NerdWallet Small-Business Advisory Board

Cotopaxi Lyon

CEO, Lyon

Cotopaxi founded Lyon Product Quality Studio on a conviction that is often compromised: Building great software and building a human-centered company aren't in conflict. After years leading QA at the executive level and watching quality slip anyway, she knew the industry needed a different model. One built on collaboration, communication and a quality focus that compounds over time. 

Cotopaxi's background is not the typical path into tech, which is exactly what allows her to see the tech ecosystem with fresh eyes. A career in education before moving into tech developed her conviction that soft skills are essential quality tools. At Lyon, that means honest client relationships, a team that operates on a 32-hour work week and a culture of trust that shows up in the work.

As a founder herself and active mentor to early-stage founders, Cotopaxi understands the drive to scale fast which too often compromises quality, and has built Lyon as proof that you don't have to.

Cory Dalsimer

Owner and Captain, Whistling Man Schooner Co.

Whistling Man Schooner Company (WMSC) offers an experience of being away — physically, emotionally and spiritually. By combining the magic of traditional sailing vessels with the magnificence of Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains, WMSC offers a perfect respite from all the goings-on of land life.

Whistling Man has been in business for over 30 years. As the sixth owner, Cory feels most fulfilled by the opportunity to allow more people than ever to experience Lake Champlain. Whistling Man has grown from a small sailing tour operation into a respected local business known for seamanship, hospitality and community connection. Today, the company operates five different vessels and hosts sunset sails, private charters to weddings, tiny boat concerts, educational programs and collaborative community events.

Cory has built the company around mentorship and crew development, creating maritime professionals in the landlocked state of Vermont.

Nicole Pomije

Founder & CEO, The Cookie Cups | Co-Founder, Pitch Peach

Nicole Pomije is an entrepreneur, public relations strategist and founder. She has more than 15 years of experience building brands, creating innovative products and helping businesses grow through media visibility and strategic storytelling.

Based in the Twin Cities, Nicole is the founder of The Cookie Cups, a Minnesota-based company that develops hands-on baking and cooking kits designed to bring creativity, confidence, and family connection into the kitchen. What began as a passion for creating memorable experiences for children and families evolved into a nationally recognized brand featured on major outlets including The New York Times, Good Morning America, The Today Show and The Drew Barrymore Show.

In addition to leading The Cookie Cups, Nicole is the Founder of NB Talent Services, a boutique PR firm specializing in healthcare, financial services, and executive visibility, where she has secured top-tier placements in Forbes, Fortune, Business Insider, Bloomberg, and Cheddar. She is also the co-founder of Pitch Peach, a disruptive membership-based PR platform created to make earned media more accessible for small and growing businesses.

Across each venture, Nicole’s mission has remained consistent: helping brands stand out, scale strategically and create meaningful impact through innovation, storytelling and entrepreneurship.

Tracey Gill

Owner, Gill Business Enterprises

Tracey Gill's career in accounting began at 16, when she worked at a CPA firm while pursuing her degree. She has been in the profession for over 30 years. In 1999 she joined a private club as a staff accountant, rose to controller and began consulting on the side, work that has continued without pause for over 25 years.

She left in 2021 to take on CFO roles at other clubs, then served as assistant manager at a private club in New York City before leaving in 2023 to build Gill Business Enterprises (GBE) full time. Across that arc she has advised restaurants and hospitality groups, jewelry and retail companies, advertising firms, trades and service-based businesses, private clubs, HOAs and private individuals — ranging from international corporations to closely held businesses.

Today GBE is a concierge accounting and fractional CFO firm based in Southampton, NY. What sets GBE apart is the intentional pairing of seasoned financial leadership with modern technology, including an early and disciplined adoption of AI that gives clients faster answers, cleaner books and sharper strategic insight.