GMS- Economic Update, Featuring Influential Business Leaders In Schaumburg

Join Us for the Mid-Year Economic Update!

Get the pulse on Schaumburg’s economic outlook and discover what’s shaping our vibrant community at this year’s Mid-Year Economic Update.

This engaging event will feature a panel discussion with leaders from some of Schaumburg’s newest and most innovative businesses. Hear about the key issues they’re facing, what drives their success, and why they chose Schaumburg as the place to live, work, and play.

Panelists:

• Chris Smith – Wheels
• ​Humera Rauf - Sweet Reserve Cafe & Bakery (Bringing a Small Business perspective)
• Nicolas Dronen – Duly Health and Care
• John Quigley –Hanger Clinic 

About our Speakers:
CHRIS SMITH, WHEELS-

Chris Smith serves as the Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Wheels, leading the company’s Core Operations, Product Management, Analytics, Transformation, Strategic Initiatives, Change Management, Quality, and Facilities. With over 25 years of experience, he has led global organizations through acquisitions, business transformations, system implementations, and the creation of shared service centers.
Prior to his current role, Chris was Wheels’ Chief Transformation and Strategy Officer, where he played a key role in shaping the company’s strategic vision and driving successful execution. Before joining Wheels, he served as Managing Director – Head of Product, Innovation & Change Management at JP Morgan Chase, where he developed and executed the firm’s strategic vision and technology roadmap. Chris also held leadership positions at GE Capital across the US, Germany, and the UK. He began his career as a merger consultant at Deloitte Consulting, focusing on the design and implementation of enterprise applications.
Chris holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and has earned Six Sigma Certification. He is a member of the Bank and Finance Technology – FinTech Banking Systems Financial Executives and the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association.

HUMERA RAUF- SWEET RESERVE BAKERY 
Humera Rauf is the proud co-owner of Sweet Reserve Café and Bakery, a growing culinary brand with four successful locations opened since 2021. Born in Houston and raised in the rich cultural backdrop of New Orleans, Humera carries a Southern warmth and hospitality into every corner of her business.

She holds both a Bachelor’s degree in English Secondary Education from the University of New Orleans, and her path into the culinary world is marked by a deep-rooted passion for service, leadership, and creativity. Before launching her own brand, Humera served as a managing partner at two organizations, building a foundation in operations and team development that would later fuel her own entrepreneurial success.

Humera moved to Chicago in 2002 and has worked in the city's culinary industry since 2020, carving a name for herself through resilience, vision, and a commitment to quality. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is most proud of being a mother to three incredible children, who inspire her daily.

NICOLAS DRONEN, DULY HEALTH & CARE

Nicolas Dronen, Vice President, Enterprise Strategy and Growth, Duly Health and Care
Nicolas Dronen is the Vice President of Enterprise Strategy and Growth at Duly Health and Care. In this role, he leads M&A, Business Development and Strategy, Physician Recruitment, and Real Estate. Most recently, he has overseen the launch of Duly’s newest multi-specialty medical office building opening in Schaumburg this summer.
Nicolas joined Duly in 2024, bringing over a decade of experience as a strategic operator and management consultant. His background includes designing and executing business strategies, leading operational turnarounds, and managing complex transactions across health, life sciences, technology, and service industries.
Prior to joining Duly, Nicolas served as a Senior Director at EYP, where he served as an engagement leader within the firm’s global strategy, operations, and M&A practice.
He holds a Master of Health Administration from Saint Louis University.

JOHN QUIGLEY, HANGER CLINIC

Area Director for Chicago and Northern Illinois for Hanger Clinic. Territory consists of 26 clinics including the ICC.
Graduated from Certificate program in Orthotics from Northwestern University in 1986.
Practiced Orthotics and Prosthetics as a state licensed clinician for over 35 yrs. with Hanger Clinic. Have extensive management experience on a clinical and regional level.

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In addition to the panel, there will be a brief update on current Schaumburg developments and a look at what’s coming soon.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired by the businesses shaping Schaumburg’s future!