2008 Most Influential Women Honoree: Theresa L. Pollard

So becoming executive director of Springfield’s Best, a nonprofit Pollard helped found in 1994, is the ideal job for her, given that the organization helps local businesses share their messages with the market.

“I am all about small business, so … striving to help owners keep the dollars local is the perfect fit for me,” she says. “Each and every organization has so much to offer, and I am extremely passionate about helping all of our small businesses be successful.”

As Springfield grew and national retailers came to town, small-business owners needed a way to tell potential customers what they have to offer. Springfield’s Best was the result.

“We have businesses in Springfield’s Best that are no longer small,” Pollard says, “but every business starts small.”

Her commitment to small, local businesses stems from her experience as co-owner of All Service Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for more than 20 years.

“I have acquired a wide variety and vast amount of knowledge regarding marketing and advertising, as well as the ins and outs of successfully managing small businesses,” she says. “These skills have served me well as the executive director … enabling me to use my knowledge and show our members the way to success.”

Pollard stayed active with Springfield’s Best until personal-life changes took her away from the Ozarks. She married an Englishman in 2000, and the couple crossed the pond to live there for a while.

They eventually returned to the U.S., first to southeast Missouri and then Springfield.

When Pollard came back, she discovered Springfield Best’s membership had dwindled from its height of 125. Since returning to the organization, she’s increased membership to more than 100.

“It has made me proud to take the organization back to its roots and also double the membership size in only 18 months,” she adds.

But Pollard isn’t done.

“I’d like to get (membership) up to over 125 again, because 2009 will be our 15th year,” she says. “We just want to get all of our members’ names out as much as possible and hopefully remind consumers about locally owned and managed businesses where you can walk in and talk to the owner.”

Pollard has twice attended the Gold Star Management Academy for training in sales, management and customer service, and she’s completed other sales training programs as well.

She says she loves being back in Springfield helping an organization she believes in.

“I know the concept of why we started it. I’ve been on the other side of the table,” she adds.

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

Mary Kay Ash (of Mary Kay cosmetics). She was a very ethical, determined woman who worked hard, helped others, empowered women, followed the Golden Rule and stood up for what she believes in.

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

People compare me to Tina Turner, due to her extremely high, nonstop energy level.

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

Find your dream and go for it. I believe from the bottom of my heart that dreams do come true, and a dream is a goal with a deadline. Work hard, remain inspired, maintain a positive attitude and embrace the concepts of empowerment. Only allow people in your life who will build up your sense of self-esteem and self-worth.

As a young girl, what were your career aspirations?

As a young girl, I wanted to be a flight attendant when I grew up. Instead, for a hobby, I increased my goal to that of becoming a pilot, and have attained 75 hours in private lessons, to date.

Tell us about your family.

I am married to Nick Pollard. My son, Garen, is 29 years old and married to Abbi. I am also a proud grandmother with a very handsome and brilliant 3-year-old grandson, Brady.

Web Exclusive: What’s Theresa’s special connection to the “Guinness Book of World Records?”

Answer: She’s a friend of its creator, Edward Guinness, having lived in the same English Village with Guinness and his wife, Elizabeth.