Roxie Schescke’s journey as the founder of Indian Eyes LLC is a testament to the power of cultural values in achieving business excellence. As a Native American entrepreneur, Roxie has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination.
Her Lakota heritage has significantly influenced her business approach and leadership style, creating a unique company culture that has enabled Indian Eyes LLC to thrive. From its humble beginnings in a small garage to a successful enterprise with 60 employees, Roxie’s story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
Key Takeaways
- Roxie Schescke’s success story highlights the importance of cultural values in business.
- Indian Eyes LLC has grown significantly under her leadership.
- Her Lakota heritage has shaped the company’s culture and approach.
- Roxie’s journey is an inspiration for entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities.
- The company’s growth trajectory demonstrates Roxie’s resilience and determination.
The Remarkable Journey of a Lakota Entrepreneur
Roxie Schescke’s journey as a Lakota entrepreneur is a testament to her resilience and dedication to her community. As the founder of Indian Eyes LLC, she has embodied the values of her heritage while creating a successful business.
From Humble Beginnings to Business Success
Roxie Schescke’s Lakota name, Tacina Waste Win, translates to “kind hearted woman/generous woman.” This name reflects her generous spirit and commitment to helping others. She approached entrepreneurship not just as a means to personal success but as a way to create value for the people around her.
- Her business vision for Indian Eyes LLC was deeply rooted in her Lakota heritage.
- She consistently integrated her cultural values into her company’s operations.
- Her advocacy for Native American people, particularly children, informed many of her business decisions.
A Vision Rooted in Heritage and Community
The foundation of Indian Eyes LLC reflected Roxie’s belief that business success and community support were interconnected. She demonstrated that cultural identity could be a source of strength in business, rather than something to be minimized. Through her work, Roxie created a model that honored indigenous perspectives while achieving business success.
By intertwining her Lakota heritage with her business practices, Roxie Schescke has shown that it’s possible to achieve success while staying true to one’s roots and creating value for the people and the community she serves.
Early Life and Cultural Foundations
As a proud Lakota woman, Roxie Schescke’s childhood significantly influenced her path to founding Indian Eyes LLC. Her Lakota name, Tacina Waste Win, translates to “kind hearted woman/generous woman,” reflecting the values that would later define her business practices.
Growing Up in Nebraska
Roxie grew up in Nebraska, where her Lakota heritage provided a rich cultural framework. This background not only shaped her identity but also instilled in her a strong sense of community and the importance of cultural integrity. Her upbringing in Nebraska played a crucial role in her development as a leader.
Lakota Values That Shaped Her Path
The traditional Lakota values of generosity and kindness played a central role in Roxie’s approach to business and leadership. Her identity as a “true Lakota warrior” manifested in her determination to succeed while maintaining cultural integrity. Key values that shaped her path include:
- A focus on collective wellbeing rather than individual gain.
- A commitment to balancing financial achievement with positive community impact.
- Resilience and perspective that helped her lead through difficulties.
These cultural foundations gave Roxie a unique perspective on what constitutes true success in business, influencing how she structured Indian Eyes LLC and its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
The Birth of Indian Eyes LLC
In 2005, Roxie and Tim Schescke embarked on a new venture, establishing Indian Eyes LLC in Niwot, Colorado. This marked the beginning of a significant journey for the couple, both personally and professionally.
Starting from a Garage in 2005
The founding of Indian Eyes LLC was a testament to the partnership between Roxie and Tim Schescke, who married on March 8, 2002. Their personal bond translated into a powerful business partnership, with complementary skills that supported the development of their company. Starting from a garage, they laid the groundwork for what would become a thriving business.
Building a Business with Her Husband Tim
Tim provided crucial support during the challenging early phases of the business, helping to establish the initial team structure and operational framework. Their shared vision for Indian Eyes LLC demonstrated how love and business can successfully intertwine when partners have mutual respect and common goals. The couple’s partnership created a strong foundation for the company culture, emphasizing family values alongside professional excellence.
This husband-wife team approach allowed Indian Eyes to navigate the complex federal contracting landscape with resilience and adaptability that single-founder businesses sometimes lack. As the company grew, it remained rooted in the values and principles that Roxie and Tim established in its early days.
Roxie Schescke – Founder – Indian Eyes LLC: A Business Evolution
Roxie Schescke’s vision for Indian Eyes LLC has driven the company’s remarkable growth and evolution. Today, Roxie runs a successful firm that offers clients a range of professional services, including security, project management, and more.
From Small Team to Staff of 60
Indian Eyes LLC has experienced significant growth over the years, expanding from a small team to a staff of 60. This expansion was not merely a matter of increasing the headcount but was accompanied by strategic enhancements to the company’s services and capabilities.
The company’s ability to scale sustainably was a result of Roxie’s careful planning and focus on maintaining high-quality standards. As the business grew, so did its expertise and resources, allowing it to support a broader range of client needs.
Expanding Service Offerings and Client Portfolio
As Indian Eyes LLC matured, Roxie strategically expanded the company’s portfolio beyond its initial focus, developing a comprehensive range of services that included security, project management, and other specialized professional services. This diversification strategy allowed the company to access new markets and build relationships with a broader range of federal and commercial clients.
Each new service line was developed with careful attention to quality standards and alignment with the company’s core values and strengths. The expansion of the client portfolio required sophisticated business development approaches, including navigating complex federal contracting requirements and certification processes.
Roxie’s approach to growth emphasized sustainable expansion rather than rapid scaling, ensuring that each new service offering was properly supported by internal expertise and resources. The evolution of Indian Eyes’ services reflected Roxie’s responsive approach to market needs while maintaining the company’s distinctive identity in competitive markets.
Overcoming Challenges as a Native American Woman in Business
Roxie Schescke’s journey as a Native American woman in business has been marked by numerous challenges, but her determination has been the driving force behind her success. Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, she has demonstrated the ability to transform potential obstacles into strategic opportunities for business growth and development.
Breaking Barriers in Federal Contracting
In the realm of federal contracting, Roxie faced skepticism about the capabilities of an indigenous woman-owned business. However, she responded by exceeding quality expectations and building an impeccable reputation for service delivery. This approach not only helped in breaking barriers but also established Indian Eyes LLC as a reliable partner in federal contracting.
- Exceeded quality expectations to build a strong reputation
- Successfully navigated the complexities of federal contracting
- Established Indian Eyes LLC as a credible business entity
Turning Obstacles into Opportunities
Roxie’s success story is a testament to how persistence and adaptability can transform seemingly insurmountable barriers into stepping stones for business achievement. Financial challenges, common to many minority entrepreneurs, were addressed through creative resource allocation and strategic partnerships that maximized limited initial capital. Her approach to business challenges has become a model for other Native American entrepreneurs seeking to overcome similar obstacles.
- Utilized creative resource allocation to overcome financial challenges
- Formed strategic partnerships to maximize initial capital
- Inspired a new generation of indigenous businesses tackling similar challenges
The impact of Roxie’s problem-solving approach extends beyond her own business success, inspiring a new generation of indigenous businesses. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and the right strategies, entrepreneurs can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Leadership Philosophy and Business Approach
The foundation of Roxie’s leadership is her commitment to her community. As the founder of Indian Eyes LLC, Roxie Schescke has demonstrated a unique ability to lead her company to success while staying true to her roots.
Integrating Lakota Values into Business Practices
Roxie’s business approach is deeply influenced by her Lakota heritage. She has successfully integrated these traditional values into the fabric of Indian Eyes LLC, creating a corporate culture that emphasizes giving back to the community. This approach has not only contributed to the company’s success but has also had a positive impact on the people they serve.
- Roxie’s guiding principle has been instrumental in shaping the company’s policies and practices.
- It has fostered a work environment that encourages employees to embrace the principle in their own work.
“Never Forget Where You Came From” – Her Guiding Principle
Roxie’s mantra, “Never forget where you came from, and always give back where it’s needed,” has been the cornerstone of her leadership. This philosophy has lead to the development of business practices that prioritize community support and mentorship initiatives, particularly for people from Native American communities.
| Guiding Principle | Business Practice | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Never forget where you came from | Hiring practices favoring Native American communities | Increased diversity and community engagement |
| Give back where it’s needed | Mentorship initiatives for emerging entrepreneurs | Support for indigenous business growth |
By living this principle, Roxie has created a distinctive corporate culture at Indian Eyes LLC that balances business success with meaningful social impact.
Community Impact and Giving Back
Roxie Schescke’s commitment to giving back to the community is a testament to her character and the values instilled in her by her Lakota heritage. Through various initiatives and humanitarian projects, she has made a significant impact on both local and national levels.
Supporting Native American Children and Education
Roxie has been a steadfast supporter of Native American children and education. She understands the importance of empowering the next generation through education and has dedicated time and resources to this cause. Indian Eyes LLC has been involved in several projects aimed at improving educational outcomes for Native American children.
- Providing educational resources and support to Native American communities.
- Collaborating with other organizations to enhance educational opportunities.
Hurricane Katrina Relief and Other Humanitarian Efforts
One of the most notable examples of Roxie’s commitment to service is the company’s involvement in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. After the devastating hurricane, Roxie and her team spent 2 years cleaning and rebuilding the city of New Orleans, Louisiana. This project required significant logistical planning and resource allocation, demonstrating Roxie’s operational capabilities in challenging environments.
The sustained presence of Indian Eyes LLC in the rebuilding efforts showcased Roxie’s belief in long-term commitment to meaningful impact. This humanitarian work not only enhanced the company’s reputation for combining professional service excellence with genuine social responsibility but also made a lasting difference in the lives of those affected by the hurricane.
Recognition and Achievements
Roxie Schescke’s accomplishments have not only elevated her business but also contributed to her standing as a respected figure in Native American entrepreneurship. Her journey is marked by significant milestones that reflect her dedication and expertise.
National Native Woman Business Owner of the Year
Roxie’s achievement as the National Native Woman Business Owner of the Year is a testament to her hard work and the success of Indian Eyes LLC. This prestigious award recognizes her leadership and the impact of her business on the community. It highlights her ability to lead by example and create opportunities for others in her field.
White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Role
Roxie’s appointment to serve on a board for the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs was a significant role that extended her influence beyond the business world into policy circles. This service allowed her to advocate for policies that would create more opportunities for Native American entrepreneurs and communities. In this capacity, she provided critical perspectives on how federal policies impact tribal businesses and economies, helping to shape more effective government initiatives. Her participation in White House-level discussions elevated the visibility of Native American business concerns and helped create pathways for other indigenous leaders to engage in policy formation.
| Award/Recognition | Year | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| National Native Woman Business Owner of the Year | Specific Year | Recognized Roxie’s leadership and business success |
| White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Role | Specific Year | Influenced policy and created opportunities for Native American entrepreneurs |
These achievements underscore Roxie’s commitment to her community and her business, demonstrating her ability to lead and make a lasting impact. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing the potential for success through dedication and hard work.
Legacy and Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Though Roxie Schescke passed away in 2021, her influence on the business world remains significant. As a pioneering Native American business owner, she proved that with compassion and perseverance, we can overcome any obstacle.
Her legacy offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly indigenous woman business owners. By integrating Lakota values into her business practices, Roxie drove growth while creating a positive social impact.
Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from her client-centered approach to portfolio development and her persistence through the challenging early stages of the business formation process. Roxie’s story reminds us that true success encompasses not just company profitability but also the love of family, community support, and the money invested back into causes that matter.
FAQ
What inspired Roxie Schescke to start Indian Eyes LLC?
Roxie Schescke was inspired to start Indian Eyes LLC in 2005, driven by her Lakota heritage and a desire to create a business that would positively impact her community.
What services does Indian Eyes LLC offer?
Indian Eyes LLC provides a range of services, including cyber security and software development, catering to various markets and client needs.
How has Indian Eyes LLC grown over the years?
From its humble beginnings in a garage, Indian Eyes LLC has expanded significantly, growing from a small team to a staff of 60, and developing a diverse client portfolio.
What challenges has Roxie Schescke faced as a Native American woman in business?
Roxie Schescke has faced challenges in federal contracting, but has successfully turned obstacles into opportunities, leveraging her business acumen and Lakota values to drive success.
What is Roxie Schescke’s leadership philosophy?
Roxie Schescke’s leadership philosophy is centered around integrating Lakota values into her business practices, guided by the principle “Never Forget Where You Came From.”
How has Indian Eyes LLC given back to the community?
Indian Eyes LLC, under Roxie Schescke’s leadership, has supported various community initiatives, including Native American education and Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
What recognition has Roxie Schescke received for her business achievements?
Roxie Schescke has been recognized as the National Native Woman Business Owner of the Year and has held a role in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.
What lessons can aspiring entrepreneurs learn from Roxie Schescke’s journey?
Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn valuable lessons from Roxie Schescke’s journey, including the importance of staying true to one’s heritage and values, and persevering through challenges to achieve business success.
