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“You will feel welcome at your first WSWE meeting. The members are outgoing and friendly. We always encourage one another to do what we love and to serve our clients well."
—Debra Anthony, Debra Anthony Law |
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Click on a name to toggle information display on/off. |
Member Achievements
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| Aileen Gilpin, A. Gilpin Consultants |
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Aug. 24, 2010 -- A.Gilpin Consultants Rebrands as AGC. A company focused on bringing professional resources on demand to businesses that require flexible solutions as their businesses grow. |
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| Charlotte Perry, Off-Site Office Assistance |
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Harris Bank honors Off-Site Office Assistance as Business of the Month for June 2010. |
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| Member Spotlights |
Member Spotlight:
Karen Encher Skala
Karen Skala Wealth Management |
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Year you started your business:
2000
Describe your business:
When it comes to your money, there are no dumb questions. And once you understand how your money is working for you, you’ll be able to take the daily market fluctuations in stride. For more than 20 years my clients have known that they can count on me to help them make sense of their financial past, present and future.
When and why did you start your business?
Spring of 2000, I wanted/needed to have more control over my time and I wanted to choose the clients I work with.
Previous positions/careers:
First insurance license in 1979, added securities licenses when I joined a small Broker/Dealer. I worked with CPAs and accountants training them on adding financial services to their practices.
What do you like most about what you do?
Meeting new people, building and maintaining relationships while helping people feel more comfortable about their money.
What do you like most and least about being an entrepreneur?
Most—No corporate politics
Least—The IT department isn’t just down the hall.
What advice do you have for women considering starting a business?
Have faith in yourself; your clients/customers will have confidence in you only when you have it in yourself.
How has WSWE helped you and your business?
WSWE offer opportunities to talk about my business and life challenges and receive suggestions in a confidential, supportive environment.
Anything else you'd like to share about yourself or your business?
I am a voracious reader who is constantly learning and an artist who sees the beauty all around us.
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Member Spotlight:
Pamela Peterson,
An Angel’s Palette/Art Pastiche |
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Year you started your business:
2009
Describe your business:
It is a decorative arts business that is now focusing on creating fine art using mixed media techniques. I offer art pieces that tell a story through words, imagery, textures, paint, ink and vintage materials, as well as custom narrative collages that celebrate an anniversary, commemorate a significant occasion, honor someone held dear or memorialize a loved one or pet.
When and why did you start your business?
I started my business over ten years ago because I felt the need to be creative and to have the flexibility to set my own schedule. I enjoyed the challenge of not only creating art, but creating a business that allowed me to follow my passion and share it with others.
Previous positions/careers:
Special education teacher
What do you like most about what you do?
I love the ability to work from my studio and to create artwork that makes a statement and touches the viewer in a special way.
What do you like most and least about being an entrepreneur
I love the flexibility in setting my schedule each day. I often drag my feet when paperwork needs to be completed. For me, that is drudgery.
What advice do you have for women considering starting a business?
Do it!! As in anything, there are the ups and the downs, but to never try may lead to regret down the road. Take an honest assessment of your strengths and limitations. Play to those strengths and find support and/or education for your limitations.
How has WSWE helped you and your business?
Joining and becoming involved in WSWE has enabled me to take my business in a new direction. The support, education and positive role models in this organization have made an immense difference. |
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WSWE helps its members to grow their businesses through many avenues. Members engage one another's services as needed, and also regularly refer one another to other clients and contacts. Referrals are not a requirement, but rather happen organically as members get to know one another and experience first-hand each others' expertise. This column will highlight these business exchange and referral experiences on a rotating basis. If you have one to share, please contact our communication chair, Danita Johnson.
Profile: Aileen Gilpin & Nancy Fallon-Houle
Recently, I needed legal advice for my business so I reached out to Nancy Fallon-Houle, Nancy Fallon-Houle P.C., and had a wonderful conversation regarding my needs. She took the time to listen to what I needed, provided me insight on handling the situation, exchanged some more communication and then based on my needs gave me a fantastic referral to someone that she respects in the business, David Fish of The Fish Law Firm PC. Now, David is providing me legal advice for my business situations. Thank you Nancy!
If this is the kind of networking group you are looking for, we invite you to join us. You'll find that you and your business are welcome at WSWE.
Learn more about Aileen Gilpin at www.agilpinconsultants.com or for Nancy Fallon-Houle, click here to email |
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Business Exchange/Referral Spotlight |
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