Inside Business – Courtney’s Top 40 Under 40 Nomination

At work:

I am a partner and marketing consultant at Proximo Marketing Strategies, where my main area of focus is business in-house marketing strategies and communications, as well as developing cooperative marketing efforts and quality customer service. I also oversee the social media department and head up my firm’s keynote presentations.

Home and family:

I am the proud parent of two social butterflies and attribute my personal and professional success to my faith in Christ.

Volunteer Activities:

I serve on the board of several organizations, including Peninsula Women’s Network, as president-elect and programs chair. I am also a second-year committee member of the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction Committee in Williamsburg and serve as the membership chair for the Kiwanis Club of Toano. I volunteer at the Merrimac Detention Center, mentoring the teens in the facility, I read to the students in the Head Start Program at JB Blayton Elementary School, and participate in a variety of other community outreach efforts as part of my Kiwanis club.

Motivating Factor:

I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, with my parents both owning several businesses, including a building and construction company, residential real estate company and building supply distribution company. When the housing market crashed in ’07, I saw the dreams that my family had worked so hard to build crumble in their hands. I feel called to a career that enables me to help other business owners achieve stability and success.

Advice for Young People:

Network. Network. Network. But do it genuinely, developing lasting relationships that will follow you through whatever career and life changes may come.

Professional Goal in Five Years:

This. Just better. And on a larger scale.

The One Thing I’d Change About Hampton Roads:

I’d like to see our communities less segmented, and working more cohesively. We should recognize our cities’ individual strengths and weaknesses, and collaborate with the surrounding cities to fill in the gaps.

Region’s Biggest Asset:

Our military! Hands down.

Downtime:

I’m a beach girl to the core. Born in Duck, N.C., and raised on the Rappahannock River, sand, farmer’s markets and fishing poles are necessary tools.

What Really Gets Under My Skin:

Conceited people. And unfortunately there are plenty of them out there.