About LeTip of Napa, CA

Ali Jewett is a Banker who works at First Citizens Bank

Barbie Shearer- President Let me tell you a little about myself. My name is Barbie and I am the new majority shareholder in Upstage Productions. Strangely, I’m doing something I’ve always wanted to do, Lighting, staging, and sound. When I was little I didn’t want to grow up and be an astronaut, or a teacher, I wanted to do 3 things in life, be a secretary, a bartender, or one of those people in the 80s/90s commercial where it glamorizes being a rigger and a stagehand. Do you remember the commercial? The one where they show them setting up a huge rock concert? That is something I’ve always wanted to do. Can’t play an instrument, can’t sing well, it seemed to me the best way to get backstage! I have seen my fair share of concerts growing up. Smash Mouth and Eddie Rabbit at the Napa Faire, Starship at Club 29. I used to love going to local bands too! VFW Hall, American Legion, great fun! I purchased Upstage to bring all of that excitement to the people. I’m so excited to bring the big stage to Northern California!

I have been in the accounting profession since 1970. I started by transferring numbers from a scratch piece of paper with all the calculations to the various tax forms required. Since that time, I have held various positions with various types of businesses, and it taught me how the real world works and that everyone has their own way of doing things. I believe that is the best education a person could obtain. In 1987 I found employment with a small tax & bookkeeping firm by the name of Stratton & Associates where I obtain so much knowledge and education on both subjects. I became a Notary Public in 1991 and gave up that position 2011. I passed my series 6 licensing and became a Register Representative from 2002 to 2010. I am now inactive with that license. The owner of that small tax & bookkeeping business pushed me to uncover the possibilities that one has. In 2014, I purchased that small firm known as Stratton & Associates, due to my mentor retiring and has now been renamed Bev Creech Tax Preparation. I am registered with the IRS in their Annual Filing Season Program and also with the California Tax Education Council (CTEC). Both entities require 20 hours of continuing education annually.. On a personal note, I am an avid bowler that loves to travel for nationals and state tournaments. I have two wonderful, respectful sons, a daughter-in-law that I adore, and 3 beautiful grandchildren.  

Chuck Stornetta is the proprietor Comprehensive Painting and has been a Le Tip member since December 2018. Chuck opened Comprehensive Painting Halloween of 2016 and has making things happen since. When Chuck isn't having fun working he enjoys playing golf, extreme gardening and spending time with his two sons. Please give him a nice warm welcome, Chuck Stornetta

With over 25 years of experience in Security and Technology, I have a deep and diverse background that spans Law Enforcement, Counter Intelligence, and Information Security. I have successfully navigated roles in startups, SMEs, and large multinational corporations such as HackerSafe, Clorox, OddzOn, McAfee, Qualys, and FireEye, bringing a wealth of expertise across various technology and security domains. As a Facility Security Officer (FSO) for two defense contractors, I led and implemented critical security measures for classified programs, ensuring compliance and operational integrity across business units. This experience underscores my capacity to manage high-stakes environments and maintain the security of sensitive information. Having been part of the Napa Valley community since 1969, I am now channeling my IT, Cybersecurity, Technology, and Business skills to support the SMB Market as well as individual users in the region. My goal is to empower local businesses and individuals by providing tailored technology solutions, ensuring robust security and fostering growth through strategic technology initiatives.

Henry Hernandez is a Windows and Doors who works at Wine Country Windows & Doors

Hilda Hensley is a Mortgage Loans who works at Benchmark Mortgage- Napa

Jason is the founder and lead craftsman behind West Coast Craftsman, a veteran-owned furniture studio based in Napa, California. Drawing on years of hands-on experience and an unshakable dedication to quality, Jason blends timeless craftsmanship with modern design to create custom furniture pieces that are as functional as they are beautiful. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Jason brings the same discipline, precision, and integrity that defined his service to every project he takes on. His work embodies the values of patience, purpose, and pride, resulting in heirloom-quality furniture that reflects each client’s unique vision and space. Specializing in rustic-modern and wine-country aesthetics, Jason’s designs showcase clean lines, natural textures, and the warmth of premium hardwoods. From custom dining tables and built-ins to one-of-a-kind statement pieces, every creation is designed to last for generations. At the heart of West Coast Craftsman is Jason’s guiding philosophy: “Making Your Vision a Reality.” He believes that great furniture should tell a story — of craftsmanship, of connection, and of the people who gather around it. Each project begins with collaboration and ends with a handcrafted piece that seamlessly blends artistry and durability. When he’s not in the workshop, Jason enjoys exploring the landscapes of Northern California, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty, architecture, and textures of the Napa Valley — influences that continue to shape his evolving body of work.

Jeff Horn is a Video Production who works at Multitudes Agency

Jessica Cimolino, Hearing Aid Dispenser, Lic. #HA7935 has been in the hearing field since 2012. Jessica joined Advanced Instruments in October 2022 but got her start in Mendocino and helped individuals pursue better hearing throughout Mendocino, Santa Rosa, and Marin counties. She grew up in Fort Bragg where she enjoyed the outdoors, photography, travel, time with friends and family, as well as attending live music concerts. Jessica earned a B.S. Degree in Pre-Occupational Therapy with a minor in Psychology, became a California licensed hearing aid dispenser in February of 2015, and is Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences. She has always been very interested in the interaction and balance of physical, emotional, and mental well-being. She also took a special interest in how technology can potentially improve quality of life. She strives to stay up on the latest regarding a whole-person approach to better hearing and understanding, in this effort she attends regular trainings and networks continually to find best practice processes.

“It’s not just our name, it’s what we do!”

John Difilippo bio; Growing up in a large Italian family, Sunday dinners were always a do not miss event. My Father was a baker in the Navy and his passion for baking and cooking inspired me to work in restaurants through high school. Eventually, I worked my way to become the pastry chef for the Ritz Carlton hotel in Phoenix and at Auberge du Soleil in the Napa Valley. My passion for bread came when I starting teaching at the Culinary Institute of America in the Napa Valley. I purchased my first wood fired pizza oven in 2010 and spent 7 years developing an artisanal style pizza dough relying only on a starter to ferment the dough. With local farmers market, ranchers and cheese producers available the carefully crafted pizza toppings complemented my naturally leavened pizza dough. Pizzas are baked in the 850 degree wood fired oven with the right amount of char, texture and quality toppings. The tomato sauce uses San Marzano plum tomatoes, sea salt and olive oil. The vegetables and protein are locally produced and raised, cheeses are local and imported and the love is 100% Italian. I have adopted a phrase from my Dad; when it’s brown it’s cooking, when it’s charred it’s done. Buon Appetito!

Justo Delao is a General Contractor who works at Justo De La O dba De La O Construction

Len Bickford is a Health and Fitness who works at Best Life PMA

A resident of Napa, Marcel has over 30 years of sales and marketing experience in various industries. Six years ago he became a publisher with Best Version Media and launched Napa Spotlight magazine- a local publication that combines social media with micro-targeting marketing of high-value neighborhoods in the greater Napa area. Napa Spotlight features local families from the targeted neighborhoods in a cover story. The target market consists of homeowners with high discretionary incomes. His company is also adding a sports section that will feature athletes from pee wee to pro of greater Napa. His company is also launching a new magazine in the Green Valley/Rancho Solano/Suisun Valley area of Fairfield, California.

Maria Gomez is a Floor Covering who works at Harry’s Carpets

I have lived in Napa for over twenty years, I am newly re-married and now with four grown wonderful children. I have operated my Interior Design business, Marie Lyall Interior Design, for twenty years in Napa. I enjoy my career and am passionate for interior design, architecture and home decor. Enjoy the local community and believe in supporting local businesses. I spend my time enjoying all the culinary flavors and wine around us as well as music, the arts and entertainment. A bit of travel when the opportunity arises as well. Most of all I enjoy the company of friends and family as we make amazing memories. My business, Marie Lyall Interior design, is a big part of my life..my passion! Here is more information about myself and my business mission. "With enthusiasm, my mission is to create harmonious, sincere spaces with an elegant approach for functional and aesthetically pleasing environments- living or professional. The intention being, to translate the client's preferences and or lifestyle into inspiring spaces through my interpretation and point of view within their time frame and committed investment."

Mariesa Ploetz is a Personal Coach who works at More with Mariesa

Matthew has been delivering holistic financial advice since 2014 by helping clearly guide individuals and families towards financial independence. While he focuses on working with independent and newly independent women, he also welcomes team focused families who want to achieve their goals together. His clients can expect attention to detail and creative planning ideas through effective estate, tax, and investment planning opportunities. Matthew works remotely across the country nationally while residing and serving his local community in the beautiful St. Francisville, Louisiana. He is married to Leslie who specializes in marketing for wineries while raising two beautiful children, Lucy and Caroline. As a former chef for 15 years, he spends a lot of time cooking and entertaining with friends and family.

My passion is in storytelling, ultimately. That is why photography and branding have always interested me. Both art forms tell a story, and I love a compelling story. I’m a former marketing executive with clients ranging from wineries, winery tech platforms, B2B wine businesses, luxury and boutique hotels, and more. I have directed professional photoshoots, developed brand campaigns, designed product launches, and more. I am proficient at developing and executing an idea, building a campaign around it, and helping design the assets required for any purpose or objective. I earned my BA degree from San Francisco State University in English + Creative Writing with a concentration in Language Studies. I have certifications in Conversion Copywriting, Professional Photography, Graphic Design, and Strategic Marketing. I have a lifelong love of learning new things, so I frequently enroll in continuing education courses to refine my skills and enhance my repertoire. I also offer legacy portrait photography and specialize in heirloom, archival artwork and gallery wall installations. Check out my other website for more information: www.MelissaOfficerPhotography.com

Michael McKeown, owner of Wine Country Web Services, started his working life as an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force.  When he got out, he earned a degree in Mechanical Design, then worked doing submarine design, process piping design, and designed radiant heat systems for high end custom homes. Michael grew his first business, Performance Composites, by participating in online industry forums in the earliest days of the internet. At the same time he was learning the new world of web code and server management, and built websites and hosted them on his own servers. Today Wine Country Web Services has a dedicated server with RackSpace, and works with most of today's web development platforms. Michael says his favorite hobby is helping people grow their business with their web presence.

Michelle Cate is a Esthetician who works at Sugar + Lemon

Nataly Kuznetsov, PMHNP-BC MS, CNS, RN, ACCNS-AG, CEN, TCRN, CCRN, CFRN Nataly is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Board Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist in Critical Care/Trauma practicing in the states of California, Arizona, Idaho, Colorado, and Oregon. Her passion is to support First Responders and Healthcare workers’ mental health. This population faces unique challenges and has a unique culture, which can only be understood by being a part of it. Nataly has been a part of that culture for over 13 years, working in various hospitals, being part of a 911 system, and responding to disasters both nationally and internationally. Nataly graduated with a Master’s Degree from the University of California in San Francisco in 2012 and a post-masters from the University of Cincinnati in 2021. Nataly is the founder of a non-profit organization “Disaster Responder Assets Network” that has been providing various mental health services to First Responders and Disaster Relief Responders since 2015. She founded a peer support program at a Level 2 Trauma hospital in Santa Clara County. She has created and taught classes about cultural competency to mental health providers and peer responders serving the needs of First Responders and Healthcare workers. She was featured on KTVU-2, Fox-40, Daytime Cares TV Event, KVON Radio, FireRescue1.com, Arizona Health and Living, and Voice of America News discussing the mental health needs of First Responders and Healthcare Workers.

Rudy Hernandez is a Landscape Maintenance who works at DOV Landscpaing

Meet Sam Olson, the Medicare expert who’s simplifying the confusing world of healthcare for seniors in Napa Valley and beyond. With a passion for helping others and a keen eye for navigating the complexities of Medicare, Sam founded Sam Olson Insurance Services in 2019, driven by a mission to make healthcare accessible and understandable for everyone. As an independent insurance agent, Sam represents over 20 carriers, providing recommendations tailored to each client’s needs. Specializing in Medicare supplement plans, he conducts personal interviews to analyze all available options and ensure his clients maximize their benefits. Sam’s commitment to excellence has earned him recognition in the industry, including being named the Best Insurance Company in Napa County for 2023 and achieving the Highest Production Increase for United American Insurance in 2022. With over 50 five-star reviews on Google, his dedication to his clients is evident. He also contributes his expertise as a Medicare expert for Napa Spotlight Magazine. For Sam, the joy of his work comes from the relationships he builds with his clients. Listening to their stories and sharing in their wisdom, he finds fulfillment in making a difference in their lives. While others may find the topic of Medicare daunting, for Sam, it’s an opportunity to connect with people and provide them with the peace of mind they deserve. Outside of his professional endeavors, Sam is deeply involved in his community. He’s an active Rotarian for the Rotary Club of North Napa, where he served as Secretary from 2021 to 2023 and is currently President-Elect, set to become President in July 2024. When he’s not busy serving his clients or giving back to the community, Sam enjoys spending time with his wife, Sarah, and their three beloved dogs, Penny, Max, and Arya.

Scott's family moved to Napa in 1981. He attended Napa High School where he was distinguished as a letterman in Football, graduation class of 1987. He then went away to college at CSU, Chico where he graduated in 1992 with a B.A. in Economics, and a Minor in Business Administration. Scott likes to follow his favorite pro sports teams (49ers, Giants and Warriors). Scott is also an avid poker player. He enjoys everything from small home games to large tournaments including the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Scott has been in the paint business for more than 25 years. He opened CSI PAINT in 2005. CSI Paint provides a unique paint buying experience highlighted by “personalized service that you won’t find in a box”.  CSI's customers appreciate the excellent value derived from competitive pricing combined with professional personal service.

Steve Cravea is a Window Cleaning who works at Advanced Services

Born and raised in Daly City, CA, Tom ventured down to the University of Redlands, where he received a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. Tom also played four years of college baseball for Redlands. After receiving his degree, Tom entered the University of Redlands MBA program where he earned his Masters Degree in Business Administration. In fall of 2010, Tom opened his sales career with DirecTV where he learned how to communicate with customers and the importance of customer service. In 2011 Tom shifted gears and joined ADP. A more professional environment allowed Tom expand his knowledge in how small businesses operate. In the fall of 2012 Tom entered the Insurance field where he now runs and operates his own business under the Steele Insurance Agency brand. Tom has quickly grown his business built on communication, trust and brand awareness. Tom resides in Fairfield with his Wife Naomie, daughter Giuliana and son Tommy jr.

Tracy has lived and worked in the Napa Valley for over 30 years and has intimate knowledge of the Real Estate market, micro-economies, school districts, neighborhood demographics and the best restaurants and wineries in the Valley! She is a top producer in Napa and continuously receives rave reviews from her clients. Her success in this business is due in large by her ability to connect and understand people and form long lasting relationships. Tracy has vast experience working in a multitude of different Real Estate transactions from winery purchases to first time home buyers. Her goal is to educate you on the Real Estate process and build your confidence so you can make the best and most informed decision on your premier property.Having lived in Spain for 12 years, she possesses business fluency in Spanish and is happy to represent the Spanish-speaking community. With Tracy on your team you can expect nothing less than the utmost professionalism, up to date market analysis, ethical practices and expert negotiating skills to get you the most successful transaction possible.When she is not working, Tracy can be found in her kitchen, where she enjoys trying new recipes and pairings for food and wines from around the world."Whether you are looking for your dream home or wanting to increase your investment portfolio, I can show you how!""Napa has so much to offer it’s hard not to fall in love with it, and I love helping other people find that same feeling here in this amazing place I get to call home. Let me show you Napa Valley Tracy style!"