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Pump it Up Raleigh's Kelly McHugh, CEO. Women that SHINE- Holiday 2019
Brier Creek Cover- Holiday 2019
Photos by Catherine Davis Photography
Kelly McHugh
FAMILY: Husband, Jim (almost 20 years); daughter, Madeline (17); son, Drake (15)
PETS: Darby and Danny (labradoodles)
CAUSES: JDRF, Red Cross, Fire Fighters Association
HONORS: Several franchise recognitions: A Class Franchise; Top Performer, Multiple Top Customer Service Awards
INTERESTS: Family, photography, cooking, reading, traveling, music, movies
HOMETOWN: Raleigh
POSITION: Raleigh Business Owner (Pump It Up Raleigh); former corporate executive
RESIDENCE: Brier Creek (North Raleigh)
EDUCATION:North Carolina State University (Business)
Kelly McHugh at the "office"
Photos by Catherine Davis
What do you love most about your work?
Everyday I have many jobs (wife, parent, sister, daughter, friend, entrepreneur) – but in my job of owning and running a business, I enjoy mentoring employees and engaging with customers and trying to make a difference for both of sets.
What makes you successful?
I would give the credit to people; the people around me and in my life have made me be successful. It’s a reciprocal thing – I am there for them and they are there for me. I do believe a lot of success is tied to who you know and the cultivated relationships you grow with those people.
From what do you draw inspiration?
My wonderful family and friends. My husband, in particular inspires me daily – he is a wealth of knowledge and is my biggest fan and supporter. He is very talented, driven, experienced and generous – he has taught me more than I could have ever learned in school or in my career and I love him dearly.
What is your passion in life? Tough question for me…I just want to make everyone involved in my life – my husband, my children, and my large extended family…happy. It is important for the people in my life to feel loved, cherished and kept. I get joy from giving and taking care of the important people in my life.
What would be your alternative career?
Easy answer…a food blogger and photographer for a travel magazine! But in reality, I love what I do. I am a marketing person at heart. After college and before owning Pump It Up, I was lucky to work for a few great companies (IBM, Nortel Networks, FileNet), where I honed my marketing skills. In each of those corporate environments, I had great mentors who challenged me and gave me great job experiences.
What’s on your bucket list?
I am blessed. When I was younger, I had a huge bucket list – mainly surrounding travel. When I met my future husband – I was thrilled to learn that he shared my same love of travel. – and he was literally a world traveler and wanted to show me the world, too. If I had to pick something – I’d write a book (I love to read – wish I made more time for it)…maybe I could write a love story about a travel adventure?
A few members from the team at Pump it Up Raleigh in North Raleigh- Brier Creek
Photos by Catherine Davis Photography
