Paula Armstrong
Paula Armstrong is the Networking Communications Manager for Global Financial Partners , which provides financial education and wealth management services . Their team focuses on building long-term relationships and supporting local charities . Her heartfelt approach to to this role has served her clients and the Huntsville community for 13 years .
Armstrong attended SHSU , where she met her husband Johnny Mack . She graduated in 1982 , and they were married the following year . They love to play poker , and host frequent games in their home . They use their skills to help the Huntsville Kiwanis Club with their annual poker tournament , raising thousands for projects and organizations that benefit children in Walker County .
Armstrong grew up in Houston . At the end of her sophomore year of high school , she fell in with the wrong crowd . God led her to tell her parents that if they could prepare a living situation for her in Livingston , she would like to change schools . Her parents honored her request , built a home , and relocated .
This life defining move to Livingston provided her with two mentors that would shape her life in the future . Her high school journalism and drama teacher Ruth Bass instilled a mantra that Armstrong adopted . “ I think I can , I think I can , so I can .” Armstrong won an award in school for living that phrase and continues to use it today .
The person who had the strongest influence on Armstrong ’ s professional life was the late Jim Miller of Livingston , who passed away in 2017 . She began working for him in his video store 49 & More when she was 16 years old . The store later became part of the Movie Gallery franchise . Armstrong spent 26 years working for Miller in retail and customer service .
She was led to her current career when Brian Smith at Global Financial decided to add a new position for networking . Armstrong and her husband had done business with the firm since the ‘ 80s , so a mutual trust that already existed turned into a new path when Smith offered her a job as Networking Communications
Specialist .
Armstrong ’ s personal philosophy is “ Life is too short to dance with ugly people ,” and stresses that this isn ’ t about appearances .
She and her husband have a large circle of friends , lending their support to many causes , both in public as well as behind the scenes . She tries to look for something positive in each day .
Armstrong plays an active role in recognizing the personal milestones in their client ’ s lives . They attend social events to maintain these connections and show support for organizations in their community .
The biggest challenge for Armstrong is coordinating the schedules of the three Global advisors . Her main objective is to keep their calendars full of opportunities to engage with clients .
This requires organization and planning skills , but she says that having a heart and compassion for all people is how she achieves her agenda . She says the one thing she would change about herself is letting go of things she can ’ t control .
When she isn ’ t working , she and Johnny Mack take as many cruises as possible . Her goal is to sail more than a sailor .
They have certain locations they return to , and many others yet to explore . Armstrong wouldn ’ t choose to live anywhere else but Huntsville .
“ I ’ ve been here since 1979 . Our daughter was raised here , and we ’ ve made friends that are family . I hope I make a positive difference in people ’ s lives . Not necessarily with money , but with kindness ,” said Armstrong .
- Written by Kristie Stevens
HUNTSVILLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2022 | 25