Gail Zelitzky has owned her own businesses since 1977: first, a multi-state franchise operation, then a worldwide catalog and e-commerce business. Since 2000, she has coached business owners in all stages of growth to make the leap to the next level. Based on nearly 30 years experience, Gail developed SOAR for Success™, which enables business owners to grow faster and more profitably. She is recognized for her practical, no-nonsense approach, astute perception of issues business owners face, especially women in business plus her strategic and creative approach to problem-solving. She consistently produces extraordinary results that are at the core of her success as a consultant.
Gail is President of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Chicago (NAWBO), and 2005 Member of the Year; past Chair and Treasurer of Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce and 2010 Chairman’s Award Winner; President of Lincoln Park Business Development Institute; past director of Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA). She frequently publishes articles on business growth and is often interviewed by the media. She presents keynotes, workshops and seminars and is pursuing her Master’s Degree at DePaul University. Teaching is a passion and Gail has been contracted by Interise to deliver the StreetWise Steps to Small Business Growth™ curriculum in 2011. She has won numerous awards and her entrepreneurial achievements were recognized by Working Woman magazine in the category of Innovative Business Strategies.
From 1994 through 2000, Gail built Liquor By Wire® and Liquor.com® into a multi-million dollar business. She co-wrote her company’s S-1 for proposed 2000 IPO and participated in all functions of the IPO process, including development of a strong management team.
As President of Foremost Sales Promotions, Inc., franchisor of Foremost Liquor Stores®, Gail spent 17 years fueling growth for this 200+ group of independent retailers that achieved nation-wide chain-store status through mass merchandising, unique sales promotions and co-operative advertising.
Gail is a mentor and advocate for women business owners and champions the causes of entrepreneurs everywhere.
