Welcome to our WBE Spotlight Series! Today, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Sally Smoczynski & Lisa DuBrock, Managing Partners & Owners of Radian Compliance LLC. Join us as we delve into Sally and Lisa’s entrepreneurial journey and uncover the driving force behind their success in the risk management industry.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Radian Compliance started as four independent business owners combining their skills and knowledge. We were inspired by the unique contributions and varying experiences each brought to bring Radian to life. Lisa adds that her inspiration was 9/11. She saw first-hand how a business is a group of people. What began as a passion for crisis management and crisis communication to help keep people safe and secure helped to define Radian’s strengths in designing processes which support security (both physical and cyber) and privacy (protection of personal information).
What is a business milestone or achievement that you are most proud of?
Both Lisa and Sally agree that there have been many milestones over the years. An accountant by education, Lisa is all about numbers. We celebrated when Radian surpassed our 100th client, that we continue to have a 100% success rate for clients earning initial certification to ISO, and when we reached 98% client retention year over year. Sally adds that, in the 21 years we have weathered the many storms to move forward with retirement of partners, personal challenges during and after the pandemic, and our ability to continue to grow our team and services.
What challenges have you faced as women business owners, and how did you overcome them?
Our first interaction with a new client is generally with the senior leadership. Initial onsite meeting attendees were mostly male. The welcome had at times been “frosty.” However, within the first 30 minutes of a meeting, all members of the client team were actively engaged. It was our knowledge and confidence in being able to assist them that broke the stereotype.
What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Whether you are a sole proprietor or part of ownership, ALWAYs surround yourself with people who have different perspectives. Ask for their input, listen, and then take action, even if it is what you originally decided. Always strive to continually improve and not to be perfect.
Radian Compliance LLC
Radian Compliance LLC provides internal audit, implementation, assessment, and consulting services for management system standards, security, and regulatory frameworks. We assist clients seeking compliance to or readiness for certification to one or more standards or frameworks. Radian Compliance was founded in 2003. Since 2019, two of the four original partners remain – Lisa DuBrock and Sally Smoczynski.
Whether you are a sole proprietor or part of ownership, ALWAYs surround yourself with people who have different perspectives. Ask for their input, listen, and then take action, even if it is what you originally decided. Always strive to continually improve and not to be perfect.