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Last night was the first time I, like most of the nation, had heard Andra Rush’s name. But when President Obama mentioned the Detroit Manufacturing Systems founder’s name during his State of the Union speech, I knew that she was someone I needed to know…stat!

Must Read: History Of The State Of The Union

“Two years ago, as the auto industry came roaring back, Andra Rush opened up a manufacturing firm in Detroit. She knew that Ford needed parts for the best-selling truck in America, and she knew how to make them. She just needed the workforce. So she dialed up what we call an American Job Center — places where folks can walk in to get the help or training they need to find a new job, or better job. She was flooded with new workers.”

We all need to know more about this amazing woman! So here it goes–the five things you should know about the incredible Andra Rush!

1. She Started From The Bottom, Now She’s Here

When Andra Rush was 23 years-old, she maxed out her credit cards, borrowed $5,000 from her parents to buy a van and two used pick-up trucks and started her own delivery company. 25 years later, that company is worth $400 million. Good Lord.

2. Mohawk Entrepreneur

Rush is a descendant of the Mohawk Tribe from the Six-Nation Reservation, Bay of Quinte Tribe near Branford, Ontario in Canada. Her paternal grandparents lived on the reserve, reported Indianz.com. Because of her heritage, Rush likes to do all she can for Native Americans.

Rush recruited drivers for her delivery service from Native American reservations. By 2001, she felt she wasn’t providing as many opportunities as she could, so she teamed up with a Canadian auto-parts maker to design and manufacture auto components, in plants located near reservations. By 2009, those plants brought in $370 million in revenue!

3. Six Months & Hard Work Goes A Long Way

It only took Rush six months after purchasing that van and pick-up trucks to dominate the automotive industry and  according to Reader’s Digest, Rush counted Ford and GM as clients within that short window. How did she do it? Diligence. Rush grew her company by accepting every delivery she was offered, even while working nursing shifts on the weekends.

4. Who Run The World? GIRLS!

In an interview with Reader’s Digest, Andra proved that she’s all about women and believes in our abilities to be bosses!

“Driving the truck is something guys do—it’s rough, but it isn’t something a woman can’t do. But running a trucking company is much more than picking up and delivering; it’s marketing and tracking and organization. Women are wired to multitask.”

5. She Gives The President Advice

President Obama first met Andra when she was invited along with other small business owners, to consult with the him about the possible economic impacts of the country passing over the fiscal cliff, spending cuts and tax increases around the end of 2012.

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