Here’s the thing, and I know it sounds bad: I was never a kid person until my friends started having them. For the past few years though, I’ve been getting to know some of these tiny humans and as it turns out, some of them are really freaking cute. If I think they’re adorable, I can only imagine how their parents feel.
My friend Stephanie, who I often refer to as my “PR fairy godmother” because she taught me pretty much everything I know about public relations in Chicago, has a little boy named Max who was in the NICU for the first few weeks of his life. While today Max is thriving (and let me tell you, he’s one well dressed toddler), other families who spent time in the NICU are not so lucky.
Chicago power couple Carrie and Terry Meghie lost their son Jackson after a 10-month battle with a chronic lung condition. After he passed away, Carrie and Terry asked themselves what they could do to help other families with children in the NICU, families like Stephanie’s.
The answer was immediate: ease the burden of the astounding parking fees that are preventing too many families from visiting their children.
Carrie and Terry started the Jackson Chance Foundation to enrich the lives of families with babies in the NICU by allowing them to spend more time with their baby. At a time in my life where a lot of my friends and relatives are having children, the importance of the Meghies’ work is incredibly palpable. The work they do is simple: they make it possible for families to spend time together. Seeing firsthand what a difference that has made in a good friend’s life is really unique and special.
Carrie Meghie, answered a few questions for us, as she’s truly an inspiring person who has a lot to share. Did I mention, she’s also incredibly humble? By day, this super woman is co-president Becker Ventures, GM of Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, co-owner of Mr. Brown’s Lounge & Becker Entertainment and co-founder & board chair of the Jackson Chance Foundation.
What was your first job out of college?
Marketing for a custom art studio in the West Loop. It was a very small company with less than 5 total employees. I loved the ability to work directly with the owner, I was able to take initiative and try my ideas. I was the entire marking department which meant I had to figure everything out by myself with no real support. It was pre-internet so my resources were limited. It was a challenge at the time but also a blessing.
What led you to what you’re doing now? Which, I should say, makes me tired just to think about it!
All my current roles go back to family. Mr. Brown’s Lounge was created by myself, my husband and his brother. The hotel is owned by my family and my father drafted me years ago into the hospitality arena. The Jackson Chance Foundation was founded by me and my husband in honor of our son Jackson, who passed away in 2012.
So, how do you start each day?
I start each and every day with my two year-old Maxson while my husband is getting his older brother ready and off to school. We wake up, read, & make breakfast together. From there, having so many ventures I truly do not have a typical day. Being an entrepreneur and having a vested interest in all the businesses work is truly 24/7. My schedule is very flexible, but I have a lot on my plate between family, work & the foundation and must be creative in finding time to get things done. I work from the office, from home, from my car, on my phone in the middle of the night. Whatever it takes!
Well, you must take some breaks to eat! What is your favorite meal for lunch?
Pizza for any meal.
What is your favorite thing to cook or bake for guests?
My “famous” island style Mac & Cheese from Mr. Brown’s Lounge. It’s rooted in my husband’s grandmother’s recipe with some of my special tweaks.
It’s 5:00 p.m. on a Friday. What’s in your glass?
At this point in my life, water. Yes, very boring but true.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
It’s better to be effective than right.
