Speakers

Allyson Case Anderson Allyson’s seed of passion for the built environment started in 2013 when she became a builder under duress, having hired a bad contractor and forced to take over her own project. Over the years, this seed has manifested itself into a fervent conviction to appreciate, invigorate, and inspire residential buildings. As the Founder and CEO of  Integro Builders, she now owns offices in Chicago and Western Michigan, executing major renovations and new construction custom homes with premier architects across the Midwest. In addition to participating as a guest lecturer for industry organizations, Allyson contributes for The Build Show nationwide, has been featured on HGTV, the Chicago Tribune, Forbes, top-rated international podcasts, and other national publications. She was recognized among America’s Top 50 Remodelers by Remodeling Magazine and Pro Remodeler Magazine’s Forty under 40 and is president of the NARI Greater Chicagoland Chapter.

Vanessa Dekoekkoek is a product manager at Cyncly, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her career started as a kitchen & bath designer and quickly evolved into designing while teaching at the collegiate level. Vanessa joined Cyncly (formerly 2020) in 2006 where she has been able to share her love of design and technology through hands-on training and continuing education. Vanessa earned her Floor Plans & Specifications specialty badge through NKBA and was selected as a voting member on the NARI Education Committee for 2020-2024.  Working with design professionals worldwide; Vanessa has presented at Dwell on Design, Voices from the Industry (2016-2024), as well as several NKBA and NARI chapters.

Mischa Fisher is an economist specializing in housing and labor markets, with a technical focus on data science for online marketplaces. He is an Instructor of Applied Quantitative Methods at Northwestern University. Previously, Mischa was the Chief Economist for online marketplace Angi.com, Chief Economist & Advisor to the Illinois Governor, and a Legislative Director for the United States Congress in Washington, D.C. He is a member of the American Economic Association and the National Association for Business Economics.

 

Jennifer Filzen is a Marketing Professional, Business Management Trainer, author, and public speaker. She owns Rock Star Marketing, a digital marketing agency based in Monterey, California. She also co-owns with her husband The West Coast Swing Dance Company, teaching and enriching the lives of West Coast Swing dance enthusiasts. Jennifer’s goal is to help others by creating a positive impact in their lives through her incredible talents as a communicator both in the business world and on the dance floor.

Elizabeth Howell works with the top remodeling contractors across the nation to accelerate their growth, deliver top customer satisfaction and increase profitability. She leads the Pella Contractor Program, identifying and developing impactful business initiatives and solutions that support Pella’s Certified Contractors. Having been raised in a family-owned contractor business, Elizabeth understands firsthand the importance of the team’s contribution to small business success and that background drives her personal and professional passion to support home improvement pros.
 

Wayne Ottum is a passionate consultant, author and speaker dedicated to creating extraordinary businesses and leaders. Wayne has a Master of Arts in Organizational Management, a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education and a Certificate Degree in Technology Management. He brings over 30 years of experience in the fields of professional and business development. As a consultant he has coached and mentored dozens of remodeling company owners and leaders over the last 15 years to greater confidence and success. As an author, his latest book and training, "Lead from Strength", has helped leaders in the remodeling industry to become extraordinary leaders. As a speaker, he has educated and entertained business leaders across the country. He is also a member of NARI Pacific Northwest. 

Parker Schaffel is a digital marketing expert with more than a decade supporting government, nonprofit, and corporate clients. He’s a Certified CliftonStrengths Coach and team facilitator who works with teams and individuals to harness their innate talents, work through conflict, and improve their performance. A few days a month, he supports the remodeling industry, working for a NARI associated contractor in Maryland. Prior to these multiple ventures, Parker worked for the CIA for 13 years and served in the Navy Reserve as an intelligence officer for eight years, spending almost two years overseas with assignments in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Iraq, and Jordan. In 2018, he wrote and published the book "Get After It: Seven Inspirational Stories to Find Your Inner Strength - When It Matters Most," and is a published musician. Since 2015, he has volunteered as a music instructor for at-risk youth at the Sitar Arts Center in Washington DC. From 2018 to 2019, he was a Washington Nationals Racing President. 

Diane Welhouse, CKBR, CMC  is a strategic and operational business consultant and leadership coach at Welhouse Consulting, LLC. She has over 20 years experience in leadership with non-profit membership organizations, including being Executive Director for NARI Northeast Wisconsin, one of NARI’s smallest chapters, for five years, and NARI Milwaukee, the largest chapter of NARI, for over seven years. Additionally, Welhouse has for-profit experience, including being a design, build, and remodel general contractor and member of NARI. Welhouse holds bachelor’s degrees in mass communications, psychology and sociology from UW-Milwaukee, an associate degree in interior design from Fox Valley Technical College, is a NARI Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (CKBR)  and a Certified Master Coach (CMC).