The Secret of My Success: Catherine Parker

Catherine Parker opened Parkers, the travel and lifestyle store at 43 Purchase Street, in 1996. Eighteen months later Parker also made Rye her home. She has served the community in many leadership roles as an officer of the Rye Arts Center, Rye Merchants Association, and The League of Women Voters of Rye, Rye Brook, and Port Chester. Catherine Parker was elected to the Rye City Council in 2007.

In our first Q&A, Parker shares her advice for running a successful business and pursuing endeavors that may seem impossible to achieve.

1. What made you decide to open your own business?

I had always loved to travel and even enjoyed the research and logistical planning for my trips. Opening a travel store seemed to be a great fit for me because it combined my passion for travel, my enjoyment of working with the public, and lots of avenues for expressing my creativity.  

2. What's the hardest thing about running a business and being a City Council member? How are they the same or different?

There are many similarities with running a business and being a City Council member. Both require good listening skills to meet consumer and constituent needs. Also, in this day and age the similarities between managing a small retail operation and working within the constraints of a small government entity during a recession means both require the ability to "sharpen the pencil" to keep costs as low as possible.  Those changes are easier and faster to reckon in the private sector than in the public, but the goal is the same - financial sustainability!

As far as the hardest thing about running a business and being a council member, both require a lot of time, energy and dedication. Yesterday was one of those days where time management was key. I was working alone while I had an employee out sick, and I had an appointment to go meet with a resident on an issue. Thank goodness we were able to reschedule to meet after work, and thank you to my husband for taking care of the kids and dinner!     

3. What are some key lessons you've learned in your professional and personal life that you think everyone can learn from?

I consider Parkers a work in progress; always evolving to meet my customers needs. I think that sort of constant change keeps it interesting both for my customers and for me. When I see a business that is stuck in a rut I usually think the end is not far off. When it comes to my personal life I guess I could say that I am a work in progress too. I like personal challenges where I can stretch myself and find out what I can do. Public service is a great way for me to challenge myself. I highly recommend it to anyone thinking of going in that direction!    

4. If you could change one decision or action you've made in your career, what would it be?  

I had been open for about eighteen months when I had the opportunity to buy my building. I put in an offer, but  I took some very bad advice at that time and the deal fell through. I regret that I wasn't confident enough to go with my gut and just make it happen.  

5. What are the three most important things a person needs to be successful? Why?

1. Confidence - lots of people might be telling you "no," whether it is for a bank loan or negotiating the best deal with a vendor or the terms of a lease. Know your own value and what you can bring to the table. 

2. Creativity - no matter what you do for a living, those that can think and see things in a new or fresh way will go farther.

3. Determination - if you want to make it and be successful go after that dream with all your determination. It will happen!

6. What is your definition of success?

I measure my own success by a scale of happiness. I have to say right now I am happy. I get to do what I love to do for work, I have a great family, who I adore, and they encourage me to pursue those challenges (i.e. City Council) that I find so fulfilling. That's all anyone can ask for in my opinion.