When Amy Goudy’s divorcing parents cut off the purse strings while she was in college, little did she know that loss of ‘funding’ would lead to a lucrative career and ultimately her own business!

“Them (her parents) not providing the money I needed to complete my studies at California Polytechnical Institute forced me to get a job,” said Goudy. “My first job, after I left CalPoly, was in the electronics industry. I started in customer services, then moved into sales, but learned that the purchasing department offered me more opportunities for advancement.” Becoming a Materials Manager, Goudy gained expertise in all aspects of the supply chain. Since it was a small company, she also got a chance to do some other things and gained even more knowledge in high-tech design, shipping and receiving, and inventory control.

The expanded role made her extremely marketable in the high-tech procurement industry. So much so, that she became highly recruited by larger companies. With the increased responsibilities, she gained more valuable experience. But it was at her last company that she found her calling.

“I was involved in customer compliance as it relates to procurement practices and there were a number of customer requests,” Goudy explained. “My boss asked me to look into “supplier diversity,” since it was something our customers wanted. So I joined a number of organizations to learn more about how to engage minority- and women-owned businesses. I eventually ended up serving on the board of the local supplier diversity council, and met a number of amazing people who were able to help me.”

That was over five years ago.

Goudy left that company six months ago to take that passion and start her own business, CRH Enterprises Limited (www.crhlimited.com). “I never thought I was very entrepreneurial, but I knew I didn’t want to work in someone else’s corporate environment or in an office,” said Goudy. “I need flexibility in order to balance my family life.” Goudy, a single parent, cared for her grandmother for a couple of years until she passed away recently. She is currently a caretaker for her mother.

When asked for her advice on having a successful career or business, Goudy offered these words: “Build your network. I made lots of contacts during my career…people who helped me along my career path, and since I started my business.”. She added, “Maintain your realism. People will always know what to expect from you…that trait is invaluable for clients and friends.”