Passion Transportation, Inc
Vicky O’Donnell, President of Passion Transportation, Inc. started the third-party logistics company in December of 2007. She has been working in the Freight Brokerage Industry since 1990. Her background as an Independent Sales Representative in third-party logistics prepared her to be a business owner in the industry. “Circumstances beyond my control changed my life drastically in November [2007]; that led me to leave a company I thought I would be with for many years. Before I knew it, I had to make a choice to either sink or swim to stay in this business, and I chose to swim like the dickens to survive and I dedicated myself to creating a successful, thriving business.”
The road to success was not always an easy path for Vicky – her company was in its beginning stages during the economic downturn. “At the time, I did not have a clue that I was about to start a ‘new’ business venture at the beginning of such economical challenges for this Country and many distributors, manufacturers and other companies as well as American families. None of us did.”
Through it all, Vicky is backed by her family, who has stuck by her side during the entire process, “I am a mother of 4 children – 24, 22, 17 & 16 and married to an incredible man, all who support me 100% and have been an incredible inspiration to me.”
Vicky submitted her application to the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC) in early 2008 and waited to hear if she would be certified. “I was so thrilled when I was approved and would now be able to add this wonderful attribute to my company’s résumé.”
Passion Transportation boasts over $1 million in revenue and profited in its first year in business. “Even more astonishing, we will exceed our revenue/profit from last year’s numbers!”
Vicky attributes her success, in part, to the Women’s Business Development Center. “Now, about the WBDC….What a true blessing you all have been in my life and the life of Passion.”
Vicky was introduced to the WBDC in 2004; she recalls the first time she met with Co-President Hedy Ratner, “I remember like it was yesterday, you and I having such a wonderful first conversation about the organization and the limitless possibilities that are out there for those whose goals are to achieve business with companies wanting to work with woman-owned businesses.”
Vicky believes that certification with the WBDC, among other benefits, has opened doors for her, “It wasn’t until I had received my own certification that I fully understood the opportunities that await minority-owned businesses.”
She goes on to say, “It certainly has paid off. I am now actively doing business with companies who “needed” to diversify and work with minority-owned companies. The amazing thing is that I have been referred to companies from other trucking companies who do not have the “status” their clients may be looking for. What an honor!”
Reflecting on triumphs of Passion Transportation, Vicky is optimistic about its future. “There is nowhere to go but up and by the grace of God, we will do just that every year! Yes, these are still very challenging times and profit margins overall are down since last year, but the fact remains we survived one of the most difficult years in the transportation industry history. I wrote a quote that was recently published and I would like to share it with you all at the WBDC – ‘It is the positivity, creativity and persistence of oneself that promotes success.’”
Recently, Vicky’s efforts have caught the eye of a local newspaper that plan to interview her regarding her achievements at Passion. Consequently, the newspaper is also interested on learning more about the benefits of the WBDC.
Vicky states, “Passion is not only the name of my company; it stands for who I am and how I feel about what I do.”
She certainly is an inspiration to us all.
Instant Technology
Rona Borre is founder and President of Instant Technology, an information technology (IT) staffing and recruiting company which fills contract, contract for hire and permanent positions. Rona founded Instant Technology in 2001, building on her experience as a top sales representative in a large global staffing company and her desire to build her own company based on relationships. In its first five years the company has consistently doubled in total revenue and net income. Instant Technology has also grown from a two woman operation in Rona’s basement to having over 30 employees. In January 2009, Instant Technology opened a second branch in Washington DC.
For Instant Technology a successful match is both about filling the job position requirements and finding someone who is a good fit into the company’s culture. Instant Technology believes in a personalized approach which individually considers the needs of each opportunity. Rona applies this perspective both externally with clients and internally with her own staff, and in July 2009, Instant Technology was recognized by the National Association for Business Resources as one of Chicago’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. Employees describe Instant Technology as a workplace which upholds the motto “everyone impacts the business” and values communication and teambuilding.
In 2008, Instant Technology became nationally certified through the WBDC as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), adding to its city and state level certifications. “Our WBE certification helped us to be chosen as one of the diversity tier vendors on a RFP put out by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. That relationship has since continued and grown, and BCBS is now one of our largest clients,” says Rona. Rona has also met with the WBDC Procurement Technical Assistance Center Director as Instant Technology positions itself for future growth by expanding into government contracting.
Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels
Kim Holstein started Kim & Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels in 1995 and now it’s run out of a 35,000 sq. foot Chicago bakery with annual sales exceeding $10 million. A woman-owned and run company, Kim & Scott’s hand twisted, all natural and nut free stuffed pretzels fly off the shelves at Whole Foods, Target, Costco, major grocery chains, smoothie chains, coffee shops, movie theaters and airports around the country. Kim also promotes and sells new products on QVC to an audience of 87 million.
But it’s Kim’s bigger commitment to the company’s mission to nurture, love and feed the stomachs, spirits and souls of the world community that keeps her churning out pretzels with a purpose. Together with her leadership team, Kim shaped Pretzels for Peaceä, an initiative that donates pretzels, time and a portion of its proceeds to not-for-profits that make a positive difference in the world. Kim & Scott’s products and philanthropic efforts have been highly praised in 2004 by Fortune Magazine as a company “Breaking Big” and recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the “fastest growing companies in America.”
Kim attributes her start to the WBDC. Once she developed her business idea, she went to the WBDC and took its 12 week FastTrac series. There she received the basics for formulating a business plan. Next, Kim took advantage of the free business counseling, and Kim’s involvement with the WBDC did not stop there. She still participates in workshops, and has become certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE). The WBE certification has had a huge impact on Kim & Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels’ success.
“WBDC is an incredible resource for women wanting to start their own businesses,” says Kim. “I'm so grateful that I've had this organization as a resource throughout the past years of building my business.”
Additionally, Kim’s involvement with the WBDC inspired her to kick off the company’s Pretzel Power program. This initiative is committed to inspire students with lessons on being entrepreneurs, giving them opportunities to learn about securing their own futures. Also, as part of Pretzel Power, Kim & Scott’s raises funds to support education. The company contributes “Pretzel Dough” to schools by donating a percentage of sales.
Kim is an active member of Women within International, Illinois Restaurant Association, National Association of Specialty Food Trade, Association of Children’s Museums, Children’s Nutrition Association, and National Association of Frozen & Refrigerated Foods.
