Pioneering Women

Successful female leaders possess the same basic traits as any good leader: assertiveness, determination, accountability, creativity, and adaptability. Long-term positions of authority require more than just skill, tenacity, and education; these pioneers must have the capacity to view the complete picture as it pertains to the company as a whole while maintaining a level of compassion to protect dedicated employees, affiliates, and clients as well as partners and investors. Studies and detailed research from the past few decades have proven that companies with intentional female representation in leadership and within the workforce are not only more likely to flourish, but are also more likely to dominate their competitors. That doesn’t happen by accident.

Lou Kennedy

“We must invest in the youth of Lexington County, particularly females, to ensure a prosperous future for our children, their children, and our community in general,” says Lou Kennedy, President and CEO of Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation based in Lexington County. “A strong foundation needs to be established early in life to show these bright, young girls that they can be whatever they want to become and that there are no limits.”

Lou has been an integral part of Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a leading manufacturer of pharmaceutical products, since 2001 when she accepted the enormous responsibility of forging a national pharmaceutical sales team. She has been crucial in the company’s amazing development, unprecedented growth and expansion. Being a female entrepreneur in a male- dominated role has not always been easy for her and she encourages other women not to give up. “Do not be afraid to fail; if you are too cautious, you will never get to where you want to be. Keep pushing-failure is where you learn the most.”

Entrepreneurs are expected to wear many hats; it is the nature of business. However, managing the responsibilities of a family unit alongside the demands of a thriving business is a monumental undertaking. “I admit that I do not always balance the demands of home and work very well, but I do the best I can,” Lou explains. “Family is important to me; my husband, Bill, is still working for the company and his mother, Elizabeth (Lib) Kennedy, worked for Nephron until the golden age of 96. We collectively have 3 daughters and 6 grandchildren ranging from 9 months of age to 17 and have had the joy of working alongside one of our daughters and her husband.”

First and foremost, she believes that having an exemplary role model is the key for any female interested in owning a business. “Finding a successful businesswoman that you can reach out to as a mentor is priceless. There aren’t many available in this area and their time is very limited,” she says. “Guidance, constructive criticism, and suggestions from these leaders will point you in the correct direction and save time and effort.”  

As for the future, Lou wants to “pay it back” to Lexington County as much as possible. When she is not working or attending meetings, she can often be found volunteering at various fundraisers and charity events to benefit residents and programs within the community. “I am so thankful for Lexington County and everything that the good Lord has blessed us with.” In her small pockets of free time, Lou enjoys her grandchildren, following USC Gamecock Women’s Basketball, and boat riding on Lake Murray.

Suzi Agne

Prosperous and adventurous leaders know when it is time to upgrade, change strategies, move on, or “switch gears” to keep the fire alive. Change can often be quiet and personal, unnoticed by others; other times it is bright and loud, reaching for a deeper purpose, or accommodating a change in economic status or lifestyle. Suzi Agne, owner of Moose Diesel LLC in Lexington, recognized this need in her life about 3 years ago. “The main deciding factor for me was retiring from teaching and doing something completely different from my comfort zone,” Suzi explains. “I realized I had a passion for learning new skills that I could teach myself how to do.” Moose Diesel LLC is a steadily growing business that rebuilds, remanufactures, and repairs diesel fuel injection pumps, injectors, and turbochargers. Suzi repairs all of the injectors that come through the shop herself.

Although her children are grown and her spouse supports the venture one hundred percent, her rise in the diesel realm has not been without challenges. Suzi offers this advice to like-minded women: “Join SCORE (a volunteer organization that assists small businesses with classes, information, and mentors) before you open or purchase a business. They can instruct you on how to avoid many pitfalls.”

Owning a business is not for the lighthearted, it takes blood, sweat, tears, unlimited patience, money, and training, as Suzi confirms, “I became not only an owner but a salesperson, receptionist, parts inventory manager, accountant, shipping expert, as well as a licensed diesel technician.” As for the future of Moose Diesel LLC, she remarks, “I want to continue to serve our local community in increasing numbers until our company name is well known and people seek it out as a first choice.”

Amy Dantzler

Amy Dantzler, CEO of The Original Landscape Supply in Chapin, explains that she had subtle, early indications that she would become involved in the landscaping arena in some capacity, “As a late teen, I would drive by the “Landscape Supply” company that was on the same lot where my current business resides; I thought that it was an interesting business. Life went on, and I became a nurse,” she continues. “However, after ten years of nursing, I decided it was time for a change. I returned to the place where I felt my true passion has always been and opened my company in the same, exact spot.” Amy maintains a great working relationship with the previous owner of the site and, in his honor, she named her business “The Original Landscape Supply.” 

Recognizing an immediate need in the community for high-quality landscaping supplies, products, services, and materials, Amy happily answered the call. She has been extremely successful and loves her customers. “It has been an honor to be a part of this community and to fill those shoes for over 14 years, and it is my goal to continue to deliver exemplary customer service,” she explains. “I want my customers to know that I appreciate them.”

Although her schedule can be stressful and filled with work-related commitments and tasks 6 days a week, Amy encourages enterprising females to step out of their comfort zone and follow their hearts. “Find your passion and pray about it. If you love what you do, take pride in your business, and believe in your product, it becomes enjoyable to work your business,” she continues. “Research the best options to make your business succeed and set out to make it happen. Talk to others who may mentor you and take sound advice from those who have been successful. Once you meet a certain goal, you make another one. That allows your business to evolve and continue to grow without becoming stagnant in the marketplace.”

As you can imagine, finding downtime when operating a thriving business can be difficult, if not impossible. “Free time is a rare luxury when you own your own business,” Amy says. “Sundays are my days to recuperate. I attend church, do what needs to be done around my home, and sometimes, I even find time to have dinner with a friend. If I retire someday, I hope to be found weeding, sowing and pruning my garden on my homesteading oasis.” 

Hazel Livingston

Regardless of the location, situation, or timeframe, women bring a unique perspective to political leadership. Candidates with the necessary characteristics and qualifications should be included at every level for a balanced perspective. Slow, quiet, and focused progress stimulates productivity and promotes diversity as women teach and demonstrate courage. These tireless pioneers stand up for people, principles, and improvements in their communities, counties, states, and nationwide programs and initiatives.

Hazel Livingston, the first female Mayor of the Town of Lexington, was initially drawn to local politics to more effectively serve the community and make it a better place to raise her children and future grandchildren. “When I first moved to Lexington, I was a single mom of two daughters,” she explains. “I came here to create a better life for them; I knew I couldn’t let them down. My family has always been my rock through the journey on Town Council and, now while operating as Mayor. They have always supported and encouraged my passion to serve others.”

When asked what advice she would offer aspiring leaders, Hazel remarks, “Never give up; no matter if you think the odds are stacked against you, there is always a way to achieve your goals. I have had to have thick skin and I always remind myself when I am talking with other people that I haven’t walked in their shoes,” she continues. “It’s important to remember that no matter how far you’ve come, there will always be people who question your ability to succeed, but that’s when you have to take that opportunity to prove them wrong and make lemonade out of lemons!”

Although she has been pivotal to many expansions, improvements and projects while on Town Council, one of the most recent and most celebrated developments is the reopening of Virginia Hylton Park and the opening of the Old Mill Pond Trail. “I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot but there is also a substantial amount of work still to be done,” Mayor Livingston says. When she is not attending meetings or events, supervising outreach projects, or actively volunteering at her church or within the community, she can be found playing with her grandchildren, gardening, and searching for shark teeth on the beach.

As you can see, the representation of women in the business realm is a powerful catalyst for change and improvement. As Lexington County grows and evolves, keep your eyes on the pioneers listed above as well as those on the forefront, just beginning to get their feet wet. Offer a helping hand, a cup of coffee, or a few kind words of encouragement.

Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation. 4500 12th St. Ext. West Columbia, SC 29172. NephronPharm.com. 800-443-4313

Moose Diesel, LLC. 3820 B Augusta Hwy. Gilbert, SC 29054. MooseDiesel.com. 803-892-0164

The Original Landscape Supply. 2815 Dutch Fork Rd.Chapin, SC 29036.TheOriginalLandscapeSupply.com. 803-960-7729

Town of Lexington. 111 Maiden Lane. Lexington, SC 29072. LexSC.gov. 803-359-4164

SCORE Midlands. 1225 Laurel St., Suite 410. Columbia, SC 29201. SCORE.org. 803-545-3826

Small Business Administration. 1835 Assembly St., Suite 1425. Columbia, SC 29201. SBA.gov. 803-765-5377