Kris Rudarmel: taking risks and modeling success.

• Author: Stewart, Amy K.
• Position: Around Utah - Company overview - Brief article

Don't be frustrated when someone tells you "no"--just think of it as being one step closer to that eventual "yes," says Kris Rudarmel, co-owner of Anchor Water Damage & Restoration. This optimistic attitude is likely the reason for her company's success, and Rudarmel was honored for that success by the National Association of Women Business Owners, Salt Lake City Chapter, which named her the Woman Business Owner of the Year for 2011.

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The Rudarmels began their business as a chain in 2000; they launched their own company in 2004. Rudarmel does the sales and marketing while her husband, Frank, oversees the actual water damage work.

Starting a business was a whole new world for Rudarmel, who had no previous sales and marketing experience. Further, she was rather shy and had never done any public speaking. "I pushed myself out of my comfort zone," she says. "I was scared but I did it anyway."

Rudarmel learned the needed skills as she went, and gathered up the courage to make cold calls and hand out her business cards. She also read several motivational books, including her favorite, The Success Principles by...