In Her Own Words
Meet Shirlee McArthur, President of West Coast Business Communications (WCBC) and recently named IEC Emerging Leader. Here’s her incredible story of how she got into the business, her views on being a female in our industry, and the vital role that the IEC has played in her career.
"Honestly, I got in by accident. I had been a stay-at-home mom since our son was born and became a bookkeeper to allow me the freedom to be with my children. That all changed in December of 2018. One of the two leading partners at WCBC was retiring and Stuart, our other leading partner was not quite sure what the next steps of leadership of the company would entail.
My first instinct and immediate response was, 'Well, let me do it!'
So, I jumped in feet first to run WCBC. First, I decided to go back to school and finally finish my college degree and completed my Associate's Degree in Business in March of 2021. I knew I needed to truly understand business to be able to run a business. Well, here I am two years later, and we are now on track and have become a successful million-dollar company. In the three years I have owned WCBC we have grown by 50%.
It wasn't easy, but I made the decision to lead and lead well. I aligned myself with programs and individuals who could teach me to actively manage and grow this company. Those decisions are now paying off and being recognized. We were accepted into the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses; honored by the DJC Women of Vision; and our business being awarded the 2021 Service Contractor of the year by IEC National. Plus, I was recently selected to be on the Emerging Leaders cohort for the IEC Emerging Leaders Program. However, I am not done yet. I am learning all I can to make this the best company I can.
I believe that there is nothing more important than being a member of IEC. Through this organization, we are stronger and can recruit more women into this industry, which I believe is crucial! There are just are not enough women-owned, women-lead businesses in this industry. I see it every day and hear it when I talk with vendors - when I say I am the owner they sometimes take a step back. Then I show them that I know what I am talking about."
Shirlee McArthur
President of West Coast Business Communications