Women in Business

BY ANN PARK, PHOTOS BY DAWN PAUL

When asked about their career choices, each of the women I reached out to for this year’s Women in Business feature said it came down to their desire to connect with others. Each is dynamic, intuitive, and creative in her career. What sets each apart is the ability to meet people wherever they are in their lives–whether running a well-loved business while building and giving back to the community or teaching, speaking and serving families in need. It was a great privilege and an inspiration to learn about each nominee, and I hope their stories inspire you too.

CHARLOTTE EKSTROM
North Ogden City Council
Owner – Pizza Man

Charlotte Ekstrom and her husband have been running Pizza Man since 2017. Well- known for their exceptional crusts, yummy breadsticks and gourmet pizza, they make a constant effort to give back. They sponsor preschool field trips, school and community events, and host Halloween night giving out free mini pizzas to kids. They always clear their calendar for Cherry Days.

Exciting new menu items are coming soon to Pizza Man. Charlotte is working hard to develop a mouth-watering line of dessert pizzas. “They’re in our test kitchens right now. I don’t want to put anything on the menu until it makes you do a happy dance when you eat it. But we’ll have them soon!”

After years of business experience, Charlotte is focused on what’s most important. “My advice would be to never compromise on integrity. Always give 100% reliable quality and service. We take care of our team, our team takes care of our customers, our customers take care of us.”

AMBER HODGES
Founder – The Pledge Jar
Professional Speaker

Amber teaches English at Weber High and has also taught at Orion Jr. High. She is a public speaker addressing efficiency, time management and the roles of women. This fall she will be presenting to the Ogden Weber Chamber Women in Business audience.

Partnering with Hali Larsen, Amber runs a non-profit called The Pledge Jar. Their goal is to help local families with limited financial resources fund extra-curricular activities. They provide help with everything from preschool tuition, drill team, tennis, fencing, to a wide variety of other activities. “It means so much to these families,” Amber says. “Our work gives them new opportunities. We love to see the joy it brings.”

They are holding a fund-raising golf tournament on July 14th at the Barn. “We still have spots open if you’d like to participate.” For more info email thepledgejar@gmail.com.