Amanda Quick
Owner, The Hatchery
Age: 32

Hometown:

Ashland.

Years lived in Columbia:

10 years

Tell us about your job:

Which part of the day and which one?! As a mom and wife, I do my best to shower my kiddo and husband with endless love and sarcasm and pretend like I have everything taken care of. As the owner of The Hatchery, I help build a space where entrepreneurs can come and be the best person they can be — whether that’s through the community we’re building, a private meeting space to meet a client, a hot cup of coffee, the events we offer, or our child care. We’re creating a space that’s fresh, empowering, and where you know you have no excuses to get s— done. And, of course, I deal with the printer, the credit card processor, the insurance, the bills, and, well, you get the idea.

Who is a mentor in your life and how have they impacted you?

Mary Ropp. First off, when she’s in charge of something, it’s always done at 110 percent. She’s fierce and not afraid to lead. She gave me the green light to pursue this dream. I knew if anyone was going to give it to me straight, it was going to be Mary.

What motivates you?

This is tricky. I would say it’s knowing that I can help someone, whether it’s knowing someone they should know, making their life easier, or just saving them a step in the process they’re going through. That gives me all the warm and fuzzy feels.

What’s your favorite community project?

Thanks to joining Columbia Evening Rotary (shoutout), which has helped fulfill my love of helping others. I’d have to say helping at Coyote Hill [a children’s home north of Columbia] has been my favorite so far. Our group completed a couple projects, but the one I helped with was building a fence for their horse arena. We were not only able to help create a space for their kids to ride, but we saved so much time for their staff, who otherwise would have built it with just two people.

What is the single biggest lesson you’ve learned in business?

Ask more questions and embrace the answer “I don’t know.” That’s two lessons, but they go hand in hand! I had to get over the fear of looking like an idiot because I didn’t know the answer to something. I learned so much more information and learned it so much faster — and saved money. The amazing thing about Columbia: if someone doesn’t know the answer, they’re willing to point you in the right direction.

What is one business goal you have for 2018 and how do you plan to achieve it?

Create a scholarship through The Hatchery. We’ll achieve this by accounting for it in our budget — my bookkeeper is going to love me.

If you could improve one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Better time management. So I’m going to need someone to remove this squirrel I keep seeing!