Meeting Summary: Guest Speaker Margaret Antonelli, ASJ Inc.
At our February 17, 2026 Rotary meeting, we had the pleasure of welcoming Margaret J. Antonelli, co‑founder of ASJ Inc., who shared her personal and entrepreneurial journey as well as the continued growth of her Marion‑based company.
About ASJ Inc.
ASJ Inc. was founded in 2008 by Margaret and her brother, beginning with limited capital and a 364‑square‑foot office inside Indian Creek Mall. What started as a small, single‑service operation has since expanded into a diversified business built on essential, service‑based offerings that rely on trust, personal interaction, and strong community relationships.
Today, ASJ provides:
- Paramedical examination services for major life‑insurance carriers
- Mobile and in‑office vitals collection used in insurance underwriting
- TSA PreCheck® enrollment
- Hazmat endorsement enrollment
- Two digital fingerprinting companies launched in 2023 for employment and background checks
Margaret emphasized that their strategic growth centers on services that cannot easily be replaced by automation and that meet ongoing needs in the community.
About Margaret Antonelli
Margaret began her career in the paramedical exam industry at age 26, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship as a young single mother. Her background includes extensive work in human resources, insurance, and small‑business support. Since returning to the area, she has become an active community member through involvement with:
- Marion Chamber of Commerce
- Mercy St. Mary Lawrence (volunteer)
- Women Lead Change – Linn County Financial Literacy Program
- NAIFA Iowa (past state and local board member)
She has also served as a guest speaker for Mount Mercy University’s Small Business College, sharing insights from her entrepreneurial experience.
Entrepreneurial Leadership
In addition to her work at ASJ Inc., Margaret launched BellaRose Consulting in 2023, where she mentors startups and small businesses. Her focus is on helping new business owners build solid foundations, improve access to resources, and create sustainable operations.
Margaret expressed enthusiasm for supporting Rotary’s efforts to engage and attract younger professionals who are looking for meaningful leadership and service opportunities.
Closing
We are grateful to Margaret for joining us and providing an inspiring look at her personal journey, her business ventures, and her commitment to strengthening our local community. Her dedication to service, mentorship, and entrepreneurial development aligns closely with the values we uphold as Rotarians.