January 21 is National Thank a Mentor Day, so I’m taking a few minutes to thank my nuclear family – my Mom, Dad, and sisters Sharon and Pamela. I am deeply grateful for their influence on my professional life.

 

My parents had several careers, but the era that influenced me most was when they ran a Holiday Inn just off the New York State Thruway (I-90) in Amsterdam, New York, from 1972 to 1987. My mom opened the property and ran hotel operations and bookkeeping; my dad ran the restaurant, bar, and banquet operations.

 

Over time, I did every job you can do in a roadside hotel. I checked in guests, carried bags, washed dishes, folded linens, waited tables, prepped food, vacuumed endless carpet, helped with inventory – you name it.

 

Those years taught me a foundational lesson: when you run a business, no task is beneath you. You jump in, handle whatever comes your way, and treat every person and situation with professionalism and respect.

 

My sisters have been professional role models as well, coming of age in an era when college and career were still relatively new paths for young women. Sharon followed in my mom’s footsteps, leading several businesses and nonprofits over the course of her career. Pam was in the first class of women admitted to the U.S. Air Force Academy and later excelled as a business marketer, operations manager, and homeschool teacher. Both are “super moms.”

 

In short, my family’s influence is the foundation of everything I’ve achieved professionally.  

More Mentors Along the Way  

 

Beyond my family, I’ve been fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors throughout my career, including:

  • The late Professor Dick Neustadt and everyone at the Institute of Politics at Harvard University during my years there.

  • My first boss in Washington, the late Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY), and his Chief of Staff, Steve Kelmar.

  • The late Doug Bailey, Phil Shabecoff, Ed Kopf, and Pat Miller at the American Political Network in the 1990s. 

  • Bob Chlopak, Gloria Dittus, Steve Clawson, and David Fuscus, who taught me the public relations agency business.

  • And my friend Heidi Bulow Parsont, a successful entrepreneur who encouraged me to start my own business.  

 

Their lessons continue to guide how I lead my firm and serve clients today.