Over 50 women and men jumped on-line on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 from 4:00 - 5:30pm to hear an informative panel on Women Environmental Business Owners.  The informal panel was moderated by Gina Daniel of Ramboll (and NJSWEP)  and included panelists from the environmental consulting world:   Lawra J. Dodge, Excel Environmental Resources, Inc.; Laura Brinkerhoff, WHB (and former owner of Brinkerhoff Environmental Services); and Maria Coler, Hydrotechnology Consultants, Inc. (and member of BCONE’s Board); from the legal world: Helen Mauch and Karen Mintzer, Mintzer Mauch PLLC (and committee chairs for the NYCBP Redevelopment Roundtable series); and the drilling world: Christine Lamprecht, Land, Air, Water Environmental Services, Inc.

These women business owners, all from the greater NY Metro area, shared their insights on their previous experiences and why they decided to go out on their own; what the W/MBE certification does for their business prospects; what it is like to be the boss; and the decision-making process about when it is time to sell, why, and how. The interaction among the panelists is always informative, as is the interaction with the attendees and the panelists, and among the attendees in the chat.  Attendees receive book recommendations (The Confidence Code); advice on going into specialized services that are in high demand, such as ecological risk assessment; great quotes to ponder now and in the future such as “If you aren’t failing, you aren’t trying new things;”  the importance of a business plan and when to consider hiring a business coach; and more.  There was a terrific discussion of whether large firms or small firms are better training grounds for professionals who want to go out on their own.