We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Reesy Neff a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Reesy, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I am not sure it’s the same for everyone. I mean there are certainly common themes you will find behind the stories of successful people. Things such as resilience, perseverance, determination, grit, etc. Sometimes success is out of necessity and or survival. At least for me, that is often how it has started, the need to make it or become homeless. As I look back on my life, I actually do see this pattern.

One of my first memories of success was in 8th grade when I asked my mother for a pair of Gloria Vanderbilt jeans. Which, of course, we could not afford. However, as opposed to saying we cannot afford these jeans, she said she would not spend money on a pair of jeans that I would grow out of or tired of within a year. While this is certainly not a make or break it situation, those jeans were highly important to me. I wanted those jeans in the worst most hormonal way a teenage gal could want something. So I decided I would have to get those jeans on my own. I wasn’t old enough to get a workers’ permit to get a job, however, I could mow the neighbor’s lawn and I could babysit. So that is what I did. I mowed the neighbor’s yard for $10.00 per week and saved up over $40.00 for those jeans. I purchased those jeans with my very own money. Sadly, my mother was correct and about a year later for a fundraiser for my cheerleading team, I sold those jeans at a yard sale.

What would one call this characteristic that got me those jeans? Was it determination? Was it drive? And where did these things come from? The better question is what did it teach 14 year old me?

Here are my thoughts. If I wanted something badly enough, I was going to have to do it myself (independence). Hard work pays off (patience). Don’t stop (determination). And so much more.

Here’s what it did for the future me. When I was offered a position in banking without a formal education and knew that I had to learn everything there was about banking as well pass my series 6 and life insurance license test in order to keep my job, I did exactly what they trained me to do. While others may have argued concepts or the way things were done, I did none of that. My determination kicked in and I did all the things I had learned to do. I did not let others sway me (independence). I worked hard and when the commission checks started rolling in, I was thrilled (patience). I never stopped and became one of the bankers in my region (determination). This job was not as simple as the jeans though. I had gotten divorced and I had to make it in this world of banking or I wouldn’t make it at all.

Building on this same theme of what 14 year old me taught me when I started my own business. There are times when you have your own business, you will feel alone. Keep going. You have to stay the course (independence) Follow your plan (patience). You have to work harder than you have worked before in your own business (determination).

Was I born with these qualities or did life just teach them to me? Can they be taught? Are some of us more well-equipped than others? I think we all have these things inside of us. At the end of the day however, do we have the motivation to utilize these amazing gifts we carry. So perhaps the true answer to success is motivation. If you are self-motivated, find those things inside of you and follow your dreams and passions. Don’t give up. If you are not self-motivated, find something or someone to help you with this. What are the tools you need to motivate you to ignite your inner independence, determination, patience, etc.? Start looking for them because they are out there waiting for you to find them. Some would say it starts with the first step. I say it starts with the motivation to take that first step.

Reesy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey is very far from traditional. My path zigged and zagged and finally after the age of 50, I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be and doing exactly what i am supposed to be doing…well, almost. I still have more to do. Let’s start at the beginning.

I grew up in rural Eastern North Carolina (the Bible Belt). My family was not the “right” family. My mother abused alcohol periodically. I say periodically as it was during the most stressful times, she drank the most. My father abuses prescription drugs and could not hold down a job. He was a hard working, however, often found himself working for people he felt he was smarter than (which he probably was). This scenario would often cause rifts where he would get angry and walk off the job. A bit in his defense, he had been in Vietnam as a Marine and had seen and experience a lot of things people should never have to endure.

I learned at a very early age, that if I wanted something, I was going to have to get it myself. I started working first by mowing lawns, babysitting and working “under the table” at the restaurant my mother worked at until I could get my workers’ permit at 15 1/2 when I started working at McDonalds.

I was also a very good student ( mostly A’s with an occasional B), a cheerleader, and in just about every club the school offered. Truly my dream was to be popular. I also had aspirations of being a judge when I grew up. I am pretty glad that one didn’t happen because knowing what I know now about myself, I’m not sure it was a job I would be suited for…well maybe.

I really think I wanted to be a judge because I was seeking justice. I did see a lot of it in my life. I didn’t think it was very fair how my home life looked compared to my friends. I didn’t think it was fair that I had to give most of paycheck to my parents. just to keep the lights on or put food on the table as opposed to saving for a car. It wasn’t fair no one in my school, not even the guidance counselor was helping me understand how I could possibly go to college.

When you are 17 years old getting up at 5;00 AM to go open at McDonalds, school by 8:30, cheerleading practice after school and then back to McDonalds to work the evening shift just to help your family, you get a bit stressed out. So what does a 17 year old gal living in South do in that situation? Well when you live within 2 hours of at least 3 military basis and your daddy was a Marine, you look for love or rather (even though you don’t realize it), you look to escape.

That’s what I did. I found a Marine and “made” him fall in love with me. I had gotten a very small scholarship and had started school at a community college studying to become a paralegal thinking it could be the first step to becoming the judge I had always dreamed about. I was getting to school that first semester because my dear friend had the same classes and she would pick me up every day and take me and bring me home. The second semester wasn’t going to be that way and I didn’t know how I was going to do it. So I had to make that Marine fall in love with me and ask me to marry him so I could be taken away from all of this. I was literally developing an ulcer at the ripe old age of 18.

Somehow my plan worked. The Marine asked me to marry him. I quit college with the idea I would return when I had enough money and February of my 19th year, I moved to Pennsylvania.

I will share with you the marriage to the Marine did not work out. Personally, I don’t think we should count it as I was only 19 and it lasted little more than a year. I found another knight in shining armor and that marriage failed as well. Do not despair as I did and still have my very real soulmate who I have been with for over 20 years. That is an interview in and of itself. Since this is about my career, I will talk about that. Just know as I was navigating my career, I was dealing with love and heartbreak often with work being my escape.

When I moved to Pennsylvania, I got my first “adult” job a receptionist at a car dealership. I got this job because I could type. Also, I had this sweet, southern accent they thought would set them apart…or so they said. I mention the typing because I had taken typing in high school as just a “filler” class and here it was helping me get a job. The point is never discount the small things. Pay attention. You just never know where something may come up in the future.

I was a very good receptionist. I continued to take paralegal courses in Pennsylvania. Although it was different. In PA, you didn’t need a two-year degree, just a certification. I quickly moved up to receptionist/cashier and then to service secretary. Each time receiving a significant raise. The finance manager job became available and I expressed interest. I was told I had just been promoted and wasn’t ready for this position. I was only 20 years old. I don’t believe they thought I could do it.

It didn’t matter as I was going to be a judge. As i was taking the paralegal classes, I met a nice woman who worked at a law firm. Low and behold, they were looking for a receptionist/legal secretary. With her recommendation, I got the job. I must say as I reflect on that job, I realize how much of a poor match it was for me. The head partner of the firm was so very stoic. He actually told me in my first review I was too bubbly. What?!?! I was the receptionist. Wasn’t I supposed to be friendly and bubbly? I soldiered on.

I really wanted to be a paralegal. At this law firm, however, you would need a four=year degree in something (didn’t matter if it was in ditch digging) along with the certification. Yet, they would allow you do to paralegal work, charge the client paralegal fees, however, continue to pay me secretarial wages. No wonder attorneys got a bad reputation. I don’t think it’s the same today.

Two years almost to the date, the original car dealership I had worked for now approached me as the finance manager role became available again. They felt since I now had experience working on the finer details of things, I had the personality and they could teach me the rest, I was ready for the finance manager role. But wait, what about leaving my dreams of becoming a judge?

The final straw came when I asked one of the most up and coming attorneys what he was making…yes, I know not in good taste. However, I was being told I would be making well over $50,000 a year in 1992 at 22 years old. Guess what? His answer as shocking to me. He would be happy to make over $50,000 once he made partner! Are you kidding me? This man had spent so much time in school and dealt with these uptight, not always the nicest guys and he was making what? Well the money won my heart or rather my pocketbook and I went to work as a finance manager in the car business. And guess what else? I would make closer to $70,000 that first year. I was really good at it. Some would say, one of the best in the county.

I could have done the job in my sleep. The biggest challenge was the hours. I was working over 60 hours a week and only had one weekend off. That part was brutal. There was also no room for advancement. You see as I grew up, I learned I did really like recognition as well as advancement. Turns out, I am super goal-oriented and let’s not forget driven. I soon received an offer from another dealership with more pay and less hours. I took the position.

I was working less and I even got to hire someone to sort of manage. I still wasn’t satisfied. I was at the top of my game as a finance manager. Meanwhile, these bankers would come and visit in attempt to get my business. As a finance manager, you control where the loans go. These bankers wanted those loans.

The bankers seemed like such a glamorous job. They would waltz in to see me. Take me to lunch. Chit chat. They had off weekends and bank holidays. I thought I can do this.

I found a job opportunity in the paper for a licenses financial specialist for Wachovia Bank (they no longer exist today as so many banks don’t) and i applied. There was no requirement for a formal education. I had no idea what a sales position this was. Also, they really liked finance managers. We knew lending well and we weren’t afraid to work until 6:00 or 1/2 day on a Saturday. I mean are you kidding. I’d work those hours any day.

I got the interview and I got hired. Once again, I found myself using those lessons from 14 year old me. Determination, patience…survival. I had to do well. I had to pass those tests for my license and I had to make commission if I was going to come close to what I was making in the car business.

And I did. I was very successful in this role as well. Top 10% in Central Pennsylvania. I got promoted to a regional position. And then the bank failed and was bought. I was devastated. Luckily, I received a nice severance package and six months later I found another regional position with a smaller community bank. I loved this position. I oversaw 24 branch locations and was responsible for 150 people. It was like running my own small business. in fact, in meetings, that’s how my role was often likened to. I had to manage budget, hire people, fire people, make marketing decisions, everything. I even had an amazing boss.

Sadly, banks do what they do and this regional bank got purchased as well. And while I kept my job, I did have to terminate 23 people in one day. it was a sad and terrible day. My husband could see I was broken. He had been self-employed for several years. He told me to come home and walk away from banking. So I did. Little did I know all of these roles I had held would prepare me for my next adventure.

My husband’s business is selling industrial shredding equipment all over the world to some very large and well-known companies. As part of this business, he also outfits box trucks with shredders to onsite data destruction of hard drives and solid-state drives. Mmm…this could be interesting. I was always passionate about protecting people’s information when I was in banking. I had sat across from the older person who had all of their information stolen. I had to work through ATM skimming at my branches. I knew the importance of ensuring policies and procedures were followed and information protected.

We invested $70,000 and started Omega Data Security in January of 2020. Yeah…not a great time to start a new business. Because I like turning a frown upside down, I spent that first year of covid learning more about data destruction and the various regulations that go along with it.

Meanwhile, I was also working on my first book, a memoir. However, it’s really more of a story how not to let the world define you or tell you what you can or cannot do. It’s called “Stripping Off the Labels”.

Fast forward a year and we were finding out that onsite data destruction was becoming free. What? This is a problem. We have spent all this money and now what. Honestly, I prayed about it. Because of what my husband does, he has all kinds of relationships. He reached out to a client of his down in Florida. This amazing person said come on down to Florida. I work with my wife and we like to pay it forward. Let us know you our business model.

In February 2021, we flew down to Tampa Bay, Florida for three days. I feel in love with this business. We came back to PA and Omega Data Security LLC d/b/a Omega Ecycles was born. We followed the proven business model, with a few tweaks, we had learned of in Florida.

This new business was perfect for all the things I love. My company picks up end-of-life IT equipment. We remove all data aka hard drives/solid-state drives and shred them. We then recycle the rest. We are HIPAA compliant, 100% woman-owned. I love it! I get to appropriately protect peoples data while saving the planet. And since I have grandchildren, 3 in fact, protecting the planet is a high priority for me.

I also published my book and really enjoy doing motivational speaking on stripping off your labels and finding your true self. I always say my dream job is being a motivational speaker and in the meantime, I’m helping to save the planet. In case you didn’t know, only 17% of e-waste is recycle while 70% of it fills our landfills.

I hired my son as my General Manager and hope to leave a legacy behind for my family. We are rapidly growing and I love what I do every day.

By the way, the book and the business…all done after the age of 50!!! You could say that’s what I am most proud of and yet the truth is, I am just not done. I have so much more I want to accomplish. I want to write another book. I want to teach my grandchildren, particularly my granddaughters, they can be fierce and amazing without apology. I want to inspire others to not let their past define them or tell them what they can or cannot do.

Perhaps I am most proud of not giving up. Perhaps i am most proud of staying positive considering the obstacles I encountered along the way (there are many more to tell).

The truth is I just want to make a difference. Don’t we all?

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

When I started my business, Covid was slowing down, I had zero dollars to invest in marketing and this was a relatively new idea in this area. I was starting at ground zero.

What I did have was lots of sales experience, I was known in my community and I believed in what i was doing. I knew I needed a plan. How do you put together a plan when all you have is you. Well you pull out every sales, marketing, business experience you have ever had and start writing it down.

That’s what I did. I put a plan in place for me. How many phone calls would I make a week? How many appointments would I hope to get from those calls. How many networking events would I got to each month. I set in all in place and started. I can truly say I built and continue to build my business from the ground up. We made money the first year. we tripled the next and we almost doubled the third. We are now able to add some marketing dollars to what i am already doing and I am hopeful we will see a significant increase in 2025. I would like to see it double again. The naysayers believe that’s impossible. Since when have I ever listened to them.

How did you build your audience on social media?

It’s amazing how important social media is in growing your business. When I started Omega Ecycles, I had my personal LinkedIn page and Facebook page. That’s it. I immediately created a business Facebook page. That wasn’t so hard.

Next, I reviewed my LinkedIn page. Ugh. It really needed some assistance. I was connected to mostly bankers due to my previous career and my business is a business to business operation so I need to be connected to other business owners and IT professionals.

Luckily, I had joined a women’s group where I met a lady who was teaching a LinkedIn class. What a game changer for me that was. I can truly say LinkedIn changed my business. I changed my profile. I learned how to reach out to others on LinkedIn without sounding like a commercial and things began to pivot. I have created a business LinkedIn page that continues to grow. My followers went from less than 500 to over 1500 and growing. I did that without spending a dime by the way.

We are now at the point where we will most likely invest more into LinkedIn with our marketing budget. It really has made and continues to make a huge difference for my company. If you are in business to business sales, I highly recommend it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reesyneff/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reesy.neff/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reesy-neff-53480116/
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/Reesy-Neff/e/B09Z9QDQZN/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk

Image Credits

Laure Boyd Studio