Lead by example
I picked up many of my life skills by watching my family pave the way to success as business owners. Forward thinking and visionary leaders, my parents taught my siblings and I the value of an entrepreneurial spirit, moral principles, and professionalism. Built on referrals, my father ran a successful auto collision repair shop that was an I-CAR Gold certified facility with multiple direct repair program contracts with the five largest insurance companies in the United States. My mother is well-read and dynamic, and managed their company finances, properties, and investments.
As a teenager, summer meant helping with tasks for the family business. I learned about a strong work ethic: the importance of working diligently, having integrity, and continuously presenting work that is outstanding. Working for my father’s company is where I began my account management and business development career. I would visit insurance agencies and drop off his business card and gifts to clients during the holidays. Those were the years I learned, firsthand, the valuable skill of networking. It was then I discovered that I enjoyed meeting new people and building connections.
At a young age, my daughter would visit my father’s business and answer the phone with the finest phone manners. As customers arrived, they would see this little five-year-old sitting in the office, at the front desk, and they would ask my father if she was the young lady that answered the phone. My father would laugh and tell them yes, she was the one. That experience gave her an early start in honing her outstanding communication and people skills. My son was also introduced to the business at a young age; he was able to observe that hard work is what a successful business is all about.
My niece Kassy as a little girl also learned admin skills from going to the office with my older sister. Those skills were beneficial to her educational and professional pursuits.
Empowering my children to walk into any space prepared to excel is important to me. Which is why, without notification, I would conduct a mock interview with them when they were teenagers. Needless to say, with a rating of excellence, they both aced the interviews I set for them. My daughter, confident, sharp, and quick to answer my questions, left me reassured with her poise throughout the interview. With my son, I had the same assurance. Tears sprung to my eyes with pride and relief when I knew my children were set to walk through life’s milestones and they would be fine in life; confidently navigating their interests to go after the positions they seek.
That is what I want to give to the world. What is natural for one family may not be for the next, but it is not too late. My company is here to prepare, empower, inspire, uplift, and give as many people as possible the insight and knowledge to have confidence to pursue and land what they want for themselves.
I strive to live in a world where we all recognize that a resume is not just a piece of paper to be tossed out for lack of content. It is connected to an amazing individual as an extension of themselves. If simply given the chance to, the individual behind the paper can be someone who is intelligent, who is passionate, who is ready to soar, and who can make a difference.
The next time you see a poorly represented resume or know of a job seeker struggling with their lack of knowledge of the career world, send them to me! Where, together with other respected individuals in the industry, we can educate and guide them to be their best selves.
I support you job seekers, community & the world I'm here to serve you in my own way. Are you ready to elevate your career journey? Let’s get started!
