TEAM: TEAMWORK
Megan Costilow
Megan Costilow
Owner, Invested Strength Studio
Megan Costilow is the owner of Invested Strength Studio, a private, appointment-only strength training studio in Naperville. Invested Strength uses specialized, equipment-based strength training (MedX) designed to provide precise resistance and controlled movement for safe, effective results.
Training sessions are brief and structured, typically about 20 minutes, twice per week. The studio is climate controlled, allowing clients to work out comfortably without heavy sweating or the need to change clothes or shower afterward. This model is especially well suited for busy professionals and adults who want efficient, joint-friendly training without the atmosphere of a traditional gym.
Megan works with clients who value privacy, consistency, and long-term strength for daily life and healthy aging. She enjoys connecting with other Chamber members who prioritize quality, professionalism, and thoughtful client care.
Website: investedstrength.com
Mary Degner
Mary Degner is the founder and photographer behind MJ Degner Photography, a Naperville-based business serving clients throughout the Chicagoland area.
Her journey into photography began in high school, capturing moments during family travels and discovering a natural appreciation for storytelling through imagery. While her passion for photography continued to grow, Mary built a 13-year career in Corporate Event Management, where she developed a strong foundation in client service, organization, and the ability to anticipate and deliver on client needs.
In 2020, she combined that professional experience with her creative passion and launched MJ Degner Photography. What began as a leap during a time of change has grown into a business centered on connection, trust, and delivering a thoughtful, elevated client experience.
Mary specializes in tailored, white-glove, on-location photography for both businesses and individuals. Her corporate work includes professional headshots, personal branding, and event photography, helping professionals and organizations present themselves with confidence and authenticity. She also creates personalized portrait sessions for families, seniors, and individuals, capturing meaningful milestones and genuine connections in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Known for her intentional and intuitive approach, Mary takes the time to understand each client’s vision, guiding them through every step of the process. Her sessions are designed to feel comfortable and enjoyable, resulting in imagery that is both polished and authentic.
In addition to her client work, Mary creates fine art landscape, nature, and travel photography inspired by meaningful places and experiences. Her fine art pieces are available for purchase, licensing, and commissioned projects, designed to bring a sense of beauty, calm, and connection into homes and professional spaces.
At the heart of her work is a simple belief: every image should tell a story. Whether she is working with a business, a family, or creating fine art, Mary’s goal is to create imagery that feels meaningful, lasting, and true.
Let’s begin telling your story!
Jason Frano
"I love to help others reach the goals that they never thought were possible. Leading others to persevere is what drives me" - Jason Frano
As the Managing Director for the Naperville office, Jason is responsible for the growth and development of his financial advisors and teams. In addition to this, he runs his own personal financial advising practice.
Jason joined Northwestern Mutual in 2014 after several years in sales for Toyota Corporation. During his first few years with our firm, he quickly rose to success, becoming "rookie of the year" during his first year, and quickly surpassing many sales milestones. He ranked among the top 50 new advisors throughout the nation in his first few years.
Because of his extensive sales and leadership background, Jason became a leader in his office almost immediately. He was first a College Unit Director for our internship team. After that, he transitioned into a Field Director role, where he developed and led teams of advisors in their first five years.
Throughout his tenure at Northwestern Mutual Chicagoland, Jason has led teams and counseled advisors while building a successful financial advising practice of his own. He is consistently pushing to reach the next level for himself and his teams.
In January of 2020, he became the Managing Director in Naperville.
Jason leads all advisor production, recruiting efforts, and our internship program for the Naperville office.
As a leader, Jason enjoys serving others and watching them reach success. He is passionate about leading growth and always pushing toward success within his teams. Jason is dedicated to holding his teams to the same standards as he holds himself to.
Frano and his wife, Janet, live in Lombard with their two sons Ryan and Chase. Jason enjoys running marathons and coaching his son's basketball and baseball games.
Angela Lucania
Proud to be in the insurance and financial services industry since 1992. My knowledge and client experiences assist in creating customized programs. My goal is to educate and empower my clients with understandable options to take control of protecting and growing their assets. I focus on relationship building and individualized protection. Protect your Auto, Business, Home, Health, Retirement and Life with the Angela A. Lucania Agency.
Alexis Rago
Alexis Skigen Rago is the founder of Marketing Mana LLC, where she helps established small business owners step back from the day-to-day and work on the business, not just in it.
As a strategic advisor, Alexis helps business owners clarify the problem they solve, who they solve it for, what makes them different, and the strategic plan needed to guide decisions, messaging, priorities, and growth. Her work often begins where confusion shows up first: marketing that feels scattered, messaging that is hard to explain, priorities that keep shifting, or decisions that continue to run through the owner.
Alexis brings 25+ years of marketing and business experience across companies of many sizes and industries, including technology, eCommerce, retail, legal, financial solutions, insurance, real estate, health and wellness, professional services, and more. She earned her MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.
In addition to her advisory work, Alexis speaks and facilitates workshops for small business owners who want to build with more clarity, intention, and direction.
Alexis lives in Naperville and enjoys traveling, giving her dog belly rubs, exercising, cooking healthy food, eating chocolate that is worth it, and being a boy mom, daughter, friend, and volunteer. Her favorite place in the world is her childhood home, Hawai‘i, because she can enjoy the outdoors year-round without a winter coat.
Philip Ramos
Kathryn Rory Tarko