As mothers, wives and entrepreneurs these women of the bay all have what it takes to make it in today’s complex, hurry up world. They are all fearless, look great and love spending time on the water. And as we close in on our one year anniversary, we are proud to recognize their accomplishments. Here are your 2014 Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine Women of the Bay.
Ruthie Lambert
Occupation: Owner of Blackburn Marine
Where did you grow up and when did you come to the Bay Area?
I was born in Clear Lake Shores and I have lived in the Bay Area all of my life.
What inspired you to choose the profession you’re in?
My father started building sailboats in the mid 1960’s along with my older brother. Eventually all five kids joined the family business. I guess you can say it is in my blood. Following in my father’s footsteps and being successful in what I do, is what drives me everyday.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love racing our J/22 with my son Casey and pretty much anything to do with water sports. I love paddleboarding, swimming and taking evening cruises around the bay and lake on our Boston Whaler. Most of all, I love being a mother to four children, a grandmother to two granddaughters and a wife to my husband of 36 years.
What is something that people may not know about you?
In 1976, I was part of the winning U.S. Women’s Sailing Championship, known as the Adam’s Cup. Our team was Ellen Gerloff, Janie Baldridge, alternate Rita Mathews and myself.
Joyce Lurie Maxwell
Occupation: Attorney
Where did you grow up and when did you come to the Bay Area?
I was Born in Paducah, Kentucky and grew up across the river in Metropolis, Illinois (Home of Superman and the Daily Planet); I moved to Texas in 1972, Houston in 1975 and the Bay Area in 1989.
What inspired you to choose the profession you’re in?
Friends encouraged me to pursue law as a career; issues continue to challenge me.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Spend time on the water; sailing, kayaking, cruising or just messing around.
What is something that people may not know about you?
Horseback riding was my passion as a youngster, my favorite pet was a goat named Prancey and I grew up shooting trap on Sunday afternoons.
Mary Evans Hoepfner
Occupation: Partner – Marburger’s Sporting Goods
Where did you grow up and when did you come to the Bay Area?
I was born in Houston and moved to Bacliff, Texas when I was seven-years-old. We came to our bay house every summer and my mom finally said she was not going back to the rat race. I spent my twenties living in Houston, until 1984, when I married Todd and moved to Seabrook.
What inspired you to choose the profession you’re in?
I didn’t really choose to be in the hunting and fishing business; it just happened. I was in accounting for many years. Our family bought Marburger’s in 2003 and here I am. I have learned a lot about hunting and fishing through trial and error. I love the people who come in our store; they always have a story to tell. We truly have the best customers in the world.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love to shop, travel and do work in my church.
What is something that people may not know about you?
I love to drive fast. I’ve also had a dachshund all of my life. I went to the Walk to Emmaus, Walk #26.
Jackie Powell
Occupation: Owner of Jackie’s Brickhouse
Where did you grow up and when did you come to the Bay Area?
I grew up on a small farm in Cleveland, Texas. I came to the Bay Area in 2009.
What inspired you to choose the profession you’re in?
I enjoy meeting people, socializing and being involved with the community. What better way to do that than to own a restaurant and bar? Jackie’s is a large place but we still have our little “Cheers” group, people I know and have made friends with over the last three years and the group grows every day. We also work with the local businesses, schools and community as much as we can.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
FISHING! So much so, I started a “Ladies” only fishing tournament in April of last year. We had a awesome response from the ladies that fish, local businesses and sponsors. Everyone loved it and this year is going to be even better.
What is something that people may not know about you?
This is a hard question because I’m a fairly open person. Most of my family and friends know me well. But I guess I would have to say it would be that I’m a country girl at heart. There is a reason they call me a southern bell.
Liz Little
Occupation: Along with my husband Kent Little, I am the owner of Little Yacht Sales and Texas Power Yachts.
Where did you grow up and when did you come to the Bay Area?
I grew up in Corpus Christi and Port Aransas, Texas and I moved to the Clear Lake Area in 1989.
What inspired you to choose the profession you’re in?
Well, Kent has been in the boat business for almost 30 years, and I have been fortunate to be able to join him since he went out on his own to open LYS and TPY. I will say what inspires me to be a part of this profession are the great people I get to work with every day. Our business is more like family and friends than associates and customers.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I like to garden, sail, read, and hang out with Kent, my kids and my dogs.
What is something that people may not know about you?
While Kent and I are sailors, I grew up offshore fishing for fun and in tournaments with my dad, Jerry Webb, throughout the summers along the Texas coast.
Bella Walker
Occupation: Redfish Island Marine Boat Captain
Where did you grow up and when did you come to the Bay Area?
I grew up here.
What inspired you to choose the profession you’re in?
I love being on the water.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I like playing water polo.
What is something that people may not know about you?
I’m a certified Scuba Diver.
