CJ Elumbaugh
Owner/Contractor at White River Custom Pools
Rancher at C3R Farms
Hometown: Batesville, Arkansas
Briefly describe your role:
Marketing, sales, & finance/contractor- I run the office and manage the day to day operations for our business, run our vacation rental property, and manage my day to day operations at our cattle farm
Q: Is what you’re doing now what you always pictured you would do?
A: Absolutely not, I thought I’d be selling insurance until I retired.
Q: What do you see as the greatest challenges for women in your chosen industry? What are the greatest opportunities?
A: The opportunities are endless because there are so few of us in the construction and ag world. Society has painted the picture that women can “help” their husbands in ag, but women traditionally do not call the shots or do the dirty work. The biggest challenges is the learning curve. Just diving in and learning as much as you can on your own can be intimidating. Not many women are up for the challenge.
Q: Who has inspired you in your life/career?
A: When I started in the insurance industry, my older cousin Shana Hopper Roig was an absolute powerhouse. She was number one in all of the standings and had the most impressive work ethic I had ever seen. I was blessed to have her in my corner pushing me to always strive to be number 1. Also, my attorney, Melanie Grayson has been very inspiring. I love being around older, successful, happy women who are open to what has made them successful. She’s one of those women that when she speaks, you hush and listen and try to soak up as much knowledge as you can, while you can.
Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring professional?
A: Only use social media to work FOR you. I feel like our younger generation is so enthralled with using social media to be constantly entertained, they’re not using their time efficiently on their phones every day. I use my phone for research- on people, ways to save money, ways to make money, and new and innovative ideas to stay ahead of the game.
Q: What’s been your secret to success?
A: Hard Work! While growing up, my dad always had a quote, “And this can give you great insight to my childhood”. While cleaning manure out of the horse stalls, my dad would always say “If you’ll keep that back end of the shovel full, the front end will take care of itself.” If you are constantly striving to work hard and do your best, the results will take care of themselves.
