I am so thrilled to have Linda Rutledge as the Chick of the Month. Linda was the very FIRST CHAIR CHICK For Chicks Connect and she has been an amazing leader in this organization ever since. Linda goes out of her way to introduce people when she feels they would have a good connection. She has referred many women to Chicks Connect as well as many of our amazing Tele Seminar Guests. I appreciate Linda, her strength, her enthusiasm, her love of Learning and helping others to learn, her super big heart and her financial knowledge! Thank you Linda for being YOU! And for being here for US!

Tell us about yourself so that we can get to know you better.

I was born in Phoenix, AZ many years ago, married my husband, Ron in 1978 and moved to Oregon later that same year.  We settled here and raised our family: Russell, now age 28 and Robert, now age 24.  Russell and his wife Christina have three very cute (if I do say so myself!) girls (ages 5,3, and 1).

I spend my time as a financial planner helping clients to achieve their goals, I am involved in a community choir (Conchords Chorale) from Sept through June, I bowl on a league each week during the Fall and Winter, I golf on a league and with my husband during the Spring and Summer (and any other great day or on vacation!), I am a Toastmaster (DTM level), member of the Lake Oswego Chamber, take voice lessons each week, and I’m Chair Chick of the Ladies of the Lake Chicks group that meets each week on Wednesdays at 10 a.m.

What inspired you to do what you do professionally?

I love to mentor and teach.  Ever since the 3^rd grade I wanted to be a teacher.  In 1978 I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelors of Art in Education, married my husband, Ron, and moved to Denver, CO…all in the same month.  I never did become an educator in the public schools but instead chose management and supervision of others as a career.  I worked in the credit card servicing field for 25 years but left in 2001.  I was so frustrated that we had trained an entire generation to live on credit.  Later, I chose the field I’m in now, Financial Planning, because I could again use my mentoring and education skills to help people be better prepared for retirement and for life in general.  I’m using my talents for good instead of evil!

Tell us a story of how you made a difference in someone’s life.

I have helped many people take steps to overcome fear of public speaking.  I’ve been a Toastmaster over 20 years and continue to grow as a speaker but also I mentor newer members to grow.

I also know that I have helped my clients financially in ways that might surface years later…but that’s the beauty of planning….be prepared to weather storms.

What have you gained personally from being a member of Chicks Connect?

When I joined Chicks in late 2010, I was looking for a group of women who I could learn from, who would give me encouragement, help me see my own strengths, help me grow as a businesswoman, share wisdom…I found it at Chicks.

What have you gained professionally from being a member of Chicks Connect?

I started my own business in late 2011!  I formed Rutledge Financial Solutions and partnered up with another independent advisor.  Together we will be doing some joint marketing to find folks who are looking to make improvements financially or who are looking for someone they can trust to help them to plan their financial future.  I never would have taken that step without Chicks.

Any words of wisdom for other Chicks?

Join.  Stay committed.  Share yourself with others.  Open yourself to possibilities.  Invite others constantly.  Do the homework!  Take the time to reflect on what is important to you.  Explore some possibilities.  Even if you fall flat on your face, you’re still 5 feet further than you were!

How can people reach you if they want to know more about what you are up to in the world?

Linda Rutledge  cell: 503-860-8108  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it