The Knox County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Becky Pea-Stenger as the recipient of the 2020 Business Woman of the Year award.
The Business Woman of the Year award recognizes an individual that has made a significant contribution to the success of their business or profession. They have volunteered time and energy to improve the community in which they live. This woman exhibits distinction, inspiration, and inventiveness in their business or profession and inspired others to become outstanding in their field.
The Chamber believes Becky encompasses all of the qualifications of the “Business Woman of the Year” award. She is an admired businesswoman and an inspiration to many. Becky is continually improving her business and makes sure it is done with the proper planning and attention to detail.
Spencer Burkhart, Board Chair of the Knox County Chamber of Commerce states “Becky is an admired businesswoman and an inspiration to many. She serves as a mentor to her employees, fellow bakers, and fellow restaurant owners. We are lucky to have her knowledge and passion in our community.”
Becky will be recognized on Friday, June 19, 2020 at noon through a virtual Facebook event on the Knox County Chamber of Commerce's Facebook page.
About Becky Pea-Stenger:
Becky Pea-Stenger is the owner of Pea-Fections restaurant in downtown Vincennes with her husband, William. She is a life-long resident and a graduate of Rivet High School. Becky attended Vincennes University and graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelors’ Degree in Hospitality Management. She continued her education at Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, SC majoring in Baking and Pastry Arts.
Becky is the daughter of William and Mildred Pea. From a young age, she started her baking career by working in her parents’ cake and candy business, Milly and Bill’s Shop. Following in her parents’ footsteps, their work ethic has always been a foundation for her success. She listened to some words of advice: get experience in your craft from several sources, love what you do, don’t forget where you came from, think about different perspectives, and make your mistakes in the beginning of your career on someone else’s money, not your own. Because of the support from her husband, family, friends and the community, Pea-Fections is now going on its 25th year in business.
When Pea-Fections opened in May of 1996, Becky and Bill had several years of experience in the business, but immediately learned lots of lessons on being self-employed. The restaurant business is tough. From cash flow, managing employees, daily production to customer service, these day to day operations can be exhausting. One thing that Becky prides herself on, is being organized and trying to be two steps ahead. Proper planning and attention to detail is a must in this business. She feels very blessed to be surrounded by so many long time employees that have been so instrumental in all the expansions that the business has been able to accomplish over the years.
Becky and Bill have three boys. They have a new daughter-in-law Brianna Barmes-Stenger, who is married to Alex, and they reside in Indianapolis. Their son, Trevor will be leaving for Ball State in the fall and majoring in Construction Management. The youngest, Kyle, will be a senior in high school and is working this summer at Pea-Fections in the kitchen. When Becky is not working, she enjoys supporting the local tennis teams, experiencing fine dining restaurants and decorating projects.