2008 Most Influential Women Honoree: Paula Adams

After a decade of doing all sorts of jobs within the company, Adams became president in 2006.

Her professional beginnings, however, were in retail rather than human resources and staffing.

Married at 18 after graduating from Kickapoo High School, Adams finished college in three years, turning a passion into a major in home economics at University of Missouri at Columbia.

“I love clothing; I love fashion, so I went through the home economics department and their fashion merchandising,” she says.

Adams loved the idea of owning her own clothing store or perhaps working as a buyer, and for a short time, she worked at Moore’s, a small clothing store in Aurora that has since closed.

But with three sons to raise, Adams eventually became a stay-at-home mother while doing some part-time work and getting involved with the Republic Board of Education, on which she served for nine years.

When Adams’ younger son turned 4, she re-entered the work force, and Penmac was the perfect place.

“I wanted to get back into the workplace, and Mom had the family business. I needed to start slowly, because I still had the kids,” Adams says. Adams can safely say she’s done it all.

“I worked in almost every department, from placement to unemployment to promotions, learning all aspects of the company. … I now oversee the entire company, with over 130 corporate and branch employees ultimately reporting to me,” she adds.

Penmac has 35 offices in five states and more than 600 business clients. Between 1996 and 2006, Penmac’s revenue more than doubled to $96 million. The company has been recognized and certified as a woman-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. To achieve that status, a business must be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more women, and the management and daily operation must be controlled by one or more female owners.

“Because Penmac is a woman-owned company, I feel I have a great duty to mentor young women, many of whom need inspiration and guidance,” Adams says. “By listening, coaching and giving praise and recognition, I encourage young women as they pursue their goals and develop their leadership skills.”

Adams is proud that Penmac supports organizations that help women, such as Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.

“If I can make even one person feel successful in any way … that’s what being influential means to me,” she says.

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

Princess Diana. I was always in awe of her style and presence and inspired by her dedication to her sons and to serving others.

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

Have confidence in yourself. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas and to stand up for what you believe.

As a young girl, what were your career aspirations?

It seems funny now, but I wanted to be an airline stewardess. You could travel the world while being glamorous and beautiful.

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

I don’t compare myself to her, but I admire Elizabeth Edwards’ dedication to her family and strength through adversity.

Tell us about your family.

I’ve been married to Chris Adams for two years. My son, Stu, is 24 and is the project manager at Penmac. He and his wife, Nikki, are expecting their first daughter very soon, making me a grandma for the first time. My son, Paden, is 21 and attends Missouri State. My son, Cy, is 17 and a junior at Republic High School.

Web Exclusive: What does Paula Adams say it takes to start every day?

Answer: A Route 44 Diet Coke from Sonic. She also professes an addiction to wintergreen Lifesavers.