There is nothing that brings me more satisfaction than finding an area of need and filling it. I started my first business at 12 years old. I learned the importance of profit and loss, enthusiastic sales, and the value of great customer service! Understanding how to build and maintain a business, I began to seek opportunities to make a difference by creating opportunities for others. Here are a few highlights:
*In 1992, many of my friends complained about overcrowded gyms with clientele that made them feel uncomfortable. In 1993, I developed a unique private training studio model to address that concern. My business tripled in the first five years. My friends and many others found their fitness "home". With the studio's success, I traveled all over the world to lecture. Topics included: How to Start a Fitness Business, How to Lead Well, Creating a Winning Culture, and Marketing for Success. My speaking and writing career for the fitness industry continued to grow. I authored 4 books, and wrote numerous articles for magazines including, Prevention, Fitness and Real Simple. In 2012, I sold the business to discover my next opportunity.
*In 2013, the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce was looking for its next CEO. As the first woman in its 112 year history, I accepted the challenge to run the 2nd largest chamber in the state of Illinois. When I took the reigns, the organization was struggling. I was able to put together a great team. We focused on strategic planning, streamlined programing to bring more value to members, explored additional revenue sources via successful capital campaign, improved efficiencies with staff, strengthened partnerships with strategic alliances. I was fortunate to be part of rebuilding an organization.
*In January of 2020, I was recruited to develop a leadership program for undergraduate women at Benedictine University. Given the inequality with leadership roles and pay for women, I now have a chance to develop outstanding leaders driven to become agents of change for the good of all.
I believe in contributing to positive change, collaboration, and thinking strategically. I am passionate about leadership development, equality, public speaking/writing, relationship building, problem solving, and customer care.
