Nancy Gurney founded Opportunity Services in 1973 when she saw the needs in her community for equal opportunities for all individuals. The company’s mission is to aid people with disabilities to make meaningful and impactful contributions to the community. This is done through helping adults find purposeful jobs and activities around them. Nancy and her company focus on each individual’s abilities and talents to match them with jobs and activities that are perfect for them. Nancy, we are thankful for the work you do! Please take a moment to read below and learn more about Nancy yourself!

1. In three words, describe the essence of your business.
The essence of our business is community contributions.

2. What’s one unexpected lesson entrepreneurship has taught you?
It's essential to have a vision that is compelling and engaging.

3. Was there a defining moment when you knew this business was your path? Tell us about it.
I knew it was my path with a 4 year old who was blind and deaf and struggling to be part of the world.

4. What’s a sacrifice you made that was harder than you expected?
I don't know that I made any sacrifices as my road was hard work but I had so much support from the people with disabilities and their families.

5. If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice before starting this journey, what would it be?
Stay the course with your vision always measuring the rightness of the direction.

6. What fuels you on the tough days?
On the tough days what fuels me is the stash of thank you notes from the people I helped along the road. That keeps me going.

7. What does success look like to you beyond the bottom line?
Success is the lives of people who have become self sufficient and having the life they dreamed of as a part of their community.

8. Who has been your biggest supporter or source of inspiration along the way?
My biggest supporter has always been my husband and the source of inspiration are the people who needed a new way to get the their goals.

9. What’s one thing people can do today to better support women-owned businesses?
Supporting anyone in business is to welcome new ideas and ways of doing business.