Joy Harris
Joy Harris is a seasoned business strategist and Fractional COO, passionate about helping small and mid-sized businesses streamline operations, protect assets, and achieve sustainable growth. As the founder of Joyful Solutions International, she applies her signature ROI²™ philosophy—prioritizing Relationships Over Income—while guiding clients across industries including but not limited to trades, dental, accounting, HOA boards, coaches and consultants. Known for her ability to uncover inefficiencies and implement practical systems, Joy empowers business owners to scale without burning out, blending operational precision with a people-first approach. With more than 27 years as a serial entrepreneur, Joy has launched and managed multiple businesses, including a general contracting firm, an HOA management company, and a few other industries. Her experience building, scaling, and selling businesses has equipped her to serve as a trusted advisor, offering strategic insight, operational clarity, and coaching to founders navigating complex decisions and growth challenges. She emphasizes strong structure, policies, and relationship-building as the foundation for long-term success. Outside of her professional work, Joy is deeply family-oriented and enjoys spending time with her loved ones, traveling, and embracing life’s simple pleasures, from sunset-chasing to caring for her goats. She is also an active community volunteer, supporting initiatives like 4-H and the Ruritan Club, and has received recognition including the 2013 Business Leader Entrepreneur Award and Cedar Grove Ruritan Club’s Citizen of the Year. Joy brings a unique blend of operational expertise, mentorship, and authenticity to every business and community she touches.
• Bryant & Stratton Business Institute - Syracuse- Associate's
• Citizen of the Year
• The Mildred Council Champion Award
• 2013 Business Leader Triangle Top Entrepreneur Recipient
• Business Leader Entrepreneur Award
• H-7 Network
• Hummingbirds 4 H Parent
• Optimist Club
• Paws4ever
• Ruritan Club
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to building strong relationships, maintaining integrity, and implementing clear structure, policies, and asset protection in both my business and personal life. My experience as an employee working my way up the corporate ladder gives me a unique insight to business operations and blind spots.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that I don’t have to do it alone—seeking support and collaboration makes the journey much easier. If professional athletes have multiple coaches and trainers why shouldn't a professional business?
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to build strong structures and plans, be willing to pivot, seek guidance from mentors, choose your team carefully, and always trust yourself.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are self-doubt and not being open to guidance, while the greatest opportunities come from trusting yourself and learning from others’ advice.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, both in business and in life, while I also prioritize balance by enjoying activities like playing pickleball and raising show goats.