I was born and raised in the farmlands of Northwest Ohio, where we say “pop” instead of soda, and “you guys” rather than “y’all.” My rural upbringing helped shape my strong work ethic and core values, and being involved in civic and community organizations was instrumental to building character and helping to define the meaning of comradery. We lived on a small farm where we had a large garden and a variety of animals including rabbits, Holsteins, hogs, sheep, chickens and commercial steer. It was a lot of hard work raising all those animals, but I loved it. The winters were cold and the summers were long. We spent every moment outside, whether it was going “crick stomping” or helping the neighboring farm bail hay. Regardless of where our outdoor adventures took us, growing up in Ohio definitely shaped who I am today.

I eventually left Ohio, and moved to Indiana where I studied accounting and business administration at Ivy Tech State College. Nearing the completion of my studies, an opportunity arose that took me to West Virginia where I began working for my uncle as the finance director for his publication and marketing company. I discovered here that I had a real knack for business, and my uncle, whose spirit was full of drive and ambition, tucked me under his wing and taught me all aspects of the business. Within three years, myself and three co-workers purchased the rights to the magazine from my uncle and started our own business while he focused on the SEO marketing side. Although I sold my partnership in 2012 after I relocated to Georgia, to this day, the West Virginia Executive magazine continues to be a viable and well-respected business publication. It was also in West Virginia where I received my MBA from the University of Charleston.

My uncle was always an inspiration to me. Not only was he instrumental in helping me develop my proficiency and experience in business, he also instilled that life is full of change, and to not be afraid of it—but embrace it. So after a decade of working in the heart of local government, I embraced this change and founded Up Consulting and Services.

Up appreciates the entrepreneurial spirit and drive of business owners, and understands the ever-changing facets of business. It was created to give business owners the opportunity to place their focus on the core of their business while we assist with the smaller details in the background. It’s all about teamwork, and our cornerstone is to be supportive and honest while we help them stabilize and grow their businesses.

Speaking of teamwork, my husband and I have four children ranging from 25 years-old to nine years-old, and yes, it really does take teamwork to make the dream work. We are a Marine Corps Family (my husband is a 12-year veteran and our oldest son is currently active in the USMC) and have a lot of pride for our country and community in which we live and serve. We also have our own little farm we like to call “Stephens Acres” right here in Jackson County, and although we don’t have a lot of acreage (or farm animals, yet) we do have a large garden and a John Deere Tractor. When we are not working outside or at our kids’ sporting or school events, my husband and I love to travel and go on spontaneous road trips as much as we can.