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Featured WBE Interview
Linda Wittman, President

DreamHouse Publishing

Tell us a little bit about DreamHouse Publishing.
DreamHouse Publishing is a niche market publisher specializing in targeted
online bookstores for organizations and corporations. As we have relationships with every major publishing house, we can offer titles catering to any group. We have achieved success by understanding diverse audiences then sourcing and providing the books and resources that satisfy their needs and desires. Over the years those skills have served us particularly well as we’d gained unique expertise with working women and women over 40. We are presently in the process of developing Book of the Month discussion groups for several of our clients. And we are spinning off mini-conferences beginning with our You Have Runway™ in Orlando on May 21 for this Women’s Business Development Council. More information will be released on this shortly and it will be an exciting and fulfilling day full of tangible information for the 40+ woman who wishes to reinvent herself. You can
visit www.youhaverunway.com for registration and information.

What made you go into this business?

I have a background as Managing Editor of a magazine. My father wrote a 33-page book called Skill With People which has sold over 10 million copies. It’s a little widget of a book that took on a life of its own and, according to many people, has been instrumental in changing their lives. As my father aged and lost touch, the illegal pirating of his copyrighted book became so outrageous that if something was not done quickly, the family would lose the right to enforce the copyright. So, I stepped in, hired the Pinkerton Company to compile proof, and filed 3 Copyright Infringement lawsuits in Federal Court. We received sizeable settlements and brought the piracy under control. I brought my father’s books to DreamHouse Publishing and then bought the company. I changed the business model and have been very pleased with our direction and progress. Our focus is hitting the mark and I am enjoying the work immensely. I am 62 and have never felt more alive.

What has been the worst or the biggest obstacle you’ve faced or had to overcome?

On the business side, it has been financing the company during the period of time
when we changed our business model and there was a gap where our original source
of income dried up while we were developing our new model and making it profitable.
Until the new model was proven, there were doubts and worries about the decision.

On the personal side, when I was in my late 30’s, I developed a malignant sarcoma in the triceps muscle of my right arm and faced amputation and a 40% chance of survival. I was able to find a great Doctor at Columbia Presbyterian in NYC who not only saved my arm, but was able to reconstruct it after chemo and radiation saved my life. I can almost
fully function although I don’t trot around in sleeveless clothes or bathing suits.

What had been your biggest triumph?

Well, it would have to be beating cancer and then, of course, landing the WBENC Bookstore! And I hope that everyone will visit the Bookstore that can be found on the WBENC website (www.WBENC.org) by clicking on Marketplace on the left sidebar. Not only are the books discounted, but there are great selections targeted to members. And purchasing from the Bookstore benefits WBENC.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Stop chasing bad business…I was like a terrier; once I started after something, I was only concerned about achieving it; and it was not always good for business.

Is there anyone who inspired you and why?

Rose Kennedy and the way she handled the tragedies in her life.

What is the best book you ever read and would recommend?

My father’s Skill With People, of course! It does not contain earth-shattering revelations but rather reinforces the basics of what we should all be practicing. And many of the younger generations have not been taught these skills and need them to succeed and be happy in life. And then Winning Nice by Dawna Stone. Both can be found at the WBENC Bookstore.

What is your favorite quote?

“I hope that you will have the strength to bear the inevitable difficulties in life. Bear them with dignity and without self-pity. Knowing that tragedies befall everyone, and that although one may seem singled out for special sorrows, that is not really so; that worse things have happened many times to others in the world, and that it is not tears but determination that makes pain bearable. I hope that you will comprehend that the span of any life is short and that all the days and hours are precious. I hope that you will live life fully while you are alive, in all the dimensions of both its duties and its beauties.”
Rose Kennedy

What are your goals now and where do you see yourself going?

My goals are to make DreamHouse Publishing as successful as possible and to continue to work as long as possible because is keeps me young.

How has being a member of the WBDC and WBENC helped you?

These associations have been immensely helpful in finding our focus and then providing the network and contacts to implement our business model successfully. I hadn’t been part of women’s advocacy since the 70’s when I was appointed the first female officer of a stuffy Philadelphia bank and was thrust into the role. It’s been fun reconnecting with a sisterhood at this stage of my life.

Please don't forget to visit our upcoming event website:  You Have Runway at www.youhaverunway.com.

What do you want to be remembered for?

Being generous, kind and funny.

How does someone get in contact with you at DreamHouse Publishing?

Email me!
Linda Wittman
Linda@hgml.net