With Danielle Baughman, President of ProShare Services.
At WBEC-East, we are proud to spotlight women entrepreneurs whose expertise, leadership, and determination strengthen industries and communities alike. This month, we’re highlighting Danielle Baughman, President of ProShare Services, a consulting and project execution firm built on a rare blend of operational, engineering, and field experience. Her journey from frontline operations to business ownership reflects the power of clarity, confidence, and community.
Tell us about your business—what do you do and what inspired you to start it?
I didn’t learn this work behind a desk. I learned it in operations, where schedules, logistics, and customer impact are immediate and unforgiving. Later, when I moved into engineering, I gained the process- and compliance-driven side of project delivery. I understand how projects are planned on paper and how they actually function in the field.
That blend is what makes me different. I sit at the intersection of planning, engineering, and operations — bringing clarity and practicality to complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
What prompted you to become a part of the WBEC-East network?
I joined WBEC-East on the advice of a relative who owned a WBENC-certified trucking firm and understood how powerful the certification can be for a business rooted in technical work and operational execution. Their encouragement pushed me to pursue certification early, and I’m grateful for it. The process required structure, documentation, and discipline — the same qualities that guide my work in project delivery.
More importantly, WBEC-East connected me to a community of business owners who approach their work with professionalism, strong fundamentals, and a commitment to real value. The certification strengthened ProShare’s foundation and plugged me into a network of credible, high-performing businesses across multiple industries.
Which programs, services, or networking opportunities have you engaged with, and how have they benefited you?
I’ve participated in:
- • WBENC Energy Executive Program
- • WBENC Chemical Industry Accelerator
- • WBENC WeIGNITE Executive Program
- • Philadelphia Gas Works Diverse Business Development Program
Every one of them shaped how I think about planning, operations, and business structure. The content was practical, relevant, and immediately applicable to the work ProShare delivers.
These programs helped refine my leadership approach, sharpen decision-making, and expand my understanding of how different industries function behind the scenes. Conferences and networking events since launching ProShare in 2020 have also connected me with partners, clients, and resources that support the way I run my business.
Overall, these experiences provided clarity, industry insight, and tools that directly contributed to ProShare’s growth and my development as a business leader.
Can you share a specific challenge you faced and how a connection helped you overcome it?
One of the biggest turning points was realizing I didn’t have to stay in the same lane I started in. My career began in frontline operations and later moved into technical engineering services. When I launched ProShare, I assumed the business needed to follow that traditional engineering path.
Through WBENC conversations and mentorship, I gained clarity about where my real value sits: at the intersection of operations, engineering, and project execution. Several peers helped me see that consulting, not just engineering services, was where I could have the greatest impact.
That shift changed everything.
Moving ProShare into a consulting-focused model allowed me to support clients with planning, coordination, troubleshooting, and execution oversight in a way that’s authentic to my experience and strengths. It clarified our offerings and aligned the business with the work I’m uniquely positioned to do.
How has your business growth benefited your community?
Since joining WBEC-East, ProShare has grown in both clarity and capability. The network helped me refine my services, strengthen my messaging, and position the business around the consulting work where I deliver the greatest value.
As ProShare continues to grow, we’ve been able to bid and partner with other woman-, minority-, veteran-owned, and small businesses. These collaborations help keep work and investment within our local business ecosystem.
Our growth allows us to contribute to shared economic opportunity, uplift local partners, and invest back into the community that supports us.
What would you say to another entrepreneur considering reaching out to WBEC-East?
WBEC-East is an excellent starting point and a reliable source of guidance. When I began, I had no roadmap — just determination. WBEC-East provided structure, direction, and support so I could build a solid foundation and move forward with confidence.
I started ProShare using my engineering bonuses from the oil and gas industry, taking one step at a time and often working in the gray without knowing exactly where it would lead. I built the business slowly and intentionally, learning every part by doing the work myself and staying focused on delivering real value.
Six years later, I’m proud to have grown a thriving business with no outside funding and to be expanding into new sectors and capabilities. WBEC-East has been an important part of that journey, and I’m grateful for the community and resources they provide.
Learn more about ProShare Services LLC at https://www.proshareservices.com/
Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn here.
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WBEC-East’s Women’s Business Center exists to provide training, resources, and coaching to meet entrepreneurs where they are—no matter their starting point. Danielle’s journey illustrates that with the right mindset and a supportive community, every challenge can become a stepping stone toward success.
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