Page 45 - Anna Doxie first new format

After 23 years in the human resources field, Judy takes How did Judy get into the Staffing industry? It was kind of
pride in the fact that she has a wonderfully competent staff, a quirk. As a young mom relocated to San Diego in 1971
to which she can delegate many of the time consuming with her Naval Officer husband, Judy decided to enroll at
details of her daily business. As a result, it frees her up to the Barbizon School of Modeling. As she states, “I was 28
be a major force in charitable endeavors. Judy serves on years old, probably 15 years too old, I was too short, too
the San Diego Workforce Partnership Board and currently small but I learned how to sit so I wouldn’t look fat for job
is a member of the Workforce Advancement Committee, interviews” Judy loved the 6 month course. She was sent
and was formerly it’s Chair. She is active in numerous out to interview for modeling jobs, and one of these “so
organizations, including Soroptimist International of San called,” modeling jobs was for American Girl working for a
Diego, LEAD San Diego and Women President’s Organi- savings and loan during reinvestment periods. Every quar-
zation. In honor of the hard work that Judy does she has ter they hired people like Judy to look pretty while handing
earned recognition from the National Association of Women out coffee and doughnuts to people coming in to reinvest
Business Owners, the San Diego Regional Conference their money. Before long she was organizing staffing for
and the Soroptimist International from whom she received these events and ended up being hired as the outside sales
the honor of “Woman of Accomplishment.” Judy is also a rep, and as they say, the rest is history.
graduate of
LEAD San I asked Judy what she
Diego. would suggest to young
women who want to start
Colleagues their own businesses.
often refer Her answer was “Find a
to Judy’s mentor, absolutely find a
infectious mentor, and there are three
things that anyone who
laugh as starts a business, male or
one of the female must have: A good
charac- CPA, a good banker, and
teristics a good attorney and make
that make them love you. And don’t
every- go into any venture under-
one love capitalized.” San Diego
her. Judy No accomplishment Woman
is often goes unrecognized at
seen with TLC. The ship’s bell
bouquets positioned outside 45
of flow- her Executive VP’s
ers, which she brings to her staff to help office is often sound-
brighten their days, and bring smiles to their ed to commemorate a
faces. staff accomplishment
and let’s not forget
TLC has had incredible growth over the years. From
a company that employed one employee (Judy) to a the Friday afternoon
business that grosses $12 million a year and has 32 Margarita parties.
professionals in three offices, located in San Diego, As Judy says, “We
Carlsbad, and Ontario, TLC’s reputation continues to glow. celebrate everything here and everyone.”
Judy and her staff currently have 600-700 company con-
tracts, and they direct more than 1,200 potential employees What does Judy have in mind for the future? Her goals
to their doors. Perhaps best expressed by TLC’s executive include 25 million in annual gross sales and although she
Vice President, Shannon Erdell “I experience every day the doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon, she is concerned
qualities that have made Judy Lawton a successful busi- about obtaining an exit strategy that will protect all of her
ness woman in San Diego. I’m proud to work for a woman beloved employees. As Judy notes, “It
who leads by example and who brings out the best in her is important to take good care of the
employees and all those with whom she comes in contact.” people who have made me look good,
Not only is Judy involved with a multitude of charitable and they have.”
organizations and endeavors, she always encourages her
staff to do the same by providing the time off necessary so
they all can make a contribution to society.
March/April 2008