Thorough, Knowledgeable, Innovative

Through connections, collaboration, and experience, I bring you all the tools and support of a large company with the personalized service of a small company. 

Passion that springs from an eternal source

My desire to bring order from chaos comes from my early days "on the job" with my mom when I was young.  I would regularly go to work with her after school and I always looked forward to all the fun things I got to do there.  She worked at the Baby News store in Santa Rosa, and a typical, boring afternoon involved some homework, then folding clothes and arranging them onto shelves by size.  More fun were the afternoons when I got to sit down at a giant metal machine that spun colorful ribbon into beautiful bows for the gift wrapping station. As I got older, things got even better!  I got to unload trucks and open boxes full of merchandise and use the sticker-gun to apply price tags. The best part, however, was sending huge boxes like cribs, strollers and car-seats up the giant electric conveyor belt to the storage room upstairs.  Occasionally, my sister and I would send each other up and down if nobody was watching.  In the dark and creepy storage room, we'd play hide-n-seek between all the crazy display items and boxes of merchandise and supplies.  During the holidays, my mom and I would lock the doors at closing time and stay up all night making beautiful window displays with lights and signs and faux-wrapped gifts.  It was definitely not your typical childhood, but I am forever marked with the attitude that "Work is Fun" and that it holds endless possibilities.  I truly enjoyed playing with all of the "grown-up tools", organizing and categorizing all of the items, and figuring out the most efficient way to get things done (so I could go play on the conveyor belt, of course!)  This personality of mine began at a young age and has served me well over the years.  All OSHA regulations and child labor laws aside, that baby store was very lucky to have me!  You gotta love the '70's.  

Beyond the workplace influence, my mom also embodied a strong sense of YES to any problem that needed solving, or any goal that seemed impossible.  Notable stories include sawing a desk in half because it fit better that way under the window.  Also, building a rabbit run and discovering the beauty of gussets.  We hung crown molding after trial and error with the compound miter saw and worked out all the kinks with hanging wallpaper.  Fortunately, our escapades in light fixture installations didn't end in death, but we certainly came close a few times.  The most memorable feat was when we moved enormous boulders from the landscape supply store out of our station wagon and into our backyard with sheer grit.  We built a beautiful, natural looking water fountain over that weekend while my Dad was out of town on business.  He pretty much thought we were either insane, or magic as amazing things always happened while he was out of town.  

What does it all mean for you and your business?

Growing up with two working parents is a lot like working for a small business.  I gravitate towards the smaller family owned businesses because they are full of heart and soul and I know I can make an impact.  My real-life experiences have graciously allowed me to exercise my passion with real business obstacles and limitations.  I am able to dig into my roots for out -of -the-box problem solving and use my wealth of experience in software and solution building to collaborate with teams and make things happen.  Over the years, I gravitated naturally toward business consulting, where my strengths in organization, problem solving, and innovation are in constant demand and always changing. 

Problem solving that simplifies business and improves profits

One of my most valuable skills is simplifying technology and processes to enable businesses to achieve greater success and profit. As the project manager for an Athleta in the start-up years, I managed a major software transition and streamlined procedures and processes for using the software across all departments, helping the company multiply their profits by 500%. In 2004, during my 5 years at Athleta, I learned nearly every aspect of direct mail marketing and operations by rolling up my sleeves and saying YES to any problem du jour.  My harmonious blend of Operations and Circulation began when things stabilized operationally at Athleta, and it was time to learn Circulation.  It was a welcome grounding in a sea of operational chaos.  The logic and precision required to execute a great mail plan was a very natural fit for me and I would find myself working almost exclusively in that capacity for the next several years.  I worked for various mailers, consulting on the side, and then working for Lenser before officially starting my own consulting service.  I was able to exercise my array of skills working with small and large businesses alike.  I helped a medium sized clothing catalog store quickly double in size by developing a phased implementation plan that streamlined their CRM software. That company is now poised to seamlessly scale to $20M+. In 2007, I helped a manufacturer of alternative health care products save money and stabilize the company for succession by helping them reorganize their business model, streamline their operations, and eliminate fulfillment consulting fees.  

An array of business-building strengths and skills

Since 1998, I have been involved with various businesses of all sizes, including several start-ups, all of which are now thriving. I describe myself as a strategic, hands-on business wizard, with an awareness of the big picture and all of its critical details.  Enthusiastically optimistic and entrepreneurial in spirit, I understand tactical and functional limitations within a variety of business models and know when and how to apply pressure to produce results. 

Click here to find out how I can help you build your business.

about debbie