In this episode of Behind the Cubicle, Elayne Walker, co-owner of Bard and Glass, and Peggy Lee Wright, founder of The Company You Keep, discuss their respective journeys as business owners and the importance of relationships in their work.
Peggy shares her background, including her military career, moving to Huntsville in 2011, and eventually transitioning to running her own business after years of volunteer work and consulting. Her company, The Company You Keep, focuses on leveraging Huntsville's unique blend of government, military, industry, education, and nonprofit sectors to create meaningful connections that benefit all involved. Peggy emphasizes the significance of surrounding yourself with supportive people and authentic partnerships in business, which she believes leads to more opportunities and growth.
Elayne reflects on how her passion for photography grew from middle school into a career, eventually leading to the creation of Bard and Glass with her husband. She explains how connecting with clients on a personal level allows her to better capture their stories and produce meaningful content. The conversation highlights the shared values between both businesses despite their different focuses—both prioritize building genuine relationships that foster trust and collaboration.
Throughout the discussion, they touch on the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, the importance of adapting, and the shared fulfillment they find in their work by focusing on helping people and creating value within their community.
When you serve in the military, you learn pretty quickly that titles don’t mean much if you can’t carry your weight, or your rucksack. Nobody cares what’s pinned on your chest if you can’t pull your buddy out of the mud. That’s where I learned this leadership lesson: The best leaders don’t stand on top of the org chart barking orders. They flip it over, get underneath it, and work to support the team.
Before I built a business, I built a breakfast routine that involved twin toddlers in opposite moods. Before I managed teams, I managed teenage drama, sports practices, and dueling personalities. My daughters, equal parts unstoppable and unfiltered, have taught me more about business than my education. Turns out, the real MBA lives under my roof...and occasionally borrows my mascara.
The Company You Keep is proud to sponsor HEALS, Inc. — an organization dedicated to providing accessible, compassionate healthcare to children in need. We believe in supporting local initiatives that strengthen our community and ensure every child has the opportunity to grow healthy and thrive.
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