TES Insights
Empowering Excellence: Celebrating Women in the 2023 Rockin’ Rookie Award
In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, recognition often serves as a testament to dedication, innovation, and success. At The Entrepreneur’s Source (TES), we take immense pride in acknowledging individuals who embody these qualities, particularly through our esteemed Rockin’ Rookie Award. This accolade is reserved for newer coaches who not only embrace our system wholeheartedly but also actively contribute to its strength and vitality. In the 2023 edition of this prestigious award, we are thrilled to see a notable trend emerge: six out of the eight coaches nominated were women. This statistic is not only a reflection of the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship but also a testament to the invaluable contributions of women in business.
Highlighting the 2023 Rockin’ Rookie Women
The Rockin’ Rookie Award stands as a beacon of recognition for individuals who have fully immersed themselves in our entrepreneurial ecosystem and have made substantial strides in growing their TES business. In 2023, the spotlight shone brightly on six exceptional women who exemplified the essence of this accolade.
These women, through their unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, have not only embraced our system but have also contributed significantly to its evolution. Their commitment to excellence, coupled with their drive to help their clients, has propelled them to the forefront of our community, earning them well-deserved nominations for the Rockin’ Rookie Award.
In a traditionally male-dominated field, the prominence of these women in the 2023 nominations is undeniably significant. It underscores the shifting paradigms within the entrepreneurial landscape, where gender barriers are increasingly being dismantled, paving the way for greater inclusivity and diversity. Moreover, it serves as a powerful reminder of the immense talent and potential that women bring to the table in the business realm.
Anne LaFrinierie
Before joining TES, Anne embarked on a diverse career journey spanning multiple industries. From managing national 
accounts for consumer product giants to spearheading new divisions and historic property renovations, Anne accumulated a wealth of experience. However, a burning passion for animal rescue led Anne to reevaluate priorities and seek a more fulfilling path. Recognizing the allure of business ownership and desire for lifestyle flexibility, Anne found solace in TES’ promise of autonomy and empowerment.
In Anne’s inaugural year with TES, the transition from a fast-paced corporate environment to a more nurturing coaching approach presented challenges. Yet, through perseverance and a commitment to personal growth, Anne navigated the learning curve with resilience. Embracing the concept of “compassionate detachment,” Anne learned to empower clients to discover their own paths to success. Today, Anne revels in the freedom afforded by her TES business, relishing the ability to dictate her schedule and surround herself with valued connections. As Anne continues to evolve as a coach, she remains driven by a desire to help others achieve their entrepreneurial dreams, particularly women seeking to balance business aspirations with family responsibilities. Through TES, Anne envisions a future where female entrepreneurs can thrive, leveraging flexibility and resilience to conquer challenges and seize opportunities in today’s dynamic business landscape.
Jennifer Jaciw
With three decades in the transportation industry, Jennifer accumulated extensive experience before embarking on a 
new chapter with TES. Following the sale of her family business and a relocation to New Mexico, Jennifer navigated the challenges of reentering the workforce, encountering setbacks that ultimately led to seek a different path. It is through the guidance of a friend and the mentorship of her TES coach, that Jennifer found clarity in the pursuit of business ownership, reigniting her passion for coaching and mentoring.
In her inaugural year with TES, Jennifer embraced the transformative power of mindset, recognizing its pivotal role in navigation of the cyclical nature of entrepreneurship. Despite initial challenges, Jennifer found solace in TES’s unwavering support, from comprehensive tools and resources to a community rooted in collective success. Today, Jennifer thrives in her role as a TES coach, relishing the diversity of clients and the flexibility afforded by her virtual business. As a trailblazer for female entrepreneurs, Jennifer champions the inclusive environment fostered by TES, empowering women to embrace flexibility, financial independence, and personal growth. With a steadfast commitment to continual self-improvement and a belief in the power of community, Jennifer stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women seeking to carve their own paths in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.
Kimberly Gillette
Kimberly’s journey from the world of academia and international education to Career Ownership Coaching with TES 
embodies hard won resilience and adaptability necessary for transformative growth. With over two decades dedicated to fostering intercultural connections and guiding students and faculty in higher education, Kimberly had a passion for serving others. However, as corporate priorities shifted and the essence of human connection began to wane, Kimberly found herself at a crossroads, grappling with the loss of identity and purpose amidst the changing educational landscape.
Yet, from the depth of uncertainty emerged a newfound clarity and opportunity. Introduced to the world of business ownership through TES, Kimberly felt a weight lift as she explored the possibility of charting her own path. Drawn to the flexibility and remote nature of the TES model, Kimberly embraced the journey of reinvention, recognizing the importance of pacing herself and prioritizing mental health in her first year as a coach. With unwavering support from TES’s robust network and resources, Kimberly flourished, leveraging her skills and empathetic approach to guide clients through their own transformative journeys.
As a coach, Kimberly champions self-discovery and empowerment, providing a safe space for clients, many of them women, to explore their aspirations and clarify their personal and professional goals. Kimberly navigates each coaching session with compassion and authenticity, guiding clients toward newfound clarity and purpose with a steadfast commitment to their success. A dedicated advocate for female empowerment, Kimberly participated in 100 Rural Women, a local group dedicated to fostering positive change and leadership development. She guides her clients through a process of overcoming limiting beliefs, throwing them a lifeline of hope in the tumultuous sea of self-doubt, and empowering clients to achieve their goals and break barriers that previously confined them.
Chelsie Gonzalez
Chelsie’s journey to becoming a TES Coach is a testament to the transformative power of reevaluation and seizing 
opportunities. When the pandemic hit, Chelsie, who worked in office administration, found herself reassessing her priorities. Tired of feeling unsatisfied in her job, she was ready for a change. It was at this pivotal moment that a call from a TES coach sparked a newfound curiosity about business ownership, despite her initial feelings of being overwhelmed. Drawn to TES’ streamlined model and lifestyle flexibility, Chelsie discovered a newfound sense of purpose in helping others navigate the world of franchising.
In the beginning, Chelsie will admit that she had to overcome imposter syndrome to fully embrace her role as coach. However, with unwavering support from the TES community and recognition for her achievements, Chelsie found the confidence to thrive. Today, she relishes the freedom afforded her by her TES business, allowing her to prioritize mental health, spend quality time with her family, and support her community in meaningful ways. As a champion for female entrepreneurs, Chelsie empowers her clients to trust in their instinct, discover their potential, and embrace the journey of self-discovery and business ownership. With every interaction, Chelsie exemplifies a genuine passion for helping others and finds fulfillment in the profound impact she makes on her clients’ lives.
Sara Roy (Award Recipient)
With over two decades entrenched in corporate America, Sara honed her skills across various disciplines, accumulating 
accolades including an MBA and certifications in leadership development, Lean Six Sigma, and more. However, it was the realization that her career trajectory was stagnant, despite her qualifications, which spurred her to seek a new path. Faced with the prospect of being a mere pawn in the corporate chessboard, she sought autonomy and fulfillment. Thus, Sara embarked on a journey toward entrepreneurship, drawn to TES for its promise of remote work, coaching opportunities, and a supportive franchise model.
In her first year with TES, Sara faced a steep learning curve, but her resilience and adaptability propelled her forward. Through networking, refining coaching skills, and grappling with challenges like time management and dealing with objections, she found her stride. Her keen ability to form connections and seek out the counsel of more tenured coaches positioned Sara for early success. Today, Sara relishes the autonomy her TES business affords, allowing her to reclaim control over her schedule and prioritize her well-being. As she continues to evolve as a coach, Sara draws motivation from her clients’ stories and the camaraderie of her peer coaches, exemplifying the transformative power of entrepreneurship and mentorship.
In addition to her role as a TES coach, Sara serves as a beacon of empowerment for women, co-hosting a women’s TV network show dedicated to fostering conversations about women, finances, and entrepreneurship. Through this platform, Sara creates a nurturing environment where women can explore the intersection of financial independence and business ownership, empowering them to chart their own paths to success with confidence and resilience.
Deborah Lutner (Award Recipient)
Deborah’s journey from healthcare operations to business ownership with TES is a testament to the pursuit of passion. 
With two decades entrenched in healthcare leadership, Deborah thrived on coaching and mentoring her colleagues, yet found herself disillusioned by corporate priorities that prioritized profit over purpose. Even with being offered what she thought would be her dream job, she realized fulfillment would continue to elude her. Fate intervened in the form of a call from a TES coach, sparking Deborah’s curiosity about a new path.
For Deborah, the allure of TES lay not just in entrepreneurship, but in the lifestyle it offered. Entranced by the prospect of coaching without the constraints of corporate politics, Deborah embraced the TES model, enjoying its remote nature and comprehensive marketing support. Through trust in the process and a willingness to embrace growth, Deborah navigated the challenges of transition to business ownership with grace, supported by her coach and the invaluable resources provided by TES.
Today, Deborah finds profound fulfillment in her role as a TES coach, liberated from the confines of corporate bureaucracy and empowered to focus on coaching and guiding others toward their fullest potential. As she reflects on her journey, Deborah is driven by a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing the unknown. And for her female clients, she sees tremendous opportunities in franchising. The structure framework within a supportive network and mitigating risks while fostering a sense of community are two things’ women often tell her are important in their entrepreneurial journey. She also sees franchising transcending the limitations and glass ceilings she encountered in the corporate world.
With every interaction, Deborah embodies a genuine passion for helping others realize their dreams, underscoring the profound impact of entrepreneurship as a vehicle for personal and professional growth. For Deborah, TES is not just a business, it is a calling to inspire others to dream big, live boldly and unlock their inherent potential.
As we reflect on the 2023 Rockin’ Rookie Award nominations, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the future of entrepreneurship is bright, diverse, and inclusive. The prominence of women in this year’s nominations not only celebrates their individual achievements but also symbolizes a broader cultural shift towards recognizing and empowering female entrepreneurs.
At The Entrepreneur’s Source, we remain committed to fostering an environment where all aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of their gender, background, or experience, can thrive and succeed. The success of these six remarkable women serves as both inspiration and affirmation of our collective mission to redefine entrepreneurship and create opportunities for all.
As we look ahead, let us continue to celebrate and uplift voices of women in business, recognizing their invaluable contributions to our shared journey of entrepreneurial excellence. Together, we will continue to build a future where every aspiring entrepreneur has the support, resources, and encouragement they need to turn their dreams into reality.