We’re looking forward to introducing you to Heidi Gregory-Judd. Check out our conversation below.
Heidi, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’ve been in business for seven years now and I think for the first few years I was “wandering” – or rather “flying by the seat of my pants all over the place” – rather than striding purposefully forward. I had long and short term goals, of course, but very little idea of how to implement them and absolutely no time to work it all out. I’m also not the most patient of people, which didn’t help at all.
No one was more surprised than I was when I started a small business all those years ago and, bearing in mind that I do not have any kind of business background whatsoever, I had intended it to be just that – a SMALL business. But seven years later I have over 2,000 customers!
Through mentorshps, courses, and experience however, I have learnt invaluable skills over the years, relating to all elements of business, but particularly Strategic Planning, Time Management, and Financial Literacy. As Tom Hanks once said, “If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. It’s the hard that makes it great” and boy, running my business and looking after my family at the same time is REALLY hard! But definitely great.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Heidi Gregory-Judd and I own Spick & Span Trash Cans.
I started the company in 2018 with my brother Adam, but sadly he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s Disease a couple of years ago so I now run the company on my own. This makes the company very personal to me, and extra special, as its something that we built and grew together, and his love and enthusiasm for it drives me every day.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My father, Tom Gregory.
He was also a small business owner and the most hard-working person I’ve ever known. Even now, at 83 and supposedly retired, he works tirelessly for vol.untary and community organisations.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Many times! Especially since my brother got sick and I’ve been on my own.
I’m a pretty strong person but there have been days when everything has seemed to go wrong and I haven’t been able to see the woods for the trees, and I’ve questioned myself as an employer or a business woman many times. Fortunately, I have a great family and wonderful friends, who are all very good at giving me a shake and not letting me feel sorry for myself. I get back up, brush myself down, and get on with it. Usually the following day is brighter.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My family.
I’ve been happily married for thirty years and I have three wonderful sons. I’m also lucky enough to still have my parents, and my brother of course.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Working!
Lifes too short.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spickandspantrashcans.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spickandspantrashcans/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-gregory-judd-6387a8186/
- Twitter: https://x.com/SpickSpanTrash
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spickandspantrashcans
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXDJ_39eZOgVOrflJoaeJSg
