Ann grew up in a large family of nine children in Brighton, Colorado. “I think the best gifts my parents gave us were unconditional love and how to have fun at work. Work is not a bad four letter word; it’s wonderful. It gives you a great sense of accomplishment. As kids, my mother always made sure that there was a project for us to do, and our job was to get it done, enjoy it and have fun while we were doing it. We never had a “kids” table at our house. The kids were always involved in whatever was going on. We’d talk about everything from politics, to religion, to what’s going on in the world. There was always healthy discussion. We’d sit up for hours and hours, especially with five of us going to college at the same time; we’d all come home and it was “wow!” There was always so much catching up to do.”
Ann believes in the saying, “you do what you have to do.” She says, “I think so many people today are dependent on someone else to provide for them and I’m happy I was able to learn how to be self-sufficient.” Obviously, it paid off; Ann has a very successful career.”
As President/Owner of Sunnyside Tempside, Ann has created a business that she loves. It’s my life’s work. I help people put food on the table and a roof over their head by putting them to work. I began my career right out of college working at recruitment firm because I couldn’t find any other job. I started by answering the phone. Eventually I went into placement but I didn’t know it was straight commission. My first paycheck was for thirty dollars before taxes. I thought ‘I have to get out of here,’ but my father told me if I ran away from the job, I would run away from everything else in life. He told me to conquer the job and then decide if I wanted to stay in the business or not. I stayed for ten years and really enjoyed the work. When I decided to go out on my own in 1975, I started with a card table, a chair, a telephone and a telephone book. Thirty years later, I’m still here. I enjoy it a lot and the job has been very good to me. My office staff lives by the philosophy, “There’s dignity in all work and there’s dignity in all people.”
Do you have a favorite childhood story? What is it? I had 8 siblings and couldn’t begin to have a favorite story.
How do you like to spend your free time? I like to spend a lot of time with family and my husband. I like playing in the yard, spending time playing golf, being with friends and good conversation.
What’s important in your life? My family – basic human values. There is dignity in all people and all work; they deserve respect.
What’s in your future? Having more personal time.
What are your volunteer activities? I’ve been on the Denver Center for Performing Arts for about twelve years. I also sit on the advisory board for Wells Fargo out of San Francisco. I was president of the NAWBO Denver Chapter for two years and sat on the Denver Chamber of Commerce board, the United Way board, the advisory board for Bank One and many others over the past thirty years. We are corporate sponsors for Donor Awareness, poster contest. I also work with Hispanic women organizations and I mentor in all areas: students, business owners, employees, etc. As I get older, my emphasis is on education; making sure that minorities are educated and get into good careers.
Which social event is your favorite? Saturday Night A Live at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
Favorite restaurant? Little Anita’s New Mexican Food (very casual dining)
Who is the most interesting celebrity you have ever met? Eleanor Roosevelt/Ronald Reagan
If your life were a movie, whom would you want to play your part? Sigourney Weaver
Do you have any pets? No; but I would love a dog.
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner about you? There was a lot of love in the air. It was a place of peace and comfort.
What word describes you best? Generous
How would you like others to describe you? I really don’t care.
What was your first job? Working in the fields near Brighton.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? I am very impatient.
What trait do you most deplore in others? People who are judgmental.
What is your greatest indulgence? My family.
What type of clothes do you like? Tailored with a flair and lots of color.
What is the best gift you’ve given? Helping people recognize their goals.
What is the best gift you’ve received? My sister’s used kidney.
What or who is the great love of your life? My husband, mother and sisters.
What is your current state of mind? Positive with a lot of energy.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Establishing and owning a very successful company, which enables me to give back to our community.
What is your most treasured possession? I’m not really attached to material possessions.
What is the quality you most like in a man? Gentleness and a sense of humor.
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Strong of character and decisiveness.
Favorite books/writers? Rain of Gold; like all kinds of writers, have no favorites.
What is the best advice you have ever received? Success comes not from what you like to do or from what you want to do, but from doing what you have to do.
Do you have a motto? Just do it! Or Get over it!
What’s the funniest thing that‘s happened to you? Can’t remember --- there are several.
If you could come back in another lifetime, what/who would you like to be? And why? I would like to come back with Carol Channing’s legs and Beverly Sills voice, because I was cheated; I have neither – no voice and fat legs.
What are your hobbies? Other interests? None in particular. I enjoy work, reading, golf, some travel and friends.
Who is your mentor? I learn from everyone. My best mentor was my previous boss – Rene Smith.
What would you most like to be remembered for? For being fair.
If you could go anywhere and do anything, what would it be? I like where I am right now!
What do you like about the town you live in? I like everything… The people, the weather and seasons, the mountains.
