Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine Murray.
Hi Catherine, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After graduating high school in 1977, I had no idea what I was going to do. At that time, I had no desire to go to college. Back then, the government had money. You could sign up at the unemployment office for 5 or 6 different training programs. I love tinkering and taking things apart, but there was nothing that offered me that opportunity, so I chose Child Care. For 2 years, in the morning I took Child Development and Early Childhood Education classes and went in the afternoon to the after-school day care program. By the time I left 5 years later, I was the Curriculum Coordinator for the entire system of 13 centers, supervising 5 centers with 25 adults and over 400 children. When I was 19 and until I was 22, I had 4 jobs. I worked for the afterschool program all day, taught guitar couple nights at the Community School, went back to clean the office of the day care a couple times a week, and worked at a convenience store about 3 nights and Saturday and Sunday. But then one day there was a change. Out of the blue I went to the recruiting center and joined the United States Marine Corps where I spent 4 years. I was lucky enough to get stationed in Hawaii.
After the Marine Corps, I stayed in Hawaii and taught preschool for 2 years. Then it hit me again and it was time for another challenge. I still I loved tinkering. By luck/chance, when I returned to Texas in 1988 – a supervisor was leaving and they gave me my old job back. So, I worked during the day and did the 9-month electronic school at night.
I moved to California in 1990 and took a job as a warehouse manager for a copier company. Time for another change soooo, in 1993 off to Community College I went. Now deciding I was going to bump up my electronic training to a path of being an Engineer. At some point in all of that – I decided in 1995 to apply for an internship at NASA. Boom I got it! I soaked up what every Engineer and Rocket Scientist was doing. Literally Rocket Scientists! I quickly learned that was not for me. I left NASA 5 years later as the supervisor for the base documentation center. A really big deal – and a position that to my knowledge – had never been held by a woman. AND I hadn’t even graduated college yet!
I was still working at NASA when the wind blew and it was time for an addition to my life. In 1997 I started McMurr Productions as a DJ company after being asked if I would be interested in playing a Christmas party for a university. I thought – what the heck – I love music – I have a bunch of music – so I bought a bunch of gadgets, got a business license – have to do that in CA – and McMurr’s was born. The next 3 years, McMurr’s grew into graphic design and video production.
The path to copying and printing
In 2000 I relocated to Estill Springs, Tennessee providing video production, and graphic design from home. I shortened the company name to dba McMurr’s.
In 2001 I opened an office at 101 W. Lincoln Street in Tullahoma, Tennessee to provide a central location for my expanding list of customers.
In 2003 I expanded services to printing and additional services opening a store front May 1st at 1802 North Jackson Street in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
In 2008 I purchased a building at 101 W. Ogee Street in Tullahoma, Tennessee.
I spend a lot of my time serving the kids of the community. I enjoy leading clubs and events at J. T. Farrar Elementary, including the yearbook club, dance club, Christmas parade, and DJ parties. For the community, I have served on many boards: The Literacy Council, Tullahoma Educational Foundation, Coffee County Anti-Drug Coalition, South Jackson Civic Center, Motlow Community College Early Childhood Education Committee, Tullahoma Chamber of Commerce board of directors, and much more over the years.
In the end, children are still the biggest joy in my life. They’re just so happy. You do stuff for them and with them, and they appreciate it. It just makes me happy to see them happy. That’s really the main reason. It’s something that I enjoy doing. It’s just something that I’m good at.
The over 25 years of volunteering at Farrar allows me to see the growth of students and even DJ at some of their most important events. I’ve done graduation announcements, their wedding announcements, their baby announcements — and that’s really cool, and I just kind of think, Wow, I’m kind of there for all phases of their lives. As adults, they remember my kindness, fun spirit, and all the time I invested in them.
My annual HIStory Told by Her – Tribute to Michael Jackson – Fundraiser, has raised money since 2011 for local non-profits. To date, I have done 19 shows (facebook.com/historyiii) giving all of the proceeds to local nonprofits. Some of the children have been beside me since 1st grade and have just graduated from college. I am proud to have instilled in them the importance of giving back and helping others.
p.s. I love music
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The largest struggle was being new in town and starting a business. I overcame that by going to any, and every event, to get my name, and what we do out into the community. Since this was pre-social media, networking became a big part of building the business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about McMurr’s?
Our core business is copying and printing. What makes us different from other copy companies? We have no limit on any of the items we produce in-house. Our customer service is outstanding.
We have the experience, the expertise, and a wide variety of services to take your project from concept to completion. Not only do we offer copying and printing services, but we offer 3 other Key Concepts that are and continue to be critical to our success: Graphic Design Services, Photo/Video Services and Specialty and Convenience Services. Our goal is to eliminate the need to go from place to place for printing services, and we strive to offer our services at affordable prices! For a company, or individual in need of products and services ranging from printing, making one copy, banners and signs, scanning, laminating, contractor drawings or even archiving paper documents, McMurr’s offers prompt, high quality products and services. It’s time you find out what McMurr’s can do for you. Email your files to print@mcmurr.com
We may be small, but we can create BIG things!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Honestly I am not a reader. But I do continually learn by watching tutorials and updates regarding the copy, print and graphic design industries.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mcmurr.com
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/mcmurrs
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/@toolatetochangethetime-cat9638
