October 1990: When the Grind Began
Our journey started in October 1990 with a dream and determination to succeed. We launched a custom furniture business while raising a toddler and expecting our second child. The days were long, the weekends were shorter, and we poured every ounce of energy into remodeling our home and meeting client deadlines. Back then, we were young, fueled by ambition, and eager to make it work.
By 1996, seeking a better life, we moved from Oklahoma to Colorado, carrying our business with us. The grind didn’t stop—late nights, last-minute orders, and constant deadlines became the norm. Clients would forget to order on time, turning their emergencies into ours. Over 27 years, we transformed from a small custom furniture company into a 40-employee manufacturing business, specializing in high-end custom wood flooring. Our clients were in the top 5% of the nation’s wealthiest, and we had a stellar reputation. Yet, the 40 employees often felt like 40 babysitting jobs.
Don’t get me wrong—we had an incredible crew, but managing their personal crises on top of running the business added layers of stress. Despite the grind, we embraced Colorado’s beauty, exploring with ATVs, hiking, skiing, and enjoying outdoor adventures. But every time we tried to take a break, something would go wrong—equipment failures, material delays, or employees calling in sick. The grind never let up.
The Turning Point: The 2009 Recession
In 2009, everything changed. One child was in college, the other nearing high school graduation, and then the recession hit. It was like someone turned off the faucet of money and clients overnight. The market shifted, and so did the mindset of our high-end clientele. Before 2009, millionaires spent freely, valuing quality above all. After 2009, they adopted an "Ikea mentality," unwilling to risk losing money again.
We adapted, pivoting our business to survive, but the grind became heavier. By 2017, we’d had enough. We sold the business, and I pivoted again, earning my real estate broker’s license. I thought real estate would bring freedom, but I traded one grind for another. Instead of managing 40 employees, I became a 24/7 friend, financial counselor, marriage therapist, and contract coordinator for my clients. The 100+ tasks real estate agents juggle left little room for rest.
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Meeting Justin
Despite the chaos, I excelled in real estate—Rookie of the Year in my first year, top 1% in my market in the second, and top 5% in my state by the third. But by the fourth year, I hit burnout. That’s when I met Justin, a young, energetic speaker on tour with Keller Williams. A couple years later, I hired his brand new company company to find me a Virtual Assistant (VA) from the Philippines.
In 2021, I relocated from Colorado to Washington to be near family. My VA helped with the transition and today I maintain my real estate license in both states. My VA is indispensable and proves every day what a great hire she is. She quickly became my lifeline, managing my emails, scheduling appointments, and organizing my calendar, allowing me to take time off without worrying about fires waiting for me upon return. For the first time in years, I experienced the freedom to focus on what truly mattered—my family, my clients, and myself.
Fast Forward to 2024: Helping Others Break the Grind
Today, I’m proud to help small businesses leverage their time and money through SmartVAHire. My journey—from running a manufacturing company to thriving in real estate—has shown me the power of delegation and adaptability. I’ve lived the grind, but I’ve also learned how to escape it by trusting the right people and systems. Now, I have the privilege of helping others break free from their own grind, reclaim their time, and focus on what matters most.
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