What is your company's area of expertise?

"Big Meadow Oil distributes bulk fuel oils. We have worked with some of the largest construction companies in Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana."

What important lessons have you learned as a business owner/woman business owner?

"The lessons we have learned throughout the 26 years of our business have been hard at times. Since we were not trained in running a business, we didn't understand that we could make a lot of money and at the same time, be broke. Thankfully, we called the Small Business Administration and asked for help."

What is the best decision you have made for the growth of your business?

"The best decision we made was to enlist the help of the SBA; get certified and get ourselves out of the 'country store' business."

What potential pitfalls would you advise other business owners to avoid?

"The pitfalls we would advise other business owners to avoid are:

• Never start a business without researching the industry
• Enlist the help of the resources and organizations that offer free support
• Always remember tax time
• Get a good accountant from the start
• Understand that as a woman or a minority, you may not be taken seriously - often you have to work harder to make progress"

What would you say to a company considering DBE certification for their business?

"I would strongly suggest that if you are eligible, try to get your KY DBE certification. We started Big Meadow Oil in 1981 and certified our business in 1989.I cannot express enough, all the advantages and opportunities that became available to us once we received our certification."