Since I was a little girl, I’ve secretly dreamed of owning my own business. I never told anyone about it, but I would bring it out now and then when I was alone and nobody was watching. You know — just to visit.
So, in 2009, I made the life-changing decision to start my own business where I could do the work I love while working with a few select, ideal clients who I would enjoy working with and who would truly benefit from the value that I bring to their businesses. In support of this decision, I applied to Assist University (AssistU.com), which is the premier training ground for value-based virtual assistants. I made the cut for admission into this intense 20-week program and graduated late in 2009. I love what I do, I love my clients, and I haven’t looked back since I started my business.
For more than 25 years, I honed my management and administrative skills to become a highly effective Executive Assistant. I served as the Administrative Manager to the CEO and Chairman of the Board of a large multi-national automotive safety equipment manufacturing company as well as Executive Assistant to CEOs of several large to mid-size companies. I managed everything from contract to close for a large Real Estate team as a licensed assistant. I have a BS in Management (cum laude) from Golden Gate University. I mention these things to show my commitment to persistence and perseverance. You see, I was a military wife for more than 20 years. I even lived in three foreign countries for a total of more than seven of those years. Because I moved so frequently I earned my AA in Tampa, got in one semester at Newport News College in Newport New, VA, and another semester at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. After waiting out a 3.5-year tour in Naples, Italy (Bella Napoli!) I finally completed my senior year in San Francisco, CA, 2 months before moving yet again. I have tenacity and drive and apply this to every aspect of the work I do for my clients.
In addition to matching my skills to your business needs, I believe a strong personality match is key to our successful business partnership. And that’s what I have with my clients (in the relationship sense, not the legal sense). In fact, I know that skills can be learned but without compatible values and personalities it’s harder on both parties to communicate. Great communication is critical when working virtually. I look forward to getting to know you and your business!
On a personal note, I traveled extensively during my years as a military wife. I lived in the Philippines for two years, Japan for about two, and Italy for more than three. I also traveled and experienced many other beautiful destinations such as: Austria, the Bahamas, France, Monte Carlo. Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Macao, Scotland, Singapore and Spain. I lived up and down the East Coast from Newport, RI to Florida as well as in San Diego and San Francisco prior to making my home in Tampa. Every place I’ve ever lived had something special about it and I’m grateful I had the opportunity for such diverse experiences. Did I mention that I’m flexible and that I love to work hard and laugh often?
I share a happy home with my husband, four cats, and a Maltese named Oscar Myers. I have a married son serving in the Army. My married stepdaughter is an RN. She and our son-in-law have blessed us with two beautiful grandchildren. Life is good!