PAULA LESLIE , Owner, Mankel Mechanical
Paula feels part of being a successful business owner is training the next generation to take the reins. “I’m doing that with not just one generation but two. My oldest granddaughter, however, has told me I must wait another four years before she commits to working for the business,” said Paula. Over a year ago, her two sons launched Two Brothers Plumbing, the service division of the family’s plumbing company. Most of the time you will see Vaughn driving the service van, although they will soon have a second van and employee out in the service field. Paula’s older boy, Shea, enjoys the construction side of the business, so you will find him piping a new school, fire station, restaurant, or whatever new construction project they have been awarded. Eddie and Paula were discussing the other day how Shea and Vaughn have slightly different personalities that make each a perfect fit for the niche they have settled into in the plumbing industry. “I am relying on them and entrusting them with more business decisions and responsibilities. Neither has disappointed me. That doesn’t mean they haven’t made mistakes,” said Paula. Another aspect of being a successful business owner is not being afraid of failure, but instead facing it and conquering it. Although she is sure her sons place her high on a pedestal, they also have seen her teeter, wobble, and completely fall off that pedestal only to claw her way back to the top. They understand the benefits that come with being self-employed, but over this last year have experienced the sacrifices that come with it, also. There is that quote about strong women – may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them. “One of the strongest women I know, I call Mom, and she raised me to be strong. I have no daughters, but as strong women leaders, we can also raise strong, compassionate men. That’s what I did, and I think it’s the best accomplishment of my life,” said Paula.
