Women Leaders BALDWIN
2017
1 • Baldwin Women Leaders
GULF COAST MEDIA
www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com
THE COURIER • THE ONLOOKER • THE ISLANDER • THE BALDWIN TIMES
Sheri Brown: Heritage Antique Mall
“I have fun here … I don’t ‘have’ to go to work, I ‘get’ to go to work. This is just what I love to do.” – Sheri Brown
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t’s been over a year since Sheri Brown took ownership of Heritage Antique Mall in Foley, and the list of changes — good changes — continues to grow. “So much as happened in the past year,” Brown explains. “When I first started, everything was so unknown. I was very nervous, very scared. Now, things are good and even on bad days, things are good.” The number of antique dealers at the store has grown to over 100 vendors, and the store now has 18,000 square feet of showroom floor. Heritage Antique Mall expanded in December, 2016, and took over the store next door. No matter how large the store grows or how many vendors there are, Brown never gets bored of the items her dealers bring in. “We get antiques from all over the world,” she said. “Some of our dealers travel, buy things and come back to sell them here. We have such a big variety of items. I love seeing the new things day after day.” Brown loves talking to her customers about where they plan to put purchased furniture pieces or where they plan to place items they buy, but there’s one type of customer Brown particularly enjoys talking to. “I love talking with our veterans,” she said. “That’s probably my biggest gift working here. I visit with them, talk with them 2 • Baldwin Women Leaders
and thank them. You know, “we live in a country where we are able to pursue our dreams because of the sacrifices of our service men and women. I am very thankful for that. Yes, Brown agrees times can get hectic at the store, but it’s never a “job.” “I have fun here,” she said, laughing. “I don’t ‘have’ to go to work, I ‘get’ to go to work. This is just what I love to do. I don’t think it’s special; it’s just something I love.”
Heritage ANTIQUE MALL Sheri Brown, Owner
HERITAGE ANTIQUE MALL 802 S. McKenzie St. Foley, AL 251.943.6979 www.foleyantiques.com
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Table of Contents M E E T
Y O U R
W O M E N
L E A D E R S
Sheri Brown: Heritage Antique Mall................................................... 2
PUBLISHER Parks Rogers
Majorie Jones and Christina Wallace: Badcock Home Furnishings.................................................................. 4
DESIGN Cary Howard Leigh Mitchell
Julie Shamburger: Big Beach Brewing................................................. 5 Carla Givens and Mary Stark: Bryant Bank.......................................... 6 Dee Asthana: Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana, PC.................................... 7 Dr. Monica Chiang: Eastern Shore Adult and Family Medicine.......... 8
ADVERTISING Jeniece Bouzan Frank Kustura LouAnn Love EDITORIAL Destiny Brown Cliff McCollum Allison Marlow Allison Woodham
Tammy Robinson: LiveOak Village....................................................... 9 Ashton Dale & Shelley Buttler: M&M Bank....................................... 10 Lisette Normann: The Fairhope Store & The Orange Beach Store... 11 Penny Groux: Perdido Beach Resort.................................................. 12 Jennie M. Campbell: The Stewart Lodges at Steelwood................... 13 Mary Younce: The Hotel Magnolia.................................................... 14 Margaret Niven: Window Decor and More....................................... 15 Liz Young: Yummy's Bakery and Café................................................ 16 Gulf Coast Media................................................................................ 18 Infirmary Health................................................................................. 19 Cheryl Russell: Berkshire Hathaway Cooper & Co............................. 20
GULF COAST MEDIA 901 N. McKenzie St. Foley, Alabama 36535 251-943-2151
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Baldwin Women Leaders • 3
Majorie Jones & Christina Wallace: Badcock Home Furnishings
“I like to support our local area and because you get these return customers, you're doing a service for the small business and that's a big deal.”– Marjorie Jones, Sales “Now, everything is computerized, but we still pride ourselves in personal service and attention to each and every customer.” – Christina Wallace, Manager
For the women of Badcock Furniture, in Daphne, their coworkers are their closest friends, and always have been. Marjorie Jones began her career at the store three years ago, working part-time to help support her friend, Michelle, who owns the store. Manager Christina Wallace, also already had close ties with Michelle when she applied for her job at the store more than 30 years ago. Despite the changes that technology has brought over that time, the women still pride themselves on offering personalized customer service. “When I started, everything was done with a paper and pen and a handshake,” Wallace said. “Now, everything is computerized, but we still pride ourselves in personal service and attention to each and every customer.” Wallace said her favorite part of the job is being with her customers. “Listening to their stories and needs for their new furnishings and helping them decorate their home can be very satisfying,” Wallace said. Jones too said the customers are what make her workday enjoyable. “Michelle has bonded with some people that have been 4 • Baldwin Women Leaders
customers since the day she's opened,” Jones said. “It's very family-like here and you get to learn everything about the customers.” Jones also takes pride in the support the business gives the community. “I like to support our local area and because you get these return customers, you're doing a service for the small business and that's a big deal,” Jones said.
Majorie Jones and Christina Wallace BADCOCK FURNITURE 1201 US-98, Daphne (251) 626-2377 www.badcock.com
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Julie Shamburger: Big Beach Brewing
“Stay true to yourself. Don’t try to be a man. Don’t try to create yourself to fit in a man’s world.” – Julie Shamburger
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rewing beer isn’t just a job for Julie Shamburger - it’s a passion that turned into one of Gulf Shores’ newest and most popular destinations, Big Beach Brewing Company. Julie and her husband Jim started the business because they had been brewing beer at home for several years and wanted to take it to the next level. “It was a passion that both Jim and I shared,” Shamburger said. “It’s that kind of thing where you hear ‘Do what you like and make it your living,’ so that’s what we did.” Shamburger said the beer brewing industry is not exactly an industry where there are many women currently, which can be a challenge. “Sometimes, women just aren’t really taken quite as seriously in business as a man is, especially in the brewery business because it’s somewhat kind of a male dominated industry,” Shamburger said. “However, statistics are showing that is really changing, and I expect we’ll see a lot more women involved in the actual business side of breweries and brewing beer in the near future.” Shamburger said despite the lack of women in her industry, she’s never felt discriminated against because she is an equal partner in the business. “Once people realize I’m a partner in the business financially, you maybe even get a little more respect once you’ve validated yourself,” Shamburger said. “I think people respect the fact that a woman’s
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done something like this and gotten in the business.” Shamburger said women can particularly excel in the brewing industry because of the creativity involved in the entire process. “It’s definitely a creative outlet, so women naturally fall into that category,” Shamburger said. “We always have a ton of fun ideas, so we naturally fit in well there within the business world.” Shamburger said her advice to women looking to get into a male industry like brewing or similar jobs is just to be themselves. “Stay true to yourself,” Shamburger said. “Don’t try to be a man. Don’t try to create yourself to fit in a man’s world. You’ve got great ideas. You’ve got to just move ahead and own that, and you do offer something else to that world. You don’t just want to duplicate what the dudes are doing out there. You have to offer something new and bright and a new perspective to their market.”
Julie Shamburger
BIG BEACH BREWING COMPANY 300 E 24th Ave. Gulf Shores, AL 251-948-2337 www.bigbeachbrewing.com
Baldwin Women Leaders • 5
Carla Givens & Mary Stark: Bryant Bank
“At Bryant Bank, you’ll find unbeatable service with easy and convenient banking solutions that deliver legendary results. But, our greatest joy is in the relationships that we build with our customers and our involvement in our community.” – Carla Givens
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arla Givens and Mary Stark have a combined 40 years of banking experience, all of which have been in Baldwin County and most recently in Orange Beach. This is what made these women prime candidates for helping Bryant Bank open their newest location on Pleasure Island (Canal Road) in Orange Beach, coming June 2017. Givens and Stark are enthusiastic to work as a team as they incorporate the Bryant Bank brand and core values into Orange Beach. “We’re excited to be surrounded by a team of bankers that value the process of building an authentic customer relationship,” Givens said. “We listen intently and work tirelessly to see our customers succeed both personally and financially. We’re here to help each customer build confidence for a bright future.” Givens will be the assistant vice president and branch manager of the Orange Beach Branch, and Stark will be the commercial support specialist. “Customers appreciate the authenticity they experience at Bryant Bank, but they also value our commitment to not only being a bank of the community, but a bank for the community. We continuously look for ways to enhance the community. It’s our home too,” Stark explained. At Bryant Bank, it really is about the relationships they build with their customers and the willingness to help make the community a better place. Bryant Bank promises to always be committed to its customers and its community. “Doug (Sizemore) and I have worked together for 14 years. It’s important to us that we identify the ways we can work with others for the long haul; a relationship that we can build that will last for years and years,” Stark said. “The customer always comes first. We’re committed through the good
6 • Baldwin Women Leaders
times and the hard times, and will always work to do as much as we can.” Givens said the philosophy that she and Mary have fits well with Bryant Bank’s core values: to provide unbeatable service to the customer, to invest in the community and to develop real relationships. “It’s funny because our customers really become our family and our friends,” Stark said, laughing. “The people are what make this job so great. We’re fortunate to be given this opportunity. Of course we’ll face challenges, but we’re ready for it.” Bryant Bank’s Orange Beach grand opening cookout will be on Tuesday, June 13th from 12 pm until 4 pm. Open to the public. Member FDIC.
BRYANT BANK
1502 N. McKenzie St., Foley, AL 251-971-4999 1801 U.S. Highway 98, Daphne, AL 251-607-5750 www.BryantBank.com www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com
Dee Asthana: Caldwell, Wenzel & Asthana, PC
“Coming down here and starting my own firm has been great because I have my name as a part of the firm name, which has always been a dream of mine, and I’m an equal partner.” – Dee Asthana
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ee Asthana, one of the partners at Caldwell, Wenzel and Asthana, PC Law Firm, said she has always enjoyed being able to help people through her job as a lawyer. “I enjoy civil litigation,” Asthana said. “I enjoy fighting for victims and people who have been hurt, trying to help them.” Asthana grew up in New Delhi, India, where she attended kindergarten through 12th grade before moving to Ontario, Canada to obtain her engineering degree. From there, she went on to the University of Western Ontario to obtain her law degree. She said the experience in law school as a woman differed from what she saw when she entered the business world in Canada. “When you go to law school, there were just as many women as men that were students,” Asthana said. “It was 50/50. But when you come out of law school, the picture is very different. As a young associate, I was told numerous times I would never make partner because I was married and because I had a child. It was an absolute never going to happen kind of a thing.” Asthana practiced on Bay Street in Toronto, which is the Wall Street of Canada, but she said she had to fight hard to get what she deserved. “I was one of four women in the whole office where there were about 30 male lawyers and no female partners,” Asthana said. “In that job, I was the woman that fought for maternity leave and getting paid during that time. There were no female partners to fight for this, so I had to do it myself. I set a precedent for the women to come.” Asthana and her husband soon realized that having a lifestyle that left time for family was highly important to them, so they came to Baldwin County and she was able to become a founder of her new firm.
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“Coming down here and starting my own firm has been great because I have my name as a part of the firm name, which has always been a dream of mine, and I’m an equal partner,” Asthana said. “I control the direction of the firm and make decisions the same as the other male partners.” Asthana said she doesn’t feel like she’s treated differently here because she’s a woman, and she encourages other women to pursue their dreams just like she did. “I think law is a great profession for men and women, but, as a woman, I wouldn’t take no for an answer,” Asthana said. “If you strongly believe there are rights that you should have, then you should fight for them. Don’t stay quiet and don’t be afraid to go out on your own.” She also encourages women to make sure they have financial independence. “I think it’s important that women be taught from a young age that you have to be financially independent,” Asthana said. “You have to stand on your own two feet and be able to look out for yourself. When you can, it makes a difference both in your family and professional life.”
CALDWELL, WENZEL & ASTHANA, PC 218 N. Alston Street, Foley, AL (251) 948-2168 www.cwalawfirm.com
Baldwin Women Leaders • 7
Dr. Chiang: Eastern Shore Adult and Family Medicine
“We apply our in-depth knowledge and coach our patients in how to improve,” she said. “But, most of the time, the real action and the real job are on the patients’ side to adjust behavior, follow instructions and recommendations to get the desired results.” – Dr. Monica C. Chiang, MD
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ome diseases are obvious. Some ailments are easily cured. But every so often, a patient arrives with a disease or symptom that is not clearly defined. Dr. Monica Chiang, enjoys “the magic of playing detective,” what she calls the “intellectual curiosity” part of her job. Chiang specializes in endocrinology, which means there are a lot of moving parts, and a lot of opportunity for detective work. Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine system – several glands, all in different parts of the body, that secrete hormones, she said. The system includes the most commonly recognized thyroid, pancreas and pituitary gland. Her patients are often stricken with diabetes, cancer, bone mineral disease, obesity and growth disorders. “I always had the curiosity of how our body integrated so many organs in a perfect equilibrium,” she said. “Since my first lectures in biochemistry from med school I was fascinated by the physiology and the regulatory mechanism that the body uses to maintain equilibrium. That is what hormones are intended to control. So, hyper or hypo secretion of any hormone can result in a particular disease since our body loses that equilibrium.” Chiang graduated from medical school in Cuba in 2000. Over the course of eight years she practiced in three countries: Cuba, Haiti and Venezuela, before coming to the United States. Soon after, she received her degree in Internal Medicine from New York Medical College and completed a Fellowship in Endocrinology at LSUHSC in New Orleans. As Chiang works to unlock some of the mysteries of her patients’ systems, her greatest satisfaction, she said, comes from helping somebody become better. But, the best moments of her day are not always when she cures a problem.
8 • Baldwin Women Leaders
“When I am able to make a hopeless patient feel better after an office visit, and not necessarily because I prescribed medication,” she said. “When we have a friendly conversation with support to provide a positive effect.” Those are the moments she knows she is helping her patients not just physically, but emotionally and psychologically too. While Chiang and other doctors diligently work their detective skills to find answers, she said she does wish patients understood that there is not always a magic solution. Sometimes, all the medicine available is useless unless the patient is willing to work too. “We apply our in-depth knowledge and coach our patients in how to improve,” she said. “But, most of the time, the real action and the real job are on the patients’ side to adjust behavior, follow instructions and recommendations to get the desired results.”
Dr. Monica Chiang, Endocrinologist EASTERN SHORE ADULT AND FAMILY MEDICINE 300 S. Greeno Road Fairhope, AL 251-929-3424 www.infirmaryhealth.org
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Tammy Robinson: LiveOak Village
“Find Your Passion and Pursue It” – Tammy Robinson
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n November of 2016 Tammy Robinson became the new Executive Director of Live Oak Village here in Foley Al. Tammy is a recent resident to the beautiful Gulf Shores area and currently resides in Daphne Al. with her husband Logan and daughter Ciera. Tammy received her baccalaureate degree in Psychology from Saint Maryof-the- Woods College in Terre Haute Indiana and her Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration at Kaplan University. Tammy holds ALF (Assisted Living) and SCALF (Specialty Care Assisted Living) licenses. In summary, this means that in addition to an assisted living license she holds a nursing home and memory care license. These additional licenses will be necessary since Live Oak has been approved for a sixteen-bed memory care which will be opening in 2018. This expansion will allow residents at Live Oak to the full spectrum of senior services in one place; from independent living to assisted living to memory care. Before her career in the healthcare industry Tammy owned a real estate company in her home state of Indiana. While vacationing here several years ago Tammy and her family fell in love with the southern hospitality and charm of our Gulf Shores area. Well that and the lovely weather! Tammy and her husband always vowed (somewhat humorously) that if they ever got the chance they would move here. So, when the opportunity opened they didn’t hesitate. Throughout her career relationship building has been her passion. “The senior healthcare field is unique” Tammy says. “The emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of our residents are our goal, our bottom line. I love the
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services we here at Live Oak provide to our residents, their families, and the community at large. I went into this field because I truly love helping others.” Tammy also believes in the importance of relationship building and teaching between herself, management, and floor personnel. “I tell my personnel “if you have worked for me for six months and haven’t grown professionally and personally in that time then I have not done my job.” Tammy’s mantra is “When one door shuts, another one always opens.” Her advice is “Set your goals high. Always remember somebody has to be the President of the United States, why not you?”
Tammy Robinson
LIVEOAK VILLAGE
2300 North Cedar Street Foley, AL 36535 251-943-6733 • 1-800-871-7066 www.liveoakal.com Baldwin Women Leaders • 9
Ashton Dale & Shelley Butler: M&M Bank
“It's not all about transactions. It's more about building relationships and I love that part of it so much.”– Ashton Dale, Fairhope Branch “I love the relationships that you build and you meet new people all of the time.” – Shelley Butler, Gulf Shores Branch
Ashton Dale, branch manager of M&M Bank in Fairhope, didn't start out in banking. Before her banking career, she was a professional counselor in the Mobile area. After moving to Baldwin County she started first as a personal banker and then began to learn the different areas of the banking field. “I'm a people person and I love the fact that this bank is all about relationships,” Dale said. “It's not all about transactions. It's more about building relationships and I love that part of it so much.” Shelley Butler, branch manager of M&M Bank in Gulf Shores, fell in love with banking right out of high school. She has spent the last 21 years learning the field. Butler's favorite part of her day is being with her co-workers. “I love the relationships that you build and you meet new people all of the time,” Butler said. Both women love working in Baldwin County. “It's just beautiful over here,” Dale said. “I love the people, the shops, the businesses and it's a wonderful place to live and to work. To think, we live here and don't have to pay to come visit here.” Butler agrees. “Baldwin County is wonderful,” Butler said. “I can’t say enough about it. It's a lot of different things all in one. You can enjoy the beach or come to a quaint little town like Fairhope to some of the best eateries. It’s growing and there's always something going on. It's ever changing.” Dale has a few words of advice to give any women who want to enter
10 • Baldwin Women Leaders
the field of banking. “I would say do it,” Dale said. “I have several people that are talking to me about going into banking that have a completely different career. At any time you can learn banking skills. I was older than most when I started banking. You can do it and it's wonderful and it's fun and it's a great career. I enjoy it immensely.” Butler added, “Be steadfast and diligent and patient.”
Ashton Dale, Branch Manager Fairhope
M&M BANK
325 Fairhope Ave, Fairhope (251) 517-8303 www.mandmbank.com
Shelley Butler, Branch Manager Gulf Shores
M&M BANK
1820 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores (251) 949-5600 www.mandmbank.com www.gulfcoastnewstoday.com
Lisette Normann: Fairhope Store and Orange Beach Store
“Anyone can accomplish anything if they just take the next right step and they step out of fear and just try something.” – Lisette Normann
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isette Normann, founder and owner of the Fairhope Store and Orange Beach Store, is a native to Baldwin County. She grew up in Fairhope and spent her childhood vacationing at the beach. Growing up in the area, Normann learned to love the communities and realized neither of them had a brand. Her idea for the Orange Beach Store brand came from a sketch she completed one day on the pier and it all came together. “I believe that brands build communities,” Normann said. “This has been a way for me to be a part of things and a part of the communities and that's what both of these stores are.” Normann takes prides in the fact that visitors can take something memorable back home with them when their vacation ends. “I love that anyone can have a piece of it and I think that we build memories,” Normann said. “When people go back home and they can pick up that shirt and think of where they went and that vacation they worked so hard to go on.” The Orange Beach Store and Fairhope Store play major parts in the community, especially the school system. “We have a shirt that all proceeds go to Orange Beach Elementary, and I do the same in Fairhope,” she said. Normann said fellow would-be entrepreneurs and store owners should follow their gut, and, their heart. “I have built these stores on our core values,” Normann said. “Anyone can accomplish anything if they just take the next right step and they step out of fear and just try something.”
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Lisette Normann, Owner THE FAIRHOPE STORE 323 De La Mare Ave, Fairhope (251) 928-0108 www.thefairhopestore.com
THE ORANGE BEACH STORE 25908 Canal Rd, Orange Beach (251) 981-1615 www.theorangebeachstore.com
Baldwin Women Leaders • 11
Penny Groux: Perdido Beach Resort
“I love the fact that the hotel takes a tremendous amount of pride in our local community and have provided their support to many charities and the business community during my years with them." - Penny Groux When Penny Groux was young, she mapped out a future as an attorney. However, the heavy cost of law school stopped her in her tracks. The exit to another path led her on a career adventure that she never dreamed. Her first job out of college was the assistant to the vice president of operations of Gold Star of America, now named the Lucky Group. Within her first six months, Groux moved on to the Human Resources department since a lot of her college studies were related to labor law. A mere 18 months after starting with the company she was recruited by Intergraph Corporation, a rapidly growing computer hardware and software firm with corporate headquarters in Huntsville/Madison. “I started at the bottom as a recruiter in the 'pool' of almost 20 other recruiters, but moved from that position within a few years to manager of Corporate HR Administration, then Senior Manager of Domestic Corporate Benefits and finally to Executive Director of Worldwide Human Resources covering all of our operations around the globe,” Groux said. At that time, Intergraph was a Fortune 500 company and she realized just how lucky she was to be able to grow and learn as the company also grew. She stayed with Intergraph until 2000 when the company founders, Jim and Nancy Meadlock, decided to step away from corporate life and take an active management role in the beach hotel they had built in the 1980s. That hotel was Perdido Beach Resort. Groux followed the Meadlocks to the coast and has been with Perdido Beach Resort ever since. “From 2000 until 2013, I drove back and forth from Huntsville because I found quickly I absolutely loved working in hospitality and the real sense of family I saw from everyone at the hotel,” Groux said. “I have never looked back and feel blessed to be able to say I've worked for the same two people basically my entire adult life. They are an inspiration and amazing role models.” Groux continues to love her position at Perdido Beach Resort. “I love the fact that each day is different,” Groux said. “From dealing with unique
12 • Baldwin Women Leaders
employee opportunities to welcoming our guests, no two days are the same. I also cherish the fact that our team truly is like an extended family. I always tell people I have over 200 brothers and sisters I get to work with every day.” Groux also appreciates the role Perdido Beach Resort plays in the beach community. “I love the fact that the hotel takes a tremendous amount of pride in our local community and have provided their support to many charities and the business community during my years with them,” Groux said. “Our owners have instilled in me a belief that we are part of something greater and I sincerely believe the Coastal Alabama community is a fantastic place to live and work.” Her advice for women entering the business world? “While starting out as a pure Human Resources professional, I now recognize my job often entails just about anything related to the hotel, minus number analysis which is my nemesis!” Groux said. “Hospitality is a fabulous career choice for a female or a male and it is an industry where personal drive and dedication allows for career growth in a number of areas. To say 'the sky is the limit' is absolutely true where the hospitality industry is concerned.”
Penny Groux - Director, Human Resources & Public Relations
PERDIDO BEACH RESORT 27200 Perdido Beach Blvd. Orange Beach, AL (251) 981-9811 www.perdidobeachresort.com
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Jennie M. Campbell: The Stewart Lodges at Steelwood
“I don’t view opportunities or obstacles in business as a gender factor. Rather, I believe you earn respect.”– Jennie M. Campbell
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ennie Campbell has been the CEO/President of Stewart Steelwood Investments LLC dba “The Stewart Lodges at Steelwood” for 13 years. “The vision of The Stewart Lodges is simple: to create and deliver a private, exclusive, customized experience for our client, whether for a business meeting, a golf or fishing trip or a family gathering,” Campbell said. “Our goal is to take care of our customers with the utmost respect creating an environment of connection whether personal, business or activity related. I believe in our vision for this investment. I am very proud of the team that has been assembled to implement this vision.” A critical factor in success is having great mentors, learning from our mistakes, having persistence and most importantly, having integrity. Campbell has learned to be open with her career; when new challenges were presented to her throughout her life, she embraced them wholeheartedly. “Through my career and through different adversities in my life, I was able to move past them and realize new doors of opportunities opened up for me,” Campbell explained. “I’m actually very thankful for the adversities. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.” Embracing these adversities has made Campbell a stronger leader. “I believe very passionately about mentoring and giving back,” she said. “I have and I still am the benefactor of a relationship with stronger business and spiritual mentors in both my business and personal life. It’s my turn to give back and to give guidance to the next business person. I’ve been blessed in my career on multiple levels.” Through her years in business, Campbell has seen many changes, in the world and business. “I am a baby boomer, so I saw ongoing change — change in families, change for women, changes in business — I see business as an even playing field,” Campbell said. “I don’t view opportunities or obstacles in business as a gender factor. Rather, I believe you earn respect. You gain progress and move forward in your career by having solid
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integrity and ethics, by having a good attitude, by embracing and most importantly, by being thankful for every opportunity; and by constantly growing your knowledge in all areas of business. Knowledge is power. If you become knowledgeable in the area that you’re working, you can engage in conversations with confidence and most significantly, earn the respect of your peers and colleagues. If you can master these traits, no matter who you are, you will be successful.” Campbell’s favorite part about her job is impacting and making a difference with her employees and her customers. “What I hope I have accomplished in my career and life is to be significant by making a difference in other peoples’ lives by mentoring and sharing through my personal experiences and knowledge as my mentor has done for me,” Campbell said. “It is my time in my life to give back and pass on to the next generation.”
Jennie M. Campbell, CMP, CMM, PMP CEO/President
STEWART STEELWOOD INVESTMENTS LLC DBA “THE STEWART LODGES AT STEELWOOD”
32311 Waterview Drive E., Loxley, AL 251-602-1300 www.StewartSteelwood.com
Baldwin Women Leaders • 13
Mary Younce: The Hotel Magnolia
“I’ve made some very good friends. It’s a little bit different here at the small bed and breakfast. You get to know people a lot better than you would at a large hotel.”– Mary Younce
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ospitality is in Mary Younce’s blood. Although she’s currently the innkeeper at The Hotel Magnolia, she began working in the hotel business when she was 16 years old. “As a teenager, I worked at The Grand Hotel during the summers and later worked there for several years,” Younce said. “I then took a position with Stouffer Hotels and helped them open the Riverview Plaza.” She was hired to be the reservations manager, and six months later was promoted to the front office manager. Younce worked with The Hotel Magnolia for three years before it closed, and has joined the hotel again since it reopened. “I love meeting all the different people,” she said. “I’ve made some very good friends. It’s a little bit different here at the small bed and breakfast. You get to know people a lot better than you would at a large hotel.” The hotel, built in 1908 offers a unique venue for Weddings, Receptions, fundraisers, and special events. With 10 rooms, we can accommodate about 250 guests. We’ve had people from Italy, Germany & all over the world book with us. A few years ago, Younce’s husband, Dale, passed away, and she’s working to reinvent herself and the life she loves. When asked to come back to the hotel to help out , it was a no brainer she said, but she also wants to try new things. “When you find out you have to recreate yourself, it’s a hard task to decide which way to go and what to do,” Younce said. When starting over, Younce said don’t be afraid. “Doing it all by yourself is hard, but you can do it. Recreating myself at this late stage in my life has been a real challenge. I lacked the confidence I once 14 • Baldwin Women Leaders
had. I’ve decided to stay in the present and the best way to handle it is to try something new. Dale and I enjoyed developing property and remodeling old homes, so I’ve taken a class in real estate and obtained my license earlier. I am looking forward to this next chapter in my life.” Younce is also a real estate agent with Sand Dollar Real Estate.
Mary Younce, Innkeeper
THE HOTEL MAGNOLIA 199 N. McKenzie St Foley, AL 251-952-5005 www.TheHotelMagnolia.com
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Margaret Niven: Window Decor and More
“It was definitely God’s work. We would never have dreamed of doing this.”– Margaret Niven Margaret Niven was settled and content in Shreveport, La., for 18 years. She and her husband, David Niven, owned a retail travel business. Their friends and family were there. They were set. That all changed when a friend called and said the chance of a lifetime was waiting for them in Orange Beach. The owners of Window Décor and More, who had helped their clients decorate beachside condos for 15 years, were about to retire. Their beloved business needed to be passed to a new owner who would love and care for it as much as they had. The Nivens came to Orange Beach and spent a week with the family. At one point the pair looked at each other in disbelief. “Were they really considering this?” Margaret said it was divine intervention. “It was definitely God’s work. We would never have dreamed of doing this,” she said. “Our life was in Shreveport.” But the new business, the location and the move all seemed to click. “It’s not something we were looking for at all, but we felt really good about it,” she said. The couple sold everything they owned, including their business and most of their belongings, and moved to Orange Beach. The family was already familiar with the area and had vacationed here with extended family before. They worked with the previous owners for eight months and learned the ropes of the window and blinds business. And then, it was theirs. “It was difficult at first because you are learning a whole new business but we learned pretty quickly,” she said. Since then, business has been great. The couple works with
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designers all across the island and has helped families to create their dream homes. “We really are enjoying this. It’s turned out to be a wonderful opportunity,” she said.
Margaret Niven
WINDOW DECOR AND MORE 25595 Canal Road #A, Orange Beach, AL 251-980-2456 www.windowdecorllc.com
Baldwin Women Leaders • 15
Liz Young: Yummy's Bakery and Café
“If you have a passion or a dream, don’t let anyone talk you out of it … just go for it.” – Liz Young
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fter owning an interior design business for 25 years and competing in season eight of The Biggest Loser, Liz Young decided it was time for a change. “I was an interior designer for 25 years and I enjoyed it, but it was never my passion,” Young explained. “Cooking has always been my passion.” Young had recently divorced her husband and was getting ready to move to Baldwin County from Franklin, Tennessee. Many of her friends asked what she was planning to do in south Alabama. “I said, ‘I don’t know; I’ll do something!’” Young said, laughing. When she traveled here and noticed there wasn’t a bakery, she decided that’s what Foley needed and went forth. “All my girlfriends were like, “holy cow!” she said. “They all said that’s exactly what I need to do and that’s just what I decided I was going to do. I was going to do something that was fun and not consume my life.” Yummy’s Bakery and Café opened Feb. 1. The menu is all of Young’s favorite things. “I went through my list of recipes and picked all the things I liked,” she said. Yummy’s serves cold sandwiches on croissants, 15 different cold salads instead of fries or potato chips, soups, quiche, and of course, desserts. Flavored waters, teas and lemonades with infusions are available to drink. “As for sweets, there’s not a sweet that I don’t like,” Young said. “As for our gourmet cupcakes, I make my own curd from fruit and put it in the cake batter and icing. You’re not going to find a cupcake anywhere around here like this.” Young’s father always told her, “If you find a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.” “Even though I leave here tired at the end of the day, I still look forward to every day, coming and doing something different and creative,” Young said. What’s Young’s advice for other women who want to open their own business?
16 • Baldwin Women Leaders
“You know what? My advice would be if you have a passion or a dream, don’t let anyone talk you out of it … just go for it,” she said. “You can’t let other people get in your head and talk you out of it. And don’t listen to the naysayers. Listen to your own small inner voice and that will keep you focused and motivated. If you let those people talk you out of your dream, you will always regret it. You’ll always say, ‘I coulda, I shoulda, I woulda,’ and I’m not going to live my life like that.” Young believes there could be some luck involved, but with drive and determination, you make your own luck. “I pray every night, and I have a higher being and he can do anything great than these naysayers, so I just listen to him,” she said. There are several people that Young really attributes her success to. “Thank goodness I have such a great network of women that have been with me for a long time; some since high school,” she said. “I have always had a great network of women friends. The have always had my back no matter what. When you’ve got friends, family and God, you don’t have much else you need in life … I’m the richest person alive; I’ve got God, friends and family. And that’s the truth.”
Liz Young
YUMMY'S BAKERY & CAFÉ 105 West Orange {Courtyard} Foley, AL 251-943-3336
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Baldwin Women Leaders • 17
Thank you, Baldwin County!
From the Women Professionals at Gulf Coast Media (L to R): Whisper Edwards, Crystal Cole, Allison Woodham, Lynn Ditto, Jessica Vaughn, Jeniece Bouzan, April Wallace, Destiny Brown, Allison Marlow, LouAnn Love, Amber Kimbler
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Baldwin Women Leaders • 19
Cheryl Cooper Russell: Berkshire Hathaway Cooper & Co.
“I am dedicated to providing the absolute finest service and expertise possible to my clients … whether you are buying or selling your primary residence, a second home or relocating to a new neighborhood, I can make your home ownership dreams come true.” – Cheryl Cooper Russell
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rofessionalism — a big word, and important as to how the public perceives you. When Cheryl Cooper Russell first started her real estate career 20 years ago, she was trained in the most professional way, including how to act, how to dress and how to present herself to others. She joined a great group of people and great company; they are like family. “It was through this company, Berkshire Hathaway Cooper & Co., that I had the opportunity to learn all I could as each opportunity arose; and since then, I have never stopped learning new things in the real estate world,” Russell said. After Russell took her real estate course, she continued to work toward her Graduate of Real Estate Institute designation and followed with Certified Residential Specialist designation and had these completed within a year. “Over the years, I have taken so many courses and learned all I could to educate myself for my clients,” Russell said. “Working within a company that has offices in Baldwin and Mobile counties gives me the opportunity to offer double exposure in both board’s Multiple Listing Service to my customers. I still do a lot of print advertising in local newspapers and Realtor magazines. Some say these are a thing of the past, but I find I get a lot of calls from these print ads … so I know they still work in addition to online advertising.” Then there are the activities Russell enjoys in the background that keep the real estate industry alive and appreciated by the public. “As Realtors, we work under a strict Code of Ethics,” Russell explained. “As a professional, this is how we want to be perceived and appreciated. I have served on Baldwin’s Board of Realtors Board of Directors at both the state and local levels.” Russell serves on the Professional Standards Committee on the board. She supports the local chamber of commerce and recently joined Robertsdale Rotary. “I serve on the local water board, I volunteer, sponsor and support various fundraisers,” she said. “I stay pretty busy and I enjoy it!” To Russell, the people are what make this job worthwhile.
20 • Baldwin Women Leaders
“It amazes me when I’m riding around and I see all these properties that I’ve handled over the years,” she said. “I mean, to help first-time homebuyers find that first home, to helping retirees get the most for their home and move them to the next phase of their life, to help others move up to their dream home, to cry with someone losing a home and more … the memories are always there. These people turn into lifelong friends.” In today’s real estate market, you need to work with a real estate professional you can trust. “I am dedicated to providing the absolute finest service and expertise possible to my clients,” Russell said. “Whether you are buying or selling your primary residence, a second home or relocating to a new neighborhood, I can make your home ownership dreams come true.”
Cheryl Cooper Russell
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY, COOPER & CO., INC. REALTORS 21545 Hwy. 59, Suite F, Robertsdale, AL 251-978-2852 • www.cherylcrussell.com
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