| The winners say... | Is the economy recovering in your industry and what are the signs? | What drew you to your industry? | What’s your primary advice to people who want to start a business? | Where do you see your career in five years? |
| Gwen Griggs Chief Strategy Officer, General Counsel, PARC Management LLC, Theme park owner-operator, Women in Business Pioneer of the Year | We have experienced healthy operating metrics which we attribute to watching and responding to spending trends. One initiative resulting from this study is our guest choice program, which allowed guests to customize their visit to fit their budget and desired experience. From season-pass members who wanted to enjoy the park multiple times to those who wanted individualized concierge service, the choices resulted in an increase in revenue on relatively flat attendance. | We are fortunate to be stewards of a special gift – the opportunity to create treasured memories for families, the building blocks of communities. In an age when many neighborhoods have lost their sense of community and safety, we can provide places where friends can connect, laugh and importantly, belong. I am blessed to be able to help bring people of a community together to celebrate those special moments. | Actively seek out trusted mentors and advisors. You will encounter challenges and questions along the way for which no book or formal education can prepare you. | We expect and are preparing for growth and expansion, so five years from now, I anticipate that PARC will have completed several of the domestic development opportunities currently under way and will expand into new markets, both in terms of new products and new places. |
| Grace Huxtable-Mount Owner and Business Manager, The Learning Experience Child Development Center, Women in Business Franchisee of the Year | Yes, I believe the economy is recovering in the child care industry. Over the past two years, the enrollment at The Learning Experience has consistently grown. I’ve noticed that there is greater demand for child care because more parents are either going back to school full time, starting new jobs or getting promotions. | I have always been in love with the education field. Ever since adolescence, I’ve had a passion for working with children. Helping children learn is both fun and rewarding. Being an educator and owner of The Learning Experience allows me to influence children, families and other educators in a positive way. | To anyone wanting to start a business, I would recommend spending some quality time really reflecting on whether or not there is a need for your idea and whether or not you are truly passionate about the business that’s being considered. I believe that the business owner’s commitment, knowledge and interest in the business, especially in the early stages, are absolutely imperative to the success of the business. | Over the next five years, I plan to expand The Learning Experience by opening one or two additional locations in Jacksonville. I would like to become involved with teaching courses at the college level. My husband and I are also in the process of fine-tuning the mission of our nonprofit foundation, so I hope to be busy impacting the lives of underprivileged children. |
| Cynthia Montello President, The Montello Agency, Women in Business Entrepreneur of the Year | As the owner of an advertising, marketing and public relations firm, we have seen a big resurgence in spending the past six months. Our real estate clients are proceeding with caution, knowing they can’t survive with their heads in the sand. The builders who have been consistently spending marketing dollars have maintained the lead in sales. The medical industry has been holding steady and even elective surgery is on the rise. It seems to all be trending upward. | As a creative person, graphic designer, photographer, writer and artist, advertising and marketing was the best place for me to use all my gifts, talents and skills. It has been a perfect fit for me. | Have a dream, then research it carefully. Is it needed? Is it feasible? How are you better than your competitors? Is there parking and access? Make sure you have a good plan for financing, marketing, growth, goals and networking. Make customer service your main goal over profit. Care more about your client than your bottom line. Be prepared to live it, eat it, breathe it and sleep with it 24/7. | Over the past 25 years, my business has continued to grow and evolve. So have I and so has my team. The future is as hopeful and exciting as each new day. We have expanded into the Southeast region with new clients in several cities. I hope to be able to continue our work with the poor and broken in our community, as well as help each of our clients grow to new heights. |
| Candace Moody Vice President, WorkSource, Women in Business Corporate Leader of the Year | Of course, my industry is the one charged with watching jobs and recovery. At WorkSource, we see job postings up by 25 percent this year. Our employer partners are all saying that business is picking up. Job growth will almost certainly not match the pace of economic recovery, though, since employers are wary of adding permanent staff. I think we’ll see a lot more contracting and outsourcing than hiring. | I have a background in staffing and career counseling. It’s the perfect combination for work force development, which serves both the business and job seeker as customers. My role in the organization has changed over the 14 years I’ve been here, from starting up the business services division to managing communications and operations. These days, I’m working on automating our systems and engaging job seekers through social media. I love working on new challenges. | “I hope everyone follows your example.” After this recession, we’ll see many people give up on the idea of a job. When you have a job, one person’s decision can put you out of work or control your income. When you own a company, every single customer has to fire you to put you out of work, and you control your own earning power. | I hope I’ll still be contributing to WorkSource in some way, but I plan to do more and more writing. I have a couple of books in me that I would love to have time to write. I also have some friends with books in them, and I plan to help them get their ideas into print. |