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Carpet Tech MELINDA PHARIES Current position: Lubbock knows Melinda Pharies as a Lady Raider, a champion, a philanthropist, a mom and wife, and as a Carpet Tech owner. How does she dribble so many balls at once, driving down the court without missing a shot? Greatest professional accomplishment: Pharies recalls how her time as a Lady Raider shaped her leadership style, and that has translated to her success as the co-owner of Carpet Tech. “It’s about building relationships with others and investing in them,” she says. “As a leader, once you understand people’s strengths and weaknesses, you can do things to help them succeed.” Pharies played basketball for the Lady Raiders from 1996-2000, under Coach Marsha Sharp. Pharies remembers being something of a local celebrity when she was part of the team. “I always knew little eyes were on me and that impacted my actions, and that has really shaped me.” But Pharies remarks on how life evolves as we take on new roles. “I’ll never forget walking in somewhere and having a stranger tell me I looked familiar. When I offered up that I was a Lady Raider, he said, ‘No … you are that Carpet Tech lady!’” Pharies has been by her husband Chet’s side as Carpet Tech has grown from a one van carpet cleaning company to what it is today, a five-location cleaning and restoration company with a fleet of rigs and more than 125 employees. Greatest personal accomplishment: “My role has always been taking care of people so they can perform at their best,” Pharies says. She does this by leading by example. “I’ve always been willing to do any work I have asked of another, whether that was on the basketball court or at the office.” Of course, Pharies wears many hats, having various identities. “Now I am someone’s mom, not Melinda Schmucker Pharies, and that’s just fine with me.” Chet and Melinda have four children, ages 19 to 10. “It takes a village,” Pharies says of maintaining a work-life balance. “I have learned to lean on people for help when I need it. I do work off a plan and a calendar, but life teaches you to adapt, and I have learned to go with the flow.” Community involvement: Today, Pharies finds herself doing what she loves best – connecting with people in the local community, fighting for causes she is passionate about, and being the Carpet Tech “Mom.” Pharies says she’s seen a lot of evolution of women in sports and in the workplace over the years, but what she most enjoys and admires about today’s women in business is how they support one another. “I love seeing strong women come together to make an impact in their businesses and communities,” she says. And that is exactly what Pharies does in all her roles, and that’s never been more evident than these past weeks as we face the unknown of coronavirus. “I want to make sure people know Carpet Tech is still here. In times of crisis, we have always been available and nothing about that has changed. If we can bring a little peace by cleaning and disinfecting to reassure people, then that’s what we will do.”
6613 19th St. 795.5142 carpettech.com 36
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Andrus Brothers Roofing MELISSA ANDRUS PROFFITT Current Position: Operations Senior Vice President Years in Business: 19 Greatest Professional Accomplishment: I became a female business owner in a male-dominated profession through my own work ethic and dedication. Greatest Personal Accomplishment: I have two incredible children, Anson (14) and Anzley (11). I am also proud of graduating from the University of Texas, and I taught emotionally distressed children for eight years before working with Andrus Brothers Roofing. Community Involvement: I am grateful for the opportunity to donate to many local charities. Recently, I donated 30 beautiful crosses to a nursing home for Easter. How do you engage with your clients? I take my time with every customer. I meet them, walk them through every step and help them understand the process as best I can. I show respect and kindness to every client. What is the most valuable advice you’ve received? I practice what I have been taught over and over: to treat everyone as you would like them to treat your family, and that is what I do with every client.
7110 Santa Fe Drive 798.7663 andrusbrothers.com
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Resa’s K-9 Salon RESA CARSON Current position: Owner of Resa’s K-9 Salon Years in business: 22 Greatest professional accomplishment: I started Resa’s K-9 Salon when I was 39. Because of the long, hard dedication I made toward my business, this reflects the success of Resa’s. Being voted Best of Lubbock for 18 years and Best of the West since 2011 helps me realize the hard work has paid off. My tremendous staff and longtime customers have helped me reach this professional accomplishment. Greatest personal accomplishment: My greatest personal accomplishment is that I’ve always had goals for myself, always wanting to be better in everything I do. I was raised by a single mother who never allowed me to feel sorry for myself, and that gave me the drive to continue no matter what. Community involvement: Making donations to various events in Lubbock, and Resa’s offers discounts for old and new customers. How do you engage with your clients? Our oneon-one customer service is very important to me. Engagement with clients includes by phone, texting and Facebook updates. My staff and I are here to answer any questions any time about their pets and our services. What’s the most valuable advice you’ve received? The most valuable advice came from my banker, Barry Ballinger, from Plains Capital Bank on the location for Resa’s. I was also encouraged by my mother to try to accomplish as much as I could in life.
8004 Indiana Ave., Suite A3-A 793.9191 resask-9salon.com 40
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DesignEnvy DONYA BUTLER Current position: Owner, Marketing/ Brand Manager at DesignEnvy Years in business: 17 ½ years Greatest professional accomplishment: DesignEnvy was named Entrepreneur/Small Business of the Year in 2019 by the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. As an entrepreneur whose passion is small business, it was an affirmation that I’m right where I need to be. Greatest personal accomplishment: There is no medal or certificate for this, but when I look at my life, my greatest accomplishment is the people I surround myself with: my husband, my kids, my DesignEnvy team, and the people who love and support me unconditionally. Community involvement: We donate our creativity and time to the American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball, Habitat for Humanity’s Hard Hats and Heel’s, Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, Local LBK, Alzheimer’s Association, Art Council of Midland’s Celebration of the Arts, Meals on Wheels, and American Windmill Museum, just to name a few. How do you engage with your clients? I build genuine relationships through trust and dedication. My focus is on innovation and creative collaboration. We call it “Marketing by Design.” It means true unity in our client’s brand, the creative strategy, and the consumer’s point of view. That’s the sweet spot, where the target audience begins to experience a brand fully and not just see it on the peripheral. What’s the most valuable advice you’ve received? “You can do anything you set your mind to.” My mom has told me that my entire life and it’s true. I attribute my tenacity to her guidance and Luke 1:37.
1312 Texas Ave. 438.9315 designenvy.com
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Eventfully Yours Wedding Planning and Events JULIE LEE HODGES Year established: 2016 What product or service does your business offer? We offer many services in the event industry from planning, coordinating, and wedding and event styling to every aspect of floral and decor design for any celebration. Community involvement: The Eventfully Yours team has been honored to be a part of many wonderful and impactful organizations within the Lubbock community. Two of our favorites to date have been the Make-A-Wish Foundation Gala and the Cystic Fibrosis Taste Tour. We have also been recognized as a preferred vendor for the Texas Tech Club. Competitive edge: Eventfully Yours is unique to the wedding and event industry. We precisely manage each event with great pride. Our team of six diligently works to ensure the final outcome is over the top and the distinct vision of our clients. Lydia, Chelsi, Brittany, Sandra and Lisa are what help to make Eventfully Yours the successful business it is today. How do you engage with your clients? The best part of being an event planner is getting to meet amazing people that are entrusting me with a day they have dreamed of their entire life, connecting with families and creating friendships that last beyond the planning. After our initial booking meeting, we’re in contact through the entire planning process all the way up to the big day. Not only do I get to engage with each bride to establish her vision, but we also build a lifelong friendship. I think that’s the grand highlight of what I get to do every day. Share a valuable piece of advice for other women in business: To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail. To be exceptional at the details, you must love what you do and always follow your dreams. Work hard, always treat people well and strive to be the best version of yourself every day. I am the face of Eventfully Yours so how I connect and build trust with others is of utmost important to me. My goal is to be sure each client I come in contact with has a wonderful experience that they can look back on and cherish for years to come. Find your passion and do it well every day!
1211 13th St. 575.626.8015 eventfullyyourstx.com 42
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