The Influence List 2019: Carl and Gabriella Bolm

The Bolms  Photo by Rolf Ringwald

CARL and GABRIELLA BOLM  

Owners

Investa Management

Carl Bolm’s entrepreneurial spirit landed him at the helm of Investa Management, parent company of BSR Services, a snow and ice removal company; Champion Salt, a bulk de-icing road salt supplier with locations in Chicago, Toledo and Rhode Island; fun run Missouri Wine Wobble, and arguably, its most visible enterprise, Cedar Lake Cellars, one of the top wineries in Missouri.

The year-round winery and event venue includes two lakes, original farm buildings, along with new construction, and more than 370 acres in Warren County, a perfect setting for weddings, corporate events or a lazy Sunday afternoon.

And though the Bolms may prefer to stay out of the limelight, you can’t help be inspired by them. Carl created the classic venue for private events, later adding the wine tasting bar and restaurant. Gabriella is vice president at Cedar Lake, where she implements her vision, based on more than 25 years of strategic planning expertise.

Carl:

Career Path

I don’t know that I have as yet found my career path, as much as I love creating and building efficient companies with amazing cultures that attract dedicated, passionate and loyal people.

Biggest Mentor

My mom!

Biggest Impact

I have been blessed to be on the board and a part of several nonprofits. Giving back is our (Gabriella’s and my) way of leaving the world a little better than how we found it.

Future Goals

We will continue to fine-tune the existing companies, while staying on the cutting edge (and not the bleeding edge) of a fast-moving economy and world we live in.

Favorite Pastime

I like to spend time with my wife. She inspires me daily, and I love her sense of humor that no one knows about. We revolve our lives around working out and learning about nutrition.

Memorable Life Moment

The day I met my wife, Gabriella!

Gabriella: 

Career Path

When I was 21 years old, I opened my own image-consulting business in Europe. I spent the next 17 years with Dior as an account executive.

Biggest Mentor

I lost my father at age 8. I always wanted his approval and for him to be proud of me. Currently, my husband is my biggest mentor.

Biggest Impact

I have always loved to help and support women. It is wonderful to see where we came from centuries ago to all of the opportunities we have today.

Future Goals

I enjoy the partnership that I share with my husband – at work and home – so my goal is to continue our ongoing teamwork. And I will keep encouraging women to be the best they can be, based on their own hopes and dreams.

Favorite Pastime

I enjoy helping others and making a difference. Years ago, my husband, our friends and I started feeding the homeless on Christmas Eve. We load our company trucks with clothing, food and personal items that we distribute to those in need.

Memorable Life Moment

In 2011, I took Carl to Hungary and showed him where I grew up. It was wonderful to share all my memories, as well as make new memories with him in my hometown.

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Vicki French Bennington

Executive editor and senior writer Vicki French Bennington has been with Gazelle Media since its inception. She has a penchant for detail and getting to the heart and soul of the story. Vicki is an award-winning journalist, editor, writer and photographer, and co-author of the non-fiction book, A Life in Parts. She has edited several books for publication, and worked as an independent journalist, writer, editor and consultant for businesses in a variety of industries. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a minor in marketing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and has traveled extensively all over the world, particularly the United Kingdom, and lived in Australia for two years. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Women.

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