NAWBO

 

Member since 2002

Your NAWBO SEVA Committee and Board Positions: Secretary, Member Services Committee, President Elect, 2006-2007 President, 2007-2008 Immediate Past President, Chair of the EWOY, Treasurer’s committee.

Thank you for being an active member and advocate for women business owners. Can you tell our readers why you are so passionate about the organization? Because it’s an organization of women helping other women achieve dreams and providing inspiration, guidance, and at the chapter level, a lot of friends to call on when you have questions. We have so many opportunities for growth at the chapter level, as long as you’re willing to participate and help direct the programs and offerings.

Based on your experience, what do you see as the most important thing a member or corporate partner can do to grow with NAWBO SEVA? I’ve noticed that the women in our chapter that have grown the most, have been the ones that promoted other members, used other members services when appropriate, and jumped in when and where they could on committee’s to help this chapter grow. Through these activities they’ve formed lasting friendships and increased their circles of influence. One of the other things is, be able to articulate clearly what kind of clients you are looking for, and have a description of what you do that is simple and easy to communicate. I’m still having trouble with the latter!

Can you describe the key business services and solutions you provide? I help clients visualize and accomplish dreams. It’s like a puzzle, they give me all of the pieces they have, and I see which ones are missing to accomplish their goals. I look at investments, risk management, insurances, estate plans, education plans, etc. Once I have all of the data, and what the client envisions for themselves, I can advise on the best way to combine these assets, and also see where the gaps are so the client can make choices based on the importance to themselves specifically. I serve as coach, counselor, and even procurement officer for a lot of clients.

In a few sentences, what makes your services unique? I am a FEE ONLY advisor. I accept no commissions, referral fees, etc. I do not sell products. I am paid by the client and accept Fiduciary duty to act only in their best interest. This gives my clients a great sense of comfort, they know if I recommend they look at something, it’s because I feel it’s best for their stated goals or dreams. For me, it’s wonderful; there are no conflicts of interest.

Which city in Hampton Roads do you call home? I live in Chesapeake, but actually grew up in Princess Anne County. That tells you how old I am huh?

What do you like to do when you're not working? Reading, spending time with friends and family. I also like camping and go when I can.

The last really great book you read that you'd like to recommend to NAWBO SEVA members and partners? That’s a hard one, lately I’ve pretty much been reading books pertaining to my field. The last really good one was Financial Planning, The Next Step by Roy T Diliberto. I recommend it for anyone that is in the planning and advising business.

Someone you admire and why? Oooh, that’s hard, I guess the first famous person that comes to mind is Madeline Albright. She was decisive, informed, and powerful. She does stand for her beliefs, right or wrong. Locally, Dot Wood. She really went against the tide and won when she decided to start her construction business, and be a wife and mom. That took guts, and probably a lot of stubborn!

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