My first memories of life were from about 3 years old on. I remember vividly my mom trying to get me into a station wagon loaded with strangers. We all know what children are taught about strangers. I fought as hard as I could and ended up with my mom holding me around the shoulders and me with my feet propped against the sides of the car. "No way was anyone going to get me into that car," I thought. And, they didn't. My mom gave up trying. When I got older, I found out that my mom was sending me to preschool and the station wagon was there to pick me up. I would have loved to have gone to preschool.
I continued to assert my independence, even sometimes to my own disadvantage. I was a headstrong, opinionated young lady and clashed strongly with my mom especially around my teenage years. I knew it all, and was not afraid to voice what I knew, even to my mom. I remember numerous times telling my mom out of anger, "I hate you!" No matter what I said though, my mom would follow through on her discipline. Yep, to my own mom! Looking back I am quite embarrassed to admit that. My mom and I have a special bond now, although, I wonder how she put up with me!
During my high school career, I found my self kicked out of classes, not doing my work, and threatened to be kicked off of my sporting teams. I was mentored by the principal of my high school. He made me come visit him every morning. His reasoning, "I want you to start your day off right!" He took the time to get to know me during the second, third, and fourth semester of my freshman year. Pastor Greve was put in my life at just the right moment. I grew up drastically during the time I spent with him.
I have grown up from an immature young lady who thinks she knows it all, to an older women who knows she doesn't. I have struggled all my life with pride. I am realizing everyday I seemed to have mentors come into my life just when I have needed them.
My dad opened his business Diversified Insulation, Inc and started for me, a drive to own my own business.
To say that I have lived a diversified life, would be an understatement.
I was a Law Enforcement Officer for 12 years with the City of Appleton. I held the rank of Sargent when I left. As you can imagine, I faced the stereo-typical struggles of an intelligent, attractive woman in a perceived 'males only' world. When I performed well, received commendation-it was deemed to be because I was somehow being given preferential treatment. I had to work hard to live down the nickname "Captain's Cupcake". I did!
Prior to my becoming a Police Officer, I was a fourth grade Christian day school teacher. You're wondering how does one make the leap from educator to law enforcement? At 18 I had wanted to be a Police Officer and had applied in Illinois for a position. My mother wanted me to continue my education and go to college. I listened to my mom, went to college and began my teaching career. One day one of my pupils said that his dad worked for the police force. I spoke with him, found out the particulars, applied - navigated the hiring process and viola! A dream not abandoned, just put on hold became a reality!
In July 2002 I became a business owner. I named the business after my dad's business, DIVERSIFIED investigations, llc. We are value driven and I am challenged every day to live up to our values of relationships, integrity, and performance. Being in charge or in control is not easy. I wanted control so much as a child. I think that God wanted to see me fall to my knees, and so He has blessed me with DIVERSIFIED investigations, llc.
I have come full circle it seems, I teach at Fox Valley Technical College and police the behaviors of the unscrupulous, through my private investigations. I am gratified when I am allowed to unite those who are separated from loved ones. In these moments, I know that it was God's plan for this business to exist and succeed.
I have come to understand that I can do anything through Him that strengthens me. I have and continue to be blessed!
In Him, for Him,
Julie |
