Best businesses, professionals, business people in Palm Beach County

In our weekly list of business people on the move, we highlight Palm Beach County professionals who are making a difference. These are people from across the spectrum of public and private endeavors, those working in charities, court houses, private practices and beyond. They are moving up within their industry, advancing their careers and standing out for their services within our community.

Here are this week’s professional standouts:

Palm Beach County Habitat for Humanity names board chair

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County recently announced the appointment of Charlotte Leonard as the chair of its board of directors. Leonard is a native of South Florida and grew up in Pleasant City, the oldest African-American community in West Palm Beach. She is the owner of DripBar, a wellness company that specializes in IV vitamin therapy. Leonard has been on the Habitat board since 2022. Families and individuals needing safe and affordable housing partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home.

Jones Foster law firm hires sixth attorney this year

Jones Foster has announced that attorney James H. Ryan has joined the firm as senior counsel in its real estate practice group. He will be based in their Jupiter office. Ryan is the sixth attorney to join the century-old law firm this year. He brings decades of experience representing developers, buyers, sellers, and lenders in complex commercial and residential real estate transactions. Jones Foster is a full-service commercial and private client law firm headquartered in West Palm Beach.

Chamber of Commerce honors local heroes during business series

The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its Annual Valor & Community Service Awards during a special edition of its Business Before Hours series. The event honored the area’s most heroic and selfless first responders. Four awards were presented during the ceremony. Community Service Award went to Officer Precious Washington from the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department for her tireless volunteer work and the founding of Office In Charge PBC, which has awarded scholarships to underprivileged students. Police Call of the Year went to Deputy Austin Laufer of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for his quick-thinking and coordination in the off-duty apprehension of a suspect following the attempted assassination of former President Trump. Fire Rescue Call of the Year went to a Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue team whose response to a critical pediatric trauma incident on Interstate 95 saved the life of a 4- year-old. The Valor Award went to both Captain Michael Boney and firefighter Daniel Keating, Riviera Beach Fire Rescue, for their courageous open water rescue to save drowning victim amidst strong rip, currents, 6-foot waves, and submerged rocks.

Jack the Bike Man charity receives grant

Jack the Bike Man recently received a generous grant from the Admirals Cove Foundation in support of its Wheels of Hope program. This vital funding will allow the organization to provide bicycles, helmets, locks, safety education and repair workshops to underserved individuals and families in Northern Palm Beach County. Based in West Palm Beach, Jack the Bike Man, donates thousands of new and refurbished bikes per year to those in need. Working with community partners as well as the school district, the organization is focused on promoting equality, mobility and opportunity for people of all ages. The nonprofit also operates a bike repair and sales shop at its location at 420 Claremore Drive.

FAU Foundation announces three new members

Florida Atlantic University’s Foundation board of directors recently welcomed Zachary “Zach” Berg ’97, ’00, Michael Yoon ’96 and Thomas “Tommy” Zeichman ’09 to its board. The new board members were approved by the FAU Board of Trustees, and each will serve a three-year term. Berg is partner and managing director of wealth management for G2G Wealth Management at Steward Partners. Yoon is the senior vice president and investment director of institutional asset management for PNC Bank. Zeichman is a partner for the law firm, Beighley, Myrick, Udell, Lynne, Zeichman, P.A. The FAU Foundation Board is comprised of dedicated alumni and friends of the university who volunteer their time and expertise to oversee fundraising efforts and manage the foundation’s assets.

Financial advisor joins Lantana-based investment firm

Private investments advisor Baron Christopher Hanson has joined Golden Lion Investments in Lantana. He specializes in commercial real estate assets, 1031 exchange services, and joint venture partnerships across Florida, the Carolinas, and key markets nationwide. A two-time Harvard graduate with honors, Baron is a former international rugby player and coach.

Property management, maintenance firm maintains accreditation

Beyond Detailed Solutions has earned accreditation for its Home Watch services from the National Home Watch Association for the fourth year. The home watch association was formed in 2009 to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for home watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada. Bill DiNardo and his wife, Allison, launched Beyond Detailed Solutions in 2017 as a commercial and office cleaning business. Recognizing the growing need for reliable home watch services, Bill decided in 2019 to expand their offerings to include this vital service for homeowners. Beyond Detailed Solutions serves businesses and residences from Vero Beach to Boca Raton.

If you are looking for more insight into the movers and shakers operating in the Palm Beaches, subscribe to our real estate newsletter, The Dirt, keep an eye out for stories and perspective from veteran reporters Kimberly Miller and Alexandra Clough. If you have an announcement for Business People on the Move, please send it to Pbbusiness@pbpost.com.

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.