightStar Care of Carlsbad
Devin Hughes
Speaker, Author, Thought Leader
Devin C. Hughes
Diane Campbell
President
Woman’s Club of Carlsbad
Fernando Beltran Lupi
Owner
Believe In Signs
Geoff Patnoe
City Manager
City of Carlsbad
Gita Nassiri
Owner
Capital Legacy Law, Inc.
Jani Jackson
Founder
Develop Your Team
Jason Labrum
Founder and CEO
IDA Wealth
Jill McManigal
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Kids for Peace
Joanna Archer
Deputy Chief Operations Officer
Endeavor Bank
John Otto
Airport Manager
McClellan-Palomar Airport
John Sanders
Founder
JohnSanders.com
JR Phillips
Broker/Owner
Phillips + Co. Real Estate
Julee Vecchio
Owner, Founder
Gusto Cheese & Charcuterie
Julie Lowen
Chief Financial Officer
Children’s Paradise Preschool & Infant Centers
Justin Jachura
President/Operator
Señor Grubby’s and Grubby’s Poke
Kate Rhodes
COO
Pictor Holdings Inc.
Kathy Steffen
Director of Fun
Carlsbad Chamber
of Commerce
Kay Sundaram
Executive Director
STEM Aviation Academy
Keith Blackburn
Mayor
City of Carlsbad
Lily
Quan
CEO/ Broker
Q Homes
Lisane Basquiat
Owner
Hera Hub Carlsbad & Shaping Freedom
Lori Boody
Executive Director
VANC
Melanie Burkholder
City Council Member
City of Carlsbad
Mike Calderwood
Fire Chief
City of Carlsbad Fire Department
Naila Sfeir
President
Calder Eames Design
Paola Richard and Luca Guerzoni
CEO and CFO and Director of Operations
GelatoLove
Ralph Porter
Vice President, Fiduciary Banking – Relationship Manager
Torrey Pines Bank
Robert Flynn
Lawyer, Mediator, Arbitrator & Real Estate Broker
Flynn Real Estate Group
Sandra Sapol
President
Fully Promoted Carlsbad
Sarah Yasukochi
Founder and Principal Strategist
House Collective
Shanna Nelson
Chief Executive Officer
Jazzercise, Inc.
Silvia Slemmer
Owner
Wild Birds Unlimited
Sue Loftin
President
Loftin | Bedell
Suzanne Phillips
Executive Director
Beacons, Inc.
Wade Aschbrenner
External Relations Officer
Altus Schools
Yvonne Scarlett
Founder
Red Lotus Wellness Center
About the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce: The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce is the largest chamber in north San Diego County, with over 1,000 members. It serves as a regional economic catalyst, leadership convener, and community champion. The Chamber’s mission is to promote business through member services, economic and community development, and public policy that balances economic prosperity with quality of life.
