At Hollaway Environmental + Communications Services, we believe in creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. That’s not just a statement—it’s a practice we live by every day. This Women's History Month, we’re excited to highlight the incredible women who lead our company: Leslie Hollaway, Claire Garvin, and Jennifer Smith. Their leadership isn’t just about guiding our company to success; it’s about creating a space where every voice matters, every challenge is met with resilience, and every team member is empowered to grow.
Leslie Hollaway: The Leap of Hope
For Leslie, becoming the owner of Hollaway in 2016 wasn’t just about taking on a business—it was about building a future. As a single mother, Leslie wanted to create a legacy for her daughters. “Hope was my primary motivator,” Leslie shares. “I knew I had to take a big risk to take care of my girls.” Armed with determination and a quote by Ray Bradbury that resonated with her deeply, she dove into entrepreneurship: “You’ve got to jump off cliffs all the time and build your wings on the way down.”
Leslie took a bold step in purchasing Hollaway, becoming its new owner after more than a decade of working there. It was a decision driven by a clear vision of what the company could become, and a deep desire to create a space where others could thrive. "I knew that taking ownership would not only provide for my family but also allow me to shape the company into something truly meaningful for our team," Leslie explains.
The challenges she faced were immense—everything from cash flow and staffing issues to battling imposter syndrome. But she never let those obstacles define her. “I overcame each challenge by ditching my ego and asking for help,” she says. Leslie’s willingness to lean on others and empower her team created the foundation for Hollaway’s growth and success.
For Leslie, the most significant milestone came in 2021, when Claire and Jennifer became co-owners of Hollaway. “Hollaway would not be the company it is today without Claire and Jennifer’s leadership, courage, creativity, and commitment,” Leslie reflects. This partnership was a testament to the strength of collaboration and mutual respect.
Claire Garvin: Leading with Collaboration
Claire joined Hollaway in 2016 as the Director of Environmental Services, and from day one, she was drawn to the company’s vision. Over the years, she has played a key role in expanding the team, implementing operational efficiencies, and most recently, transitioning into the role of COO. “From my very first conversation with Leslie, I knew this was where I wanted to be,” Claire recalls.
Her leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration and openness. “Success comes from surrounding yourself with the best and brightest,” she says. At Hollaway, that mindset is embedded in the culture. Whether she’s leading the company’s growth or listening to her team, Claire always values the collective expertise that everyone brings to the table.
Through the ups and downs, Claire’s belief in collaboration has remained a cornerstone of her leadership style. “One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that success comes from being open to learning from others,” Claire shares. It’s a value she’s instilled in the company’s culture and leadership practices, creating an environment where everyone has a seat at the table and a voice that is heard.
Jennifer Smith: Empowering People for Success
Jennifer’s journey at Hollaway began in 2016 as the Business Manager. At the time, the company had a small team and needed someone to manage the day-to-day operations. Jennifer stepped in to help lay the groundwork for the business’s future success. “From HR to accounting, I ensured the office kept moving forward,” she explains.
Over time, Jennifer’s role evolved, and she became the Chief People Officer, focusing on recruiting and developing talent. “I’ve always approached leadership by treating people as human beings first,” Jennifer says. Her leadership style is rooted in empathy and respect, which has helped foster a culture of growth, support, and professional development.
For Jennifer, the biggest challenge early in her career was balancing work and being a single mom, but she learned to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome. “I learned that how I was treated was not a reflection of me,” she says. Her journey serves as a reminder that every woman deserves to feel empowered and confident in her role, no matter the obstacles.
A Unified Vision for Success
Together, Leslie, Claire, and Jennifer form a leadership team that is greater than the sum of its parts. They bring different strengths to the table, but what unites them is a shared vision for Hollaway’s success. “Our leadership team is built on a foundation of trust and respect,” Claire explains. “We challenge each other and ensure every decision we make is thoughtful and strategic.”
This unity is key to Hollaway’s success. By fostering open communication, embracing diverse perspectives, and staying focused on their shared mission, they have created a workplace where innovation and growth thrive. “The best ideas come from collaboration at all levels,” Claire says. “We believe in creating a culture that supports growth for both our team and the company.”
Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders
Leslie, Claire, and Jennifer’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when women support and empower one another. Their leadership is driven by a commitment to not only the success of Hollaway but also the success of the people they lead. Their stories are an inspiration to all women, showing that with courage, perseverance, and collaboration, anything is possible.
