Rachel Formaro FOUNDER AND CEO
Rachel Formaro is the founder and chief executive officer at Blu Pagoda. With more than 20 years of experience, Rachel is a top-performing consulting and communications professional. She is known for her creativity, compassion, and commitment to ensuring success for our clients and consultants.
Rachel has experience in both the US and Canada, and has assisted companies with initiatives in both countries. She also has international experience, working with multi-country teams on large programs.
Rachel attended the University of Toronto, where she earned a BA in English and History, and holds a post-graduate certificate in Market Research Analysis. A constant learner, she is usually enrolled in at least one continuing education course of some kind in addition to multiple piles of books on the go.
Outside of her work at Blu Pagoda, Rachel loves being a mom, wife, writer, cook and avid reader. She is currently serving on the board for the Chrysalis Foundation for Women and Girls, and was the co-founder of Women Who Wine DSM, a social network of over 1000 women that helped to raise funds for women’s and children’s charities. She is also an active volunteer with Moms Demand Action/Everytown.
Tom Formaro VICE PRESIDENT
Tom Formaro has extensive editing and writing experience, with more than 25 years in professional communications with companies such as CE Software, International Network Services, Lucent Technologies, Cisco Systems, and Wells Fargo. He’s written and edited marketing material, technical manuals, and policies and procedures. He truly loves language and takes a no-excuses approach to getting the job done right. Tom has a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in professional communication from Iowa State University.
Tom is the author of two books—the novel The Broken Heart Diet, and the children’s book Alfonso, the Christmas Pumpkin—as well as numerous short stories and poems. He has also taught small group writing workshops for aspiring storytellers. When not writing, Tom is usually busy being a dad or playing drums.
Jenny Cronin CBO
Jenny Cronin serves as the chief brand officer at Blu Pagoda, stepping into this new role as the company embarks on its next decade of growth. With more than 25 years of experience in directing marketing efforts and leading high-performing teams, Jenny is recognized for her compassion, curiosity, and adeptness at merging strategy with creativity for impactful results.
A graduate of Wellesley College, Jenny holds degrees in Art History and History, shaping her perspective of the world with vibrant color and rich context. Her international experiences, having lived and worked in Asia and Europe, have further enriched her understanding of global markets and cultures. Recently acquiring dual Italian citizenship, Jenny continues to expand her horizons and embrace new opportunities.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Jenny is bolstered by her family and community, humbled by her attempts at painting, and energized by long hikes in Marin County, California, where she resides.
Maria Enriquez SENIOR MANAGER
Maria Enriquez brings a wealth of diverse skills and experiences to her role at Blu Pagoda. With a skill set spanning administrative assistance, technical support, customer service, graphic design, writing, editing, teaching, and more, Maria has showcased her versatility and dedication throughout her career.
Maria received her Associate of Arts and Science degree from a community college, where she achieved membership in the Beta Delta Psi chapter of the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. She later pursued her passion for writing and advertising at the School of Journalism & Mass Communication as well as graphic design at the College of Arts & Sciences at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Maria is a self-proclaimed nerd at heart with a passion for people, animals, learning, and all things creative. She spends her free time balancing life at home with her young son, two cats, one dog, and a small collection of unique house plants.
Sheila Formaro FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONSULTANT
Sheila Formaro has been in the hospitality industry as an accounting specialist for 20 years. And as a past restaurant owner and catering director, she has a unique perspective on the financial needs of business management. Her dedication to excellence in all aspects of business provides her with a keen eye for detail to manage complex financial data with precision and accuracy.
In addition to her work in accounting, Sheila co-founded a local organization, Women Who Wine DSM, and takes pride in finding ways to continually give back to her community, specifically the Young Women’s Resource Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
Sheila earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Drake University in her hometown of Des Moines. She is a recent empty nester who loves photography, reading, and listening to psychological thriller audiobooks and podcasts. Shelia also loves to travel, spend as much quality time with family as possible, and always lending a helping hand when needed.
Eleanor Berntsen ADMINISTRATIVE AND MARKETING INTERN
Eleanor Berntsen is a versatile professional with experience across various fields, including communications, administrative work, childcare, business ownership, and retail. However, her primary passion lies in her journey as an independent musician. Eleanor has been recording, releasing, and performing original music since the age of fourteen, demonstrating her dedication to creativity and expression.
With a talent for self-starting initiatives, Eleanor consistently exceeds expectations by taking general direction and delivering exceptional results. Whether it’s developing and implementing marketing plans for companies like a pharmacogenetics company in Spain or orchestrating social media initiatives for political campaigns, she brings a unique blend of creativity and business acumen to Blu Pagoda.
Eleanor is currently pursuing a degree in Music Leadership and Innovation at Berklee College of Music while exploring her interests in collaboration and innovation as a paid intern at Blu. Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Eleanor’s family has relocated multiple times between DSM and various cities in Indiana. In her free time away from work and school, Eleanor enjoys reading, crafting, and baking.