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Rostraver senior finding new ways to reinvent herself

By Mark Soroka for The 4 min read
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Editor’s note: This is part of a continuing series on senior citizen business owners in the Mon Valley.

Cathy Glad has a perfect formula for anyone who wants to stay active in their retirement years — find something you enjoy doing and don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself.

“It’s important to have a joy for the present,” said Glad, 76, a resident of Rostraver Township. “Make the most out of each day and stay connected with other people. And learn how to adapt to change and find new things to do. That will keep you going strong and more resilient.”

For Glad, her advertising specialties company gave her a new purpose in life as she entered her senior years.

“I formerly ran Fells Tiny Tot Preschool for 30 years and got to the point where it was becoming physically difficult to keep up with the kids,” she recalls. “As it turned out, my husband David had already started Image Builders II. David wanted to have his own company when he retired. When David passed away in 1995, I decided to keep the business going. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

Being an entrepreneur offers her many advantages, Glad pointed out.

“I can do this at my own pace,” she said. “My work also give me the flexibility to adjust my own schedule. That’s important as there are days when I want to slow down a little. Being my own boss lets me plan my day better.”

Image Builders II is geared for businesses and organizations that want to imprint their logo and message on promotional products. Glad can order items such as shirts, glassware, cups, folders, pens, magnets and much more.

“Advertising specialty products are a win-win for both a company and its customers,” said Glad. “The company has a great way to put its brand out in front of people while the customer gets something that can be useful for them.”

Glad says the advertising specialty business has experienced a major transformation over the past 25 years. “Back when my husband ran Image Builders II, he would keep a little file box with the names of different products and companies,” she said. “Today, I can quickly go online and find a product, color and price that’s a good fit for my customers. Online ordering also speeds up the delivery process.”

In addition to running Image Builders II, Glad continues to sell products for Mary Kay Cosmetics, volunteers at Mon Valley Hospital and plays an active role in the Greater Rostraver Chamber of Commerce. She also is finding yet another way to reinvent herself during her golden years.

“I have always wanted to write a children’s book,” said Glad, who has two grown-up children. “I started the beginning of my story and am excited about how the book will turn out. It’s just a matter of sitting down and writing the rest of the book.”

Glad has seen many people walk away from their jobs and end up finding a void in their lives. She believes seniors should keep planning for new things to do.

“Retirees should embrace new opportunities that come their way,” she said. “You never know where that pathway will take you. Image Builders II opened up doors for me to meet many wonderful people and get involved with different organizations. I’m grateful for all the blessings I have received and plan on keeping active for as long as possible.”

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