Errand Solutions Founder and CEO Marsha McVicker has a solid background in supply chain management, communications, strategy and channel development, financial analysis and marketing. Her experience includes work as a public affairs consultant and more than six years as a communications director on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. Marsha has her Supply Chain Management and Entrepreneurship MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was a Logistics Analyst for Jewel Osco, a division of Albertson’s in Chicago, Illinois. As a result of concepts covered in her academic study and her logistics experience, Marsha came to the realization that many concierge models in the market are inefficient and expensive. As a participant in the Weinert Applied Ventures in Entrepreneurship (WAVE) program at the University of Wisconsin, Marsha was able to test the feasibility of Errand Solutions and develop the company's current model, which is both efficient and affordable. As a result, Errand Solutions received Wisconsin's first ever e-commerce technology development loan from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce.
Errand Solutions, LLC is an errand running and convenience service offered as an employee benefit. Errand Solutions’ on-site Sanity Savers TM arrange everything from dry cleaning and oil changes to researching a plumber. Errand Solutions applies the same focus and stellar customer service to each industry through fully customizable service plans. Marsha has been featured in i-Street Magazine and the Chicago Sun-Times as one of Chicago’s “Women in Black,” highlighting twenty-six prominent women in Chicago’s high-tech community. She has also been profiled in the book “You Need to Be A Little Crazy” by serial entrepreneur Barry Moltz. Marsha is also a proud member of the Young Entrepreneurs Organization, SHRM, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and has been a guest lecturer at a variety of conferences and in academic settings, including the Women’s Business Development Center, Premier Patient Services Conference and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Additionally, Marsha has been interviewed by Robert Reich for National Public Radio’s “Future of Success” series and has been featured and/or profiled in many publications including In Business Magazine, Crain’s, Madison Business Journal, Wisconsin State Journal and the Chicago Sun-Times. As Errand Solutions' CEO, Marsha focuses on creating and sustaining corporate growth, managing investor relations and identifying and interacting with board members and other advisors.
When you first started your career/business did you feel passion for your work?
When I started Errand Solutions I had a passion to build something from nothing. I was intrigued with the logistical challenges of handling multiple errands from thousands of people at the same time. I really had a lot of fun creating my model, researching requests and examining buying behavior. I became obsessed with providing exceptional customer service at a reasonable price. It was all-consuming but now that the business is saving millions of people time and money, it has been well worth it.
When you first started were you able to visualize your final outcome?
My vision of revolutionizing the environments we serve through innovative, personalized service offerings that enhance people’s lives is finally being actualized at 162 locations in 13 states. However, I don’t think we are even close to realizing our potential.
What were you top three obstacles/challenges?
People
Capital
Experience
How did you deal with doubt, fear, and self recrimination?
A strong network of family and friends were critical in keeping me sane and fed. I also joined organizations that allowed me to have frequent contact with peers in similar situations. Just knowing someone who is experiencing the same heartache as you can be very cathartic, even if they don’t have the answers you are searching for.
Did you feel that the traditional male dominated workplace affected you at all? If so, what did you do about it?
I left the male dominated workplace to start my own workplace and to revolutionize others so I haven’t felt any overt discrimination. I do know that less than 1% of available capital goes to women entrepreneurs. The lack of access to capital has been a struggle. However, persistence pays. I made over 1900 phone calls to get the money I needed to launch Errand Solutions and it all came from very generous men.
Did you have mentors?
I have been fortunate enough to have had many terrific mentors. The most influential have been male entrepreneurs with a lot of war wounds. I confess that I somewhat stumbled upon them. It saddens me to disclose that a few of them have passed and I miss their presence on a daily basis. Mentors have brought that critical experience that I was lacking. They have been an essential component to my success.
Do you feel you were traditional in terms of your steps to your Optimal Level? If yes, if no, please explain.
I don’t know if I have had a traditional path. I am sure that all my past experiences have assisted in my growth as an entrepreneur, whether it was my time spent playing sports, checking groceries, bartending, working on Capital Hill or getting my MBA.
As you look back, what is the one thing you wish you knew when you started?
I think naiveté can be a blessing. If I would have been told how much time, money and sacrifice it would take to get me to this point, I am sure I would have done it.
Any regrets?
I think every mistake is a learning opportunity and I have had MANY learning opportunities.
Do you believe luck had something to do with your rise to where you are now? Do you feel you paid a price to be as successful as you are now?
I think success is a variable term. Some of the most successful people I know have neither wealth or power but tremendous love. Regardless of how you define it, I do believe in “timing” – being in the right place at the right time and seizing that opportunity.
What is the best piece of advice you have for other women on their way to their Optimal Level?
Don’t give up. Every woman has the power within to get what they want out of life.
Do you have any other tips for career or business women?
Take time to enjoy the journey.
What do you think is the biggest mistake career/business women make?
Not listening to diverse opinions.
Do you have any other tips for career or business women?
Be confident in who you are and what you can do. Carpe diem.
