1. Where were you born and raised; current city; family; hobbies; past business highlights...
I was born and raised in a small town in Southeast Iowa. My town has a population of 444 people and our nearest city is only 28,000. I have been married almost 15 years. I have three children (two step and one biological) and two grandchildren. My husband and I have owned and operated a restaurant for the last 11 years, and about a year and a half ago, I side-stepped and started this business. It has taken off and grown! We also do photography and we are building that business as well. The travel and the photography pair nicely together and we are really creating something great!
2. How have you grown or personally developed since joining PlanNet?
I honestly didn't plan on joining PlanNet. I always say that I kind of "fell into it.” I purchased an ITA, becoming an at home travel agent, and within a few weeks, I had people wanting to know what I was doing. I joined PlanNet and the rest is history. I grew to Director just over my year mark. I've grown SO much as a leader. I have an amazing team who are willing to learn and try to be very coachable. They are always open to my ideas and we love to try new things. They know that I'm always working on something in the background...they just wait for the word. ;)
3. What drives you; what motivates you?
My family drives me, but my freedom motivates me. Because my husband and I have owned our own business for a very long time, I've been without a boss for several years. I can't stand the thought of ever working under someone again. I know that when my teammates come to me, with that same "want"...I can feel their pain. I know that they mean business. Once you have a taste of what it’s like to not work FOR someone, and set your own hours and make your own money and call your own shots....it's so freeing, and that is the ultimate in motivation!
4. Who would you consider a role model and why?
I have a lot of role models and all for different reasons. Instead of naming names, I will say that my role model is someone who ultimately creates a better life, and a better situation for themselves...simply because they know they deserve better. There is a certain type of drive from a person that can see fault in what they are doing and want to change it so badly that they will risk anything to better themselves. Those are my kind of people! Some of the hardest working people I know come from simply proving THEY are worth it, to themselves!
5. The three words that describe you best are:
Determined, a Leader, and Loyal.
6. If you had some sound advice to give to anyone what would it be?
Life is so short. There are so many people who forget that you only get one to live. If you are going to build a business, then don't stop until it's what you want. If you are going to be a leader, be the best one you've ever seen. This opportunity in front of us allows us to prove ourselves in so many different ways. We can be better people, better leaders, better business owners. Do not waste time sitting and letting others lead you...take the reins and make this business what YOU want out of it. Leadership is prospective. If you can't find a good one...go be a good one! Don't waste time waiting for others to lead!
7. What does your life look like five years from now?
My husband and I are looking to be free of our restaurant. We actually just want the simple things in life. We are looking to go back to only working for and with ourselves. We'd like to move, we'd like to financially be able to relax, and we'd love to travel more (yes, more than we already do! ;)