This fall, we asked locals to nominate Hunterdon County’s biggest Movers & Shakers. With dozens of amazing stories, our accomplished judges had their work cut out for them when it came to narrowing down the Top 10 Movers & Shakers of 2014!
With the official results in, we’re going to be taking a closer look at each winner and sharing their incredible stories.
Next up, meet Wendy Richardson, the owner of Software School Design & Training who has also devoted hundreds of hours to revitalizing Flemington. Hailed by locals as an energetic contributor full of clever ideas, Wendy has played integral roles in creating the mural to cover the front of the Union Hotel on Main Street as well as the creation of town-wide music festivals called Thursday Night Lights.
Hunterdon Happening: What motivates you every morning?
Wendy Richardson: Several things motivate me to get out of bed. Seeing my 2 high school kids off to school, playing with my dog Max, having coffee with my husband Will, working out, and going to work. I love what I do both at work and for downtown Flemington.
Hunterdon Happening: What would you say is your idea of a perfect day?
Wendy Richardson: First, it has to be warm. I’m very high energy so a perfect day would be packed with activities – going for a run, helping out a friend or family member, gardening, cooking, and ending with an outdoor potluck at my house
Hunterdon Happening: Who do inspires you?
Wendy Richardson: I’m inspired by creative, thoughtful, energetic, motivated, entrepreneurial people
Hunterdon Happening: How did you decide to go into your business/profession?
Wendy Richardson: I was working as an engineer when my office got a personal computer. (This was 1986!) I would stay late to use the graphics software and printer and soon realized I had a knack for learning and teaching software. I left to start a software training and graphic design business soon after that (much to my parents’ chagrin.) I’ve never looked back.
Hunterdon Happening: Which achievement are you most proud of?
Wendy Richardson: Raising two fun, kind, athletic, empathetic, mindful young adults.
Hunterdon Happening: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Wendy Richardson: I’ve had a pretty charmed life so my challenges have been minor compared to most people. My parents’ divorce plus my move from Georgia to New Jersey at 23 are probably the biggest challenges I’ve experienced.
Hunterdon Happening: What is the biggest accomplishment that you’d like to achieve over the next 5 years?
Wendy Richardson: I’d like to be part of a team of people who really revitalize downtown Flemington to a thriving, artsy, beautiful destination.
Hunterdon Happening: How do you think your friends & coworkers would describe you?
Wendy Richardson: Passionate, motivated, giving, nuts
Hunterdon Happening: Where’s your favorite place to go in Hunterdon County?
Wendy Richardson: I really like going to the Delaware river and especially like the bridge behind the Prallsville Mill in Stockton and the bridge to Lumberville at Bull’s Island.
Hunterdon Happening: If you could go back in time and talk to yourself ten years ago, what advice would you give?
Wendy Richardson: When you move, choose a smaller house because you’ll be in it less as your children get older. And… find balance with technology starts to become a major part of your life.
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