Maryke Guild

In 2010, despite a struggling economy and depressed real estate market, Maryke Guild left her job with a local real estate company and, with her family, started Daytona Realty and Property Management. Maryke, who was born in Holland and raised in Canada, is the firm's broker. Her sons, Justin and Alex, are partners and husband Ken is the "star salesman," she said. "It was the absolute worst of times to start a company in the recession," she said. "We had to convince property owners that we were different and to convince them that when their contracts ended to change managers." From its South Daytona office, Daytona Realty manages commercial properties including Holly Hill Station, South Daytona Shopping Center and Nova Fountains. It can also lease property.

It also manages condominium and single-family homeowner associations. Starting the company was first suggested by Justin Guild while on a 2010 visit to his parents from Maryland. He was in the information technology business, as were Maryke and Ken at one time, and he also managed property on the side. Maryke had been working for a local company since 2004 when the real estate bubble was peaking. Starting a business, however, did not keep Maryke Guild from staying active with The Rotary Club of Daytona Beach West. She ran the club's top fundraising event, Gingerbread Magic, at Volusia Mall. She is the group's immediate past vice president and oversaw the scheduling of guest speakers. "She is selfless and energetic. Her passion was one of the reasons for the success of one our major fundraisers of the past. She is very organized and has excellent marketing skills," said Lee Earls, the club's immediate past president.