Teresa Meares

Teresa Meares has 19 years of law enforcement experience and is a retired patrol sergeant with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. She is married to Gary and together they have four children. She has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology, a master’s degree in Public Administration and more than 300 hours of advanced management training. She is currently the President of DGG Uniform and Work Apparel where she manages 15 full-time and three part-time employees, who operate a distribution of business and uniform apparel. Teresa also manages Audibelle, a clothing line launched by her daughter, Kayla Meares. The inspirational clothing line is focused on girls between the ages of 13-17 years of age. Teresa is a published author of the “Think Safe 2 Be Safe” series, with stories focused on teaching children how to stay safe.

Teresa is on the Business Journal’s “List” as a top Women-Owned Business in NE Florida; she was the recipient of the 2009 Jacksonville Business Journal’s Women of Influence and the 2010 Entrepreneur of the Year for the North Florida Women in Business Awards. She is Immediate Past Chair for the National Association of Women Business Owners and Board of Director for the Hubbard House. She is a Past President of the Women’s Business Owners of North Florida. Additionally, she currently serves as the Chair for the NAWBO Institute for Entrepreneurial Development, is on the Steering Committee for the World Association for Women Entrepreneurs (FCEM) and is on the advisory council for Enterprising Women Magazine. Her company, DGG Uniform & Work Apparel, has been recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in NE Florida and a Florida Company to Watch by Grow FL.