Contract Number: GS-07F-9324S
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Trailblazer
From The Birmingham News Wednesday, April 27, 2005
K-Chem Founder Gets Award From Women’s GroupBy Sherri C. Goodman, News Staff Writer Karen Halpern is a self described workaholic. The founder of K-Chem, Inc. at one point in her career allowed herself only three hours of sleep each night because running a business and a family demanded so much of her time. “I need another me,” said the 56-year- old Halpern, late one evening as she gulped a cup of coffee before finishing some more work. All her work seems to have paid off, as the company, which supplies cleaning and maintenance products, has steadily expanded and now has a range of clients all over the country. Its internet business is drawing interest overseas, and K-Chem, which counts the Anniston Army Depot as one of its customers, is working on landing more government contracts. Halpern was one of five business owners who received the Trailblazer Award last week from the Birmingham chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. Female role models Strong female role models have always been a part of Halpern’s life. She is a fourth-generation female breadwinner. Her mother, Evelyn Allen, founded Evelyn Allen Productions. Allen, who, according to NAWBO, developed Parisian’s “You’re Somebody Special” ad campaign, received the group’s Pioneer Award. Oddly enough, Halpern launched her own business just as her mother was getting ready to retire. It worked out to Halpern’s advantage. Her mother helped her build a list of potential clients and even passed her office furniture on to Halpern, so she could set up a home office. But Allen’s influence on K-Chem goes beyond furnishings and client lists, Halpern said. “She taught me you don’t mix business with pleasure; customer service is No. 1 and good manners are extremely important;” Halpern said. She also instilled the importance of making time for family. Allen always had time for her children and husband, even if it meant staying up to 2 a.m. to finish her work. Halpern recalled. So Halpern made sure she ate dinner with her family every night, and made herself available to them to help out with homework or anything else. And in return, her husband and sons helped her build the business. “Harmony is the core of our family and our business,” she said. For More Information Contact:
P.O. Box 530632 Birmingham, Alabama 35253-0632 USA Tel: 205-592-0844 FAX: 205-592-8106 Internet: info@k-chem.com
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