2008 Most Influential Women Honoree: Angie Mullings

“They say that firstborn children are natural-born leaders. I believe that holds true for me,” says the Pleasant Hope native. “I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t responsible for or leading others.”

Leadership roles in organizations and sports during high school and college quickly translated into advancement when Mullings, who has a bachelor’s degree in fashion and textiles from the University of Central Missouri, began working in retail at Famous Barr in Battlefield Mall. She started as Christmas help in 1986, but was department lead by spring 1987.

For the next nine years, she held several management positions in the Midwest, from Casual Corner in Longview, Texas, to Cato Fashions in Sand Springs, Okla., then back to Battlefield Mall at County Seat, and later, Eddie Bauer.

“Throughout my career in retail, no matter what level I started at, I quickly rose to a level that required the ability to guide, delegate, listen, evaluate, resolve conflict, et cetera.,” Mullings says. “I always felt comfortable in that role.”

A career shift to real estate in October 1995 was a dramatic change.

“I was no longer responsible for others,” she says. “It was just me building my business.”

Mullings missed having a professional outlet for her leadership skills, but she found a solution with Sertoma Club, for which she was asked to build a women’s Sertoma group, the first of its kind. Mullings served the club as president and chairwoman of the board, and started a fundraiser to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sprinfield.

In 2001, she was elected to the Pleasant Hope Board of Education. One of her proudest community accomplishments is the establishment of the Pleasant Hope Chamber of Commerce in 2006.

For years Pleasant Hope’s business climate was contentious, Mullings says, citing fears of change, growth and increased competition.

But in 2005, change arrived in the form of a new business park, and suddenly, her casual discussions about forming a chamber took on new urgency. With Mullings at the helm, the Pleasant Hope Chamber of Commerce was launched.

Having honed her leadership skills in school, work and civic groups, Mullings put them to the ultimate test when she became broker/owner of a Century 21 franchise in November 2007.

“Even in the down-turned market, we are experiencing, my agents are meeting the challenges and delivering results,” she says.

Mullings continues to put her skills to work for the area as 2008 co-chair of the Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership, helping other communities address issues similar to those faced in Pleasant Hope.

Name an influential woman, living or dead, you’d like to meet. Why?

I can’t name just one: Eleanor Roosevelt for her commitment to and passion for social reform; Lucille Ball because she made millions laugh; Amelia Earhart for her adventurous spirit; and Oprah Winfrey because she is the ultimate American story – and for her philanthropy.

What advice do you have for young women just getting started professionally?

The best advice I can give is to enjoy the journey. It’s great to be driven, to have goals and expectations of yourself, but learn to be flexible.

Be open to change and opportunity. Believe in yourself, and take some risks.

What celebrity have others compared you to, or do you identify with?

I have been called Imelda (as in Imelda Marcos) on occasion because of my shoe collection. I have a little bit of a shoe fetish.

As a young girl, what were your career aspirations?

I was going to be a singer. I loved to emulate Linda Ronstadt and Olivia Newton John. I would use hairbrushes and various kitchen utensils as my microphone.

Tell us about your family.

I am single, so my immediate family consists of my parents Doug and Edie, my sister Anita, two brothers Brad and Rodney, sister-in-law Betsy and three wonderful nieces, Miranda, Zoey and Emma.

Web Exclusive: What was Angie’s first mode of transportation?

Answer: A Suzuki 175 dirtbike. A self-professed tomboy, she spent summers playing softball, riding motorcycles and horses and doing farm work.[[In-content Ad]]