THE CHALLENGER
DESIREE s i v a Re
NATURAL BORN LEADER - CHALLENGE SEEKER Desiree, can you please introduce yourself? I am originally from a small town in West Virginia. Best known for it’s beautiful mountains and genuine hardworking people. Growing up on a dirt road below poverty level is what instilled the work ethic I have to this day. Now I run multiple companies and live in Palm Beach Florida with rush hour traffic and palm trees. However, my upbringing has kept me grounded and grateful for everything I have accomplished. Not to mention the tenacity I have needed to overcome every obstacle that has been placed in front of me. Whether it was the limitations of my environment, financial hardships, beating cancer, or fighting against the glass ceiling, I simply refuse to become a victim of circumstance. How do you balance being at the head of 2 different companies and also an employee for Pro-Line Industrial Products at the same time? Over the years I have perfected the act of balancing. Because I didn’t have the luxury of growing up in a wealthy family, I have had to work for other companies as I incorporated my own. It was helpful that I was already established in the entertainment industry before taking my position at Pro-Line. I also worked my way up within the company, so my responsibilities grew over time. I started out as a sales executive, then transitioned to corporate trainer, East Coast Sales Manager, and currently I am the National Sales Director with my sights set on VP of Sales. I am one of those Alpha overachieving types of people. Having years of experience maneuvering between the Corporate World and Entertainment Sector, I have developed a certain skill set that I then fused together to create the powerhouse known at The Desired Group. However, I cannot stress enough collaboration and time management is vital to my success. Tell us about your work as the National Sales Director at Pro-Line Industrial Products. I know it may sound strange to hear a woman say she enjoys working in the Industrial Chemical Industry but I do. I absolutely love Pro-Line and the people I work with. And I un-
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derstand how rare that is. I can’t explain how empowering it is to work for a 100 % Women owned and run business. Nothing against men but I love our GIRL POWER. In my position I do everything from recruit other sales executives, to train/mentor managers. While assisting in opening new markers, client relations with large corporations and government entities. I also work directly with the owner in implementing new policies and procedures, and whatever else is needed from me. (prolineindustrial.com) What led you to setting up your own business? It looks like you are a real “Challenge-seeker”! As a natural born leader, and a people person I was destined to take this route. My drive for financial freedom also meant I needed multiple streams of revenue. With Reavis Enterprises I saw a great opportunity and I went for it. I already had the experience of managing other people’s companies. However, it was definitely a learning curve. But I love to push myself. I had never been in charge of payroll, or used QuickBooks. To this day I still remember my first workman comp audits. As far as The Desired Group it was honestly the universe pushing me back into the entertainment industry and I have never looked back. What excites you about entrepreneurship? I love to be challenged, and the satisfaction I receive from creating my own empire. In fact, I am currently working on my first real estate development project. So literally I am building my legacy brick by brick. I also strive to inspire others, especially young women who come from challenging circumstances like myself. Growing up I didn’t witness a lot of women in business. I came from a family where the generation of phenomenal ladies that raised me stayed home with the children and managed the house. So it is very important to me that I show those that are considered disadvantaged, the power that we have within ourselves to influence our outcome.
ENTREPRENEUR MINDSET FALL 2020
