The Only Woman in the Room: My life as a pioneer businesswoman, daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother

With Gratitude and PrideIt is with great gratitude and pride that I write the story of my life as a pioneer businesswoman, daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. I grew up the only child of loving parents who instilled much confidence in me. As a young woman, I had a goal of working as a business executive. Happily, I was able to attain this goal in my corporate career in human resources, as a partner with my husband, Brad. Sr. in our family real estate investment and management business (starting in 1966), and as owner and manager of my own consulting business (from 1982 to 1999). In the 1960s, I was often the only woman in the room, whether I was involved in meetings with bankers to get financing for family business projects or doing my corporate human resources job. In the early 1970s, Anne and Brad Jr. were born, so I continually wore multiple hats: a family hat, a family business hat, and a corporate human resources hat. I must admit that the challenges at times were overwhelming as I tried to balance the many responsibilities that came with each. Gratitude is the thread that runs through much of my personal life and business career. There were many people who helped along the way, for which I will be forever grateful. There were moments where I thought I would never complete this book, but now that I have, I feel extremely satisfied by doing so. If these stories entertain or bring smiles of remembrance to some, including those who have shared experiences of being the only woman in the room, then it has been worth the effort. Read more