MEET: Harbor Financial, A Model Business for Mother and Daughters
When Lynne Mills started Harbor Financial Group, she simply wanted a job that let her balance family and work. Now, 30 years later, she’s built a legacy that includes two of her daughters.
“It’s the fulfillment of a dream I didn’t even know I had,” she said.
Harbor Financial Group is a woman-owned, woman-run business that provides custom employee benefits packages for businesses. It’s a business Mills ran from home while raising her four children, then expanded once they went to college. Now, Harbor Financial Group has some 100 business clients, as well as individuals. Some of her clients have been with her since she was pregnant with her first child, who is now 29.
Mills didn’t expect to share the business with her children, however. They have all gone on to their own careers. Then came the day when her daughter, Kaely Christensen, got tired of the commute to Orlando.
“Her husband suggested she come work with me. We decided to give it 90 days and see how it worked out,” Mills said.
Christensen, 29, said she went in not expecting much, just taking it just a few months at a time.
“But at a year, I honestly could not see myself anywhere else,” she said.
Christensen is now one of two brokers working under Mills. Mills said that Christensen continues to impress her — and their clients — with her poise and composure.
Mills recalled one meeting with high-level lawyers they took together.
“I was intimidated, but [Christensen] spoke with composure and wisdom, and one of the lawyers called her astute and very impressive.”
Christensen said working with her mother has been a meaningful experience: “I always knew my mom was a fantastic entrepreneur and a really savvy businessperson. She elevates the relationships in the business so much and it’s put everything in perspective for me.”
Mills’ other daughter, Kassidy LaMarre, 27, joined the team last year.
LaMarre never planned to work for her mom, choosing instead a nursing career. However, when her son was born, she realized she wanted to have what her mother had.
“I saw how she was able to raise us and do her work on her own time and have a really successful career,” LaMarre said.
Her mother inspired her, and since Harbor Financial Group was looking for someone in customer service, she gladly took the opportunity. LaMarre works in the evenings from home so she can spend her days with her 2-year-old. She’s also expecting her second child.
Mills said LaMarre has done an excellent job in her new role.
“It takes her 10 minutes to do what takes me an hour and a half! She makes us look good.”
Mills is glad she made the career choice she did three decades ago.
“I realized this was a really cool business model I could pass on to young ladies who want to start a family and have a career. I never imagined that this business model would be passed on to my own daughters. It’s icing on the cake.”
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