Just an hour drive southwest from Lillington, the landscape changes. Deep in the Sandhills of North Carolina, there’s no delineation between the pavement and the pinestraw. Beautifully landscaped traffic circles are favored over stop lights, and towns are called villages. The Village of Pinehurst, also known as The Cradle of American Golf, is where I found Barbara Whitaker, the 1986 President of the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration, known today as the Restoration Industry Association.
In the RIA’s 75-year history, the names of only three women appear on the list of past presidents. Two are still living. It only takes a few moments with Barbara Whitaker to know why she was chosen to lead the association. She may be 85 years old, but she has a high-energy, “get stuff done” demeanor. Yet, she has that unmistakable southern charm and grace that instantly makes you feel at ease. Visiting with her is like visiting with your Granny; they’ll both call you “honey” and send you home with something sweet. In my case, it was Barbara’s banana pudding. But, my Granny never drove me to the country club for lunch in a Mercedes. When Barbara pulled up to Pinehurst Country Club, the staff knew her instantly, they let her park where she wanted, and she took the time to ask them how they’re doing with questions that indicated she really knows about their personal lives and cares for them. You can tell she knows how to build relationships. She’s rooted in her community.