Insider's Corner: Judy Budd
Judy Budd, who said she is “77 going on 55,” retired in 2021 from a varied career that included stints in sales and publishing as well as entrepreneurial endeavors.
City: Wilmington
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
How long have you lived in the Wilmington area? We moved from California to Wilmington in 2004.
Why did you choose to retire here? My husband decided that he wanted to return to the East Coast. My requirements were that I could still work, play golf, shop and not be stuck in the middle of nowhere. He visited Wilmington at the suggestion of one of his sons and he really liked it. We vacationed here the following year and I fell in love with it also. We went back to California and put our house on the market. It sold right away and we settled here two months later.
Any professional work that you still do? Yes! One of the items on my retirement bucket list was to create a networking directory. Realizing a book would no longer work in this digital world, I worked with Jenna Curry Way to create “Connectcapefear.com,” a comprehensive resource directory for residents and newcomers to find ways to get involved with our community. This has turned into quite a project as more has been included than just networking. Some weeks I am working almost as many hours as I did prior to my retirement.
What community activities are you involved in? Currently I volunteer with the Willie Stargell Foundation Celebrity Invitational golf tournament and the American Heart Association. I have volunteered at other organizations when the need arises and have sat on several boards before retirement.
Favorite spots of any kind in the region? Of course the beach is always on top of the list—especially first thing in the morning or late afternoon. The ocean helps the soul.
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