Describe your business. Did you find it, or did it find you?

Golden State Employer Services provides support to businesses in the areas of human resource consulting and training, payroll processing, and workers compensation and benefit administration. The current economic climate is forcing organizations to explore tactics to remain competitive. Outsourcing is proven to save owners money while reducing liability and improving compliance.

What was your first job, and what did you learn from the experience?

At age 14, I began working at a floral design and gift boutique owned by my grandparents. I worked every day after school, weekends and holidays. The shop was open seven days a week! I learned how to be creative when it came to fulfilling customer requests, and I saw the benefit of developing honest and responsive relationships.

Who is your role model in business or in life, and why?

My late grandfather, Pop. He dropped out of school in the eighth grade, but went on to own several successful businesses, including an old-fashioned drive-in and a floral shop. He could do and learn anything he set his mind to.

What’s your hidden talent?

Floral design and party planning! We designed and arranged flowers for hundreds of events. I occasionally still design for family and friends.

What’s your favorite place to eat out locally?

My husband Kevin and I enjoy Pueblo Chico Cantina in El Dorado Hills. I appreciate the family ownership concept, and the sunset view from the patio gives me the feeling of being on a tropical vacation.

Where do you and your family go locally to have fun?

We enjoy taking our dogs on the walking trails in Serrano. We’ve run into rattlesnakes, coyote and wild turkeys. The trees and flowers in the spring and summertime are lush and beautiful.

If you could be any other profession what would it be?

A model or a horse jockey. At five feet and three inches, I’m too short for the first and too tall for the latter.

And finally, customer service is…?

Being one step ahead of my clients’ needs and taking care of them before I am asked, and never leaving them stranded or their questions unanswered. I look out for their business as if it were my own. Promise and deliver!