Stephanie Frisch and daughter
They say when you follow your heart, you will be successful in business and in life.
Stephanie Frisch, co-founder of Blue Ocean Events and the Energy Trust Better Living Show, was raised by environmentally-minded parents, so living green has been a long-standing priority in her life. They also imbued her with independence and determination to make a difference in whatever she did.
So you’d think with being raised by a biologist dad who taught her about sustainability and her love of the outdoors and nature, being in the environmental movement would be a shoe-in. Uh, no. First there was a detour into professional sports, Stephanie’s first love. Didn’t see that one coming did you? (I sure didn’t.)
Right after college, Stephanie landed a job with the Seattle Sonics-the first woman they ever hired. She quickly moved into Operations – which was when she was introduced to the world of event planning, a profession that demands tenacity, drive and ability. When she left the team, she had risen to Director of Operations and was, at the time, the youngest person to ever hold that job.
Stephanie then moved to Portland for her husband’s job. With her success in event planning, she sought a different, non-sports-related venue. So she interviewed with the Home Builders Association to plan the organization’s summer home shows. Her interviewer? Future business partner, Michael O’Loughlin. (You just never know where you’ll meet important people in your life.)
Since that fortuitous meeting, Stephanie’s career continued its upward trajectory, but her priorities were shifting. “I always knew I wanted children, and I was ready to begin that phase of my life. But with the hours I was working and being away from home – that wasn’t the way I wanted to raise my kids,” she remembers.
That’s when Michael approached her about forming a partnership. She was amazed, flattered and all over it. This was the opportunity she’d been looking for – a chance to work from home, keep her kids the priority and do what she loves for an industry she adores and knows well – the green movement.
It certainly didn’t hurt that she’d get to continue working with someone she admires and respects. “Michael is a joy to work with – we complement each other well,” said Stephanie. “This was a great opportunity to create the life I’d dreamed about and be the mom I’ve always wanted to be. Plus, while I’ve always lived a green life and can’t imagine anything else, others don’t know where to start. It’s a great honor to be able to introduce them to this way of living.”
Of course, running a company does have its drawbacks. Like the 20-hour days leading up to the Energy Trust Better Living Show. “There are so many details and changes – it keeps us on our toes! But I have a fabulous husband who understands why I have to sequester myself in my office when he gets home!”
All the planning and attention to detail has paid off, however. The Energy Trust Better Living Show was a first-year hit. No small feat, considering that other shows that tried to showcase “green” failed.
“We believe in what we’re doing and are passionate about it. We also followed our gut–did things differently-even bucking current trends. It’s paid off in a well-attended show that can only get bigger. We hope we’re creating a model that others can follow. It would be great to see this show pop up in other cities.”
Stephanie’s hard work and dedication to following her heart has brought her the best kind of full-circle success: a career she loves, a family she is able to be spend lots of time at home with and a reputation as a thought leader and passionate educator about green and sustainable living. She’d love for you seek her out at the show, and tell her how you like the event.
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