I grew up on a road called CowPath outside of Mechanicsburg, Ohio in the late 1980s. Although I was part of a military family, we were able to set down roots there, building our farm from the ground up, accomplishing anything from installing fences to felling trees for horse pastures to building a 5-car garage for the house to erecting a huge pole barn for the animals. Construction has been in my DNA, and believe it or not, I married into it. In spite of being offered a full-ride scholarship to play soccer at Washington State University in Washington D.C., my interest in mechanical and civil engineering led to studying at Ohio State University, followed by Wright State University and working for Siemens, where I met my husband, Mark.
Mark and I have gutted and renovated 4 houses, including our current lake home on Lake Lanier in Buford, Georgia. Besides pursuing other creative endeavors together, we have installed a 1 acre pond and beach paradise, an in-ground swimming pool oasis, a motorhome garage, lavish gardens, and inspired countless friends and associates to engage in leading their own renovation endeavors. I have also helped oversee countless projects as foreman of construction and become program manager of M& S Enterprises while my husband has utilized his background in mechanical and structural engineering. In addition, as my husband has continued working full-time at Siemens, I have been leading our own small empire, birthing and homeschooling 7 amazing children. Now completing their own small feats in plumbing and electrical, planting and maintaining gardens, and raising horses and chickens, our children routinely partake in other useful trades, such as teaching swim lessons, coaching cheer, tutoring in math and science, nannying and pet sitting, as well as cooking and baking dishes and desserts marvelous enough for a king.
About a year and a half ago, I decided that it was time for me to go back to college. Earning my B.S. in Organizational Leadership degree has become monumental in learning who I am as well as what some of my many passions and interests are. Completing the Clifton Strengths Profile became a pivotal moment for me, which can be referenced in my leadership resources page.
In addition, this past summer I excelled at completing an internship at Breaux & Associates Architects, applying my knowledge of architecture, construction, and interior design, but especially leadership. Ideally, I hope to further my studies in these areas, but leadership has become an area I believe anyone can excel in.
Throughout my lifetime of experiences, I have become more and more passionate about teaching others how to have S.A.S. in their leadership journey where their Strengths, Adaptability, and Success in leadership are vital to success. Please be sure to check out my posts on my homepage as well as the excellent information covered on my leadership resources page.
Finally, in this blog I wish to not only dispel myths about leadership, but I also strive to motivate others to be the leaders they were meant to be. As I share some of my professional journey, please partner with me and share about your own unique experiences you have encountered in life. Please explain your core values, your commitment to those around you, and how you stand out from the crowd. Feel free to also add a photo, a gallery, or a video for even more engagement. I’d love to hear about your journey – in leadership and beyond. Thank you!