The personification of the "driven entrepreneurial woman," Janie McLure is, an Atlanta-based wholesale and retail gasoline marketer. Janie’s company began as a start-up in her apartment, but now, it’s nationally recognized as one of the top women-owned enterprises in the country (# 165 of Working Woman’s Top 500 List, June, 2000). Last year’s revenues were approximately $81 million. In addition, Janie is recognized by her 18+ employees as a great boss.

Ms. McLure’s own inspiration came early on from her father, Ralph McLure, who was also an entrepreneur, a driver, and someone who taught her "to love growing the business, to have a passion for learning, and to know the art of the deal." Not surprisingly, she says that most lessons she learned from her Dad came by osmosis while he was grooming her brother to follow in his footsteps. Today, however, Janie’s pretty sure her Dad is proud of her business accomplishments. And, now that he needs her, she’s glad to be able to give back to him.

As for her female role model, Janie named Atlanta’s own Mary Madden. Mary is an executive with ChoicePoint, formerly with Information America, a software company she co-founded. According to Janie, Mary gave her sound advice in the early days and helped her think things through. Mary was a kind of pioneer in the technology world before technology really took off. Mary’s been successful herself and has made mentoring others a rule rather than exception. Both Mary and Janie are members of the Committee of 200, a national organization of top female executives and business owners.

About the author: Susan B. Hitchcock, vice president – development for the Turknett Leadership Group in Atlanta, is also founder / creator of The Age of SHEroes – a research initiative and information resource dedicated to female role models and women of achievement of the new Millennium. Susan is currently researching a book, which will include compelling profiles and perspectives from females of all ages in fields from aerospace to zoology across the 50 states. For additional information about this initiative or to contribute ideas for the research, please contact Susan at 843-363-2568.