Marsha Brown
A Note on a Napkin: Marsha Brown, a friend of St. Mary Medical Center, is on a wonderful life journey. From humble beginnings in New Orleans, she has always been driven by her faith and her desire to help others.
Working in banking in New Orleans, Marsha was feeling unfulfilled. Her client Ruth Fertal had connections in the community and Marsha thought if anyone could help her make a change it was Ruth. While at a dinner party one night with Ruth, Marsha wrote a note on a napkin; “I am unhappy and want to make a change. If you know anyone who is looking to hire, let me know.” A simple note on a napkin changed Marsha Brown’s life forever. She never thought that Ruth would be the one hiring, but immediately after the party, Ruth asked Marsha to come and talk with her about a job in Ruth’s newly formed business empire; Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses. A deep life-long personal and professional relationship was born.
That was the first of what Marsha would call “divine interventions,” encounters that changed her life. “I wanted to be in the people business, not the numbers business. Ruth gave me a chance to do both and be successful. She was an intelligent, warm, spiritual, colorful character — a perfect reflection of the city of New Orleans where we are both from.”
The next life changing event happened during a Ruth’s Chris Board of Directors meeting, where it was disclosed that the person who intended to buy the franchise rights for the Philadelphia region had bounced his check. Marsha saw this as a chance to buy the franchise rights herself and go out on her own. After much deliberation, Ruth, who did not want to lose her friend, realized it was time to let her go off on her own and sold the Philadelphia and Nassau County New York licenses agreement to Marsha. That was 20 years ago. In that time Marsha opened three Ruth’s Chris Steak houses — two in the Philadelphia area and one in Long Island City, NY.
Looking to expand her business in Bucks County, Marsha went to New Hope on a scouting trip. While buying a cup of coffee, a stranger came up to her and said “If you’re looking to open a restaurant here, why don’t you look at the old church on Main Street? It’s empty.” Coming from a background based on faith and divine intervention, Marsha looked at the property and felt it was another sign for her to make a change and take a chance. Marsha Brown’s New Orleans Kitchen, a blend of familiar family recipes, authentic Creole cooking, and good old fashioned southern hospitality, was born. “I come from an area where faith, family and food are an intricate part of the local heritage. I wanted to bring that to Bucks County,” said Marsha.
Marsha has had four such serendipitous encounters, the last of which was with Chuck Lewis, then VP for the St. Mary Foundation. Chuck introduced Marsha to the vision of St. Mary Medical Center and the sisters of St. Francis. He spoke of the mission to serve those in need, provide advanced health care to a growing community, and engaging community members to make the vision a reality. “I am a spiritual person and believe that we are all on this earth to lend a hand to help others the best we can. I am involved with St. Mary because I feel a synergy between my personal beliefs and the role St. Mary plays in the community. I am proud to be a part of the St. Mary family and do my best to support the programs that help those less fortunate than myself. Good health is a precious commodity that should not be taken for granted. I know from personal experience how quality healthcare can give peace of mind to family members caring for relatives with debilitating and chronic health problems. St. Mary is a beacon of hope and healing in our community. As business owner I know how it feels to have people depend on me. So I understand St. Mary’s sense of responsibility to the community who depends on them for care. I want to do my part to help fulfill their mission,” said Marsha.