2008 10 Under 40 Awards

Judy Risher

Location manager | Glasspro Inc. | Walterboro, S.C.

Age: 38
One-word description of self: Gregarious
One-word description of the auto glass industry: Advanced
Favorite Web site: youtube.com
Lesson learned the hard way: When your momma is coming to give you a whipping, don't run!

Affectionately known as "Git-R-Done Judy" among co-workers and friends, Judy Risher, 38, is "a hands-on leader who encourages others to do their best, provides outstanding customer service and isn't afraid of a challenge," says former Glasspro consultant Jamie Jordan, president of Stravicom, Charleston, S.C.

Risher joined Glasspro in August 2004 as a customer service representative. She rose through the ranks to her current position as location manager for the Walterboro shop, responsible for customer service and office duties that include filing insurance claims, invoicing, inventory and managing her team. Outside the office, she performs chip repairs, installs Burco mirrors and assists technicians as needed.

"My job is never boring," Risher says." It challenges me to keep learning and deal with different circumstances each and every day. Most of all, I love to put a smile on our customers' face."

Her strength lies with her friends and family, Risher says. "There is an old saying that you are only as strong as the people you surround yourself with. I feel pretty darned strong!"

Friends and colleagues describe her as a natural leader with a genuine heart.

"I truly believe Judy can do anything she sets her mind to," says Jo Ann Nemeth, vice president, Glasspro Inc., Mt. Pleasant, S.C. "She is a real go-getter. She got [her] nickname, 'Git-R-Done Judy,' when an email went out stating that she'd be out of the office while she climbed up a semi to help with a two-man set and once she 'got-r-done' she'd let us know. She'd be doing installs if she had the time."

What sets Risher apart from her peers is that "she cares," says Paul Davenport, operations supervisor, Pilkington, N. Charleston, S.C. He has known Risher for almost four years; she's his customer. "I have worked in the glass industry for almost 20 years, and it seems like the majority of people are just there for the 40 hours and don't give it a second thought after the bell rings at 5. Judy is the exception."

Risher has "an infectiously positive attitude and a servant's heart," Jordan says. "She does not accept barriers which may keep others from getting the job done. She looks for solutions which are always win-win. ... She works hard to ensure her technicians are growing and developing professionally through their personal growth plans and accountability to the Glasspro standards."

LeAnn Lawrence, call center manager, Glasspro Inc., Summerville, S.C., has known Risher as long as she has worked for Glasspro. "What I admire most about Judy is her ability to find humor in even the most stressful situations. Things could happen to her that would make the average person snap but she just gets funnier!"