More Moxie than Money

About the Book

More Moxie than Money is the story of a company which was run by three women in turn over fifty years. Each was self-sufficient and began with no money. Denize had been laid off and found temporary work through an agency. She found that the agency charged much more than they paid her, and started her own secretarial service. Bernice had left an abusive marriage with her 16 year old daughter. She worked for Denize but had only two suitcases when she arrived in town and it took all of her wages to accumulate basic furniture. Donna was a single mother, the sole support of three teen-age daughters when she saw the business advertised.

Denize began by bartering her services for office space and equipment. Bernice and Donna each borrowed the necessary funds to buy the business. They each had to be as good as their word because that was all that they had.

This book is an excellent tool for anyone planning to start a business. It outlines the importance of good experience before beginning, how problems are overcome and how satisfaction comes with accomplishment. It illustrates both necessary management skills, and proven exit strategies for those already in business.

These women helped hundreds of businesses to survive and many non-profit organizations to flourish. Their journeys have worn many paths, touched many lives, and provided experiences they never dreamed of.

Each tells her story; see how they did it. Benefit from their experience.

About the Author

Like many entrepreneurs, Bernice was savvy enough to know she'd make more money as a business owner than as an employee. Having watched Denize Callaway build Tri-C Secretarial Services Inc., she was inspired to move from secretary, to partner and then to owner of Tri-C.

Once in charge, Bernice looked ahead. She saw a workplace where personal computers would drastically impact a business like hers. She found a niche to fill; providing administrative support to small non-profit organizations that don't need full time staff but want to present a professional face to the world. With a new name, Support Services Unlimited, the company soon became the largest provider of association management services in Vancouver.

When it came time to retire, Bernice once again looked ahead. She wanted the business to continue to provide, both for her clients and herself. She systemized her services so that a new owner would have a blueprint to follow, and then she sold in 1998. Support Services Unlimited continues to expand under its present owner Donna Denham.

Co-author of the Canadian Club of Vancouver's centennial history, published in 2006, Davidson also leads workshops and interviews individuals to leave a life story legacy to their families. As Past President of the Canadian Women Voters Congress she was invited to Yale University to be keynote speaker at their Women's Campaign School in 2004. She is also a volunteer with the Association of Personal Historians and Lions Gate Palliative Care.