How long have you been at APA? Describe your role/title now and those you’ve held through the years.
I have been at APA 36 years as of January 25, 2024.
I started at APA in 1988, and worked as the Central Office Manager and Admin Assistant to Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart.
My next role was in the Field Department (what is now known as Franchise Support) as a Field Representative, later promoted to Assistant Field Director and eventually to Field Director.
Then in 1995, I was promoted to Vice-President and stayed in that position until just a couple of years ago (2019) when I became Senior Vice-President.
How did you get started with APA?
I played in the APA Pool League locally where I met my friend, Renee, and two of the owners of the APA, Olendia Bell and Nancy Hubbart. After a few years, Renee and I became really good friends, and I got to know all of these ladies, as well as their families. I even had the honor of playing on a Ladies team with Olendia and Nancy. When an opportunity came up for me to go to work for the APA, I jumped at the chance. I was very happy to go to work with Renee who had recently left her job teaching school to go to work for the family business, and I was super excited to go to work for this company and the wonderful people who owned it.
What is your favorite part about working for APA?
My favorite thing about working at APA is truly the culture and the feeling of being part of the APA Family. Staff members and League Operators alike are all like family to me.
I always tell people that there aren’t too many places I could travel in the U.S., and much of Canada, where I wouldn’t have “family” to visit or a place to stay if I needed it.
As far as what our company does, I am very blessed to be part of an organization that brings fun to our members and creates a sense of community most everywhere we have a League.
What motivates you?
I believe I am mostly motivated by results. I enjoy my job, I am committed to my work, and I feel passionate about making a significant contribution. I love challenges, problem-solving and strategizing.
I am also motivated by relationships. I love working with people. I love passing on knowledge to others so they understand the company as well as I believe I do. I find it rewarding when co-workers come to me for advice because they value my opinion and experience. I try to, in turn, motivate others. When I feel like I have inspired someone to do their best, I feel rewarded when they succeed by following my suggestions.
Tell us one of your favorite APA stories.
I can’t do it! There are so many! Can I just say that I’ve had many awesome experiences with my co-workers and League Operators that I can’t possibly just tell one story?
So much of my life has been lived through APA stories!
I just want to express that it has been a great adventure to work with so many wonderful people and attend so many great events where so many stories have been made!!
What are some interesting facts about you that people may not know?
- I love cars!
- I can drive a stick-shift.
- I’ve been to every state in the U.S. except four.
- I quit smoking on April 4, 2016.
- I love to sing in the car…very loudly.
What would you say to other women aspiring to be leaders?
Know what you care about and then give it your whole heart.
Always consider how your decisions will affect others.
Trust your own talents, and then hire people who are smarter and better than you!
Enjoy your journey!
Anything else you’d like to add?
I am so blessed. I serve an amazing God. I have the most amazing job, the most amazing co-workers, the most amazing family and the most amazing friends ever!
