Continental Who’s Who Executive Press Release

LAURA WINCKEL - OWNER AND PROFESSIONAL LONGARM QUILTER

Harker Heights, TX - Laura Winckel is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Professional Member in the field of custom crafts and quilts.

Winckel's professional title is Owner and Professional Longarm Quilter of her own business, Quality Quilts by Laura.

"I began learning to quilt in 1993 after we had moved back from Germany for what my husband and I thought would be our last tour before retirement from the U.S. Army,"  Winckel said.

"I discovered my neighbor was a quilter and I asked her to teach me how. Until five years ago, quilting was a hobby for me - and then my mother gave me one final gift of a longarm quilting machine. The rest, as they say, is history."

Additionally, Winckel has been named "The Quilt Angel" by her customers, as she "helps mourners memorialize their loved ones" with her quilts.

"Quilting has always been more than a hobby for me," Winckel said. "Nothing connects us to our heritage quite like the cozy warmth and craftsmanship of the heirloom quilts passed from one generation to the next."
 
Winckel's expertise does not end with quilting. She is skilled in business operations and public speaking seminars, and holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Maryland.

In recognition of her outstanding accomplishments in the quilting world, Winckel has won awards for her quilts, is the former director of membership for the Quilts of Valor Foundation from 2014-2015, is President of the Crossroads to Texas Quilt Guild as well as the volunteer Chaplain and presents seminars to grieving professionals, funeral directors, and quilters throughout Texas. Winckel's thriving passion for love and healing through quilting is shown through her dedication as a group leader for Quilts of Valor, Quilters With a Heart, and as a Stephen Minister and Stephen Leader.

To further her professional development, she is a member of the National Association of Professional Women.

When asked what advice she would offer to those just starting out in her field, Winkel states, "do not give your work away. Charge enough to ensure you are not only paid for your supplies, but for your time." She also cites Dave Kerpen, CEO of Likeable Local, as her professional mentor.

In looking to the future, Winckel will be moving her studio to a larger building on her property, with a grand opening slated for July, 2017. She is also working on writing a book, with the goal to be a published author and lecturer.
When not working, Winckel enjoys both reading and swimming.

She dedicates this recognition to the loving memory of her mother, Lee Hodgson.
For more information, visit www.qualityqulitsbylaura.com/about-me/.