Interior & Exterior Painter
I started working at The Carousel Hotel and Resort right out of high school in 1992. I began as a houseman, moving chairs and banquet tables for large conventions and formal banquets. This task was indeed a laborious job. Decorations, beverages, and lite fare were also a part of the production for appearance and convenience .A year later, I was recruited by the Chief Engineer, Rudi Van Khan, to become a maintenance person. I was trained by fellow co-workers to perform duties such as; light plumbing, minor electric, HVAC, telephone wiring, cable wiring, vacuum rebuilds, carpentry, and many other non-traditional trades for women. A close friend of my mother's, MR. Donald Fenwick, taught me how to properly apply these trades into my employment so as to enhance my income according to my knowledge. Don Fenwick, was like a father to me and passed away a few years ago. However I am his legacy and have continued to do all trades he instilled into me. I quickly climbed the ladder of success from $7.50 an hour to $11.00, then $13.00, $15.00, $17.00, and finally $22.00 an hour with supervisor of my first crew. Although my crew was made of five guys that did not speak a word of English. We made this right and we all worked together as a team .
I moved on to a local property maintenance company, FREDCO, very well known and with the knowledge I gained each day, I knew my field of study was hands on challenges that no other female, that I knew, dare examine. I had to many tasks that were dangerous, dirty, and physically challenging. I am grateful for the guidance that i was fortunate to receive by those who saw it within me to succeed.
I then realized that I was capable of starting my own business. I consulted with a local attorney, Jeffrey Ray, and he made me aware of insurance needs, workers comp, liabilities, and sole proprietorship responsibilities. He is still an asset to me, my company, my needs, and also a friend. I believe I have been fortunate to live in such a wonderful, low-crime, tight knitted, kind, and humble area that has preserved the term..."LOCALS SUPPORT LOCALS. Business cards pass through my hands daily and we refer others in our area if and when we ourselves are unable to provide a service.
