For more than a decade, Faces of the Valley has put a spotlight on local professionals in our area. These talented individuals and their teams are standouts in their respective fields who go above and beyond for their clients and the communities they serve.
Read on and get to know them better.
Chad Butters, Founder & CEO | Eight Oaks Farm Distillery
Celebrating its 10 th anniversary in 2026, Eight Oaks Farm Distillery operates on the belief that spirits are just the starting point for building a better community.
Both a farm and distillery located in New Tripoli, Eight Oaks grows what they and other spirits enthusiasts drink, including craft, award-winning whiskeys and assorted other spirits from regeneratively farmed rye, barley, wheat, non-GMO corn and apples. Especially popular is the Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey and Applejack. A visit to Eight Oaks Farm Distillery offers a wide array of cocktails and beers, as well as food options to accompany them—from fresh-cut fries and a Bavarian pretzel to burgers made with local ingredients and banana pancakes.
More than farmers and distillers, the team at Eight Oaks Farm Distillery is made up of members of the local community they love. They are dedicated to operating a sustained cycle that begins and ends with purpose. That’s the Eight Oaks way.
Founded by Lehigh Valley native Tom Fenstermacher, Steel Fitness, with two local facilities, a robust community of members and a dedicated staff, aims to offer more than a national brand ever could.
Fenstermacher got started in 1995 as an entrepreneur by opening a mobile personal training business, growing it into a number of managed fitness centers in the Philadelphia suburbs. In 2006, he returned to the Lehigh Valley, opening Steel Fitness Riverport in Bethlehem, and then Steel Fitness Premier in Allentown in 2012.
He says, “I wanted to take my business back home. These are my roots. My grandfather worked at Bethlehem Steel. The brand Steel Fitness was born to pay homage to the place that was a backbone of the American progress fueled by the hard-working folks of the Lehigh Valley. This is my version of the American Dream.”
Over the years, the locations have grown in their size and service offerings. Steel Fitness is the largest club in the area, encompassing 55,000 square feet and enrolling 4,000 members. More than 100 classes are available each week. Members also enjoy a robust fitness center, three heated pools, aqua classes, a steam room and sauna, personal training, swim lessons, childcare and more. At the Riverport location, 30 classes a week feature everything from bootcamp to aerial yoga and an outdoor fitness yard.
Asserts Fenstermacher, “I want our members to feel like they are part of a one-of-akind experience. The feeling of belonging and community helps them reach their goals.”
250 Cetronia Rd. Suite 100, Allentown | 610.973.1500 | steelfitnesspremier.com
Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, part of Jefferson Health, offers the region’s most comprehensive network of pediatric specialties in the region, giving families greater access to expert, compassionate, child-focused care close to home.
Every pediatric specialist undergoes extensive additional training and certification, allowing them to diagnose and treat complex conditions with precision. From routine concerns to highly specialized care, the Children’s Hospital’s multidisciplinary teams collaborate to create individualized treatment plans that support each child’s health and well-being.
The Children’s Hospital’s offerings span a broad spectrum of medical needs from treating a variety of neurological conditions to providing in-depth cognitive and behavioral evaluations, from managing growth, puberty and metabolic disorders to diagnosing and treating congenital and acquired heart
conditions. For children facing cancer, the oncology and radiation oncology programs deliver leading-edge therapies paired with comprehensive family support.
Additional specialties—including pediatric surgery, ENT, gastroenterology, pulmonology, orthopedics, anesthesia, urology, plastics, infectious diseases, emergency medicine, hematology, adolescent medicine and sleep medicine—ensure that children receive seamless, coordinated care at every stage. The Children’s Hospital also offers a 24/7 pediatric emergency department, a pediatric intensive care unit staffed by in-house critical care physicians at all hours, and a Level IV neonatal intensive care unit with neonatologists on site continuously, providing the region’s highest level of intensive care for premature and sick newborns.
Backed by exceptional expertise and a deep commitment to family-centered care, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital is a place where children receive world-class treatment—and families find comfort, confidence and hope.
For those struggling with fertility issues, having a caring and kind team of reproductive specialists in their corner is non-negotiable. Luckily for Lehigh Valley residents, Reproductive Medicine Associates (RMA) Lehigh Valley is nearby in Allentown.
RMA professionals practice evidence-based medicine backed by next-level fertility science and offer cutting-edge fertility treatments that have resulted in birth success rates well above the national average. Services include comprehensive fertility care, including treatments like fertility preservation (egg freezing), IVF (in vitro fertilization), IUI (intrauterine insemination) and various surgical procedures.
A deep interest in the sciences and a passion for helping individuals and families began Dr. NdeyeAicha Gueye’s journey into the medical field. At RMA Lehigh Valley, she leads an expert team that includes board-certified Woman’s Health Nurse Practitioner Brittany Seal.
Testimonials from RMA Lehigh Valley patients reinforce that the team is doing things right. “The overwhelming feedback is about how caring and compassionate we are,” they share. “Patients leave here with hope, knowing they are not alone in their journey. They know we are here cheering them on!”
What keeps the team motivated in what can sometimes be a challenging and emotional environment? They resoundingly agree that it’s seeing the joy on the faces of hopeful parents when they learn they are pregnant. Oh, and receiving those adorable baby pictures!
RMA embraces its diverse patient population and believes everyone deserves to have a family.
Interested in discussing options? Reach out to set up a meeting with the team.
1401 N. Cedar Crest Blvd. Suite 200, Allentown 866.762.3140 rmanetwork.com
St. Luke’s delivers nationally recognized excellence in every area of care, helping patients and families feel confident and supported. The US Department of Health and Human Services ranked St. Luke’s as the nation’s #1 health system for quality, safety and patient experience—surpassing Houston Methodist and Mayo Clinic. This objective recognition, based on data reported to the government, reflects St. Luke’s unwavering commitment to the highest standards of care. Patients across the region benefit from St. Luke’s exceptional outcomes, whether they require primary, specialty, surgical or inpatient services. St. Luke’s clinicians provide personalized attention, evidence-based treatments and compassionate support at the network’s nationally recognized hospitals, advanced specialty centers, outpatient facilities and innovative support services.
St. Luke’s continues to invest in expanding services, enhancing programs and recruiting skilled, compassionate providers. This dedication to excellence ensures that every patient receives the safest, highest-quality care.
Monica Yurconic-Groff
For Monica Yurconic-Groff, owner of Ross Plants, Flowers & Gifts, flowers and plants have become both a passion and a purpose. Twenty years ago, Monica took a leap of faith when her husband brought her into the business. A former school teacher with a lifelong love of plants and flowers, she embraced the change—and quickly discovered she had found her true home.
Today, Ross offers two distinct experiences. The Orefield location features a full greenhouse bursting with houseplants, annuals, vegetable plants, herbs, hanging baskets, trees, shrubs and unique garden decor. In Allentown, customers enjoy a thoughtfully curated boutique gift shop where every item is hand-selected to calm the mind and body.
Ross is known for top-quality flowers arriving fresh daily from around the world, talented floral designers and a passionate team. Monica believes the secret to their success is simple: when people walk through the doors, they may arrive as customers, but they leave as friends.
2704 PA Route 309, Orefield | 610.395.5193 7525 Tilghman St., Allentown | 610.391.1999 rossplantsandflowers.com
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Tired of hard water issues, buying bottled water or feeling hesitant to use tap water? Look no further than Long’s EcoWater Systems, the Lehigh Valley’s one-stop shop for residential and commercial water needs and the area’s only authorized EcoWater dealer. Long’s has earned national recognition as a Premier EcoWater Dealer for nine consecutive years—reflecting proven expertise, certified solutions and long-standing customer trust, backed by over 1,600 five-star reviews. Long’s proudly offers the EcoWater product line, known for industry-leading technology, long-lasting quality, third-party certifications and bonded lifetime warranties—trusted by generations of locals. With over 100 years of innovation and American-made craftsmanship, EcoWater softeners are the most efficient
in the world, ideal for the Lehigh Valley’s hard water. EcoWater’s full range of advanced filtration solutions is tailored to address virtually any water concern and deliver the absolute best water possible—including best-in-class drinking water systems for clean, healthy water right from the tap.
Just as important as the products is the team behind them. Owners Scott Warrick and Jim Carroll, along with their experienced team, provide dependable service backed by decades of expertise. Customers appreciate the time they take to properly diagnose water issues and recommend the right solutions. They also love the results: soft, clean water for healthier skin and hair, no scale buildup and safe, great-tasting drinking water—all with industry-best efficiencies. Beyond water treatment, Long’s EcoWater also provides well and water heater services, making them a true one-stop shop for better water. Call, email or stop by their showroom for a free water test and consultation!
1567 Hausman Rd., Allentown | 610.398.3737 | longsecowater.com
Those looking for a financial institution where they feel genuinely cared for and where they’re treated as an individual rather than an account number should look no further than United Federal Credit Union. Founded in 1949 as a not-for-profit member-owned cooperative focused on helping people build better financial lives while strengthening the communities it calls home, United makes good on that promise to this day. With a full range of personal and business financial services including checking and savings accounts, auto and home loans, credit cards, digital banking tools and business banking solutions, the team at United prides itself on helping members to make confident, informed decisions through personalized guidance and financial literacy initiatives. Furthermore, United is guided by its “people helping people” philosophy, letting it lead how the credit union serves, listens and invests back into community organizations, schools, nonprofits and financial education efforts.
4703 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown | 484.429.9913 | unitedfcu.com/Pennsylvania-offers
Those aiming to look and feel their best want to partner with someone who is passionate about providing precision care and individualized treatment to their clients. Here in the Valley, Tricia Vermilya Aesthetics is a trusted provider of filler and Botox services, RF and traditional microneedling, sexual wellness services and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), as well as facials, hydra facials and more.
Says Vermilya, “I have trained with a wide array of very skilled providers. I always have a schedule of trainings, including with someone who is a leader in my field at least once a year.” With 15 years in the injectables field, clients assert she has an elephant-like memory.
“I normally have their doses memorized and I am familiar with them and their history. I take their concerns seriously and take every necessary step to ensure they are happy with their services,” she says. “I love making people feel good in their skin!”
4331 Easton Ave., Bethlehem
484.788.3491
triciavaesthetics.com
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For those looking for more than a fitness studio, Orangetheory is the perfect fit. Say franchise owners of the Easton and Allentown locations, “Our goal is to be a long-term partner in health and longevity, supporting our members in living healthier, more vibrant lives.”
At Orangetheory, members support and encourage one another, creating connections that go far beyond the workout. Attendees and staff acknowledge the important of celebrating both fitness and non-scale journeys. “Recognizing those wins is an important part of what we do,” they assert. “We love seeing
members achieve things they once thought were impossible, whether it’s running their first mile without stopping, lifting heavier weights, improving key health markers or gaining confidence, those are the moments that drive us.”
Orangetheory offers a science-backed and coach-led full-body group workout program that blends strength training, cardio and expert coaching to help members burn fat and build muscle efficiently. There are a variety of class formats designed to support different goals, including Orange 60, Tread 50 and Strength 50, with options focused on upper body, lower body and total body training. A key part of the experience is the OTbeat performance tracking system, which allows members to monitor their heart rate in real time. The data helps coaches provide personalized guidance throughout the workout, creating a customized and effective experience.
Regardless of the starting point, a person’s age or their fitness goal, Orangetheory coaches meet people where they are and celebrate them achieving milestones they once thought were impossible.
“Your story and your future are at the heart of our business.”
Magellan Financial aims to deliver the home office caliber planning typically reserved for ultra affluent families to financially established households in the Lehigh Valley. They provide a boutique, multi family office experience—coordinated, intentional and multigenerational—for families who want clarity, confidence and a lasting legacy.
The team believes true wealth extends far beyond financial security—it is the ability to live fully, steward wisely and prepare the next generation to thrive.
Magellan delivers the depth of a large institution with the discretion and personalization of a private office. As trusted advisors, the team integrates advanced planning techniques across legal, insurance, investment, estate planning strategies, business and tax disciplines. Their coordinated approach aims to ensure that every decision supports clients through life’s transitions with clarity and confidence.
Customer service is a priority and is embraced by every team member. Clients can be confident that the team will hear their questions and strive to respond quickly, aiming to support the whole family of friends that Magellan Financial knows as clients.
What truly distinguishes Magellan is their philosophy: wealth is most powerful when it is understood. The team is dedicated to elevating financial literacy among clients and within the broader community through curated educational programs, outreach initiatives and trusted relationships. When individuals understand money, communities become stronger, healthier and more resilient.
Magellan Financial remains committed to its mission— to be the essential advisors families rely on for life’s most important decisions, helping them define wealth on their own terms with purpose, clarity and heart.
1605 N. Cedar Crest Blvd. Suite 111, Allentown 610.437.5650 | magellanlv.com
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Dr. John P. Boscia, Optometrist
“We Listen… You’ll See!” These are the guiding words at the office of Dr. John P. Boscia. Located at 2020 Sullivan Trail in Forks Township, the practice has been the “perfect location” for Dr. Boscia and his friendly staff to deliver professional, state-of-the-art eye care to the community for nearly 39 years. “Treat patients as you would like to be treated” has been Dr. Boscia’s mantra since 1987.
Dr. Boscia, joined by Dr. Lori Bartholomew, Dr. Patrick Corpora, Dr. Jonah Casella and Dr. Linda Dabboura, provides comprehensive eye examinations in a technologically advanced optometric setting. The progressive, medically modeled practice evaluates and treats a wide range of ocular conditions, including dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
As a designated Dry Eye Center, the practice offers extensive treatment for dry eye disease, implementing the latest available technologies. Specialty contact lens fittings—including scleral and multifocal lenses—help patients achieve improved comfort and quality of life.
Certified Para-Optometric Assistant Kirsten Pope assists the doctors with advanced ocular photography and administers specialized diagnostic testing. Forks Optical, the practice’s on-site optical boutique, is known for its personalized service. For 38 years, optician Robin Reese has helped clients discover their “wow factor.” Alongside fellow opticians Matt Bronico and Chad Weierbach, patients are professionally assisted in finding the perfect eyewear. The welltrained staff is consistently recognized for its expertise in progressive addition lens fittings.
Rounding out the team are special projects coordinator Shelly Bobyak, billing specialist Austin Peters, and reception staff members Tracy Ruth, Valerie Angst and Joshua Pope, who ensure every patient receives a warm welcome.
2020 Sullivan Trail, Easton | 610.258.6666 | eye2eye2020.com
For owners of European automobiles looking for reliable service, head to Schearer’s Sales & Service in Allentown. Owned by Tom and Christy Schearer since 1995, the family-run business saw daughter Samantha join the ranks in 2017 during a time of growth. That success isn’t surprising. Schearer’s takes pride in performing expert service and repair for European vehicles using the same factory equipment and tools dealerships work with to keep clients’ vehicles safe, reliable and running efficiently. Ask one of their many long-term clients about their experience and they’ll likely mention Schearer’s transparency, high standards and genuine care. In a customer survey, three sentiments came up time and time again: trust, quality and personal touch. Schearer’s took that to heart and, today, holds them at the center of their core values. At Schearer’s they enjoy customers coming in to pick up their vehicles with smiling faces, and providing a comfortable, low-pressure experience.
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Closet Factory Allentown has been a family-owned and -operated company since 1999. The Focht family brought Closet Factory to the Lehigh Valley to create perfectly designed solutions for their clients’ cabinetry needs by combining a completely custom organizational solution with innovative design style. Committed to creating opportunities for all within the organization, the family prides itself on providing the Lehigh Valley with a national brand at a familyowned and -operated level. Bob Focht started the Closet Factory with his engineering background from Lehigh University, along with Joan Focht, his wife of over 50 years. Bob and Joan oversee the daily operations, with daughters Melissa and Mandi Focht being involved in the day-to-day tasks as Operations Manager and Sales Manager, respectively.
Along with the immediate family, the family of employees stretches from the office staff to factory employees, installers and designers. Every step of the company’s process is touched by one of these amazing individuals and truly makes the experience with Closet Factory one to remember.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by treatment provider options when it comes to GLP-1 medications and other weight loss services.
Here in the Valley, Physicians Weight Control (PWC) patients flourish. They join a practice that thrives on teamwork and expertise. For 38 years, PWC has built a trusted reputation, with employees who stay motivated to help their patients focus and keep their inch and weight loss goals by working for a familyowned business that truly treats them like family.
Strawberry Laser Lipo, with over a decade of proven success, is state-of-the-art technology backed by strong FDA approval ensuring precise and visible inch-loss results. It’s non-invasive by nature, equaling zero downtime, pain or the need for surgery.
What sets PWC apart? The practice’s novel approach incorporates multiple weight loss strategies with GLP-1 medications and tried-and-true methods to do more than lose weight and inches; they thoroughly guide patients so they leave exponentially healthier than they would by employing just one strategy alone. They’re experts in their field, allowing patients to minimize side effects, maximize weight loss and help patients make lasting changes to stay healthy and confident!
Grounded in clinical experience and compassionate care, Shady Grove Fertility is proud to bring advanced fertility services closer to home with its Bethlehem location, making it easier for individuals and couples across the Lehigh Valley to access expert support and treatment. Conveniently located near St. Luke’s Anderson Campus and just off Routes 22 and 33, the Bethlehem office offers a welcoming, patient-centered experience, where individuals are supported by expert physicians. Caleb Kallen, MD, PhD, Tara Budinetz, DO, and Molly Prince, MSPAS, PA-C, work closely with the Bethlehem care team to provide thoughtful, personalized treatment. From initial fertility evaluations to advanced family-building options, the team is committed to helping patients move forward with clarity and confidence. With a warm, collaborative approach and the backing of one of the nation’s leading fertility centers, Shady Grove Fertility in Bethlehem offers trusted care designed around each patient’s unique path to parenthood.
2901 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem 484.640.5367 shadygrovefertility.com
Victor Salicetti, founder and CEO of AmericaVen, leads a technology company focused on helping small- to mid-sized businesses gain a competitive advantage through secure, reliable technology.
AmericaVen specializes in managed IT services, cybersecurity and the implementation of AI solutions that improve productivity while protecting business data. As AI adoption accelerates, the company helps organizations utilize these tools in a practical and secure manner.
The business operates in two divisions. The fastest-growing is IT and cybersecurity, where companies rely on AmericaVen for ongoing support and protection. The second is AV event production, where the team brings the same spirit of technological innovation to live events, enhancing how organizations communicate and engage with their audiences.
Salicetti is also actively involved in the community, serving on boards including the Red Cross, Valley Youth House and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network.
964 Marcon Blvd. Suite 100, Allentown 610.849.0474 americaven.com
Varicose veins affect more than 20 million people in the United States alone. Precision Vein Care is the Lehigh Valley’s only practice offering office-based cosmetic and surgical vein care staffed by a board-certified vascular surgeon. Born and raised in Bethlehem, James L. Guzzo, MD, FACS, formerly chief of vascular surgery at Lehigh Valley Health Network, is passionate about clinical excellence and outstanding patient satisfaction. Offering services including cosmetic and medical vein care, wound care and facial aesthetics utilizing state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, clients feel at ease, knowing they’re in good hands with Dr. Guzzo and his caring staff. The Precision Vein Care team is committed to high quality, patient-focused care for those looking for relief from varicose veins, spider veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), venous ulceration and more. Additional aesthetic services will be added to the practice’s service menu in the near future. Call to schedule a vein screening today.
There are consultants. There are coaches. And then there’s Compass Point— a team of ten family business experts who bring sharp business insight, emotional intelligence and masterful facilitation to the table. They don’t just advise; they guide families through the unique challenges of running and passing on a family business.
Their mantra is simple: Successful Businesses. Aligned Ownership. Stronger Families. But the real magic? Preparing the next generation to lead with confidence, clarity and purpose.
Compass Point partners with owners to secure success today while building the foundation for tomorrow. They align ownership, strengthen family understanding of business essentials and coach Next Gen leaders to step into their roles fully prepared. Using their Six Pillars of Family Business Framework— Strategy, Leadership, Transition, Family Dynamics and Governance, Financial Gap and Next Chapter—they provide a structured, holistic approach that balances growth, leadership readiness and family harmony.
Clients often say it best: “We could not have scaled the business, aligned the team, created a succession plan or built a board without Compass Point.”
Founder Tom Garrity adds, “We grow business value while strengthening family relationships—something other systems often ignore. Creating harmony at both the conference table and the dinner table? That’s priceless.”
For family business owners, Compass Point is more than guidance. It’s a trusted partner, ensuring the business, the owners and the next generation are ready for a seamless, successful transition— today and for generations to come.
306 S. New St. Suite 110, Bethlehem 610.336.0514
compasspt.com
