A local resident has won a prestigious national leadership award. Laurie Olshefski, owner of Shimmering Seas Jewelry and Jake at the Beach-Life is good in Pier Park, as well as The Fitness Fetish Family Sport & Beach Shop and Shimmering Seas Jewelry & Gift Shop in Seaside with her husband John, was selected by a national panel of judges as the winner of the 2012 Glenn Shepard Excellence in Leadership Award.
Olshefski was selected over other finalists from Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Oregon, Texas and Wisconsin. She was chosen for going above and beyond being a good business leader by doing things such as giving her 30+ employees their birthdays off as a paid holiday, providing a $25 a month bonus to employees who work out three hours a week, and awarding free airline tickets to managers who achieve certain benchmarks.
In between running four retail stores, she finds time to work as a yoga instructor, and supports charities including St. Jude’s and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. “I truly know that my purpose in life is to lead by example through my God given gifts and passions,” says Olshefski. “Many people cross my path as students, employees, customers and vendors. I have the ability to influence people to be kinder, more confident, stronger, healthier and more spiritual through my leadership and example. This is my life’s purpose and mission.”
On February 11, the Beach Chamber presented Olshefski with the award as well as a check for $1,000 on behalf of Glenn Shepard Seminars. Olshefski plans to put the $1,000 toward an end of year Christmas party for her staff.
A local resident has won a prestigious national leadership award. Laurie Olshefski, owner of Shimmering Seas Jewelry and Jake at the Beach-Life is good in Pier Park, as well as The Fitness Fetish Family Sport & Beach Shop and Shimmering Seas Jewelry & Gift Shop in Seaside with her husband John, was selected by a national panel of judges as the winner of the 2012 Glenn Shepard Excellence in Leadership Award. Olshefski was selected over other finalists from Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Oregon, Texas and Wisconsin. She was chosen for going above and beyond being a good business leader by doing things such as giving her 30+ employees their birthdays off as a paid holiday, providing a $25 a month bonus to employees who work out three hours a week, and awarding free airline tickets to managers who achieve certain benchmarks. In between running four retail stores, she finds time to work as a yoga instructor, and supports charities including St. Jude’s and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. “I truly know that my purpose in life is to lead by example through my God given gifts and passions,” says Olshefski. “Many people cross my path as students, employees, customers and vendors. I have the ability to influence people to be kinder, more confident, stronger, healthier and more spiritual through my leadership and example. This is my life’s purpose and mission.” On February 11, the Beach Chamber presented Olshefski with the award as well as a check for $1,000 on behalf of Glenn Shepard Seminars. Olshefski plans to put the $1,000 toward an end of year Christmas party for her staff.