Join us on February 28, 2025 from 9am – 12:30pm, for The Business of U, powered by City First Church—a transformative event designed to equip business professionals with the tools to thrive both personally and professionally. Featuring keynote speaker Charlotte Gambill and insights from industry experts Jeremy Deweerdt, Dusty Gardner, and more of The Business of U Team, this event will inspire and empower you to make a lasting impact in your business and community. Seating and sponsorships are limited, so secure your spot today and be part of shaping the future of Southwest Florida through thriving local businesses.
Keynote Speaker
Charlotte Gambill
Global Speaker, Leadership Coach, and Author
For over three decades, Charlotte has been a global speaker and sought after leadership coach. With a passion to equip and support leaders, Charlotte launched “PRAXIS”, a partnership created to come alongside business leaders, entrepreneurs and CEO’s and practically support them and provide training and teaching for their staff and teams. The Collective Mentorship Program, bespoke coaching for women in leadership. Charlotte is a sought after team developer and trainer helping organizations calibrate their staff to the core values of the company. With thirty years of public speaking and team building, Charlotte’s wealth of experience is helping millions of lives across the globe.
Speakers
Jeremy Deweerdt
Senior Pastor // City First Church
Jeremy DeWeerdt serves as the Senior Pastor of City First Church, a church focused on introducing everyone to Jesus and teaching them to follow Him. Jeremy, along with his wife, Jen, were placed in leadership of the church in April of 2007. Previously, they had been on staff at City First Church for 16 years in the role of Student Ministries Pastor and Founder/Director of the post-high school ministry, Rockford Master’s Commission (now City First Leadership College). Jeremy holds a M.A. in Ministerial Leadership from Southeastern University and a DMin in Semiotics, Church, and Culture from Portland Seminary at George Fox University.
Jeremy and Jen have been married since 1995 and have three amazing sons, Caden, Connor, and Paxton.
Dusty Gardner
Managing Partner // Schooner Bay Realty/Builders
Dusty Gardner has been with Schooner Bay Realty since 2004 and became Director of Operations in 2010. Along with the firm's managing partners, who have served Southwest Florida since 1975, Dusty has helped build one of the region's most respected brokerages, deeply rooted in community involvement.
In 2018, Dusty and his partners launched Schooner Bay Builders, offering affordable homes designed for the Southwest Florida lifestyle. The company now provides a range of floor plans for both general consumers and investment funds.
Dusty has been married to his wife Desiree since 2008, and they have a 14-year-old daughter, Iris. He also serves on the board of City First Church and co-leads its Legacy Team.
Details
When
February 28, 2025
9AM – 12:30PM (General Admission)
Cost
General Admission Individual Ticket – $50
Sponsor a Table – See sponsor sheet below
Become A Sponsor
We are looking for businesses and corporations to invest in their employees and fellow marketplace friends for a morning of networking, business promotion, and personal/professional growth. Various sponsorship levels will reflect varying degrees of promotional opportunities. For questions about becoming a sponsor, email Abby Merz at businessofu@cityfirst.church.