MY MISSION: Coach women business owners to ignite their dreams and rediscover their unlimited, unrealized potential by unleashing their leadership, operational and growth capabilities.

Gail Zelitzky has owned her own businesses since 1977: first, a multi-state franchise operation, then a worldwide catalog company and disruptive e-commerce business. Since 2000, she has coached business owners in all stages of growth to make the leap to the next level. Recognized for her practical, no-nonsense approach, astute perception of challenges faced by business owners, and her strategic and creative approach to problem solving, Gail consistently produces extraordinary results that are at the core of her success as a consultant. Her passion is creativity and resilience, and champions innovation for business owners.

A life-long learner, Gail earned her Master of Arts degree in Applied Professional Studies (MAAPS) from DePaul University in 2015. Her goal was to guide businesses to use creativity, specific thinking processes and open approaches to engage and inspire innovation throughout the company.

A new project is helping women over 70 continue their passions. In 2019, with co-host, Catherine Marienau, she launched Women Over 70 – Aging Reimagined podcast. They interview vital women in their 70s, 80s and 90s who shatter the myth that women become invisible as they age, as well as Advocates for Aging, experts of any age, who discuss various aspects of aging.

Gail serves as a director on the Board of SBAC Empower; member of SBAC; co-mentor in Ageless Innovators and mentor for the Women’s Mentoring Co-op through Chicago Innovation; past president and member of the year, NAWBO Chicago; past Chair; Treasurer and Chairman’s Award Winner, Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce; past director of Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA). Active on social media, she frequently publishes articles and is sought after for interviews by podcasters and the media. She speaks, presents keynotes and conducts workshops, webinars and zoom offerings.

From 1994 through 2000, Gail built Liquor By Wire® and Liquor.com® into multi-million dollar businesses. 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, partner and COO 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.