Two women. A vision. Mutual love and respect.
These ingredients not only built Edge Partnerships but forged a rare and unwavering friendship. As we reflect on Women’s History Month, our story – that of Angela Witwer and me – is one to celebrate through the lens of leadership, growth, perseverance and, above all, women believing in each other and themselves.
Our history began on a cool autumn day in October 1999. Gathered around a small table at a downtown eatery, we made an immediate connection. Her candid, colorful way of cutting right to the chase won the heart of this East Coast transplant who Angela says “talks pretty.” She won me over that day, and I made a career move that would prove to be the beginning of our 22-year friendship.
While I was technically her boss, Angela and I worked alongside each other. And, became better individuals and professionals in doing so. We worked too hard, laughed too loud and excelled in our positions. What a life! Going to work every day, doing something I loved and with someone I admired.
It didn’t stop with work. We vacationed together, watched our kids grow and we got through everything … together. People would often ask us how two strong-minded, type A women could possibly sustain a friendship let alone a thriving business. Love, trust and faith helped us navigate the very best of times and some of the worst.
When we started Edge in 2007, we were very intentional to avoid the pitfalls we witnessed during our careers. While we didn’t focus too much on those, we remained very cognizant of them so as to never repeat the wrongdoings inflicted upon us by poor managers. Prejudice, harassment, inequities – all of these have no place in our business. We clearly post our values inside our front door; and they are truly lived by those who call themselves Edgers.
Angela and I also share our faith which makes our friendship particularly enriching. On Ash Wednesday, you’ll find us with black ash smudges on our foreheads; Lenten Fridays feature our no meat days; and Christmas, wow Christmas, is just made all that more wonderful when shared with Angela and her amazing family who now have become mine as well.
Lest you think that this “herstory” is too good to be true, know that we have experienced significant challenges (and still do), incredible heartaches and great losses. While we could become angry or bitter, these have made us stronger and reinforced our friendship throughout the years. As William B. Irvine writes in The Stoic Challenge: A Philosopher’s Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer, and More Resilient, “Epictetus tells us that ‘it is difficulties that reveal what men amount to; and so, whenever you’re struck by a difficulty, remember that God, like a trainer in the gymnasium, has matched you against a tough young opponent.” And why would God do such a thing? “So that you may become an Olympic victor; and that is something that can’t be achieved without sweat.”
Even now, after our collective journeys have physically separated us for days, even weeks, at a time, Angela and I rely on the strength of our friendship to continue pursuing our dreams and goals. Love, trust and faith are the bonds that continually support us. She now serves as a state legislator, providing thoughtful leadership that is so essential in today’s tumultuous world. I continue to grow Edge, expanding to two satellite locations, providing guidance to Michigan’s small businesses through SBAM and, most of all, preparing the next generation of leaders.
We all have a story to tell … her story. Join us this month, especially, in celebrating the amazing women in our lives. Together, we raise each other up to heights we can only imagine.