Gourmet Kitchens, Inc. President and CEO Lisa Johnson Heads Up the Women’s Business Conference 2009

When Lisa Johnson joined NAWBO Chicago 15 years ago, she was looking for a place to connect with other women entrepreneurs experiencing the same trials she faced as a women business owner. And that’s exactly what she found. “NAWBO is this great, comfortable place where you can let your hair down and get valuable advice,” says Lisa. “What I like most about the organization is that it consists of businesses of all sizes—from small businesses that have only been around for a few years, to larger businesses, to partners in firms.”   

After getting involved with her local NAWBO chapter committees, she moved on to the national level and now serves as a board director. And the business she started more than 20 years ago, Gourmet Kitchens, Inc., which was her incentive for joining NAWBO, achieved more than $40 million in sales in 2008. Lisa and her husband started the company as a corporate catering company in Chicago with just seven employees. As President and CEO, she has since grown the company to almost 400 employees. Gourmet Kitchens, Inc. now distributes fresh, prepared and frozen foods nationwide and Lisa is constantly traveling the world to research and develop new products.

This year, Lisa and her husband received a special honor when they were inducted into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. The Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago hosted the event, which recognized Gourmet Kitchens, Inc. for their entrepreneurial achievements and lasting impact on Chicago’s business landscape.

This year brought another significant undertaking for Lisa—she is the current conference chair for NAWBO’s Women Business Conference (WBC) 2009 in Chicago. Not only is she thrilled to welcome the thousands of women business owners to her city but she is equally enthusiastic about the opportunities this conference brings to attendees. That’s because she knows first-hand the value of attending the annual conference. “The energy you get from the WBC and this year, the city of Chicago, is something attendees can take home to help them to power their businesses,” comments Lisa. “You leave the conference with great ideas to keep your business growing. It’s like walking out with a business tool box.”

Lisa and her WBC committee have been working hard to put together an inspirational program that is sure to power attendees’ dreams. Taking place at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, the conference will include keynote speakers, breakout sessions, an interactive marketplace and NAWBO’s annual awards program, including the NAWBO/Wells Fargo Trailblazer Award. As a past recipient of this award, Lisa understands the significance of such an achievement. “The Trailblazer Award is not a one-person award—it’s great for all of the members of your company,” comments Lisa. “It’s a little bit of you and a lot of who you work with.”

Being a part of an organization like NAWBO has provided Lisa and her company with many tools and resources that she never would’ve imagined.   She’s had the chance to exchange ideas about growing her company with other members with similar businesses but in different markets. She’s networked with members and received business referrals from people she trusts. Some of her fellow members even got a client in Gourmet Kitchens, Inc. as well, since the company’s accounting firm, lawyers and insurance provider are all fellow NAWBO members.

“When economic times are tough, an organization like NAWBO, along with the WBC, can help business owners focus and grow their business,” remarks Lisa. “The conference is definitely an investment you can take to the bottom-line. Some of the best business ideas I’ve gotten have come from connecting with other conference attendees. And this year, the energy that attendees will get from the WBC and the city of Chicago will be like no other!”