MELISSA MARINO-GOEBEL grew up in the North Shore area of Milwaukee called Fox Point. She still loves the small-town feeling of Milwaukee, with its world class museums, sports, and culture. She is from an accomplished family. Her father was a third-generation owner of a construction company that specialized in general masonry work. A couple of his more famous projects include The American Club at Kohler and the Pabst Theater rehab in Milwaukee. Melissa’s mother was a teacher in a gifted school. Her students included Melissa. She went on to be a principal and administrator at public and private schools throughout Milwaukee. Melissa headed off for college at the University of Mississippi, wanting a large school with a southern climate, with visions of becoming a teacher. She even worked as a paraprofessional in an integrated first through third grade classroom but realized she didn’t share the passion for education. At 22, Melissa’s beloved father fell ill with cancer and she became his primary caregiver. Chicago became home base for work, while Melissa commuted back to Milwaukee to help her father. After losing her father, Melissa committed to her fashion career in Chicago. She is very close with her uncle, who was the VP of Marketing for Givenchy. He offered exposure to the fashion industry and its excitement. Melissa was a star at Neiman Marcus, then regional merchandiser for Laundry, followed by Theory. She moved to Hinsdale about five years ago from the city, where she was working for Gucci. Melissa’s husband is a Western Suburban native and Gucci had just opened a leased store at Oak Brook. It was an easy decision to take the lead there. She is now in her eighth year with the brand and Store Director of Gucci Oak Brook. Melissa married her husband almost four years ago. They live in Hinsdale in a 100-yearold home like the one she grew up in with two wonderful stepchildren and two goofy dogs. Gucci has a program called Changemakers that requires all employees to donate one day a quarter to service within their communities. Melissa assists the Midwest market for Gucci in managing that program and establishing partnerships with non-profit organizations. Community service and volunteer work are very important to Melissa. She is involved with the Hinsdale Auxiliary of Infant Welfare, and also partners with Braven, Social Works, Loaves and Fishes Food Bank and Bernie’s Book Bank. She is passionate about life in general. Having lost her father at such a young age, she doesn’t take time for granted. She is very connected to her friends and family. Melissa is extremely active, and loves to play tennis, paddle tennis, and pickleball. She works out religiously, loves to cook and entertain, and loves to travel with her husband and family.

Mantra? I tell my team everyday “Be proactive not reactive.” On your reading stack? Cooking magazines and a lot of half-read books. Podcast? I don’t really listen to a podcast, but I listen religiously to ESPN 1000, particularly Waddle & Silvy, especially during football season. Favorite workout? I am a regular at both Spark Fitness and CorePower, and passionate about all racquet sports. Best grooming tip? Sleep, even though I don’t take my own advice. Guilty pleasure? Bravo TV and red wine. Early memory? My mother was getting her Master’s degree when I was 3-4 years old. She would dress me to the nines every day and take me to class with her. I learned at a young age that I didn’t really love school! Music you love? Music is very important to me, and I love all genres. My grandfather was an opera singer, and while I can’t carry a tune, I usually know the lyrics to any song playing. Advice you would give to your younger self? To quote the great Vince Lombardi (I am a die- hard Packer fan) “The greatest accomplishment is not in never failing, but in rising again after you fail.”

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Depends on the season, but you will typically find me in some sort of paddle/tennis wear during the day and an easy dress at dinner. Transportation? My feet or my car. Soundtrack? Could be anything from showtunes to country to yacht rock to pop depends on my mood. Can’t leave the house without? My pug Kevin. He frequents my office and is our store mascot. Place to eat? Foxtail, Il Mio, Kama Bistro, and, for special occasions, Tallgrass in Lemont Best thing about the country? Everything I need – my job, friends and passions – are only blocks away from me! And Milwaukee is only 90 minutes away too! Worst thing about the country? Skunks and freight trains The perfect day is? Also depends on the season but starts with a long walk with my husband and dogs. Then some tennis, nine holes of golf and ending poolside with friends and a cocktail. I also love to cook and entertain, so the evening might end with dinner back at my house with a small group.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? My uniform is a blazer and pants or a skirt and booties. Transportation? Train or Uber Soundtrack? Back in the High Life Can’t leave the house without? A great handbag and lip gloss Place to eat? Le Colonial, RL, Ciccio Mio, and Prosecco (which was my first date with my husband) will always hold a place in my heart. Shop? Gucci, of course! I also enjoy going through all our competitors’ stores to get client experience inspiration. Best thing about town? Having an amazing time, and then coming home. Worst thing about town? Crime The perfect day is? A long walk through several neighborhoods, an architectural tour, a Cubs game, and a fabulous dinner.