EP 14 Female Private Investigator Challenges Age and Gender Norms
In this episode I chat with a dear friend of 20 years, the remarkable Julee Dennis, a 66-year-old private investigator from Austin, Texas, whose journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of reinvention.
Growing up with showbiz parents and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Julee initially pursued a career in music, performing with the all-girl rock band Tomboy and later forming her own band, Denim and Lace.
After her successful music career and several entrepreneurial adventures, she eventually found her true calling in private investigation after a personal custody battle for her grandson sparked her interest in the field.
With determination and support from a colleague, Julee became a licensed private investigator and, a few years later, she founded Lighthouse Investigations, specializing in a variety of cases, from custody battles to missing persons.
The agency covers all of Texas and extends nationwide with digital investigations—helping families find closure and reconnect with lost loved ones.
In an industry often dominated by men, Julee has proven that neither gender nor age can limit one's potential.
Throughout our conversation Julee shares valuable insights on finding meaning in daily life, the importance of gratitude, and the fulfillment that comes from empathizing with and supporting clients through challenging times.
Her story is a powerful reminder that we all have unique gifts to offer and that it’s never too late to pursue new dreams and opportunities – and thrive after 65!
You can learn more about Julee’s business, Lighthouse Investigations, here: https://www.lighthouseinvestigationsaustin.com
We’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram.
Listeners, please remember – you have so much to give – don’t let those internalized ageist beliefs prevent you from pursuing new dreams and opportunities – no matter your age.
Tune in and let's crush ageism together!
Waving from Boston – cheers!
Ande ♥
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Julee Dennis
Owner Lighthouse Investigations, Mom, Gram, Chief Fixer!
Born and raised in Bellevue, Nebraska to a very eclectic couple. My Dad was either a genius or a lunatic, (probably both!) and my Mom had been taken in by his rakish charm as soon as she set foot in America. They traveled the world extensively in the Ice Capades, but settled in Bellevue once they knew I was coming along. My childhood was idyllic, until they divorced when I was 13 and my Mom moved us to England, then California. I was suddenly on my own, as she was working, and I ran as wild as the wind in the canyons. I ended up rekindling an old middle school romance and against all rational thought AND my parent's wishes, I moved back to Nebraska and married my kid's Dad when I was 18. Yikes. Predictably, I ended up at 22 divorced, high school dropout, with two kids. My wealthy father wouldn't help, as he had warned me. Mom did help some, but essentially I had to find my way on my own! The ONLY thing I knew how to do was play guitar and sing. I auditioned for an all girl band and made it! It changed everything. That led to 13 years as a professional musician, and it was a fun and exciting career. After I was finally burned out on that I started several businesses in the decades to come, mostly in the diet food and weight loss business. Everything from mall kiosks to food manufacturing. Through these times I was a single Mom out there in dating land. Ooohweeee, that was some education! I met my now husband when I was 42, and that was maybe the best day of my life. I planned to kick back and relax once we were married six years later. He made great money… Read More
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