To close out our celebration of Women's History Month, we got to sit down and hear from the founders behind each of our WBE of the Year Award Winners for some words of wisdom, and a little dose of inspiration from the women behind it all!
The WBE of the Year Award allows peers throughout the WBCS Network to recognize three woman-owned businesses that exemplify outstanding business acumen, industry leadership and community service! Over the last year, these WBEs demonstrated a strong commitment to doing business with fellow women-owned businesses. Three awards are given in this category; one with annual sales under $5 million, one with annual sales $5 million to $20 million and one with annual sales over $20 million.
Next up, we are honored to recognize Cardinal Strategies as our next WBE of the Year spotlight! Kim Anderson and the team at Cardinal Strategies provide the engineering, environmental, and construction expertise needed to solve complex water challenges. Showcasing their ability to adapt to market conditions, they recently diversified into commercial landscaping and mitigated the impact of lost revenue caused by the drought last year. In the near future, they aim to significantly expand their market presence by introducing their purpose driven water solutions to new geographic regions and industries.
Here is what Kim had to say:
What has your journey to entrepreneurship looked like for you?
My entrepreneurial journey was deeply inspired by the remarkable women who came before me, particularly my great-grandmother and grandmother. Witnessing their unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial spirit left quite a mark on me. Their tireless work ethic, resilience in the face of challenges, and relentless pursuit of success served as powerful lessons that shaped my aspirations. Their mentorship instilled in me the courage to dream big and the belief that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. Their legacy continues to inspire me as I embark on my own entrepreneurial path, striving to honor their memory by embodying the same dedication and passion in my pursuit of success.
How has WBCS helped you connect to other WBEs for mutually beneficial partnerships/business deals?
From the outset of my journey with WBCS during the WBE certification process, I found the organization to be exceptionally welcoming. The commitment of the women involved to support and empower one another was evident from the start. Through various avenues such as matchmaking events and industry-specific forums, WBCS has provided ample opportunities for WBEs to connect and collaborate. This welcoming environment has fostered meaningful relationships and provided business opportunities among corporate sponsors and also with other WBEs. Thanks to WBCS's dedication to facilitating connections among women entrepreneurs, I've had the privilege of forging valuable connections that have propelled my business forward.
What advice would you give to female founders just starting their business?
To the women embarking on the exhilarating journey of entrepreneurship, I offer the advice of embracing the power of meaningful connections and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Building a network of supportive allies, mentors, and collaborators can be invaluable in navigating the challenges and triumphs of starting a business. Actively seek out opportunities to engage with fellow entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and potential mentors, both within and beyond your immediate circle. Don't hesitate to reach out, attend networking events, join professional organizations, and participate in communities where you can learn, share insights, and forge lasting connections. Remember, growth often lies beyond the boundaries of familiarity, so dare to embrace discomfort, challenge yourself to take calculated risks, and seize every opportunity to expand your horizons.
Anything new or exciting on the horizon for you and your business?
As we look ahead, Cardinal Strategies is excited to explore new ways in which our comprehensive suite of environmental, engineering, and landscaping services can expand our ESG initiatives. Our team is deeply committed to leveraging our technical expertise and resources to drive positive change and create measurable impacts in the communities we serve. Through sustainable design practices that promote biodiversity and habitat restoration, we aim to advance environmental stewardship in all aspects of our operations. We eagerly anticipate the transformative impact we can collectively achieve in creating a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
Learn more about Cardinal Strategies at https://cardinalstrategies.com
