In mentoring single moms, it's all in the details
Advanced Auto Salon owner, Karen Mecham, center, cleans up the tires on a truck undergoing detailing, while her daughters, Dee Hill, left, and Allison Hill, in the driver's seat, work on other parts. Below, Allison Hill cleans the inside of a vehicle while her brother, John Hill, applies wax.
 Dave Hill has seen Karen Mechain scrub down the inside hood of a car, vacuum grime from the trunk and polish vinyl upholstery until it gleams - the kind of work some sons would like to spare their moms.
But not in this family, where work is details and the rest is just life.
She's twice as old as any of us, and she's out there busting her ass just as much." says Dave, who runs Advanced Auto Salon with his mom and siblings. "To see that on a daily basis is impressive."
Of course, Karen has a history of wowing her kids.
She earned two college degrees while working full time and parenting five kids alone. When she graduated with her first degree, she made it clear that it was a team accomplishment and we had earned that degree just as much as she had." says her daughter, Dee.
Karen also co-founded the Single Moms Foundation to encourage other mothers to become self-reliant.
Karen Mecham
Kids In the biz
Allison Hill. Dee Hill, John Hill. Dave Hill
Business
Advanced Auto Salon |
In fact, she started the auto detailing shop SO she could hire single moms and now she employs three, includIng her daughter, Allison.
As the business grows, Karen says, more single moms will have the opportunity to work for the company or own their own franchise.
But for all the women she has mentored, including her daughters, Karen's biggest accomplishment may be the example she has set for her sons.
"That's the kind of experience you want to give your kids," Karen says. "If you can make a difference in a person's life, as well as make money, then why shouldn't you do that?"
Reprinted from The Salt Lake City Tribune - Mothers' Day |
