We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Judy Rodriguez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Judy, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I guess you could say I found my purpose by following my mother’s personal recipe—not for her amazing arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), but for life.
My mother, Gladys Gonzalez, moved to New York from Puerto Rico at 15, and immediately started working in factory to send money back to her family. In her late twenties, she married my father, a pastor, and proudly served as the pastor’s wife. My mother dedicated herself to the church and the home and raising five children (I’m the youngest and only girl).
Growing up poor with limited education didn’t stop my mother from becoming a Renaissance woman. She was an artist, poet, and talented musician. An amateur veterinarian, carpenter, and electrician. An engaging speaker, counselor, and mediator. Above all, my mother was an extraordinary humanitarian. I never once saw her turn her back on someone in need.
Despite facing trauma and abuse and struggling with depression, and anxiety from a young age, my mother always pushed through, challenging herself on every level. Her faith in God and dedication to serving others gave her strength and purpose.
Watching her, I learned that purpose comes from faith, resilience, and service to others. My mother’s life wasn’t just a series of roles she played; it was a masterclass in living with intention and heart.
Much like my mother, I got my first job at 15. At 18, against my parents’ wishes, I moved out of my parents’ home to become more independent. Over the years, my professional journey took several twists and turns, feeling natural and organic as new opportunities for growth arose. I gained experience in healthcare, business, finance, human resources, and accounting.
January 2006 turned out to be one of the most pivotal moments of my life. Amidst significant life changes—a divorce, leaving my job with the State of Texas, and a cross-country move—I transitioned into law enforcement. Joining the police academy marked the start of one of the most challenging yet rewarding phases of my life. I spent more than half of my law enforcement career as a criminal investigator, starting with the Domestic Violence Unit and later handling special victims’ cases, financial crimes, robberies, violent crimes, and homicides. Despite the physical and psychological toll, it felt like a calling. At the time, it was my purpose.
Unfortunately, chronic pain from repeated injuries and the accumulated stress led to a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, forcing me into early retirement after 18 years. I took several months to rest, recover, and reflect on my next steps. I knew I wanted to do something with purpose and a commitment to service—something that I could be proud of. Despite my qualifications—a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and certification as a Fraud Examiner—I questioned whether returning to the private/corporate sector would fulfill those needs.
My personal experiences inspired me to establish Ten32 Concierge. For a period, my elderly father lived with me. Caring for him while managing a demanding career was incredibly taxing. My brothers all live in different states, so their help was limited.
I was fortunate to find a wonderful Senior Concierge to assist with my dad. However, finding affordable and adequate assistance for myself was another story. I realized many other professionals and caregivers struggled with the same. This realization led me to create a service dedicated to helping people manage everyday tasks, ensuring they receive the support they need.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
The nature of my job as a criminal investigator significantly contributed to my stress, but other factors also played a role. Like my mother, I struggled with my mental health. As the physical pain and fatigue from fibromyalgia increased, coping with emotional and psychological stress became more challenging. Healthy coping mechanisms, such as spending time in my garden with my backyard chickens or going on day trips and weekend getaways, became increasingly difficult to manage.
The protective barriers that held everything in place for many years started crumbling. In addition to constant pain and fatigue, I found myself battling depression, anxiety, and chronic dissociation. To complicate matters, I was also struggling with ADHD, which I didn’t even know I had until a recent diagnosis. Fortunately, I have some incredibly supportive friends and a fantastic therapist.
My business and services aren’t just for the busy professional and caregiver. It’s for the individual with PTSD who is highly successful and productive at work but struggles with sensory overload at the grocery store. It’s for the individual with ADHD who could use some help around the house but fears being judged as lazy and messy. It’s for the individual who struggles with chronic physical, emotional, and/or psychological pain and can barely muster the strength to do a load of laundry.
I know the responsibilities that come with being a caregiver. I know what it’s like living with chronic pain. And I know what it’s like navigating life with a neurodivergent brain. That is why I can deeply empathize with those who struggle with the same. This empathy fuels my passion for helping others find balance and support in their lives.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
For those who are struggling, please know:
You are not “broken.”
You are stronger than you think.
You have a purpose in this life (even if you don’t know what it is yet).
It’s taken me a long time to figure this out, and I must remind myself of it often. But keeping these things in mind can help push you forward, even on the most challenging days.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was help me grow up to be a strong and independent. To be a survivor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Ten32Concierge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ten32concierge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TEN32concierge
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Professional Photos by Katie Smith Photography
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