Kevin DiSimone and Hilary James
Composer/Arranger and Instrumentalist
Lyricist and Voice of Miss Hilary Please
A team of highly experienced professional musicians, Kevin and Hilary have performed and recorded individually, and as a duo with nationally known artists Barry Manilow, Carly Simon, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Bette Midler, Willy Nelson, Billy Preston, Bob James, Rick Braun, Chuck Loeb, Patty Austin, Sam and Dave, Jerry Mulligan, and Jean Michel Jarre.
They have performed at The Blue Note jazz club Japan and NYC, Birdland, The Bottom Line, CBGB’s, The Beacon Theater, Madison Square Garden, Town Hall, Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Wembly Stadium, The LA Forum, The Hollywood Bowl, The Greek Theater, and at The Tokyo Jazz Festival.
Hilary is the daughter of Grammy Award-winning jazz keyboardist and composer of the theme from the iconic television series Taxi, Bob James. She has recorded two albums with him, Flesh and Blood and Christmas Eyes, plus a solo album, Storm Warning.
As an actress, she has performed both off and on Broadway. Kevin spent several years as keyboardist, vocalist, composer and producer with superstar Barry Manilow.
His voice has been heard on numerous national television commercials as well as several major film scores including 3 Woody Allen Films. They have appeared on The Tonight Show, The View, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, The Today Show, CNN, The Charles Grodin Show, and Entertainment Tonight.
Jill Hutsell
Creative Director, VP of Marketing
Jill is an idea person. She started her career in advertising as a secretary and rose to Vice President of Sales and top salesperson in her company. For over 30 years, Jill was instrumental in numerous national promotional and incentive campaigns, creating not only the concept and art, but also facilitating the strategy and implementation of the programs. Her clients included BFGoodrich, Matrix Essentials, Sears & Roebuck, Tire America, Matco Tools, and Bonne Bell. After retiring from her advertising career, Jill taught French to middle and high school students.
In addition to her careers outside the home, Jill is a wife and mother of two. Although she was a working mom, her kids’ early years were filled with fun, original stories and songs. She made their birthdays special with activities like treasure hunts and homemade cakes that looked like dinosaurs, clowns, and roller skates. She also loved creating their costumes for parties and holidays.
Jill brings her experience, creativity, and love of books, art, and music to the Miss Hilary Please brand. “I loved being able to be kooky with my kids. Children are such open vessels. They respond to spontaneity and imagination. You could say I tricked my children into obedience by telling them a story while they were doing what I asked them to do. For instance, I served black bean soup one evening for dinner. My 5 year old son asked “what’s that?!” as he looked down at the blackish substance in his bowl with a frown on his face. I responded with, “you mean you haven’t heard of Black Bart? He was the meanest ombre in the West.” I went on with my story as he happily ate his soup.
Jill Hutsell
Creative Director, VP of Marketing
Jill is an idea person. She started her career in advertising as a secretary and rose to Vice President of Sales and top salesperson in her company. For over 30 years, Jill was instrumental in numerous national promotional and incentive campaigns, creating not only the concept and art, but also facilitating the strategy and implementation of the programs. Her clients included BFGoodrich, Matrix Essentials, Sears & Roebuck, Tire America, Matco Tools, and Bonne Bell. After retiring from her advertising career, Jill taught French to middle and high school students.
In addition to her careers outside the home, Jill is a wife and mother of two. Although she was a working mom, her kids’ early years were filled with fun, original stories and songs. She made their birthdays special with activities like treasure hunts and homemade cakes that looked like dinosaurs, clowns, and roller skates. She also loved creating their costumes for parties and holidays.
Jill brings her experience, creativity, and love of books, art, and music to the Miss Hilary Please brand. “I loved being able to be kooky with my kids. Children are such open vessels. They respond to spontaneity and imagination. You could say I tricked my children into obedience by telling them a story while they were doing what I asked them to do. For instance, I served black bean soup one evening for dinner. My 5 year old son asked “what’s that?!” as he looked down at the blackish substance in his bowl with a frown on his face. I responded with, “you mean you haven’t heard of Black Bart? He was the meanest ombre in the West.” I went on with my story as he happily ate his soup.
Randy Hutsell
Director of Finance
Randy Hutsell brings a background in accounting, finance, and law to our talented team. After pursuing a degree in accounting, Randy began his career as an accountant for a regional water well drilling company.
He then transitioned to commercial loan officer in the banking industry while pursuing a law degree, with a concentration in corporate taxation. After law school, Randy joined a law firm which specialized in insurance defense litigation, but also provided opportunities to practice in business, as well as bankruptcy law.
Randy then moved into the corporate world becoming President and CEO of an original equipment supplier of electrical components to the appliance industry.
After selling his manufacturing company, Randy still maintains an ownership and management presence in a second electrical manufacturer. Randy has served on the board of directors of a “for profit” water utility, board of trustees of a non-profit hospital, and general chairman of a local United Way campaign. He also has served on the boards of numerous civic, church and business organizations. His hobbies include outdoor activities and driving sports cars.
Anita C. Roark
Animator, Graphics & Illustrations
Anita started drawing as soon as she could hold a pencil, and hasn’t stopped since. She dressed up as an artist for her very first career day (complete with beret), and studied Graphic Design at Anderson University. After college, she spent a year as a design consultant for Luxe Home Interiors, further developing her love of pattern, texture, and color.
Anita also began a career in eye care at the age of 15, getting her start at her father’s optometric practice and ultimately gaining two decades of experience in the field. While she loved helping patients as an optician and later as a practice manager, she continued to develop her artistic skills along the way, drawing constantly and taking on occasional freelance art and design jobs.
Finally, Anita made the decision to leave optometry to be a full-time illustrator and is loving every minute of it! Some of her favorite things are jasmine tea, old movies, mystery stories, Shiba Inus, and spending time in nature –– surrounded by trees, daydreaming.
Anita C. Roark
Animator, Graphics & Illustrations
Anita started drawing as soon as she could hold a pencil, and hasn’t stopped since. She dressed up as an artist for her very first career day (complete with beret), and studied Graphic Design at Anderson University. After college, she spent a year as a design consultant for Luxe Home Interiors, further developing her love of pattern, texture, and color.
Anita also began a career in eye care at the age of 15, getting her start at her father’s optometric practice and ultimately gaining two decades of experience in the field. While she loved helping patients as an optician and later as a practice manager, she continued to develop her artistic skills along the way, drawing constantly and taking on occasional freelance art and design jobs.
Finally, Anita made the decision to leave optometry to be a full-time illustrator and is loving every minute of it! Some of her favorite things are jasmine tea, old movies, mystery stories, Shiba Inus, and spending time in nature –– surrounded by trees, daydreaming.
We Would Love To Hear About Your Experience!
EVERYWHERE, ANYTIME FUN & LEARNING
Interactive Flip-Books, Sing-Along Books and The Fun-da-Music Club™ will keep your child engaged and delighted.
