linda lee
g to ns bric win tern patter ina a t e n f a s r P le a Be hop ewing sca a op, o ith shop sso s p h A w k u s s c r s o n k rk f in ip gn Wo F r a n c i r, a Bern g W line o r s h g Wo r esi a e n g D i e n n r i n t e n ew e dw fo par t Sewi Sew in Sa a Le irm. e S ovativ ate re a e n t e r a d h e h n T o h T l i f n -K St t L i n P ro j e c ed an in d T choo ed tail c ed esign c e m h d u h s o s e s i r d s r a e f re d o li e h n, n bl Ent ate th tab terior u rc d e s i g ted Intr lectio sta e and s P E a E u l e r d in cr Co and sto G ra an te cia
1970
1989
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s,
1991
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2009
Photo taken by Topeka Capital Journal. Submitted by Junior Achievement of NE Kansas
Lee was born in Stafford, Kan., but grew up in Topeka. She is married to Craig Woodbury and has one daughter, Alexandra. Author of “Sewing Luxurious Pillows” and “Scarves to Make,” she is also a frequent guest on HGTV's Today at Home. Linda Lee said Topeka was the obvious choice for her to start her design business because she had lived here all of her life. “This was my home,” Lee said. Topeka also made sense because it was the right size for building an interior design business from the ground up. Lee said that being in Topeka allowed her to develop a broader range of design skills than she probably would have been able to cultivate in a larger
“The advantage to Topeka is that I was able to learn a lot more things. The disadvantage is that I had to learn a lot more things,” Lee said.
city.
Lee said her business really took off when she migrated into the sewing industry. At that point she knew she had to expand beyond Topeka in order for the business to survive, so she purchased a well-known sewing school in San Francisco. At this point, her global aspirations grew. “I don’t think I would be doing what I am doing right now if I hadn’t gone to San Francisco, but I realized I could operate the business from Topeka, so here I am,” Lee said.
1964
in d ra t e p e o p l e e p o 5 te coin loys 13 A t o ra c p . o d os rn em ra r y tz C e that hbu o e s n J a o W ic ed an h pen ry serv f ro m d O e d v i e d e uat laun tates Rec G ra d s 15
1966
2007
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Photo taken by Topeka Wichers Photography. Submitted by Junior Achievement of NE Kansas
tim etzel
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“Linda is that rare combination of creative talent and business acumen, and I’m so happy she’s being recognized by the Hall of Fame.” - Marsha T. Oliver, CPA V.P. of Marketing, Mize, Houser & Company, P.A.
Tim Etzel was born and raised in Topeka and is married to Carol. Etzel said the idea of owning his own business was always in the back of his head, but it wasn’t until the tornado hit Topeka in 1966 that he was able to act on that dream. As apartments began to spring up in response to the lack of housing in Topeka, Etzel recognized the need for laundry service in those apartments, and Jetz Service Co. was born. For Etzel, patience is vital to success. “It’s a commandment to continue to work while you are getting your business started,” Etzel said. “Lack of capital is what causes most business failure, so people need to make sure they have the revenues to support the expense side.” But, Etzel said, what really determines a successful business is your ability to hire and keep quality people.
“You have to hire good
people and then get out of the way.”
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“Tim has been a leader in our community for many years. Not only has he developed a highly successful business but he has also provided leadership on a number of cultural and educational initiatives. Tim is always willing to devote his time, resources and energy to improving the quality of life in Shawnee County and beyond.” - Roger Viola, Topeka Community Foundation
Spring 2010
TK Magazine
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