Julie Cropp Gareleck is a respected and trusted leader in business communities that extend from the Northeast (Philadelphia, New York City, and D.C.) to the Southeast (including the Greater Atlanta region and Charleston, South Carolina) that include CEOs and entrepreneurs of small to midsize businesses as well as the Fortune 1000. As the CEO of Junction Creative, founded in 2009, she has consulted or completed work for more than 350 brands in the last 15 years, 500 brands in the last 20 years, driving millions of dollars in revenue growth for her clients.
It was this experience that inspired Julie to share an authentic story about launching and growing a business in her new book, Dare to Become. Words have the power to motivate and influence people. The right words have the ability to inspire. Julie knew at a young age that she wanted to write a book, but it took a little over 20 years for her to write this story, an authentic perspective of an entrepreneur starting and growing a business. From her days waitressing for the family business, to starting her career, then pursuing a dream of creating an award-winning digital marketing agency, Julie shares real stories about what it’s really like to be an entrepreneur.
Writer’s Life Magazine had the pleasure of connecting with Julie, here is what she had to say about her career, her inspiration and what advice she has for future business owners.
Tell us a bit about your background and career.
I am a CEO, Author, and Entrepreneur, and a well-respected leader in business communities that extends from the US, to Canada, and the United Kingdom. In 25 years of experience, I’ve consulted with more than 1000 companies, including startups, midsize, and Fortune 1000 companies, to build sustainable, revenue generating strategies. In 2009, I founded Junction Creative, an award-winning strategic marketing agency, combining the intellectual capital of a business consulting firm with the creative execution of an advertising agency. As the author of Dare to Become, From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office, I share the right blend of personal anecdotes and professional advice that makes it a valuable read for those looking to gain insights into the entrepreneurial journey and the importance of resilience in achieving success.
Tell us about your new book, Dare to Become: From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office.
For millions, a major component of the American dream is to start one’s own company and, ultimately, to become one’s own boss. The question is—just how exactly does one do that? Every successful entrepreneur has a unique story to tell. I wanted to share my story, riddled with lessons and experiences that helped me confidently navigate the journey from startup to success. Whether you are a new business owner, entrepreneur, or an employee, the insights shared in this book will prove valuable on your journey.
Dare to Become is an authentic narrative of entrepreneurial grit and determination. The book chronicles my journey and how I, without the safety net of venture capital or an Ivy League education, dared to dream and ultimately succeeded in establishing Junction Creative, a leading marketing firm. My humble beginnings in my parents' restaurant in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, laid the foundation for my understanding of business operations. My experiences in the corporate world, marked by challenging bosses and complex dynamics, fueled my desire to create my own company. This candid account of my entrepreneurial journey elicits a heartful, relatable tug for readers, but will also inspire. Dare to Become stands out among entrepreneurial literature, offering a unique, real-world perspective on navigating the tumultuous path to business success. This story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and a guide for those daring to chase success in business.
What was your impetus for writing your book?
I had started this book so many times over the years but couldn’t get past the first sentence. In 2022, I celebrated 13 years in business. Despite reaching goals that I had set for the company I was looking for inspiration. I sifted through journals I’d kept since I was 16 years old. And in the process of reading through decades of experiences, I realized just how far I’d come since those early days waiting tables at my parents’ restaurant. In the process of looking back, I found my way forward and also the words to write Dare to Become.
What are the messages you want readers to take away from reading your work?
The core messages that I want a reader to take away from reading Dare to Become, From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office, is:
It Starts with a Mindset. It takes perseverance and grit to be successful in business. If you don’t have a no-quit attitude, when the dark times come, you will not survive. The success of your business rises and falls with you. Celebrate success as it comes, learn from the tribulations, and don’t ever stop moving forward.
Speak Clearly & Communicate Well. Mastering the art of communication can mean the difference between success and failure in business. Be curious enough to learn how others receive messages and meet them where they are. It’s an important skill to learn. It will allow you to amplify your message so it is heard. And remember that people will forget what you told them but they will not forget how they made you feel.
Embrace the Target: I am so fortunate to have worked with so many amazing people - a lot of mentors that have shaped who I am today. I remember a conversation with my Dad, inevitably where I was complaining about a circumstance or someone trying to push me down. He said “Look, as a leader you will always have a target on your back. If you can’t take the hits, don’t stand out in front. All you can hope is that you are smart enough to dodge a few along the way. And if you get hit, straighten the target and keep on going.
You credit working in your parents’ restaurant as one of the key elements to your work ethic and success. Tell us about that.
I do credit them for the lessons they so richly taught me. They were instrumental in teaching me how to build a strong work ethic and they led by example. Whether we were peeling potatoes for Sunday’s breakfast rush, scrubbing grout lines with toothbrush, running the dishwasher, waiting on tables, or placing a produce order, I had a front-row seat on what working really meant.
It taught me that work is hard and that there are no participation trophies. You show up, work hard, and don’t stop until the job is done. And it built the foundation for me as I took on the corporate world and eventually started my own business.
The corporate working world is fierce and can often break people down. What advice would you give people struggling with the arduous demands?
Work, by definition, is work. You will encounter challenging work environments, co-workers, or management that isn’t focused on you. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes to you. Put in the work. Learn from these experiences. Use this knowledge to move your career forward. Speak up. And if you find that no one is listening, invest in yourself.
As a very successful woman, what would you say to a young woman just getting started, or a mom getting back into the workforce?
You’ve got this. Taking the first step is going to be the hardest. If you focus on placing one foot in front of the other to move yourself forward, you will get there.
Kids have ambitious dreams - astronauts, movie stars, etc - what did you want to be growing up?
I wanted to be a dancer (which I was until I was 26) and a writer!
What are you working on now and what can we expect from you next?
I will be speaking around the country and continuing to consult with CEOs and entrepreneurs. And I’m starting the outline for my next book!
Where can people find out more about you and your work?
Website: www.juliecroppgareleck.com
Read My Book: Dare to Become
Listen to My Podcast: Aspire to Be