Christi Beeler '04
It was literally a "textbook case" when Christi Beeler '04 purchased her own business. After being downsized from a 25-year sales career in the chemical industry, Christi decided it was "now or never" to earn a college degree, especially to set an example for her son, who at the time was a high school senior.
After interviewing with five other colleges, she chose the Ursuline College Accelerated Program's (UCAP) business management track because of its outstanding academic reputation. While taking a small business management course, she was assigned to write a business plan on an actual domestic company. Leafing through the book, she found a blurb for "Curves for Women," a fitness program aimed at women.
"I thought it was interesting. The business was geared strictly to females, especially women 40 and over," Beeler said. She did additional research on Curves and created a business plan for her international business course. "I had wanted to be involved in physical fitness for a long time. I fell in love with the Curves concept and by the time the international class was complete, I was determined to buy one."
In September of 2003, she snapped up a Curves franchise near Kent, Ohio, the closest one available to her Auburn Township home. With it came a dilemma - she had to be ready to open in six months, but wanted to graduate first. UCAP gave her permission to take a class overload and she earned credit for work experience. She graduated in December, on her 52nd birthday.
Since opening her franchise, Beeler has put all her Ursuline training to use. "I have worked harder than I ever have in my life, using every bit of the marketing and sales background that I learned at Ursuline and it has been worth every minute of it," she said. "I simply could not have done it without my UCAP education."
For Beeler, going to work is challenging and fun, but that's not the best part, "I'm helping other women get a new start in life. We're making a difference and we've seen some dramatic stories," she said.
Beeler commented that there's an interesting connection between the compassion and empathy she experienced as an adult student at Ursuline and her ability to transfer and share those feelings with her clients. "When a member with severe health issues walks through my door, I give her the same kind of respect, encouragement and compassion that I received at Ursuline and I know that I can help her succeed."
