Each edition of hNews will feature one of our incomparable NEWH board members, so you can get to know us personally and professionally. In our inaugural issue we are chatting with Judy Regan, Vice President/Finance for NEWH, Inc. If you have met Judy, you know immediately that you love her. She has a personality that immediately attracts you to her; she is always interested in what you have to share about yourself, your life or your feelings about NEWH. She is also up for sharing her opinion which has always been a benefit for NEWH and our members.
Judy is one of our founding members from over 27 years ago when an incredible group of women leaders came together to start an organization that would change our industry. Since then she has contributed vast amounts of time and energy towards growing NEWH as well as raise two boys and run a leading window treatment company in Los Angeles.
we spoke with Judy about her career and life in a quick Q&A.
Q-How would you describe your professional career?
Judy: “Challenging”
Judy owned a window covering company, Melrose Shade Company, in Los Angeles that her father had started. She grew up in the business, during high school she remembers stuffing mailers to send out as one of the means of getting business. Judy took over running the company and introducing the business to the world of Hospitality. With work rooms all over the United States, she helped grow the company to be one of the major players in the industry. She retired five years ago and sold the business to one of her competitors.
Q-What have you been doing since you retired?
Judy: “Whatever I am doing, I am keeping busy”
Judy and her husband Paul of 40 years have been traveling a great deal since her retirement. Of her trips, her favorites to date have been a 40 day cruise from New York around South America and through the Panama Canal. Her second was the cruise of the Pacific Rim from Beijing to Australia.
Judy and Paul also travel almost every month to visit their sons and grandchildren that live 100 miles away from LA.
Q-When you have the opportunity to speak with someone that is just starting in the Hospitality industry what three things would you tell them?
Judy: “Know your competitors, emulate -don’t copy, and get involved with NEWH".
Judy is still very passionate about NEWH. She attends almost every event that the Los Angeles Founding Chapter has, as well as, all the International Board meetings. Judy currently serves as VP of Finance for NEWH, Inc.
When asked about this organization, Judy is so proud when she describes where it was when it was started versus where we are today as an international organization. Her smile as she speaks can be heard through the phone. “It is amazing how far we have come since the 80’s with scholarships, corporate partners, membership and so much more. We are the best organization in the Hospitality Industry!”
