Briefly describe the business/industry you are in ... What does your company do ... What is your company’s mission ...

I work in the energy management space. What does that mean? Typically, companies do not have the resources to have an energy expert on staff. Our company acts as an outsourced energy department that acts as a company’s in-house energy department, assisting with purchasing energy, managing price risk, managing utility invoices, and achieving sustainability goals.

 

What led you to choose the profession or business/industry you are in ... why do you do what you do?

When I graduated from college, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do with my business degree. I knew a guy that had been working on the trade floor at Aquila and he suggested I apply, so I did. Suddenly, I was learning how to trade and schedule natural gas. I always liked economics and being on the trade floor at Aquila felt like a perfect fit.

 

What has been the biggest challenge or risk in your career or your business?

The biggest risk and challenge was starting my own company. We often sabotage ourselves with doubt and negative self-talk which makes us see our dreams - that are attainable - as impossible.  We just need to get to the other side of our fears. Don’t get me wrong, owning your own business isn’t for the faint of heart. There’s a lot of hard work - and a lot of rewards.

 

What has been the biggest success or source of accomplishment in your career or business?

My biggest success is that God honored me with the opportunity and the skills to own OEM. The clients who have been with us for close to a decade are proof of our success.

 

Who do you lean on for advice or ask for help ... do you have a mentor?

There have been many people along the way that gave me nuggets of wisdom or taught me the skills I needed to get to this point.. Prayer has been the most powerful thing I’ve leaned on in my career. Never underestimate the power of prayer. It’s provided me peace, comfort, direction and wisdom.

 

What are some of your interests or activities outside your career or business?

Up until this year, I was a girls basketball coach. I had the privilege of coaching basketball for the past thirteen years. My hobbies these days are going on bike rides, working out and going on vacation.

 

What is one piece of advice you have for other Women in Business Leaders or other Female Entrepreneurs currently running a business or thinking about launching a company?

First pray about it! Second, don’t let fear keep you from doing it.