Press & Speaking Engagements

September, 2007, Ann Arbor News
It's not all about tech businesses
One of the most interesting moments at last week's Impact event sponsored by the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce came when Sharon McRill, owner of The Betty Brigade, posed this question for speaker Mike Finney, CEO of Ann Arbor Spark, the area's economic development agency:
What does Spark do for service-oriented, non-tech businesses?

>> Read the complete article. (pdf file/9kb)
July, 2007, Ann Arbor Business Review
Supprt Networks Mae the Difference
The importance of a support network to a business cannot be stressed enough. Businesses have achieved much more with a strong network in their corner than they ever could without one. "I believe that small businesses, collectively, are the heart of a community," says Alan Lapczynski, CPA and a principal at Yeo & Yeo. "To keep this heart pumping and retain vital signs of business life, a support network is critical to ensure the success and growth of small businesses and the community in which they provide goods and services.
>> Read the complete article. (pdf file/14kb)
January, 2007, New York Times
Um, Like Call in the Speech Coach
Sharon McRill was mentioned in an article entitled "Um, Like Call in the Speech Coach" of the New York Times Business section.
>> Read the complete article. (pdf/114kb)
January, 2007, Strut Magazine
New Order (For a Hobby, that Is)

The usual organizing solutions don't always apply to craft rooms. Throwing out what you don't use in a year? What about the hundreds of yards of fabric a sewer stockpiles over the years? And what about the sewing magazines and pattern books needed for inspiration?

>> Read the complete article on the Strut Magazine Website.
October 5-11, 2006, Business Review
Tidying Up Shouldn't Be Overwhelming

There are so many organizing shows on television; it's difficult not to be swept into the frenzy. Even going to your favorite retailer gives rise to finding a better way to sort your "stuff." Rest assured, it is rare to find homes where people have a place for all of their things (and, more importantly, can find them).
>> Read the complete article. (pdf file/10kb)
September 22, 2006, The Ann Arbor News
Truly odd jobs The Betty Brigade has seen it all - the disgusting, the weird, the illicit

Sharon McRill doesn't care if you call her Betty, just as long as you call her when you need someone to plan a party, help conquer your overstuffed closets or wait for the cable guy while you're at work. McRill's full-service concierge business, the Betty Brigade, takes on a broad spectrum of odd jobs - some more odd than others - in and around Ann Arbor.
>> Read the complete article. (pdf file/25kb)
September 7-13, 2006, Business Review
A service to society

Catering to over-scheduled families, affluent executives and other companies, scores of Ann Arbor service firms are becoming thriving businesses themselves. Even so, perhaps they're not earning their due measure or respect.

Like other entrepreneurs in service industries, Sharon McRill, founder of The Betty Brigade, a personal assistance firm, would like to see the sector receive more recognition.
>> Read the complete article. (pdf file/26kb)
December 15-21 2005, Business Review
Betty Brigade now in moving business

The Betty Brigade's motto is simply to "help make people's lives easier." That formula has helped make the Ann Arbor company prosper since it was founded in 2003 by current president Sharon McRill. And with most successful companies, growth is usually followed by expansion.
>> Read the complete article. (pdf file/15kb)
July 21-27, 2005, Business Review
My Gal Friday meets a practical need

What started as a way to make ends meet until she landed work has now turned into thriving business for Sharon McRill.

McRill, owner and founder of My Gal Friday, a full service personal assistance/concierge business, started her company in 2003 after her position at Borders.com was eliminated.

While she was looking for jobs, she started My Gal Friday to supplement her income.
>> Read the complete article. (pdf file/15kb)
January 19, 2005, Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce
Sharon McRill was a featured speaker at the Ann Arbor Chamber's monthly program, Morning Edition. Sharon explained how she traded in a corporate life and set up a business where she could better use her organization skills to help people be happier and more organized. The audience learned how My Gal Friday can make you a more productive person.
November 7, 2004, The Ann Arbor News
"My Gal Friday" finds flying solo worth the risk
Entrepreneur's daunting leap is paying off
"Once upon a time, I made a list of all the things I knew how to do," Sharon McRill states in a brochure for her business. "After some growing pains and lots of planning, My Gal Friday was created."
Sounds simple, right? And for those of us who fantasize about starting our own business, we want to believe it's that straight-forward: Think of an idea, then make it happen.
But like most entrepreneurs, Sharon's saga is far more complicated - and interesting - than two sentences can capture. And her journey provides a model, of sorts, on how to get a small business off the ground...
>> Read the complete article. (pdf file/32kb)
November 2004, Ann Arbor Regional Business-to-Business
Sharon McRill owner of My Gal Friday was presented the Outstanding Business Growth for 2004 Award by the Women Business Owners of Southeast Michigan at their annual awards dinner in October. My Gal Friday is a personal assistance and concierge company that handles everything from pet care and painting to organizing and event planning. My Gal Friday recently completed a contract for the Ryder Cup Tournament for greeting guests to the tournament.
October 24, 2004, The Detroit News
Business Diary: My Gal Friday, Ann Arbor, was honored by the Women Business Owners of Southeast Michigan with the Outstanding Business Growth for 2004 Award.
June 24, 2004, The Detroit News
My Gal Friday, Ann Arbor, celebrated its first anniversary by appointing a board of advisors The board includes: Gary Hessenaur, CPA, Gary Hessenaur Accounting; Julie Kruze, attorney, Law Offices of Julie Kruze; Jim Libs, president, Mundus & Mundus Insurance; Jerry Mangona, financial advisor, Edward Jones; Brandy Telfer, business banking representative, TCF Bank; Diane Durance, founder, Home Run Services; Barb Shoffner, business consultant; Ron Hingst, president/CEO, PR Services Inc., and Wendy Lynn, small business consultant. >> Read the article on The Detroit News