From IRS Agent to Entrepreneur: One Woman's Compelling Story

#PoisedforExit had the honor today of interviewing a client of KeyeStrategies, Peggy Hedgpeth, who is the founder and CEO of Golden Rabbit Enamelware. 

Peggy had a very interesting journey to entrepreneurship, first working as an IRS Agent for 10 years and earning her CPA credential during that time, and then earning her MBA before founding her first start up. When making a trip to Indonesia (that takes 40 hours) to find teak furniture for her shop, she came upon enamelware among the vendors of Bali. She fell in love with the product and proceeded to visit all of the enamelware manufacturers in Indonesia before settling on one. She launched Golden Rabbit as a wholesale maker of high quality enamelware 34 years ago and hasn't looked back since. 

Peggy sells her products through retail giants like Neiman Marcus, Pottery Barn, William Sonoma, and Bass Pro Shop. Many other retailers carry her products, ranging from dinnerware to kitchenware to serving ware, in various patterns and colors. Check out the beautiful, functional products here.

Peggy says she's always been a disruptor, and when things didn't go her way or someone got IN her way, she figured out a way to keep moving forward. As a woman entrepreneur, she said that in the early days, she was often told she didn't belong in business. Thankfully, she didn't listen to the naysayers. Check out the interview with Peggy.

Peggy and her executive team have worked hard the past few years doing everything they can to position the company well for a future sale. Peggy believes that when the time comes, she's now ready. 

Peggy's story is truly compelling! She tells much more of it in a new book where she is a contributing writer, called "The Great LeaderHERship Awakening". There are 20 women contributors, all telling their stories from various angles. Find the book here 

Connect with Peggy Hedgpeth and Julie Keyes on LinkedIn

Thank you to this month’s sponsor!  Sunbelt Business Advisors and TrustPoint

The EPI Twin Cities Chapter 2024 Owners Forum is TODAY, October 3rd! There is still time to register and attend! Click here for the details.