'Open For Business', Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce

June / July 2003

Local Women Take the Lead Role

Every year, the Oregon Chapter of Associated General Contractors hangs up a picture of its new president. After 83 years, the images cover the walls, paying tribute to the organization's long history, tradition, and the men who have led it - until now. The AGC's 2003 president is a woman.

Jeanne Staton's election as president of a male-dominated organization dramatizes the role of women today not just in the workforce, but as business owners. Staton and many other Chamber members are part of the trend of a rising number of women-owned businesses, especially in Oregon.

Nationwide, the number of women-owned businesses rose 14 percent between 1997 and 2002, double the rate of all U.S. businesses. In Oregon, the number of women-owned businesses rose 24 percent during that same time period, sixth highest in the nation. Of all the privately held firms in the state in 2002, women owned almost one third or an estimated 99,492. Women-owned firms in Oregon employ nearly 148,000 people and generate more than $16.6 billion in sales.

The reason women open a business varies widely. For Jeanne Staton, it was a matter of necessity. Her husband's employer had gone out of business. She brought years of management experience to Staton Companies when the demolition business opened in 1971. She played an active role in running it, and took the helm when the couple divorced in 1997. Still, she doubted her ability to run the business on her own until her banker said loans to the company had always been based on her skill and experience.

As a stay-at-home mom, Patty McConnell of Old Dominion CARSTAR Collision Center admits she "didn't know a thing" about automotive repair when she purchased her business in a divorce. Determined to succeed, she took classes, read industry magazines, attended seminars, joined an auto-body craftsman organization, listened, and watched. She joined the CARSTAR franchise in 1992 to capitalize on the organization's national warrantee, employee benefits, marketing, and networking opportunities.

Jenny Ulum says she's too much of an independent thinker for the corporate life and never wanted a job to define her life. But, she said, when she considered leaving her corporate job, there weren't too many options in Eugene short of opening a business. In 1996, she partnered with the design firm Funk and Associates and the advertising company Cappelli Miles Wiltz and Kelly to start The Ulum Group, a public relations firm.

After working in management for a grocery chain for many years, Vicki Edwards knew she wanted to go into business for herself. The only question was what type of business? She learned about the rental business from her husband, who had an extensive background in business and heavy equipment rentals. After an extensive market search, she learned there were no exclusive party rental companies in the area and opened Parties To Go, a combination rental and retail business in 1984. When her business outgrew the first location in 1996, she purchased property in the Delta Oaks Shopping Center, and designed and built her own building there.

Patty McConnell, Jeanne Stanton, Vicki Edwards, Jenny Ulum

These women-owned businesses credit their success to their employees and support systems.

Staton Companies grossed about $500,000 in its first year of operation in 1971. Last year was company's best ever, grossing $5.3 million with a steady crew of 26 employees. Staton says she couldn't have done it without skilled employees who have stayed with her for many years, including her partner Ron Richey. She says her banker, accountant and insurance broker also have been an important stabilizing force.

McConnell says her company was in the red when she purchased it, but she turned it around the year she took over and it's been in the black ever since. Last year the company grossed $3 million. She says that puts Old Dominion in the top 5 percent of auto body shops nationwide. She attributes her success to her respect for her employees and her faith. "It's not just about fixing cars," she said. "I get to be a teacher and mentor."

The few number of hurdles she's encountered has surprised Ulum, who says her partners, her public relations experience, and connection with the Chamber have been the biggest help to her business's success. She had just one employee when she opened and billed $170,000 the first year. Today she has nine employees and a Portland branch. She billed $1 million in 2002 and was listed as the 11th biggest PR firm serving the Portland Metro Area by Oregon Business Journal.

Edwards says the fact that women do most of the entertaining has been a big help in overcoming hurdles to her business still posed by "the good old boys club." She had just three employees when she started. Today she employs more than 30 during the peak season. She credits her success to perseverance, patience, a willingness to work 24/7, trust and pride in her employees, knowing the ever changing customer base and their needs, and loving what she does.

As for advice to budding female entrepreneurs, these women business owners agree. The fundamentals are essential. "Do your research and don't be under-financed," says Edwards. Ulum warns, "You must want to own a business." A self-described "good delegater," McConnell says "Work on your business not in your business." And perhaps most poignantly Staton says, "You don't have to be a big, brawny guy to be successful."

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