Business & Tech
Behind the Business: Diane Helbig
Co-founder of Vision 21 talks about the startup's first year of helping other businesses. And, oh yeah, they're throwing a party.
believes that it’s small businesses and entrepreneurs that will help to resuscitate the economy.
That’s part of the reason that she, along with business partner Dave Clements, founded one year ago.
During the past year, the entrepreneur resource and development center has hit its stride.
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Helbig said it all started from a conversation that she and Clements had at the Lakewood Home Days event in 2010.
“We kept talking and it began to take form,” said Helbig, who is also the founder and president of Seize This Day Coaching, as well as the new chairperson of the ’s board of directors.
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“We talked about entrepreneurship. We both believe that it’s the small foundational businesses that will bring the economy some help. And we wanted to help.”
They found the spot on Warren Road near Franklin Avenue.
And the rest is history.
“I think we really thought what people would want and need is a space to be in. The things our clients wanted the most are the virtual assistance services and web conferencing — it’s really taken off.”
Vision 21 is hosting a party to celebrate its first year, from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
The public is invited (call 216-712-4244 to RSVP).
We thought we’d take a few minutes to get to know Helbig a little better. Our take on the Proust Questionnaire, crafted by French writer Marcel Proust, seems like a perfect fit.
What’s your favorite place to eat in Lakewood: It’s a toss up between and .
Favorite qualities in a man: Integrity, honesty and compassion.
Favorite qualities in a woman: The same, but I’d add strength.
Your chief characteristic: Intuition.
Favorite characteristic in friends: Loyalty.
Your main fault: Opinionated.
Your idea of happiness: The word that comes to me is peace. Just being at peace.
Your idea of misery: Meetings.
If not yourself, who would you be: Einstein.
Where would you like to live: Arizona.
Favorite heroes in real life: Helen Keller and Ghandi.
Heroine in history: Annie Oakley.
Favorite food, favorite drink: Crab legs, Bloody Mary.
Your favorite name: Oscar.
What I hate the most: Heights.
The natural talent I’d like to be gifted with: Art.
What is your present state of mind: Determined.
For what fault have you the most toleration: Bad cooking.
Your favorite motto: Embrace the possibilities.
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