Life may not always go according to plan, but with purpose and passion you will find your path.
Growing up in a suburb just outside of Chicago, I watched my parents, neither with a college education, constantly work to make ends meet and keep a roof above our heads. When I was granted my worker’s permit at age 15, I immediately began work at a daycare program and later, at a department store. I dreamt of the days I would attend and graduate college, and eventually hold a successful and fulfilling career.
At the young age of 17, I faced a challenging reality that turned my plan of attending college while living at home and working part time, into an unachievable dream. My mother had lost her year-long battle with cancer and as a result, my father announced he was to sell the house and move away less than a year later. In what seemed like a blink of an eye, I became a high school graduate with no parents, no home, no money, and ultimately no plan.
At that time in my life, I could only focus on one thing: survival. With my plan of attending Oakton Community College on hold, I began applying for jobs, eager to begin my career and earn a livable wage. I was offered my first professional job as a bank teller where, for six years, I gained invaluable experience that grew both my confidence and passion as a businesswoman.
During my time at the bank, I met my husband, David Marx, who worked for his parents, Edward and Shirley Marx. His family ran a small household goods moving and storage business in Chicago which they had purchased from Edward’s parents. The once one-truck operation would eventually become New World Van Lines, the United States’ largest independent van line specializing in employee and government relocations.
As the family business grew, Edward and Shirley opened their second location in St. Louis, Missouri after buying a small freight forwarding company called Panco Forwarding. The acquisition of Panco expanded operations greatly and with Panco’s owner, Frank, joining Edward in identifying and winning business, the investment quickly took off. To my surprise, David’s parents had asked us to pack up our things in Chicago and head to St. Louis to run the service center. This would be the beginning of my cherished career with New World Van Lines.
With one year of marriage under our belt and very little idea on how to run a business, David and I eagerly set out to Missouri with a defined purpose and a strong desire to succeed. With Shirley and Edward’s continuous support and encouraging advice, we successfully managed the St. Louis office for over three years.
It was during this time of new experiences, my perspective on challenges began to change. I began to view challenges as not something to deter or scare you, but rather as a test of your commitment and determination. Every day I was learning and growing along with the business, and I was motivated to help build New World to become everything the Marx family dreamed it could one day be.
With an open mind and an entrepreneurial spirit, David and I then set out on our next adventure to New Jersey where we opened the company’s fourth service center location. New Jersey brought many long days and challenged us with an insufficient workforce, leaving us to wear a variety of hats within the business.
New World Van Lines was gaining momentum and operations began extending to cover more of the east coast and eventually, the majority of the United States. By 2018, New World would open its 16th service center, located in Phoenix, Arizona.
At this time, my mother-in-law, Shirley, as well as additional family members had retired, and New World was under the leadership of her children; the third generation of the Marx family. Prior to Shirley’s retirement, Shirley asked me to take on the role of Treasurer, where I would acquire the responsibility of managing all banking relations and oversee the financial aspects of the company with help of the CFO and controller.
Just a few short years later, in addition to my duty as Treasurer, I was also named Chairwoman of New World Van Lines. With an insurmountable amount of gratitude, I accepted the role, knowing there was more to learn and so much more I could do.
As Chairwoman, my involvement in women-owned organizations became extremely important to me. With two daughters, I wanted to show them the sky was their limit when surrounding themselves with the right people and having a purpose greater than yourself. In 2019, I was honored to be named as the Enterprising Women of the Year recipient as well as WBENC’s Raising Star Award recipient.
My involvement over the years in Enterprising Women, the WBENC, and the Service Club of Chicago have greatly impacted my leadership skills, as well as fostered my passion for guiding other business owners. It is through organizations such as these, community is created.
Today, New World Van Lines continues to service more than 8,000 moves each year throughout the U.S. With several 4th generation members of the Marx family actively involved in the 100+ year old family business, I know the greatest achievements are yet to come.
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