Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Reger.
Hi Anna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in one of Houston’s poorest neighborhoods and am the oldest of seven children. At a young age, my father lost his eyesight to a rare illness and couldn’t work any longer, so my mother worked multiple jobs to keep our lights on and food on the table.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I dropped out of school after 8th grade and found work at a foster home, caring for children with disabilities. Unfortunately, I was then in multiple tragic car accidents which left me seriously injured and on the verge of death. I underwent numerous surgeries and dealt with many difficult health challenges. These experiences instilled in me a deep humility and gratitude for life that I carry with me to this day.
I decided I wanted to become a nurse and help others, so I earned my GED, then earned an associate degree in science from Houston Community College and later a Bachelor of Science from the University of Houston. I figured out how much time it would take for me to continue with nursing education and took some business classes, knowing I would need to work and couldn’t fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse.
It was then that I started in business, starting one after another, from products to real estate, learning all the ins and outs.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Flip Lok?
As parents of six children, my husband and I could not continue sitting around waiting for someone else to come up with a solution to active threat situations in schools and elsewhere. We talked about this idea for years before realizing no one else was going to act. No one else was coming up with a simple solution for our kids. We need to do better for our children and our communities. So we created Flip Lok.
Flip Lok is a door lock that can withstand up to 2,100 pounds of pressure. It can be installed on any inward and outward swinging doors. It is designed to be easy to install and is also available for residential and commercial use. Through Flip Lok, we’ve created a solution that is nonpartisan when it comes to school safety, business safety, and even home safety. We’ve created a locking mechanism that puts power into the hands of not just the teachers, but also the students. Our patented school lock technology is made to be within reach for anyone in a shelter-in-place situation to be able to use. It is ADA compliant, and for the school version, when it is engaged, there is big lettering that says “Call 911” on the lock to remind anyone with a phone to get in touch with emergency responders. There is also an unlocking mechanism for emergency responders or administrators.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the business crisis?
1. You Can’t Please All the People All of the Time. The first words of advice are, “You can’t please all of the people all of the time.” This especially applies to somebody like me who’s kind of a perfectionist and always wants to please everyone. I’m a people pleaser. It is hard when you realize it’s true – you can’t please everyone all the time. For me, it took a while for that to sink in to go, no matter what you’re doing, even if you think it’s for the greater good or you think you have good intentions, there’s somebody somewhere that’s not going to agree with what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. And so, you just must move past that and continue your own mission and your own journey, despite what other people are saying or doing.
2. Believe in Yourself.
The second would be that as a woman in business, you must believe in yourself. Sometimes, it is not easy to just move forward in the world and be taken seriously. Often, potential business partners want John or somebody (preferably a male) to come to a meeting with me. Once, I had this huge presentation meeting with a big corporation; at that time, we were doing website design. I was not only the only woman in the room but the only minority. In a room full of oil and gas, “good ole boys”, I felt I was being pushed around and everybody in the room was so intense. However, I was able to close and sell the deal because I was prepared and confident.
3. Step Into Your Power and Bring Others With You.
The third one is not being afraid to step into your power and own whatever it is that you’re going for. I have a business coach and she is always telling me, “Anna, you’re meant to be in front. You’re meant to step into your power.” I came from a different background, where my dad was blind, and my mom worked. It was just a different dynamic. For me, it was kind of normal, but I also didn’t feel that women had power. So, it took a while for me to register those words and feel that I can step into my power.
I’ve worked with my coach for a long time, and now I understand what she means. You step into your power. You bring other women up with you. How do you do that? Because when you’re at a level up, you can connect and help one person step up a level or two.
It was very powerful for me to realize that if I move forward and I get over my fears or my insecurities, then I can reach back, I can help somebody else. That motivated me to continue to do the work that I’m doing in every business.
Pricing:
- $189.95 inward lock (we offer a lifetime warranty)
- $249.95 outward lock
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fliplok.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fliplokofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlipLokOfficial
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flip-lok/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlipLokUSA
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fliplokofficial.
