How parenthood prepared me to operate an auto transport business
Highs and lows of being a working mom…
When my husband and I were married and decided to have kids we made each other a promise. Even though we both were working and I had my eyes on a lofty career, we committed our time after work and extra money to our family.
When our daughter was born, we both were so excited. Being a new mom was exciting, exhausting and rewarding. I must admit there were many things I learned daily. The lessons included how to take care of myself while caring for a newborn and my husband, too.
When it came time for me to return to work, searching for trustworthy daycare was high on my priority list. Researching and interviewing prospects took time and intense thought. To hand my precious daughter over to a stranger was one of the hardest things I ever had to do.
A few years later, our son arrived. My goal at that time in my banking career had now taken a turn, courtesy of the bank. After maternity leave came to an end and it was once again time to return to work I had to make yet another decision.
The industry was shifting and the bank was centralizing departments, including the loan department where I was assistant supervisor. They offered me a job with fewer hours, less pay and no responsibility. With careful thought, calculations and discussion with hubby, it appeared I would be paying the bank to work for them (after child care expenses).
Beginning to think like a business-owner
Therefore, it was a
If anyone has ever told you that working from home is a snap, a cinch, not work ignore him or her. Family and friends rarely know what they are talking about when it comes to working from home.
Working from home has been the best, the hardest, the most rewarding thing I have ever done. Now you are probably wondering what I mean by that last statement, right?
It was a test to say the least in finding balance between spending quality time with our kids and being able to pull everything else together. This included getting the housework done; working my business and getting the rest, we needed, too.
Because I was at home, everyone in the family volunteered me to do everything. It did not take long to figure out that if I were going to make a go at working from home there had to be boundaries set. There had to be specific time to work, play, volunteer and rest. Working for you is no different than working at a job. Sure, we could be somewhat flexible, but if you do not work, you do not eat ~ plain and simple.
It took awhile, but eventually the kids, my husband and extended family learned that when I was in
Parenthood provided the foundation for operating a business at home
What we learned early on was to focus ~ focus on the kids while they were awake, work together after they went to bed doing the housework and get to bed at a set time every night.
Through our years of raising kids, working from home and living our lives one thing we've learned for sure is this. To succeed at anything at all in life you must do three things.
- Have a crystal clear vision for what you want to accomplish
- Put together a plan on how you are going to do it
- Focus on working that plan until you get the desired result
As the kids grew up and went off to live their own lives our learning about life and our business continued. From bringing grandma to live with us in her time of need, to figuring out how to cope with her death and our daughter's engagement at the same time, we just forged forward the best we knew how.
Success in business as in life is a journey; it is not a destination. That is the key to our success and we pass that along to you to use on your journey to success, too.
Join us won't you? We need your help to spread the word about these lessons. If you have learned anything at all from our story, send a tweet to your 
Here to Serve,
Carla J Gardiner
Carla J Gardiner is an ex-banker turned entrepreneur who built an auto transport brokerage and dispatch center from the ground up. With half a days training and little else Carla learned the business inside and out the hard way…by doing it. Her passion and purpose lies with the people she works with daily; the client, dispatcher, broker and truck driver. Her frustration within the industry has birthed a new division of her company; one to properly train, encourage and mentor other professionals in auto transport.
"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla". 
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"! 
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style! 
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down. 
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear". 
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."