Before I came to UGA, I was a manufacturer’s rep in the Gift Industry. I had my own rep firm with 9 women that worked for me. With the economy changing in 1995, I sold the business and tried to decide what to do with Phase II of my life. This was a major turning point in my life as I had not only sold my business, but I had just lost my mom to cancer, sent my oldest child off to college, had my youngest in private school and was in the middle of a divorce. I answered an ad in the newspaper in October of 1995 and decided to join UGA although I had no prior knowledge about the business and had no idea how I was going to pay for my children’s education. That was my driving force. I was number one in my Quick Start class for the entire quarter and was promoted to District Manager nine months after I got licensed. As a district manager, I was able to help others get their start.

In my previous career, I was paid when and if others paid their bills. I was not building any residual income and no long term wealth. I didn’t help other people everyday as I do with UGA. I have the opportunity to help people change their lives. Seven years after my daughter graduated from university, my son was accepted to Colorado College. I was able to pay for his education without worrying where I would find the funds.

When my entire life changed in 1995, it was important to me to keep my children in as normal a life as possible. I never missed my son’s soccer games and I did all the carpooling for his school. With any other position, that would not be possible. I believe the transition for my children was fairly smooth thanks to the support of the UGA family and the financial shelter I was afforded.

And the story still continues …