Laurie Fitzgerald Althaus
Professional Distinctions
Laurie Fitzgerald Althaus is a certified executive coach for the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s distinguished WeLead program, a leadership development program for women in mid- to upper-level management positions.
Laurie is a certified coach with RITEMIND Stress Less Workshops, a stress management program that teaches life skills that can be used to reduce stress and build confidence in individuals, groups, and organizations.
In addition, Laurie is a DiSC Certified Behavioral Analyst, a system designed to provide insight into an individual’s behavioral style in their work environment.
Laurie was twice named “Entrepreneur of the Month” by Cincy, a regional magazine for business professionals.
Laurie has also served on the selection committee for the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s Small Business Awards and the Cincy Athena Awards, which honor business women who serve their communities. She is active with 85 Broads, a network of successful business women, and co-created the Cairn Venture Group, which brings together a unique collection of women leaders to re-energize and share new ideas in a retreat atmosphere.
A few of us are blessed to have clarity about our life’s work early on. Others get to travel through life discovering what their life is all about, asking “who am I meant to be, what value do I have in the world, how do I want to play into the big picture?” I embrace this with a sense of adventure, fun, and awakening. It’s what gets me out of bed every morning, and I want nothing less for my clients.”
–Laurie Fitzgerald Althaus
A Lifelong Entrepreneur
Laurie has many years of first-hand experience with working hard to be successful. Growing up in a family of nine children in Cincinnati, she drove a school bus for her alma mater, Summit Country Day, to pay her way to an associate’s degree at the University of Cincinnati.
When she was 21 years old, Laurie bought her first business, a popular sandwich shop and market that catered to downtown residents. She employed, led, and coached her employees in order to develop them and grow her business. Within seven years, she had expanded to two locations and increased annual revenue from $30,000 to $800,000. After 17 years, Laurie decided that she “had earned her doctorate in the school of hard knocks,” sold the business, and completed her bachelor’s degree at Xavier University.
Corporate Distinction
Hired to handle sales of the Seattle-based Millstone Coffee (later purchased by P&G) in a three-state territory, Laurie grew that territory to 13 states within three years and was entirely responsible for the rollout of the product in Sam’s Clubs within that region. She then moved on to her second Fortune 500 company, CINTAS, the Cincinnati-based uniform and apparel company.
Laurie stepped up and requested the newly-acquired and largest corporate account, Delta Airlines, and moved to Chicago in order to better serve their headquarters. During her seven years with CINTAS, she earned awards and recognition for Exceptional Customer Service.
Becoming a Professional Business Coach
Laurie returned to Cincinnati in 2005 and was approached by a global business and executive coaching company. As soon as the business opportunity was described to her, she realized it was the entrepreneurial challenge she was seeking. She earned her certification as an owner and licensed business coach and within two years was awarded the “Most Improved Business Coach of the Year.”
After several years, Laurie branched out to create her own unique coaching business, Now & Next.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU? Schedule an introductory call with Laurie Fitzgerald Althaus to find out.
