meet the board
The Alachua Business League (ABL) is dedicated to fostering a thriving local business community. Our Board of Directors is made up of business owners, employees and retirees, all of whom have the desire to share their knowledge and experiences with the members. It is this group effort that keeps the ABL focused on its progress and forward direction.
our dedicated team
Michele Lee - President
Michele Lee is an accomplished entrepreneur with a proven track record of success across various industries. Her journey began with ventures in real estate, fitness centers, and vending routes before she founded Optimal Station, an innovative automated retail and experiential marketing company based in Alachua, Florida. Recently, Michele conceived and launched the visionary "Good Life Station," a pioneering smart city cafe to foster community engagement and support local businesses in downtown Alachua. This initiative connects residents and attracts visitors, contributing to the vibrant economic landscape of the area. Committed to nurturing the next generation of business leaders, Michele actively mentors entrepreneurs in the automated access and marketing sectors. Her dedication to fostering entrepreneurial spirit and cultivating positive team cultures underscores her leadership in both business growth and community involvement. Michele approaches challenges as opportunities for growth and believes in the power of support and mentorship from those who have paved the way. She is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve success, regardless of obstacles. She is known for her unwavering work ethic, dedication, and commitment to advancing business opportunities and community engagement through The Good Life Community initiatives.
Shasta Schoellhorn - Vice President
Shasta is a dedicated and accomplished commercial real estate agent with over a decade of experience serving Alachua and the greater North Central Florida region. A proud resident of Alachua for the past 11 years, Shasta is raising her two wonderful daughters, who attend Alachua Learning Academy. Shasta is deeply committed to her community. She was honored as Volunteer of the Year by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce for her active participation and contributions. She serves as an advisory Council member to the Ronald McDonald House, demonstrating her passion for supporting families in need, and currently chairs the Gainesville Alachua County Association of Realtors. Shast is thrilled to have been chosen to sit on the board of the ABL, where she continues her mission of enhancing the quality of life in the "Good Life Community." With her steadfast dedication , community focus, and industry expertise, Shasta is a trusted advocate for both her clients and her community.
Mandy bucci - Secretary
Mandy Bucci is the proud owner of The Mustard Seed Collection, and Founder of Seed Valley Farm CO-OP. The Mustard Seed Collection also known as The Seed is a thriving retail and ecommerce store specializing in boutique antiques, home decor, jewelry, DIY products, and edging on the presuppose of becoming a General Marketplace in Alachua, FL on Main Street with the recent addition to Boutique Farm Raised Custom Cuts of Beef in the shop. Since founding the business in 2016, Mandy Bucci has built a reputation for offering high-quality antiques both domestic and imported from Europe; while maintaining exceptional customer service, ensuring each shopper leaves with a personalized experience. With a passion for eliminating waste and restoring things of the past, Mandy saw a gap in the market and took the leap to create a brand that reflects their values of a sustainable life reusing and repurposing furniture. Under her leadership, The Seed has grown from a small local shop to a trusted name in the community, offering a curated selection of old, new, and everything in between, even Beef! It was designed to meet the unique needs of families wanting to reuse family heirlooms but to fit them in their everyday lifestyle. Mandy Bucci is dedicated to maintaining a strong connection with customers and believes in the importance of values such as customer satisfaction, ethical sourcing, and local impact. In addition to running a successful business, she Founded Seed Valley Farm CO-OP which is a CO-OP of small farmers 10 acres or less to provide our community with a completely organic product and self-support themselves as well. She is always looking for ways to give back and grow in a sustainable, impactful way. When Mandy Bucci isn’t managing the day-to-day operations of The Seed, she is managing her farm alongside ger husband. She cherishes family time with her family, especially her new grandbaby. Through hard work, determination, and a deep love for antiques, Mandy Bucci continues to build a brand that’s not just about selling products, but about creating meaningful connections with customers and making a lasting impact on the community.
Ariana Jones - Treasurer
Michele Lee - President
Michele Lee is an accomplished entrepreneur with a proven track record of success across various industries. Her journey began with ventures in real estate, fitness centers, and vending routes before she founded Optimal Station, an innovative automated retail and experiential marketing company based in Alachua, Florida. Recently, Michele conceived and launched the visionary "Good Life Station," a pioneering smart city cafe to foster community engagement and support local businesses in downtown Alachua. This initiative connects residents and attracts visitors, contributing to the vibrant economic landscape of the area. Committed to nurturing the next generation of business leaders, Michele actively mentors entrepreneurs in the automated access and marketing sectors. Her dedication to fostering entrepreneurial spirit and cultivating positive team cultures underscores her leadership in both business growth and community involvement. Michele approaches challenges as opportunities for growth and believes in the power of support and mentorship from those who have paved the way. She is passionate about empowering individuals to achieve success, regardless of obstacles. She is known for her unwavering work ethic, dedication, and commitment to advancing business opportunities and community engagement through The Good Life Community initiatives.
Joan Sroka - Scholarship Chairman
Joan has three adult children that she raised right here in Alachua, plus six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Currently a full time realtor in Alachua and the surrounding counties for over 25 years, Joan has a variety of business experience, that started as a restaurant manager in South Florida.
