Whenever I think about inspirational women, especially fellow entrepreneurs, it’s hard not to include Judy Fourie in the list. Beyond the calming presence that Judy brings to any group or interaction, her many accomplishments are truly impactful. As one of only three women who served two different years as Chapter President for the Greater Raleigh Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Judy has shown incredible leadership in our community, exhibiting the fundamental element of leadership being the importance of lifting up those around you. Judy brings well-earned insights to each conversation, true sunshine to each interaction and joy to being in her presence. Often times, Judy makes things make sense that seem completely inexplicable before discussing with her, and her level-headed approach to problem solving makes each organization with whom she partners better than before she came to work with them. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

About Judy Fourie

Judy Fourie, President of The Fourie Group and founder of Fourie Insurance in Cary, NC, has been providing insurance strategies since 1980. When she took her first underwriter’s class, Judy knew she wanted to own her own agency, starting her own agency in 1987. After selling Fourie Insurance in 2012, she started a new company, Fourie Group, a full -service insurance and consulting company. Today, she uses her insurance experience every day along with a strong commitment to customer service, guiding clients to the right insurance plans with a trust they can count on.

Professional Activities & Awards

• Past president Greater Raleigh National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)

• Past Chair of the Apex Chamber of commerce

• Active in Raleigh/Cary/Morrisville Chamber of Commerce

• Past chair of the Wake Tech Foundation Board

• Member of Enterprising Women magazine Advisory Board

• Women of Western Wake Cary Magazine 2003

• Woman Extraordinaire – Triangle Business Journal

• Member of the Better Business Bureau

Stewardship:

• Past President of Civitan Club- a community service organization

• Served as Chair of American Red Cross Ball (2008 and 2009)

• Member of the Cary Women’s Giving Network

• Member of the Morrisville Rotary Club

• The Salvation Army Raleigh area board

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Judy Fourie

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

Fourie Group is a full-service insurance agency and consulting practice. We specialize in health insurance for employer groups, individuals and seniors. I have a background and am licensed in life, health, Medicare as well as property and casualty.

Why did you start your company?

I had worked for a couple of other insurance entities for about 10 years and decided that I had enough experience and education to open my own agency. I had a lot of drive, and I wanted to be in charge of my own destiny. And I needed the creative freedom to do things my way.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

I loved the opportunity to meet so many people, many of whom became friends and/or clients. My learning curve has always been vertical, and I have never been bored… Scared and uncomfortable at times but never bored. I achieved far more than I could have imagined and was presented with far more opportunities than I would have had working for someone else.

About what are you most proud?

The success of my company and the opportunity to serve others. I feel very fulfilled.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

I have some natural ability at organization and hired a number of organizing professionals over the years to gain more skills. Necessity is a great motivator, and I have been careful to hire or engage good people with the skills I either lacked or could not justify the time to try to master. A leader’s job is to lead.

Who’s the one person who changed your life and why?

I had a profound experience in my high senior English class. The teacher, Ms. Holly, asked a question of the class, and the smartest guy in the class raised his hand and answered the question. The teacher didn’t respond so he asked “is that right?” and the teacher looked at him and said “well, is it?”. The message to me was not the wait for someone to approve or validate or confirm things for you; do your homework and trust what you know. I would have to say, however, the one person who changed my life was “me”. I am the one who chose to defy odds, say yes instead of no and persevere when many would have quit.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

The reality is that having unrealistic expectations of yourself is not sustainable. I have wrestled with this most of my life and have had to learn to relax and let a lot of things go. The world did not come to an end, and I am much happier and, surprisingly, more productive.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

I have a two-screen computer in my office, an iPad and two laptops I use at our beach house, along with an iPhone and a very smart Android phone. I wouldn’t say that I am a tech wizard, but I do enjoy the convenience of being able to do most things on my smartphone, which allows me great freedom to be able to work from anywhere.

How do you feel about work / life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

My office is in my home, and my day starts when I get up and have my coffee. Usually, within an hour of rising, I dress for the work day, even if I don’t have any appointments. I want to be ready for whatever comes my way, and I will always make time for family and friends. I read once that “ luck is when opportunity and preparedness meet”.

About what causes are you most passionate?

I have been involved with many organizations over the years: American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Dress for Success, Special Olympics, United Way, Meals on Wheels, Foundation for Hope and many others. I am currently a member of the Morrisville Rotary Club along with the Cary Women’s Giving Network, and I am on the Salvation Army Board of Directors. My passion is being an advocate for the sick, the hungry and the poor. I contribute to Doctors without Borders, St. Jude’s and World Central Kitchen as well as many local organizations that minister to the less fortunate. Oh, and animals, I am very passionate about humane treatment.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

I exercise twice a week online with a trainer and 4 girlfriends and try to take walks on the days I don’t train. My favorite thing to do is have lunch or spend time with my children or girlfriends. I also love to cook and enjoy trying new recipes and find it very relaxing and renewing. If I have had an especially long, hard week, I relax with a good meal and an adult beverage.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

I have so many, but the first one that comes to mind is one that I said and assume it is mine. “Sometimes, you need a miracle, and, sometimes, you are the miracle”. To me this means that we can be someone else’s miracle and not even know it. I have been blessed to be both.

What is your favorite author / book?

I read novels occasionally and enjoy them but mostly read a variety of non-fiction. I consider myself an information junkie and am interested in all kinds of things: technology, science, history, trends of all kinds and, of course, world peace.

What is your go-to accessory?

I would have to say it is my drug store reader glasses. I have them in all colors and wear them on my head so I don’t have to look for them when I need them.

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

I always remove make-up at night before bed and moisturize. My make-up routine is moisturizer, make-up, concealer, metallic highlighter, baked brush-on blush, eyeshadow, liquid eyeliner, sometimes mascara, eyebrow pencil, lip pencil and lipstick. I can do my hair and make-up in less than 10 minutes if I am pushed for time.

What is your favorite food?

Since I like to cook, my favorite food is my chicken and dumplings. If I am eating out, I usually order fish, oysters or crab legs and, occasionally, lobster. Oh, and I won’t turn down a good steak or prime rib.

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites?

Daniel’s on Highway 55 in Apex is an excellent Italian restaurant as is Georgina’s Davis Drive. Both of these have a variety of good dishes, and the service is very good. I am also a fan of Sushi Thai in Cary

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

I would have to say South Africa in 2019; it was magical.

What movie could you watch on endless loop?

Dirty Dancing. The music, the story and the dancing are legendary. Not to mention, Patrick Swayze!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Teleportation. No more getting stuck in traffic.

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

Believe in yourself and work on gaining self-confidence. Trust yourself to know what you know and develop good boundaries

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

I would love to have lunch with my mom. She died at age 54 when I was 25 years old. I did not get a chance to know her as an adult, and I have a lot of questions. I am 7th of her 9 children (5 boys and 4 girls), and I had my third child the year before she died. My dad died at age 89, and I felt so blessed that I got to spend so much time with him and got to know him so well. It helped me know myself better, and I would have loved to have had that opportunity with my mom.

Enjoy more content like this throughout the blog. Use the search box below to find any specific topic.