by Judy Hicks
I can still remember how I felt in 1985 when I walked into the room at the Ramada Inn. The big event that was about to unfold was the beginning of the Sales and Marketing Council of the Northeast Florida Builders Association. I was nervous because I was an outsider and new to the industry and I felt that I didn’t belong or fit in.
When I think of the Laurel Awards and my successes in the industry I can’t help but think of the many people that I have met that have become my friends, all because of SMC.
My charitable endeavors all started because of my friends at SMC. Kathie Lee Menninger with Hines, Kathy Timmons with Countrywide, Cynthia Montello with the Montello Agency all were and are tremendous supporters of daniel. They willingly give their time and resources to make sure that Womenade continues to raise money for the kids at daniel each year. Along with SMC, they have made sure that each of the kids at daniel get more than one Christmas present every year. That is possible because of SMC.
Audrey Bishop IS the reason that I became involved in the charitable arena. She was one of my first friends in the council. She was a great mentor and has remained a very close and loving friend.
I can’t think of our SMC without thinking of my friendships that have been made and lasted throughout the years!
Yes, I get by with a little help from my friends! My friends have helped me help the kids at daniel and I am forever grateful for that.
Over the years I have learned that joining our SMC was the very best professional move that I made. The networking with your peers is incredible. There is a warmth in the room and a genuine caring about each other and their business. I will forever be grateful to my group of friends.