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Awards Celebration

WOMAN- MINORITY BUSINESS

OWNED FIRM ENTERPRISE FIRM
OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR

Pauline President Aaron and

Sevigny Grace Lakita Founders

Pauline Sevigny joined Aerospace, Spann Mr. Potato

GRACE Aerospace in 2017 lLC. Spread
to assist her father with Lakita Spann’s career
the growth of the family Pauline was recently accepted journey started as a Sales
aerospace manufacturing into the ATHENA Powerlink Associate at Bellsouth solutions and providing potato-
business and she is now program, sponsored by the in 2001. Through hard based options to residents of
the President of GRACE Jacksonville Chamber of work, Lakita received the First Coast from their food
Aerospace. She has Commerce. many promotions and truck and restaurant locations.
grown the business from served as a Corporate Lastly, Mr. Potato Spread is a
a 6,000 sqft facility in The company collaborates Trainer, Account new franchisor with a goal of
NY to 35,000 sqft facility with the Jacksonville Women’s Manager, Technical Sales aspiring entrepreneurs obtain
in Jacksonville. Pauline Business Center, the First Consultant, and Regional the goal of business ownership
graduated with an Coast Manufacturing’s Sales Manager. After through their system.
Accounting degree from Association (FCMA), and many years of working
Bentley University and others to grow and improve alongside and learning Outside of Mr. Potato Spread,
obtained her MBA from the local manufacturing from entrepreneurs, Lakita Lakita gives back to the
UMASS Boston. landscape, including decided to pursue her community by serving on
upskilling the local workforce. own entrepreneurship the Executive Board of The
Prior to joining GRACE Specifically, Pauline is on the dream and started her own Empowered Kitchen. This
Aerospace, Pauline spent FCMA Steering Committee, business called Integrated organization provides NE
20+ years in financial supporting local Workforce Small Business Solutions Florida women with training
services, primarily Development. As part of these (ISBS). However, ISBS and mentoring programs on
supporting medium efforts, GRACE Aerospace didn’t work out as planned, conquering the food industry.
to large organizations has engaged with local high but Lakita didn’t give up. Lakita continues to consult and
improve their operational schools and colleges to provide mentor women entrepreneur in
effectiveness and tours, mock interviews, In 2014, Aaron and Lakita the Jacksonville area.
efficiency. Pauline brought internships, and training to decided to create a brand
her prior knowledge of the students to encourage that solves the age-old
large institutions to the interest in manufacturing. problem of busy employees info@mrpotatospread.com
small business arena, GRACE Aerospace is also a finding a delicious lunch www.mrpotatospread.com
implementing technologies proud partner with Skillbridge without sacrificing time
such as Office 365/ which offers employment and money. Thus Mr.
Sharepoint and assisting to transitioning military Potato Spread was born.
with obtaining AS 9100 personnel. Today, Mr. Potato Spread
Rev D certification for the Pauline@graceaero.com focuses on providing
10 Jacksonville, FL facility. www.graceaero.com solutions and providing