Monday, March 25, 2024

Member Profile: Melissa Ball of Ball Office Products

Q: What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

A: Nothing more than a deep need to pay a mortgage! I liked working for someone else early in my career, but don’t think I’d ever be a good candidate for that again. The company I worked for was a sinking ship and I figured we better make a job. So I started a business — Ball Office Products.

Q: Please tell us about your journey to become a CEO.

A: I’ve worked in the furniture and office product business since 1988. I learned the business along the way. The Ball family is actually 3rd generation in the industry. I worked for my father-in-law for a different company before his retirement and the sale of that company by remaining partners.

Q: You’ve been a member for 13 years, how has your experience in the Council changed over that time? 

A: When I first joined VACEOs there were very few women. It has been good to see that change. I love that my group is nearly equal men/women. The fact that that my roundtable has been consistently valuable over more than a decade is impressive. I really value speakers and industry experts but the most valuable business resources are the members of my roundtable.

Q: You have another business, C.P. Dean. Can you tell us about that? 

A: C.P. Dean’s slogan is “We deliver fun” and that is accurate. Pool tables, foosball, air hockey, shuffle board, multicades — and awards, plaques and trophies. My daughter runs the day-to-day operations at C.P. Dean and serves as president. We recently opened a new location in Chesapeake. It has been fun to learn a new business and to watch her grow and develop as a business owner. C.P. Dean has been in business since 1886. Our goal is to make sure it remains healthy and a strong part of our business community for generations to come.

Q: How are you promoting leadership development at Ball Office?

A: We are a small company. I’m not big on titles or management levels. Each employee is valued for their contribution. We work to make sure we are finding the best fit for each person at both Ball and C.P.Dean, and then offer opportunity for advancement or opportunities for new roles.  

Q: Where did you grow up and tell us a little about yourself. 

A: I grew up in a few places. I’m originally from West Virginia, moved away as a kid but will always feel like that is my home. Bethlehem, PA and then Baltimore, MD. I graduated HS in Baltimore and lived there the first 5 years of married life. Moved to Richmond in 1993. So, when I’m somewhere else I say I’m from Richmond but in Richmond I’d say I’m from WV by way of Baltimore. Not sure how many years you have to live in VA to be allowed to say you’re from here.

Q: When you are not leading Ball Office, what do you like to do? 

A: I love dogs. Can’t imagine life without one. I have never gone more than a few months without a dog!

We have a sail boat we keep on the Rappahannock and sail around the Chesapeake. I’m more of a mountain person than a beach person and far prefer fall and winter to summer. I would love to spend more time in the mountains.

I love volunteering at several organizations, but The Doorways is my primary focus. I also volunteer occasionally for literacy program at Carver Elementary in the Richmond.

I spend a lot of time on business-related policy, generally through NFIB, the Virginia Retail Federation and Rally VA. I like to make sure political candidates really understand the impact of policy on independent business, serving on the NFIB state leadership. Currently serve an appointment on the Governor’s small business advisory board.

Q: During these last few uncertain/difficult years, how do you keep yourself upbeat and motivated? 

A: During Covid I signed up for just about every streaming option; Master Class, Wonderioum, Curiosity Stream and other documentary type services. I tried to watch things that had nothing to do with anything I would typically be exposed to. It was a great distraction and good for my attitude. I like audio books, reading actual books. I like fiction with no basis in reality when I’ve had all the reality I can take.


Posted by Aida Pehlic at 3:12 pm
Monday, March 25, 2024

Six Tips for Making the Most of a Conference

1. Sign up for recreational outings

Conferences aren’t just about sitting in sessions; they’re an opportunity for networking and building relationships. Consider participating in recreational options and social activities organized as part of the conference. Engaging in shared activities, like a group hike or a biking excursion, can create memorable experiences and forge connections. I’m still friends with Andrew because we crashed mountain bikes at a conference!

2. Get familiar with the content

Maximize the value of each session by doing some preliminary research. Look up information about the speakers and topics scheduled for each session. Understand what you hope to gain from attending a particular session, whether it’s new knowledge, insights, or networking opportunities.

3. Focus on capturing key takeaways

Active note-taking during sessions is crucial, but the real value comes from distilling three key takeaways or action items as soon as possible after each session. This not only helps solidify the information in your mind but also provides a concise reference for implementing what you’ve learned once you’re back at the office on Monday morning. Don’t try to capture everything, just what’s most important and actionable for you.

4. Find out who will be there

Networking can be the most valuable part of a conference. Prioritize a few individuals you want to meet. Utilize social media or conference apps to identify attendees and proactively reach out. Connecting with specific people enhances the quality of your networking and can lead to meaningful professional relationships.

5. Hang out

It’s amazing how much opportunity comes from accidental collisions. Attend the official parties and informal gatherings during off-hours. Ask a lot of questions. And wear your nametag. It makes you more approachable and memorable.

6. Connect with speakers

Speakers are valuable resources and usually willing to engage. Take the opportunity to talk with them between sessions or during networking breaks. Express your appreciation for their insights, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to connect on LinkedIn. Building a rapport with speakers not only expands your network but also provides access to their expertise beyond the conference.

By incorporating these six strategies into your conference approach, you’ll not only enhance your learning experience but also maximize the potential for valuable connections and collaborations. Conferences are not just about the sessions, they are about the people you get to meet.

Posted by Scot McRoberts at 3:12 pm
Monday, March 25, 2024

Inspiring Inclusion at the 2024 International Women’s Day Event

Earlier this month, the Virginia Council of CEOs, in partnership with Robins School of Business Graduate Programs, hosted the sixth annual International Women’s Day event, my second in attendance. The atmosphere of this event was special. Each guest was greeted with warmth and a flood of compliments as they walked through the door, creating a sense of welcome and inclusion. It is a space where we embrace and celebrate our womanhood, leaving behind any feelings of otherness at the door.

International Women’s Day, more commonly recognized as March 8th in the Bosnian culture of my family, holds a profound significance for me as a day where I pay homage to the remarkable women who played pivotal roles in shaping my life and nurturing me. While similar to the sentiment of Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day, its cultural importance runs even deeper, evoking a sense of heritage and collective empowerment symbolized by a bouquet of roses. Witnessing the radiance on the faces of my grandmother, aunts, and above all, my mother as they open the door to find my token of appreciation awaiting them brings me immense joy. My little tradition of purchasing and delivering flowers has made March 8th my favorite holiday.

Observing IWD within the context of the event for the past two years has brought to mind an interesting cultural juxtaposition. The holiday surged in popularity across communist nations in the wake of several revolutions to showcase women’s pivotal roles as both creators and pillars of society in the fight for peace. Historically and presently, women outside of the United States are typically not celebrated for their positions as business leaders in male dominated spaces, the majority of whom continue to face significant barriers to even obtain the same opportunities as American women. Our annual event provides me with a new perspective, despite the culture shock: the multitudes of women in the workplace, like our guests, dynamically shape our communities in ways that were not possible before. Culture is strengthened and diversified as our reach expands. 

We have made incredible progress in the improvement of women’s rights, all of which are quickly overshadowed by constant reminders of that progress being undone. Women are suffering from poverty, war, and famine globally and domestically; our reproductive rights are threatened; and we are still not held as equals in either work or home.

This year’s keynote speaker Maria Tedesco, President of Atlantic Union Bank, posed the important question: “How are you lifting up others?” It is imperative that we ask ourselves this in order to support our communities and nurture others, be it through making space for diverse perspectives in the workplace, participating in mutual aid networks, or simply giving a compliment. 

Aida Pehlic, Marketing & Communications Coordinator at VA Council of CEOs, contributed this post.

Posted by Aida Pehlic at 3:07 pm
Wednesday, February 21, 2024

“Oh, That’s My Favorite Member!”

Pretty much every time I am talking about a member of VACEOs, I make that quote, or I think it. Ok, maybe they can’t all be my favorite. It is a bit like asking me to pick a favorite child. I have three children and they are all my favorite. I also have a favorite son-in-law. Granted I only have one, but he is an awesome one.

Yes, saying they are all my favorite is hyperbole. The statement is not a reflection of me and my capacity to adore our members, which I do, but it reflects the caliber of individuals who choose to join VACEOs. To be a successful member of VACEOs requires openness and vulnerability. Those qualities are not easily embraced by everyone, especially CEOs.

When people discover that I work with CEOs, they seem to imagine the high-profile CEOs they hear about in the media. You know who I mean, so I won’t even name names. There is a preconceived notion of the unattainable executive. When I explain the type of CEOs who join VACEOs, I may mention a local company which makes the CEO relatable to them. Mentioning a local favorite ice cream shop or car repair shop takes them out of the jet-setting mindset. However, when I describe how our CEOs engage in the process of our roundtables, that is when they become even more awed.

Our CEO members make time to learn, connect, and grow with other CEOs. They do this mainly by sharing experiences with each other. In other words, they are giving of themselves to help their peers.

The conversations they share in their private roundtable discussions can touch their business life and their personal life. They may discuss tough business topics like best hiring strategies and growing the business. They also discuss tough personal topics such as helping a family member battling cancer or how to find ways to balance their time restraints. The focus is on the CEO as an individual and helping them wherever they need help.

I am not privy to those roundtable discussions, but I am fortunate to be surrounded by these amazing individuals who are willing to share in such conversations. The openness involved spills over into our larger events. Walking into one of our events, such as a quarterly luncheon or Spring Retreat, you can feel the energy. Sitting at a table of our CEO members you get a sense of friendship, even if they are just meeting one another for the first time. It is like a warm embrace. Yes, they are there to learn and grow. but their main priority is connecting and being open with their fellow members.

When I have had the honor of spending time with one of our supportive CEO members, I am reminded why I do this job.

Come and meet some of our members. You might understand why each one is my favorite.

Posted by Connie Bruce at 2:32 pm
Monday, January 29, 2024

Meet Your 2024 Board of Directors

Here is your 2024 Board and what the future of VACEOs looks like to them.


Ron Carey, Tilt Creative + Production

Position on Board: Chairman

Something you’ve learned as a member: I’ve been reminded that the membership is rich with experience and there is a member that’s already encountered some challenge previously that feels new to me and they are willing to help.

Dreams for the future of VACEOs: That VACEOs continues to be the premiere CEO peer group for every stage of the CEO journey.

Something more personal: I am incredibly proud of my Forum group, I believe this group truly cares for one another in the good and the bad.


Henry Clifford, Livewire

Position on Board: Vice Chair

Something you’ve learned as a member: I’m not alone and there’s no shortage of opportunities to improve the lives of our employees thanks to the amazing camaraderie & collective wisdom found in our roundtables.

Dreams for the future of VACEOs: Roundtable health is vital to the success of our group. I’d love to help move the needle north on making the Roundtable experience more meaningful for our members.

Something more personal: I love live music, endurance racing and flying airplanes. I’ve been happily married to my wife for 22 years and we have 3 amazing kids with an incontinent French Bulldog serving as team mascot.


Arlene Lee, Lee Construction Group, Inc.

Position on Board: Past Chair

Something you’ve learned as a member: One thing I learned as a member of VACEOs is the power of shifting from giving advice to sharing experiences.  As I brought this concept into my business, it was powerful to see the results with my teams feeling more confident not just in making decisions but in making better decisions.

Dreams for the future of VACEOs: My hope for the future of VACEOs is that we grow in footprint and meaning and support for CEOs. And, whether intentional or unintentional, we change the conversation in the greater world in a healthy, collaborative way.

Something more personal: I am an avid knitter and have 6 books published on knitting designs.


Jennifer Boyden, Heart Havens

Position on Board: Treasurer

Something you’ve learned as a member: One of the key takeaways for me has been the paramount importance of exposing ourselves to a diverse array of ideas. As leaders, it’s easy to get caught up in our own spheres of influence and experience, but the richness of innovation lies in the multitude of perspectives that surround us. By actively seeking out and embracing new ideas, we open ourselves up to fresh insights and alternative pathways of thinking. This diversity of thought not only enhances our problem-solving abilities but also cultivates an environment where creativity and ingenuity can flourish. In the ever-evolving landscape of business, being adaptable and open-minded is crucial.

Dreams for the future of VACEOs: Looking ahead, I envision the future of VACEOs as a community that not only thrives on the strength of individual members but also on the depth of our relationships with one another. Our network is a treasure trove of knowledge, experience, and potential collaborations waiting to be unearthed. My dream for VACEOs is to see us expand not just in numbers but in the richness of our connections, fostering an environment where each member is a resource, mentor, and friend to one another.

Something more personal: On a more personal note, I want to share a significant aspect of my life that has profoundly shaped my worldview. Over the years, my family and I have had the privilege of hosting several exchange students from different countries. Our latest addition to the family hails from Vietnam, and her presence has been nothing short of transformative.

She has chosen to stay in the United States, with her family’s blessing, and I am currently pursuing legal guardianship. It is heartening to see her integrate seamlessly into our lives, bringing her unique perspective and cultural richness. As she embarks on her journey to complete her last two years of high school at Steward School, with aspirations of becoming a doctor in the USA, I am reminded of the power of fostering connections that transcend borders.

In essence, my personal experience underscores the importance of embracing diversity and providing support to those pursuing their dreams. As we chart the course for VACEOs, let us not only focus on business growth but also on the growth of relationships that transcend the professional realm, enriching our lives in ways we may not have anticipated.


B. Scott Crawford, Virginia 811

Position on Board: Director 

Something you’ve learned as a member: How the Round Tables are very powerful experiences that have facilitated my ability to learn more about me and gain more insight into who I am. 

Dreams for the future of VACEOs: A VACEO presence and participation rate in the Roanoke Valley to rival the Richmond area!    

Something more personal: I have a strong passion for technology and innovation. I love working with others to explore how technology can be leveraged in new ways in my industry in order to help protect Virginia’s underground infrastructure! 


Corey Divine, Candidate Source

Position on Board: Director

Something you’ve learned as a member: People undervalue experience sharing and the impact it can have on your development as a leader. New members join to improve their businesses, but they forget you first must become the best version of yourself.   

Dreams for the future of VACEOs: To continue to evolve and provide members with value.

Something more personal: A fun fact about me is that my first job was at McDonalds during my Freshman year of high school at the age of 14.


Melissa Ball, Ball Office Products and C.P. Dean Company

Position on Board: Director

Something you’ve learned as a member: Our problems are nearly all the same.

Dreams for the future of VACEOs: To build stronger relationship and create resources for each other.

Something more personal: I am a mom, dog lover, sailor and reluctant entrepreneur. 


Kelly O’Keefe, Brand Federation

Position on Board: Director

Something you’ve learned as a member: One of my most important lessons as a member is that perseverance leads to achievement. Life doesn’t give us calm waters to navigate in, there are always challenges both personally and professionally. I’ve been a CEO for many years, and this has always been true, but I’ve learned to just keep a steady hand on the wheel and don’t panic. When you get together with other CEOs you learn that everyone has challenges to circumvent, we’re always there for each other and we help each other to get through those times.

Dreams for the future of VACEOs: I’d love to see us share our collective wisdom with newly named CEOs. We could help younger CEOs to avoid the pitfalls that sometimes come with the job. If we can help train stronger CEOs, we can help businesses thrive, which helps our community to thrive. 

Something more personal: I’ve always considered myself an artist first. I try to bring creativity into everything I do: Running a business, parenting four children, teaching graduate students, everything. Sometimes business can be draining, but living a creative life recharges my batteries.


Posted by Aida Pehlic at 2:52 pm