So, what’s your story? Where were you born? How long have you been here in the Driftless, What keeps you here?
I was born in Long Prairie MN. I have lived in the Rochester Area for 57 years. I love Minnesota. Family has kept me in the Driftless zone. But I love Northern Minnesota best and it’s easy to access from here.
Tell us about what you do for work or your business, and how long have you been doing this?
My company is PMC Events & Coaching. I do Personal & Professional Development Seminars, Retreats, Events, and Business Coaching.
Tell us about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career with your business.
Oh my, simply that I have been in business for myself for 17 years, is a major accomplishment.
We’re constantly making things better, faster, smarter, or less expensive. We leverage technology or improve processes. In other words, we strive to do more—with less. Tell us about a recent project or problem that you made better, faster, smarter, more efficient, or less expensive.
I help business owners create joyful workplaces and inspired strategic plans to ultimately achieve the success in life and business that they desire.
Tell us about one person that you’ve met, that stands apart from the rest, or has influenced you while here in the Driftless.
I have to come to say my Father again. He taught me the love of nature and mother earth, he took us on many trips in the Driftless and the country to experience all the wonder of our national parks and forests.
What do you wish other people knew about you or your business?
Life is too short to live it any other way, enjoy and following your passions. If you are lacking either of these things in your life you are likely stuck and/or unhappy. I can help you see your way to a more joyful life and business.
Let’s get to know more about LuAnn on a Personal Level
How would you describe yourself?
They call me the Little Spark! I am a high energery, enthusiastic, positive and supportive person. I love people and what them to live in joy – get out of the struggle they perceive life to be and live in JOY. Enjoy! Joy is a choice.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
Hmmm, depends in which area of life you are referring too. Personally, raising two beautiful, independent and successful children despite my flaws.LOL! Getting my Masters Degee as a single Mom, comes to mind. In business, after corporate success, starting my own business and still in business for myself after 17 years.
Have you read any good books?
Oh my, that list is really long. My business is based out the bestselling book The Passion Test, so I alwasy recommend that. I believe strongly empowering people to live their strengths, so often recommend the Strength Finder 2.0 or for Leaders version. The philosophies I teach through my business a sync with the book Traction and Love is Just Damn Good Business. Last one I read was No Ego; How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Workplace Drama, End Entitlement, and Drive Big Results by Cy Wakeman, another great leadership book for the 21st century.
Who is your personal hero?
My parents, for raising such an amazing, tight knit, loving and successful family.
Do you have a life philosophy that you live by?
“When you get connected to your life’s flow, everything comes easier.”
What do you like most about yourself?
My outgoing and enthusiastic energy. I simply attract people because of the joyful energy I send into the world.
If you could change the world, what would you change?
I would have people be able to see and live more joyfully in life.
What do you think is the meaning of life?
It is a journey into self-discovery. We came here to learn about ourselves, the world is our stage. In doing that we give back to others, the gifts that we have been given to share.
Do you prefer working alone, or do you like working with others?
I like working with a team or collaborating with others. I buck the system/authority often because I question their motives. They don’t like that. That is why I am no longer in Corporate America per se’.
What’s something that no one would guess about you?
Well, I usually say that “I am a Parrothead”. Most people fail to even know what that is. I also think people are surprised at my love of camping and being in nature.
What is your deepest belief about life?
“That which you love to do and what is God’s will for you are one in the same thing.”
If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area in my own Log Home on a Lake.
If you could be doing anything, anywhere right now, what and where would it be?
Traveling freely, first-class, where ever I want to.
What’s the one thing you wish you could have a do-over for?
Everything happens for a reason. You just have to look for the lesson in it and take joy from learning that lesson.
How do you work on yourself?
I am a personal development junky. I am a member of the Transformational Leadership Council. I study other people’s philosophies, work, and methodologies and share them with my clients.
What’s one thing you’ve had to overcome in your life?
I feel pretty blessed. Some might think I had overcome my size, I’m only 4’11” tall, but I have never felt short in my heart.
How do you handle being in a bad mood?
Meditation to start my day, so I am rarely in a bad mood. If something comes at me, I use a tool called Nature’s Guidance System. Go within and look for the good in what is ever happening
Who is the most important person in your life?
Until she passed last month, I would have said, my mother. Now it is my Children.
What did you learn about yourself from any of your previous relationships?
I’m Bossy. I believe I have tamed that part of me for the most part. It rears its head from time to time. And some people never forget the old label. I’ve gone from Little Hitler to the Little Spark. Now there is a title for a book or article. LOL
What question do you always want people to ask you about yourself?
What are you most passionate about? Passion holds true meaning in life.
What is your favorite music, or What is your all-time favorite song, or What ‘one’ song do you think a person should listen to at least once?
If you know what a Parrothead is, you’d already know I am a Jimmy Buffet Fan.
If you weren’t here running your business or doing the work you do, what would you be doing instead?
Outside, exploring something…
How has this pandemic affected YOU or YOUR BUSINESS here in the Driftless? (positively or negatively)
Positively. Although like everyone I had to pivot in my business, I also saw the good in things that came out of it. And have a newfound appreciation for all that we have in this life that we take for granted. Everyone should have found that appreciation. But those that did not, are now my perfect clients. It’s created and is still creating a whole new market for my type of coaching.
What is another name you would give the Driftless?
The Universe.
What is your favorite season in the Driftless & why?
1st Fall, I love the colors and I love the temperatures. 2nd Winter, because I love the holidays. Some call me Christmas crazy! Still have some lights up because it makes me happy.
Tell us of an experience /memory you had with Driftless lakes, rivers, or waterways?
OMG, so many. You see I grew up going to the BWCA with my Dad. Now my sister and I take women into the wilderness on 5-day journeys we call JOY – Journey of You. We help them to see they are capable of so much more than they believe and enjoy the beauty of our natural wilderness. One time; we were sitting on the rocks at our campsite far away from civilization and I was taking the group through the Passion Test process. One of the women yelled “eagle”. I was standing and I looked up and threw open my arms and the eagle was probably 4 feet above my head with full wingspan open gliding right above me. The Eagle is one of my spirit animals. It was amazing! I’ll never forget it. It was my Free Willy moment.
Is there any place in the world you have been that reminds you of or is similar to the Driftless.
The BWCA
What is your best childhood memory? (Preferably here in the Driftless)
Dad used to take us canoeing down the Zumbro River to practice for our trips to the BWCA. It’s where I learned how to canoe.
What are some of your favorite places to go for fun here in the Driftless?
Lanesboro MN is my favorite. La Crosse WI, my brother has a boat there. Love to go for rides on the river. I also have a friend with a sailboat on Lake Pepin. And we have done some of our Transformational Treks on a houseboat on the Mississippi. Fabulous eagle watching on those trips.
What are some of your favorite (non-commercial) places to eat here in the Driftless
The Pickle Factory, Nosh, Slippery’s, not in that order. LOL
If you were to tell a friend to come and visit the Driftless Area, and they ask “Why” … What would you tell them?
It’s beautiful. Great eagle watching. Wonderful small towns and wineries to visit. It’s a great drive up one side of the river and down the other.
Are you a Cat or Dog person?
Dog
Are you an Early Bird or Late Owl?
Late Owl
If given the opportunity, would you go to outer space (moon, mars, space stations)?
No
What color socks are you currently wearing?
None
What was your very first job?
McDonald’s
If any, what would be your dream job?
Living it, being my own Boss!
How / where did you meet your best friend?
Highschool
What does your dream vacation look like?
Mountains, Lakes, and Sea = Croatia
Tell us a short joke or punchline.
“If you’re not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space.”
If you could learn another language, what would that be?
Re-learn Spanish.
I Would Rather …
Live in a treehouse
