Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrice Strong-Register.
Patrice, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Namaste! Hello, I am Patrice Strong- Register. I have always thought of myself as the Inspirational Thought Leader. It began early in life as I was always seeking ways to empower, inspire and guide people to their destiny. I was given a chance to come into this world and do amazing great things to the point where my life, my work, my goals, and my dreams are JUSTIFIED. In high school, I was VP of Student Council; Member of the Future Business Leaders of America; Secretary for the Black History Club; Member of DECA; and a cheerleader, band member, and on the girls’ basketball team. I took all that I learned to corporate America and worked in management-level positions. My last position guided me to become my own boss. I saw the limits that sometimes corporations place on their employees. I met that glass ceiling and I decided that was not going to be my story. So, I planned and researched carefully what I was good at and created PLR Services, an administrative support, and marketing business. My company had its ups and down, but it is still in operations today. I love helping people achieve their goals. My focus has been on startups and nonprofits. I feel I have the expertise to help them to lay a firm foundation for their business.
My family has been very significant in my upbringing. My great-grandmother was fierce and had the business acumen that led her to purchase 160 acres of land at the age of 16 and keeping it intact so she could pass it on to her heirs. I was blessed to have a fierce maternal grandmother, who taught me to be strong, courageous, and a leader. She did not have much education, but she recognized her strengths of managing a household of her own and helping others to do the same. She was a community leader. My mother has an amazing personality which led to her show humility, generosity, and empathy towards others. I gain attributes from all three of these women.
I became a divorced, single mom of 3 sons, this led me to move to the other side of the country for a job offer from a friend and former associate of a previous company I worked for. He started a gun shop in Mesa, AZ. We worked in the handgun business for many years together. So, he was excited and so was I. My kids and family, not so much, but they went along with my plans. When I moved to Arizona, I felt like new opportunities were vast here. I worked with my friend for a couple years and then I had to go back to my own business because the entrepreneurial bug would not let me stay in that space. So, I restructured PLR Services and moved its location to Gilbert, AZ. I met other businesspeople, and I found a mentor who gave me so much insight into the community and how it operated, and I made myself known in my community.
I was recognized in 2014 as one of Arizona’s Most Influential Women. I also received a nomination for a BBB Torch Award in Ethics for my business. and many other accolades. I have worked with some amazing companies such as Women Investing In Women, SHEQONOMI, the Sisterhood Extravaganza, the State of Women, and World Academy for the Future of Women, in which all of them I was able to contribute to their start and growth.
In 2009 my mom became ill. I decided to move her to Arizona to be with me so I could help her. This was awesome because I got to spend so much time with her. We traveled and explored our community together. She was my best friend. It was great. Mom was a storyteller and boy did she have a memory. So, I started recording her stories and writing them down.
While doing this I realized that more families should be doing this. Mom’s health was declining, and she wanted to move back to Georgia into our family home, which was my grandparents’ home. They were one of the first black families to move in the neighborhood. I began remodeling the home in preparation to live there while I cared for her. So, I created a nonprofit in her honor. Stories That Bind Us, Inc is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping families share their sstories and, through these stories, we capture historical data and everyday experiences that will shape our future and strengthen our family and community connections.
My dream is to build a great nonprofit organization as a legacy for my mom. She so deserves it because she was a great lady with a beautiful smile and warm heart for all. I hope to become more like her.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has not always been easy. I am a believer of Christ and I believe in his words and what he said about me. I have been knocked down, but I always get back up. I went through a divorced, but I found love again. My corporate career took a hit, but I started my own. I had a cancer scare, but I am healed. My business went to zero and I restructured, and it is growing. I just lost my mother; best friend and I am finding peace in this storm.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am working on my creative style. I have so many projects going, however, my main focus now is the nonprofit work that I do to honor my mom. I am known for my business expertise and for a go-getter mentality. I love people and helping them to achieve their goals and dreams. I am most proud of my ability to explore opportunities and if it is a good fit, then I move forward on it. What sets me apart is that I am willing to work with you whatever level you are at. No judgement or negative criticism.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I do like to read and learn from others. The two books I recommend are Kingdom Principles by Dr. Rev. Myles Munroe, and Bold: How to go big, create wealth and impact the world by Peter H Diamandis and Steven Kotler. I also like to read the Bible, the greatest book for life instructions. I mostly listen to podcasts on health, mindfulness, and investments.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.storiesthatbindus.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesthatbindus_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Storiesthatbindus/
Image Credits
Patrice Strong-Register
