About Steph

I cut my teeth on small business working for a company with four divisions. I was involved in all four depending on the project, but I was principally involved in our management arm. I eventually became General Manager then Director of Marketing, helping our team to grow into a $3M business. The company successfully sold, and I stayed a year to transition the new owners, team, and clients.

In those 10 years I learned a great deal about myself and the complexities of running a business with over 20 employees, 70 accounts, and facilities we regularly outgrew. We survived changes in the economy; employees stealing clients; and a bookkeeper’s embezzlement. We also celebrated many victories; banded together as a team; and gained our fair share of a tough market. I discovered that I’m not built for day-to-day management. In fact, I struggled with the stress of managing people and juggling countless details, and it eventually took a toll on my health. But, I thrived when toggling between big picture strategic planning and the logistics of how to implement our plans.

Right around the time of the company’s sale, business coaching was a growing profession that, as it turns out, I had been doing intuitively for just one company. I connected with a mentor who coached me during my first four years in practice, helping me to create systems and a language around the things I had been doing instinctively. Another 13+ years later, and I love what I do more than ever!

I know firsthand that being a leader does not mean having all the answers or going it alone. I’m here to leverage my skills and extensive experience to advocate for your success!

I’m a small business coach because I know and love small business. It’s been my professional world for over 25 years. I also leverage my clients’ and my collective experiences to help prevent or resolve painful problems. 

I am first and foremost here to be a resource and to make sure you get the help you need. If after an initial meeting I do not feel that I can help you achieve your goals, I will refer you to a colleague better suited to your needs and warm up an introduction. 

I encourage clients to consider a minimum 6-month engagement. Coaching is a process, and it takes time to address the complexity and range of most issues. Many of my clients choose to collaborate with me for years because of the benefits they derive from our relationship. 

It’s not enough to conduct a meeting, collect a check, and call it good. I want my clients to have a meaningful experience working with me. From nominating clients for awards and helping with their applications to endorsing them on social media to inviting them to be a guest presenter on one of my platforms, my clients know I’m on their team and genuinely care about them. 

This is a tactic employed by some coaches, and it really ticks me off. When my clients are ready to stop coaching, I respect and accept their decision. I remain in touch with everyone in my Rising Effect community, for no reason other than I truly care how they’re doing — no strings attached.