During the 1970s, Alice Combs, undeterred by a former employer’s snobbish pronouncement, “You’re not corporate material,” transformed herself from divorced mother on food stamps to successful entrepreneur.

Resolute, Alice overcame her initial ignorance of the recycling trade and recovered from the many novice mistakes she inevitably made while teaching herself to operate Vulcan Wire, which would slowly become a thriving business despite an embezzling partner, cutthroat competitors, and several employees who proved unreliable when they were most needed.

Alice refused to be intimidated and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Her exceptional achievement in a traditionally male arena is an inspiration for all women who aspire to the heights of success in their chosen fields.