Featured Interview: Celeste Gleave Founder of Fyvestar, Inc.

By Jessica Cryer | Published January 24, 2008

The following article was written by Startup Princess writer, Jessica Cryer.

Celeste Gleave is the President and founder of FYVE STAR, Inc., a company started in her spare bedroom in 1991. The company started out as a small chemical supplier to local businesses. The first sale was a gallon of hand cleaner to a window installer. Celeste made the sale, picked up and delivered the product. She was excited, but with the motto “no job too difficult, no task too great,” this was only the beginning.With her attention to detail and multi-tasking spirit the company began to grow and is now the sole source supplier to the United States military for runway and aircraft deicers. The company sells to military bases all over the world and now has a long term contract with Homeland Security. But with being known as a “serial entrepreneur” deicing products are only one part of what FYVE STAR, Inc. offers. The company has expanded and now handles general contracting projects and even publishes the Utah Preservation Magazine, the premiere magazine of the division of state and history. FYVE STAR, Inc. continues to outsell their previous quarter earnings proving a record year in 2007 and a promising year in 2008. There is a reason Utah Business Magazine named Celeste in their April 2007 issue as one of the “30 Women to Watch.” Celeste was also a Utah 2007 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year nominee.

Enjoy these Magic Wand tips from Celeste Gleave, Founder and CEO of FYVE STAR, Inc!

The best way for me to de-stress is to take some me time for myself, meaning- exercise, YOGA, gardening, art projects.

Staying organized is something that I am very well known for. I go by the book, I am never late for an appointment, I don’t like for people to sit at my desk and rearrange things, I have one way and that’s my way. Those around me know that is the only acceptable answer.

Communication is KEY. When you run 3 companies, things tend to overlap. There must be a very clear line of communication. Control is a major issue. You must always be in control of what is around you, or at least have the access to control.

One tip that I would give is never let anyone see you appear to lack control of your environment. People see you as a strong, positive, outgoing, IN CONTROL individual, and they believe in you and will follow you. When you let your guard down, people around you notice that and you could become very vulnerable at that moment. Timing and environment is essential. Don’t get me wrong, its nice to relax and have fun, but when you are in a work or professional environment ALWAYS put your best foot forward. DO NOT let people see a weak side of you. They will remember that.

You can’t get to the top if you have people holding you down. Help people move up with you and when the time comes they will be there to push you over the top.

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