This is the fifteenth year New Mexico WOMAN has honored top women in business for their efforts, leadership, insights, hard work, and their desire to succeed. Every year New Mexico WOMAN features the Top 25 women-owned businesses in New Mexico and hosts an awards luncheon for these women, which is open to the public. About 500 people attend to meet, greet, and congratulate these magnificent women.

New Mexico WOMAN determines the Top 25 by compiling a list from submitted entries and choosing the 25 with the highest gross revenues ending September 20, 2007, that are also “women-owned,” which is defined by at least 51 percent women-owned and managed.

These women own and head businesses that provide products, needs, and services our state utilizes on a daily basis—and some do national and international business.

Besides having financial business success, some of these women have overcome great obstacles and were inspired by someone dear. We thank them for sharing information about their businesses and their personal thoughts, which you will read in the next few pages.

Two special awards recognize two business women who did not make the Top 25 list but are still considered winners for their accomplishments. The Phoenix Award is awarded to a woman who has overcome significant obstacles and the Atkinson Achievement Award recognizes a woman for significant business growth over the past year.

We are more than happy to feature the Top 25 women in businesses and the special award winners. Congratulations to the 2008 winners!

Sheilah Purcell Garcia, CEO
Garcia Automotive Group has offered new and used auto sales and service since 1967.

Who provides you with inspiration or served as a mentor, and why?
Everyday people and how they cope. I stand in awe of my fellow Americans. I am inspired almost daily by examples of excellence.

What’s your single strongest attribute, one that has served you well in life and/or business?
Persistence. Often it takes years for a plan to come together. Also, I try very hard to put the Garcia Group employees in the forefront of any planning.

What must you have every day and why? A positive attitude—the leadership and attitude of a business come from the top.

What fascinates you about the world? Everything! I want to be a part of as many events as possible, and observe the rest. Travel is a big part of my life.

Pearlene Garcia, Owner/Operator
LPG Enterprises, dba McDonald’s, has been in business since 1979.

Who provides you with inspiration or served as a mentor, and why? My husband, Larry Garcia, and my son, Kenric, really inspire me. To see them work each day in their businesses, seeing them provide the leadership needed to motivate their employees and their constant attention to detail, inspire me to be the same kind of business-person. I am honored to work alongside my husband with our incredible team, and to see my son succeed as an owner/operator with six restaurants of his own.

What’s your single strongest attribute, one that has served you well in life and/or business?
Always being positive about whatever the situation may bring has probably served me the best. Keeping a positive attitude has helped our organization attain a higher level of customer service and continues to take our business to greater levels.

What motivates you most in business? Seeing my business grow from one location with 50 employees to soon-to-be 15 locations and over 600 employees has been a huge motivator in the past couple of years. And with that growth, the ability to give so much opportunity to the men and women who work for us, and to see them grow from crew members into managers, has been a real inspiration.

Janice Lucero, CEO/owner
SafetyNet Works, Inc., dba MVD Express, has provided drivers licenses, IDs, titles, vehicle registrations, notary, commercial and fleet vehicle services since 1994.

What’s your single strongest attribute, one that has served you well in life and/or business?
My strength is that I am energized by looking toward the future. I also like developing the strengths of others so that everyone has the opportunity to experience success. I am passionate about helping others work from their strengths. If I focused on my weaknesses, I wouldn’t be able to get out of bed! After 14 years in business I am thrilled to say that I am happier with my business today than ever! I am very energized by the potential for even greater success with my current employees and management teams.

I am most proud of… building a business where 60-plus individuals have the opportunity to be successful in their own right each and every day.

Antonette Montoya, CFO and part-owner
Michelle Bassford, Payroll Administrator and part-owner
L&M Technologies, Inc. provides facilities management and operation services to the government and its prime contractors.

What year did you start your business? The business was started in 1972 with our father purchasing majority ownership in 1986. In 2006, my sister and I became part-owners.

Who provides you with inspiration or served as a mentor, and why? (Antonette) My mother taught me the importance of giving 100 percent, no matter what; and from my father I learned the importance of initiative and risk-taking.

I am most proud of… (Michelle) Maintaining a balance between family, friends, and work.

What makes you laugh? (Antonette) Hearing my 3-year-old niece and 7-year-old nephew singing the words to songs from the ‘80s.

What fascinates you about the world? (Antonette) All of the potential places to visit and the history each destination offers.

Edna Louisa Lopez, President/CEO
COMPA Industries, Inc. provides program and staff augmentation management.

Who provides you with inspiration or served as a mentor, and why? Small business women owners—listening to their stories and successes!

I am most proud of… Having my sons join me in my company! Having the time to do Junior Achievement classes and mentor young students in their future goals.

What’s your single strongest attribute, one that has served you well in life and/or business? Intuition. Being aware of that “gut feeling,” which sometimes rules over your heart and mind.

What was your most exciting moment in business? Being able to buy our own building through an SBA loan.

What motivates you most in business? Being able to connect the “dots” in helping individuals achieve their goals—whether it’s employment-related or personal.

Leslie Longoria, President
Form-Cove Manufacturing Co., Inc., specializes in cultured marble, laminate tops, solid surface tops, shower doors, and remodeling kitchens and baths.

What year did you start your business? In December 1965, Denny Mitchell and I started the business. I took over as president in 1988 and became majority stockholder in 1997.

Who provides you with inspiration or served as a mentor, and why? My mother taught me I could do anything I set my mind to. She was always pushing herself to learn and do new things. A business group I belonged to for several years, chaired by Joe Cotrozolla and then Karen King, provided a lot of support, solutions, and ideas on business issues presented by all the members of the group. The chairpersons were a great source of information, as well as the group of men and women.

I am most proud of… The ability to survive whatever has come along in this business. With the support of my family and the dedicated people I work with, we not only have survived, we have flourished.

Wanda R. Bowman, Owner, CEO
R/W Bowman Corp., dba Ashley Furniture HomeStore, has provided retail home furnishings since 1971.

Who provides you with inspiration or served as a mentor, and why? My mentor is my husband of 46 years. He gave me the encouragement and support to go forward with a large endeavor that incurred enormous debt and risk. While others of our age group were planning how to spend their retirement, we were planning expansion into a 67,000-square-foot furniture store.

I am most proud of … Being one of a select group of retailers who have been awarded a license to do business as an Ashley Furniture HomeStore. Many retailers apply, but only the strongest meet Ashley Furniture Industries’ demanding requirements.

What’s your single strongest attribute, one that has served you well in life and/or business?  Work hard with a positive attitude. I love what I do and I love the community and the people I work with. When they see me working hard and committed to the business, we all find success together.

What must you have every day and why? I need a little quiet time every evening to reflect on the day and prepare for the coming day. I need time to appreciate the opportunity that has been given to me each day and to thank the Lord for His kindness and abundance.

What motivates you most in business? I am strongly motivated by the challenges of operating a fast-paced business, as well as the responsibility and obligations to our customers and employees.

Barbara Brennan, President/CEO
Stride, Incorporated manufactures and distributes office products nationwide.

Who provides you with inspiration or served as a mentor, and why? Inspiration is provided by my employees, some of whom are handicapped.

I am most proud of… my family.

What’s your single strongest attribute, one that has served you well in life and/or business? Tenacity…. never give up…find a way.

What fascinates you about the world? It gets smaller every day.

What was your most exciting moment in business? Seeing our products in the large office product catalogues nationwide.

What motivates you most in business? The challenge that nothing ever stays the same.

Denise K. Baker, Owner / CFO/ President
D.R.B. Electric, Inc. is an electrical contractor specializing in commercial, industrial, business, and residential 24-hour service, and design-build assists projects with value engineering.

What year did you start your business? The company was started in 1986 by Randy Baker and I joined the firm as a partner in 1991.

What’s your single strongest attribute, one that has served you well in life and/or business? The ability to approach even the worst situation with a positive attitude and sense of humor while moving steadfastly toward the light at the end of the tunnel.
 
What fascinates you about the world? No matter what country I am traveling, a simple smile is freely given and transcends all boundaries.

What was your most exciting moment in business? Accepting the New Mexico Ethics in Business Award.

What motivates you most in business? As a New Mexico native and board member of both Albuquerque Economic Development and Associated Builders and Contractors, I am actively involved in and aware of the amazing opportunities for business entities. I am honored to be a part of this process that is creating jobs so that our children do not have to leave the state after graduation. My three daughters can make a choice to stay or go in a multitude of fields without ever having to leave their friends and family.

Christina Maki, President
Santa Fe Protective Services has provided security guard services since 1999.

Who provides you with inspiration or served as a mentor, and why? I would have to say my parents. They have supported me throughout my life and have always been there for me. Both have been business owners, so I get a lot of mentoring from them.

What makes you laugh? My kids (Marcus, 13, and Sierra, 7) make me laugh. I could have the most stressful, long day at work and when I get home one will just say or do something that will make me laugh.

What was your most exciting moment in business? The one that stands out the most is when I was named 2003 Region VI SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year. This was an exciting moment I will never forget.

I am most proud of … my employees. I feel I have the best employees any employer could ask for. They go above and beyond for the company and I appreciate all the dedication they’ve given. Without my employees, I would not be where I’m at today.

Kim Housholder, CEO
Christine Nanney, President
Hot Shot Services, Inc. has provided messenger/ courier services, warehousing, inventory management, and logistics services since 1989.

Who provides you with inspiration or served as a mentor, and why? (Christine) Over 20 years ago, I had a boss who was a hospital administrator. I often remind myself of the things I liked best about her. She was fair and treated everyone equally, from doctors to janitors, and she took an interest in all her employees. I would like to be the same type of leader Andrea Brightwell was.

What’s your single strongest attribute, one that has served you well in life and/or
business? (Kim) My desire is to always do the right thing. It’s not always the easiest, but I have to know that I can look in the mirror and be proud of the person I see.

What was your most exciting moment in business? (Kim) There are many! Closing a big deal is always up there at the top. (Christine) The day we purchased our own building. It made me feel like we were really in business—not just passing time until I had to get a real job.

What motivates you most in business? (Kim) Providing a solid work environment that provides salaries and good benefits for our staff. (Christine) Always trying to outservice the other guys. Being really good at what we do. Then, there’s the profit thing.

Julee D. Loera, CFO
Overhead Door Company of Albuquerque has provided residential and commercial doors and openers since 2001.

What makes you laugh? A light-hearted joke and people laughing is the best sound.

What fascinates you about the world? Everything comes back full circle and if you just watch and listen, you will see it.

What was your most exciting moment in business? When we came to Albuquerque and everything just fell into place like it was meant to be.

What motivates you most in business? The challenge itself.

Ty Juana G. Hise, CEO/owner
Jennifer Hise, VP/owner
Aneile Cummins, Owner
CEMCO, Inc. is a manufacturer, primarily of Vertical Shaft Impact (VSI) crushers.

What year did you start your business? 1962. Jennifer and Aneile’s paternal grandparents started the business, with Ty and her husband Neil continuing as the second generation. Jennifer continues as the third generation.

I am most proud of… (Jennifer) My parents, as they work well together, have strong morals, are honest and fair, and continue to have faith in the world.

What must you have every day and why? (Jennifer and Ty) Courage, because you never know what you will have to deal with.

What fascinates you about the world? CEMCO does business in 21 countries world wide and it is fascinating what new technology is developed and how people can work internationally together to achieve a common goal.

What was your most exciting moment in business? The most exciting moment in 2007 was our addition of new people, which helped our staff create solutions, bringing new products to be manufactured at CEMCO.

Laura Burch-Yeager, President/CEO
Independent Nursing Services has provided nursing support since 1995.

Who provides you with inspiration or served as a mentor, and why? Elsie Rylant, my grandmother, grew up in the Depression, only had an eighth grade education, lived in a dugout that still exists in Pie Town, N.M. They hauled water and cut firewood to make money. She eventually went back to school and became a beautician. She opened her own beauty shop in Hobbs, and retired successfully after 35 years. She built a home with my Grand Dad, and when she was 73 she rode her quarter horse and won a Grand Championship.

I am most proud of … my family: My husband who serves our country in the U.S. Army. He flies helicopters. Our children—Alexis, in her first year at Texas Tech, Skyler, Lauren, Colton, and Merrick.

What makes you laugh? My husband, who is joyful and happy, and hilariously funny.
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What was your most exciting moment in business? When I received this award and looked back at what I had accomplished. Going through business day to day, you are so busy that you don’t really stop and think about it, and one day, you are there!

Carole Petranovich, President
Computer Corner, Inc. has offered computer and electronics hardware, software and technical services, as well as training in all the latest software titles and technical certification boot-camps since 1983.

What’s your single strongest attribute, one that has served you well in life and/or business? Self motivation and self inspiration. I am frequently inspired with new ideas and, even when very busy, I’m motivated to try these ideas. They may not all work, but we know we tried. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” as they say. I am fortunate to have a husband and business partner who is also inspired with ideas and we support each other in each of our ideas.

What must you have every day and why? Every day I need a few minutes to myself to get my priorities in line and to be grateful for all the good things in my life—especially to remember how lucky we are to live in the United States.

What motivates you most in business? Success in all aspects of the business: writing a winning proposal, helping a client with the perfect solution, helping our staff to learn and grow, thriving in such a competitive industry.

Nansi Martin, President
Aztec Mechanical, Inc., is a full-service, design-build mechanical contractor specializing in commercial construction projects.

What year did you start your business? In 1977, I helped Bob Usher (the original owner) start the company, buying it from him in 1986.
I am most proud of … Owning and operating a business that has realized many satisfying achievements. However, on a personal level, I am more proud of learning to scuba dive, even though I was raised here in New Mexico (without bodies of water) and cannot swim!

What’s your single strongest attribute, one that has served you well in life and/or business? Having a Win/Win ethic, not just the attitude, has resulted in successful dealings and relationships. For me, it is very important that everyone involved (whether in my company, in a business deal, or in personal life) feel that they were treated fairly.

What must you have every day and why? I depend on NPR (National Public Radio) Morning Edition to get my day started, keeping me informed and reminding me of what is important and what is not. When missed, I feel out of touch. (That’s when I count on coffee and chocolate!)

What makes you laugh? Human nature can be very funny. I laugh at myself all of the time!

What motivates you most in business? This may sound rather sentimental, but I am motivated by our employees and their families, who depend on the company for support and to provide for their futures.

Praphai “Pie” Gorman, President
Access Technologies, Inc., in business since 1995.

Who provides you with inspiration or served as a mentor, and why? My mother, Dang Wolfe, born and raised in Thailand, was only able to obtain a fourth-grade education. She escaped to the United States, in an effort to provide a better life for her three kids, during a turbulent time of the Vietnam War. Unfamiliar with the language and culture, she fought the odds and worked hard to provide a comfortable life for her family. She also had the challenge of caring for my brother, a special-needs child with Down syndrome. My mother never complained and to this day prides herself in her energetic attitude.

What’s your single strongest attribute, one that has served you well in life and/or business? Laughter for me is an important part of being alive and enjoying every aspect of life. Business can be very serious and stressful, but if you can bring laughter into a situation, it lightens things up and makes work pleasant and enjoyable. I used to think it was a curse to have such a loud and distinct laugh, but many have told me my laughter is infectious.

What was your most exciting moment in business? With growth, came our purchase of a new office building. With growth, came new hires of many talents to continue our quest to be the best that we can be for our families, friends, customers, and vendors. With growth, came new solutions to help other organizations improve their growth and business.

What motivates you most in business? The honest truth is fear: Fear of not achieving goals. Fear of not finishing up what you’ve started. Fear of not being able to support those you’ve hired and their families. Fear of not succeeding and fear of succeeding. It’s crazy, but I believe that it makes all of us do things beyond our own comprehension of our personal successes.

Janeen Anderson, CEO
Game Production Services, LLC, is a video game company that makes serious games for education, marketing, and other non-entertainment applications.

I am most proud of… My kids, my marriage, my friendships that have lasted for decades (last spring I rode 65 miles on a bike with a friend who was my supervisor on my first job after college). I am proud that this company and my last company were places where young people could start their careers.

What’s your single strongest attribute, one that has served you well in life and/ or business? I don’t believe that anything is impossible. Something may not be worth the cost, or the benefits may be outweighed by negative consequences, but that is not the same as impossible. There is always a way, if something is worth doing.

What makes you laugh? Almost anything—it throws people sometimes. Game Production
Services is a place where laughter is heard frequently. It’s easier to think clearly and critically about something you can find a way to chuckle about—especially one’s self.

What fascinates you about the world? That we as human beings are generational, and so there is always the hope of sweeping sudden change with the rise of a new generation.

Mary Stramel, Owner
General Mailing and Shipping Systems, Inc. has offered digital mailing equipment, postage meters, scales, and the latest technology in postage-saving software since 1991.

What’s your single strongest attribute, one that has served you well in life and business? My persistence and faith that everything happens together for good. I believe I have a purpose on this earth, which includes being of service to other people. My job allows me to fulfill part of this purpose.

What makes you laugh? Human beings just being “themselves.” We have the remarkable quality to see things in a humorous way if we just look around us.

What fascinates you about the world? The number of people in it. Also, even though I am fortunate to travel, I will never even begin to see a fraction of it. There’s always something new.

What was your most exciting moment in business? When we were awarded the State of New Mexico Price Agreement in 2004.

Marie E. Blea, President
Homes By Marie has been in the custom home building business since 1990.

I am most proud of … My sons and my husband. They are the backbone of my success.

What’s your single strongest attribute, one that has served you well in life and/or business? Doing as I say. My word is very important to me. If I give my word I live up to it.

What must you have every day and why? Sunshine, and French Vanilla coffee … Makes for a great day.

What makes you laugh? My boys.

What motivates you most in business? Happy clients—getting to know them and being part of making their dream come true.

Mary G. Martinez, Franchise Owner
Home Instead Senior Care provides non-medical home care for seniors.

What year did you start your business? It was started in 1996. I bought it in 2002.

Who provides you with inspiration or served as a mentor, and why? My two grandmothers were both so strong and giving. They showed me, by their examples, the importance of helping people however you can.

I am most proud of. . . My two sons (Benjamin, 10, and David, 8) are my pride and joy. I love seeing the world through their eyes.

What was your most exciting moment in business? The day I signed the paperwork to buy the business was the most exciting and scariest moment so far. Everything since then has been an adventure!

What motivates you most in business? Home Instead Senior Care provides a much needed service. I am motivated by our clients. It is important that they are getting the best possible service that is appropriate to their needs. It is very rewarding to know that we help people maintain as much independence as possible.

Debra P. Hicks, PE/LSI President
Pettigrew & Associates, P.A., is a civil engineering, surveying, and materials testing firm based in Lovington, N.M. In business since 1965, Debra took it over in 1990.

What was your first job? My first job was at Pettigrew and Associates as the fleet grease monkey. On each vehicle, I changed the oil, filter, checked the fluids, differentials, etc.

Who provides you with inspiration or served as a mentor, and why? My parents have been instrumental in shaping my life. From my father, I learned logical problem solving and how to determine if the solutions I came up with made sense. My father is a great engineer and I still rely upon his advice to this day. My mother taught me the operations of a business.

What fascinates you about the world? Humanity! As humans, we are diverse, yet each and every day we are able to find common ground that allows us to work together to make a positive difference in the world.

What was your most exciting moment in business? In 2006-2007 our firm was successful in landing a very large project as Civil Engineer of Record for the Zia Park Race Track and Casino, which led to our firm being ranked in the top 25 Engineering Firms in New Mexico.

What motivates you most in business? The work that I do affects most residents in Lea County in some form or fashion. I want it to reflect well on Pettigrew & Associates, P.A.

Lilly Barrack, Owner
Lilly Barrack, LTD has offered hand-crafted designer jewelry in Albuquerque since 1989.

Who provides you with inspiration or served as a mentor, and why?
My mother and father always supported me and gave me the confidence to believe that I could create. They showed me an appreciation for design and beauty.

I am most proud of… My children and grandchildren

What must you have every day and why? A new beginning—always a new start.

What makes you laugh? My mistakes, as they sometimes turn out to be my best ideas!

What was your most exciting moment in business?
Opening the retail stores in Nob Hill and Paseo Crossing.

What motivates you most in business? Creating new designs and a unique product that appeals to all ages and genders and is affordable.

Chris Christy, CEO
Black Mesa Coffee Company has offered specialty coffee, gourmet sandwiches and soups, assorted pastries, and sweet treats since 1997.

Who provides you with inspiration or served as a mentor, and why? Vistage, a professional
CEO organization, has inspired me to be a better leader, making better decisions with more insight that led to the best results I have achieved. Vistage has inspired me to grow professionally as well as personally.

What’s your single strongest attribute, one that has served you well in life and/or business? My single strongest attribute is my passionate creative thinking. Simply put …where there is a will, there is a way!

What must you have every day and why? A hug and a kiss from my husband start my daywith warm loving feelings.

What makes you laugh? Everyday life, human behavior make me laugh …it is funny being a human!

What was your most exciting moment in business? My most exciting moment in business occurs daily, as working in the airport environment is challenging. Be it weather delays, the Transportation Security Administration directives, the volumes of people traveling or business issues—there is never a dull moment. The prevention of terrorism in the airport environment is an ongoing challenge. It makes selling coffee and sandwiches an exciting business!

Beverly Chavez, Julie Chavez,
Barbara Otero, Cristina Tapia, Co-owners and operators
Stixon Labels and New Mexico Plastics have been manufacturers of pressure-sensitive labels and distributors of bags, cartons, and containers since 1985.

What’s your single strongest attribute, one that has served you well in life and/or business? (Barbara) Probably faith and perseverance. First, I believe in God and look for His guidance daily. Secondly, I persevere daily while doing business with prospective customers. I believe in myself that I can make each day count. (Cristina) My calm demeanor—every time my blood pressure is checked, I get comments about how, if my blood pressure was any lower, I would be dead. It helps when you’ve got three small children, three feisty sisters, and a frenetically energized husband!

What must you have every day and why? (Julie) A hug from my daughters, because it keeps me going. (Cristina) Unfortunately, chocolate!

What fascinates you about the world? (Cristina) Technological advances that are made daily in all areas. I am amazed at the constant changes in computers, phones, medical equipment