Women business owners who have hit the million-dollar mark in annual revenue face a different set of challenges and opportunities than they did when founding their businesses. Enter the NAWBO Circle Program, launched several years back specifically for Premier members who own larger businesses to meet them where they are now in their entrepreneurial journey and provide the support needed to continue to grow. The program offers connections, access and learning opportunities above and beyond membership. Below, we highlight several of our current Circle members with larger businesses:
Crystal Keyes, owner of Alpha and Omega Insurance Group
Why did you start your business? I started my business for freedom of time and to create a legacy for my children.
What would you most like to achieve this year? I would like to grow both of my businesses to double the current size and to be more active with my children’s school activities.
Who has influenced you the most? My grandparents had the most influence over my life with instilling morals and values that I have carried with me on this journey called life.
How do you relieve stress? I love taking long bubble baths.
DJ Heckes, CEO of EXHIB-IT! Tradeshow Marketing Experts and Full BRAIN Marketing
Why did you start your business? I have always had a passion for interior design and what I do is much like that. I get to work with businesses every day and learn their vision, mission and culture and create a design that matches all that to get noticed.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done? Move from California after my divorce to Albuquerque, New Mexico, with my two kids and start over in a new city on my own without family because I picked Albuquerque to move to and live.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I was a hot air balloon pilot for 17 years and flew in 17 International Balloon Fiestas in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Who are your top three real-life heroes? Clara Barton, Abraham Lincoln and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Lane Hickey-Wiggins, president and CEO of Dprint Graphic Communications
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I was a competitive gymnast for eight years.
How do you relieve stress? CrossFit. In theory, it isn’t a stress reliever because it’s just one more high intensity thing I’ve added to my life—big surprise, right? However, the intentionality of sculpting time from my daily schedule for that one hour to work on improving my health brings my stress level down.
What are you most afraid of? Failure. With all of the things I continuously strive to cultivate (marriage, kids, business, etc.) into a success, I am terrified of failing at any one of them.
What’s your favorite business book? If it can be considered a business book, my current favorite is “Talking to Strangers” by Malcom Gladwell. Although, I think it is a poignant message for all aspects of life.
What song is playing in your head right now? Yesterday, it was “Do Re Mi” by Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music. Today, it’s “Wheel in the Sky” by Journey or maybe it’s “God, Your Mama, and Me” by Florida Georgia Line. I’m a little eclectic when it comes to my taste in music.
Lynda Buel, owner, president and CEO of SRMC, LLC
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I always wanted to be the first female head of the FBI and I used to chase bank robbers for a living.
What’s your all-time favorite movie? Point Break. Keanu Reeves plays an FBI agent who chases a gang of surfers led by Patrick Swayze who are bank robbers—starting to see a theme here?
Who has influenced you the most? My grandfather. He had a very tough childhood growing up and ran away from home at the age of 17, joining the military. Not only did he rise to the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Army, but he was also a very successful attorney. He taught me to be generous with others, never take no for an answer, you can do anything, the sky is the limit, follow your dreams and NEVER give up.
What’s your favorite vacation destination? Anywhere I can be with family and friends, warm weather and a clear blue sky! I live in Ohio, which is ranked #7 as the gloomiest state in America!
What do you want more than anything else in life? World peace. Wait, that’s what they always say on the pageant circuit. But then again, wouldn’t that be nice? Otherwise, being content with myself as individual, contributor and leader within my organization and the community I serve.
Diana Dibble, president and chief motivator at Design To Delivery Inc
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? That even though I’m outgoing, I’m a textbook introvert.
What song is in your head right now? L-Asorbic Acid by The Crest, Eye Dea + Carnage (my favorite song to ski to!).
What is the one thing you are deeply proud of in your life? That I’m very introspective and that has helped me to get through some tough situations and grow from them.
How do you relieve stress? Being outdoors no matter the weather or the temperature. In the winter, being on a mountain skiing is my fave stress buster.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Somewhere I can do all of my fave activities so it has to be close enough to get to the beach in the summer and the mountains in the winter.
Considering how you might benefit like these women from the NAWBO Circle Program? Learn more here or reach out to Lynda Bishop at [email protected].