�������������
Tricia Kingery
President & Founder , Kingery & Company LLC
KRISTEN UPPERCUE
Photo by John Sibold .
AMID THE FINAL DAYS of his battle with cancer , Tricia Kingery ’ s father asked her what she really wanted to do with her life .
“ I responded , ‘ Dad , we talk every day . You know me . I ’ m a career girl , and I want to be a mom ,’” Kingery says . “ He looked at me and said , ‘ Stop working for other people . Start your own business . Use your God-given talents and do what you love on your own terms . I promise , if you do , you ’ ll experience success at a whole other level and become the mother you ’ ve always wanted to be .’”
Together , they set a deadline of August 1 , 2007 , for Kingery to start her own business : Kingery & Company . Her father passed on May 13 , 2007 .
“ My first priority was to help my mom , who has inspired me to never give up , find her way without him ,” Kingery says . “ As August 1 approached , I put wheels in motion , said a prayer and resigned from my job .”
On August 1 , 2007 , Kingery & Company became a reality — meeting the deadline her father gave her . For 15 years , the consulting firm has been helping nonprofits empower people , develop organizations and strengthen communities .
108 WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE