Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Fritts.
Hi Stephanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Over 20 years ago, I began a career as an executive assistant for Silicon Valley companies like McKinsey & Company, Google, Facebook and Sony. I quickly realized that my work in eliminating executives’ administrative worries directly contributed to their success. After moving to the Austin, Texas area, I was afforded the opportunity to work remotely – and I was hooked. Suddenly I was able to have the work-life harmony that was elusive in Corporate America. After being laid off from my remote position, I did a quick internet search for “freelance executive assistant” and a local business called Admin Boutique was at the top of the results. I applied for a position and the founder reached out to me and said I was overqualified (they hired college students to run errands for local executives), that she was looking to sell the company and asked if I knew anyone who might be interested. Um YES, me! Ultimately I didn’t buy the company, but I did manage the business for a short time which allowed me to gain more insight into how a business like this operates. And it opened my eyes to the possibilities of business ownership. In March of 2018, I started Exec Wranglers as a virtual assistant services company, but it wasn’t until I joined a community of women entrepreneurs called Ellivate Alliance (https://ellivatealliance.com/
When I’m not helping small businesses, I’m assisting with rescuing dogs. In 2018 I co-founded Final Frontier Rescue Project, whose founding belief is that every dog deserves a chance to become the loving family member they were bred to be. Final Frontier rescues dogs from local Austin shelters that, through no fault of their own, end up on the kill list – whether it’s for behavior, space or both. Final Frontier provides these dogs with the training and care they need to give them that chance.
Last, but certainly not least, I’m also a single mom of one amazing teenage boy & 3 dogs, and an avid music lover. I am particularly fond of Austin’s live music scene, attending upwards of 20 shows each year but I also love traveling to my favorite places to see a show.
When I look back at my life, I realize that I always wanted to be an entrepreneur, and I dabbled (and struggled, then “failed“) in various network marketing companies starting in the early 90s. I’m a firm believer in that every experience, whether positive or negative (especially the negative), shapes who you are and prepares you for the future. And overcoming the challenges creates resilience which is crucial in being an entrepreneur. When I started Exec Wranglers, I realized why those other business ventures had failed – because selling those products was not my true passion! Wrangling administrivia for impactful leaders and helping them succeed IS my passion, and I knew I could be successful with Exec Wranglers – I just didn’t know how. For the first 18 months or so prior to joining Ellivate, I was flailing around, picking up clients that were one-off projects or just not the right fit. There will always be challenges with running a business, so having a supportive community is key!
As you know, we’re big fans of Exec Wranglers. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Exec Wranglers is a virtual assistant services company that wrangles administrivia for entrepreneurs and executives who are making a difference in the world – either through their business offerings and/or their support of one or more charitable organizations. We call them Impactful Leaders. What is administrivia you may ask? Here’s the dictionary definition:
Noun. 1. administrivia – the tiresome but essential details that must be taken care of and tasks that must be performed in running an organization or business
We have an extremely talented and diverse team of virtual Wranglers who free up these Impactful Leaders from their day-to-day operations, allowing them to focus on their “zone of genius” and thus reach new heights in their businesses. By facilitating their growth and enabling them to make an even bigger social impact, we are creating a ripple effect of goodwill and humanity in the world.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Early on my mentors were Sydney Sherman, the founder of Admin Boutique; and Will Mapp, who is someone I had previously worked with – he reached out to me when I launched Exec Wranglers and he was my lifeline when it came to setting up my operations. He built our website and gave me pep talks on a weekly basis. Then I found the aforementioned Ellivate Alliance where I met the founder, Sarah Elliott, her amazing Dream Team, and all of the wonderful members – all of whom have become mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates and cherished friends. Amber Gray, founder of Trusty Oak Virtual Assistant services is also a mentor as well as a friend. Our clients are an inspiration to me as well as huge advocates as our business is currently 100% referral-based. Kate Price, our Chief People Wrangler, is a wonderful sounding board and collaborator – she has taken Exec Wranglers to new heights with both her HR acumen and client service. And last but certainly not least, all of our Wranglers are the backbone of the company – they are true partners with both Exec Wranglers and the clients they serve. I’m honored to work and collaborate with all of these amazing humans!
Pricing:
- The Roundup Package (starter/trial package): $1100– 20 hours/90 days
- Bronze Buckle Package: $445 – 10 hours/30 days
- Silver Buckle Package: $810 – 20 hours/30 days
- Gold Buckle Package: $1200 – 30 hours/30 days
- Platinum Buckle Package: $1585 – 40 hours/30 days
Contact Info:
- Email: howdy@execwranglers.com
- Website: https://www.execwranglers.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/execwranglers/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/execwranglers/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/execwranglers
Image Credits
Both headshots: Leandra Blei
