Meet Amy Smith

Let’s start by getting to know you a little better. Tell us about yourself.

 I grew up all over – my Dad was in the Air Force and while I was in middle and high school, my family were missionaries in Ukraine. I went to Covenant College in Chattanooga, TN and have been here ever since! I spent 8 years in Higher Ed – working in student recruitment and fundraising before landing at an agency in Chattanooga. I’m an avid traveler, proud aunt to two nephews and an aspiring dog owner.

What’s something you love to do?

I’m a big reader and I love to cook. I love to try new recipes. I collect cookbooks and when I get a new one, read it cover to cover and cook my way through. An outpouring of that is hosting many dinner parties for my friends! I love bringing people together around a table to enjoy good food and great conversation.

What’s your favorite place?

Asheville, NC. I enjoy being in the mountains. Asheville is the perfect distance from Chattanooga for a weekend trip! It’s got great food, an amazing beer scene, the best views and some of my best friends live there, making it an even better destination. I love going to new places, but there’s something special about traveling somewhere often enough to have a list of your favorite haunts.

What do you love about the job?

I love how team based working at an agency is. How each person brings their own unique gift to the table and together, we make great work. In an account manager role, I get to be creative, strategic, and constantly learn new things.

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

The Great.

What’s your favorite book?

Too many to list. A recent favorite: Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. Doerr is an excellent craftsman and the way this story traces the impact of a single book across past, present and future is fantastic!

If you could live in any sitcom, which would it be?

New Girl. I’d always be laughing.

Are you a listener or a talker?

I tend to be a listener and a question asker. I like taking it all in! 

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I’m going to say an antipasto platter – cured meats, grilled veggies, fresh bread, delicious cheese, olives, etc.

If there weren’t any more computers, what would be your new occupation?

I’d be a speech language pathologist or a nurse.

What’s the scariest thing you’ve done for fun?

I’m drawing a complete blank! I don’t know that anything I’ve done for fun would be categorized as scary!

What’s your favorite children’s story?

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

If you had an extra hour of free time every day, what would you spend it doing?

I’d spend it reading!  My TBR (to be read) pile is continually out of control. If I had an extra hour a day, I’d devote it to reading.

Any words of advice?

I’m a big reader and one of my favorite authors is Louise Penny. In her book, Still Life, the main character, Armand Gamache,  presents this advice and it’s stuck with me. “There are four things that lead to wisdom…four sentences we learn to say, and mean — ‘I don’t know. I need help. I’m sorry. I was wrong.’”

Why Schaefer?

From my first conversation with Schaefer, it was clear they value their people. At each step of the way, I was blown away by the thoughtful intentionality of the Schaefer team and their desire to know me as a person, not just as an employee. I was also really impressed with Schaefer’s creative portfolio. It’s easy to be lazy in the Healthcare space, but I think Schaefer does a great job of being strategically driven and letting that drive strong creative work. I’m so excited to join this special place!

For more about Amy, check out her bio.

Meet Taylor Dye

Let’s start by getting to know you a little better. Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in a tiny agricultural town, Paris, Missouri (like 1,200 people in the entire town). Upon graduating high school, I decided I wanted to see and experience more, so I applied to multiple colleges out of state. After a couple of college tours, I fell in love with TCU and spent four and a half years there getting both my Bachelor’s and Masters in Strategic Communication. I graduated in December 2021, and from there, I decided to stay in the great city of Fort Worth and grow my passion for marketing.

What’s something you love to do?

Socially, I love to spend time with friends exploring new restaurants, cocktail spots, and coffee spots in both Fort Worth and Dallas. I also love a good walk by the Trinity River, taking yoga classes, and thrifting. During my alone time, I like to read, watch reality TV or mystery shows, cook, and embroider (I taught myself during early COVID).

What’s your favorite place?

Spending time with my family at my lake house at the Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. This is also where the Netflix show Ozark is based on, but I swear it’s not that sketchy in real life.

What do you love about the job?

I love to build relationships with both my team and clients. Creating new organizational systems that streamline processes is something that I also geek out on. Finally, I love the feeling of accomplishment when a client is happy with a completed project that I took a part in.

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

I’m currently watching Bloodline on Netflix! In general, I love a good reality TV show or murder mystery show.

What’s your favorite book?

The Defining Decade by Meg Jay. A must-read for all twenty-somethings!!

If you could live in any sitcom, which would it be?

Friends!!!! The late 90s/early 20s gives such a nostalgic vibe. It also presents very relatable issues for a twenty-something in a lighthearted manner. Also, who wouldn’t love to have a friend group as iconic as them?

Are you a listener or a talker?

Talker! I’m very social. I’m working on my listening skills though, because I believe that’s crucial in developing meaningful relationships.

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Everything bagels OR acai bowls with peanut butter.

If there weren’t any more computers, what would be your new occupation?

I always say that in another lifetime I would like to be a florist. Fun fact: I was on the floriculture team in high school, where I would have to correctly ID 131 flowers at competitions.

What’s the scariest thing you’ve done for fun?

I zip-lined in Croatia!

What’s your favorite children’s story?

The Rainbow Fish.

If you had an extra hour of free time every day, what would you spend it doing?

I’d spend it building my creative skills! Reading, journaling, improving my embroidery skills, relearning how to use Photoshop, etc.

Any words of advice?

Oftentimes how people treat you are a reflection of them, and not a reflection of your worth.

Why Schaefer?

Schaefer’s impressive portfolio of work, including marketing for TCU, the Fort Worth Zoo, and Visit Fort Worth was a huge draw for me. In addition, I’ve heard wonderful things about the company culture, and that’s something that’s very important to have at a job for me. Finally, I wanted to gain more experience in paid media!

For more about Taylor, check out her bio.

Meet Kate Pemberton

Let’s start by getting to know you a little better. Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Minnesota as the middle child of 5 kids. I went to college in Winona, MN, studying general communications and later focusing on Business Administration and Marketing while also playing soccer. I’m an animal lover for life! We’ve had our dog Sadie since she was 8w old, and she is currently 12. We just added Bruno, a rescue to the mix, and he is the perfect little buddy for our family.

What’s something you love to do?

I love to travel, and I love being outdoors. Colorado is absolutely perfect in all seasons because my family loves to camp, swim, ski and snowboard. I also love a good DIY challenge!

What’s your favorite place?

Isla Mujeres, MX

What do you love about the job?

People, creativity and problem solving.

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

Barry, a comedy on HBO.

What’s your favorite book?

I don’t really have a favorite anything – there are too many good things! I really dove into and loved The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King. I really dig anything weird and supernatural. 

If you could live in any sitcom, which would it be?

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia OR Curb Your Enthusiasm because they are ridiculous and they make me laugh so hard. I’d like to live there.

Are you a listener or a talker?

Both, but I’d have to say that I listen and observe first in order to understand how to talk to the people I’m with.

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Pizza.

If there weren’t any more computers, what would be your new occupation?

Handy-lady, DIYer.

What’s the scariest thing you’ve done for fun?

Paragliding.

What’s your favorite children’s story?

I’ve really been enjoying reading the Harry Potter series again, this time with my oldest daughter, Isla (6).

If you had an extra hour of free time every day, what would you spend it doing?

Yoga.

Any words of advice?

Oh gosh – clichè maybe, but the Golden Rule will always be golden.

Why Schaefer?

I’ve been so impressed and thankful for the caliber of communication, level of dedication and just simple, genuine, respectful human interactions I’ve had. I feel the values-led culture, and the thought and care that’s gone into client work, the strategic expansion and everyday life at Schaefer. I’m so happy we’ve mutually chosen each other!

For more about Kate, check out her bio.

Meet Catherine Land

Let’s start by getting to know you a little better. Tell us about yourself.

I am a native Texan, I grew up in Clear Lake, TX. My father worked for NASA for 48 years so the space program was a huge part of my life. My parents instilled in us that anything was possible and so we chased our dreams relentlessly. I am a graduate of the University of Texas and Southern Methodist University but our family bleeds burnt orange. I live with my husband Charles, we have three kids and one amazing son in law. Our family dog, Max, was adopted and then rescued us. 

What’s something you love to do?

I love to sing, study languages (speak french and spanish), read, spend time with my family and watch any Texas Longhorn sporting event.

What’s your favorite place?

Orcas Island, Washington.

What do you love about the job?

I love seeing people have “aha” moments when they solve a problem, recognize their strengths, achieve a goal, and become who they are – that is what drives me and it’s even better when you see it all come together with a team of people!

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

The Office – my kids laugh at me and say I am addicted because I just keep rewatching it over and over.  When I get to the end I start over – it’s an issue in the family.  LOL.

What’s your favorite book?

Just one? That’s impossible. The Great Alone by Kristen Hannah or The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

If you could live in any sitcom, which would it be?

Friends – oh to be young and carefree in New York.

Are you a listener or a talker?

Listener, but with the right people, talker.

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

My mom’s crab dip.

If there weren’t any more computers, what would be your new occupation?

Interpreter.

What’s the scariest thing you’ve done for fun?

White water rafting into Class IV-V whitewater that is wild and non-stop. The names of these rapids, Guide Ejector, Hell’s Corner, Double Knife, and Terminator gives you a glimpse of what to expect. No thank you – floating the Guadalupe in the hill country of Texas is more my style.

What’s your favorite children’s story?

Anything Curious George

If you had an extra hour of free time every day, what would you spend it doing?

Being with my family.

Any words of advice?

Life is way too short to be taken so seriously.

Why Schaefer?

I chose Schaefer because I feel I can make a difference. I felt and saw evidence of their commitment to their employees and I enjoyed every minute of my time spent with Ken, Sarah and Debbie.

For more about Catherine, check out her bio.

Meet Lexi Onuscheck

Let’s start by getting to know you a little better. Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Go Steelers!), and I lived there until I was 2. From there, I moved to Southern California for 9 years. Before I knew it, my family and I packed our bags for our next adventure in Paris, France. I lived in Paris for 3 and a half years (this is where my French minor comes into play). From there, we moved to Fort Worth. I just graduated from Texas Christian University with a BS in Strategic Communication and a French minor.

What’s something you love to do?

Some of my favorite things to do are read, workout (preferably hot yoga, barre, or outdoor walks), travel, spend time outside, and hang out with family and friends. In the summer, you can find me reading by a pool, beach, or lake and in the winter, you can find me traveling to Utah with my family to ski and snowshoe!

What’s your favorite place?

My favorite place to be is Eden, Utah. My family has been spending every Christmas in Utah since I was five, and through all the different moves across the country, Eden, Utah, has been our only permanent home!

What do you love about the job?

I am detail-oriented, and I love being organized, so an account service role is a perfect fit for me. I love the fast-paced nature of this role, and I love problem-solving!

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

Big Littles Lies and Sex and the City. I also love home renovation tv shows (I think I watched every episode of Fixer Upper during Covid).

What’s your favorite book?

Really difficult to pick just one… I have been reading a lot of Colleen Hoover and Emily Giffin recently.

If you could live in any sitcom, which would it be?

Would Emily in Paris be considered a sitcom? Having lived in Paris when I was in middle school, working in Paris would be a dream come true! 

Are you a listener or a talker?

Listener! I learn best by listening, and I love learning about people. I’m not always the loudest person in the room, but I can assure you, if the room is too loud and you feel unheard, I heard you, and I’ll be sure to acknowledge what you said.

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Italian food! If there’s any type of risotto on the menu, you can bet on me getting it.

If there weren’t any more computers, what would be your new occupation?

A wedding planner. On some weekends, you can find me working as a day-of wedding planning assistant, and I love it! My type-A personality thrives.

What’s the scariest thing you’ve done for fun?

I moved 5,000 miles away from home to live abroad for 3 years with my family.

What’s your favorite children’s story?

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. My mom read this book to me every night when I was little.

If you had an extra hour of free time every day, what would you spend it doing?

I would spend it calling a friend or family member and catching up.

Any words of advice?

“Be bold. Be brave” — one of my high school teachers would tell us this all the time and it has always stuck with me.

Why Schaefer?

Schaefer is truly the best place to work. I interned during the spring semester of my senior year and it was most definitely my favorite internship of college. Schaefer is the place that will allow me to grow, learn, and become an account service expert. Everyone is so welcoming and the office truly feels like home.

For more about Lexi, check out her bio.

I was born in Santa Cruz, California and grew up bicostal. I spent most of my childhood years on the Big Island of Hawaii and my teens on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia, eventually graduating from Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) with a B.A. in Marketing. I am a father to two old lazy dogs, Jesse and Wesley, and a husband to their mother, Lila.

What’s something you love to do?

I love crossing National Parks off of my list. I have already visited 8 with 2 scheduled this year. My favorite so far: Zion National Park

I enjoy living out of a backpack. Whether in the woods or in the city, I love the feeling of being lost in new places.

Big fan of taking bikes, trains, public transportation or just walking. I love being a part of the surroundings rather than seeing it from the highway.

What is your favorite place?

My favorite place is home. Specifically, Saturday morning when my wife and I drink our coffee and try to best each other in Wordle.

What do you love about your job?

Every job has a teaching component. What’s the point of going through all of these experiences if you can’t share and pass them on? I love the act of teaching but I equally love when the student becomes a teacher to others.

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

I want my answer to be cooler than the truth so I am going to say Netflix’s Explained when in reality it was the newest season of The Bachelor with my wife.

What’s your favorite book?

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.

If you could live in any sitcom, which would it be?

Parks and Rec because who would not want to live in Pawnee, Indiana? I relate with each character in their own way and could totally see myself fitting into the Parks Department with Ron.

Are you a listener or a talker?

Talker, but not by choice. Talking through my thoughts is how I organize and process; it’s my version of refining an idea on a notepad.

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

This is going to sound boujee but charcuterie boards really do it for me.

If computers didn’t exist, what would be your occupation?

A botanist — I don’t have a green thumb but I am fascinated by the lifecycle of a plant.

What’s the scariest thing you’ve done for fun?

My wife and I once flew to Paris with no itinerary or clue how to navigate. Best test for a newlywed couple.

What’s your favorite children’s story?

Harry Potter. That was always my literary steak and potatoes growing up.

If you had an extra hour of free time every day, what would you spend it doing?

My intention would be to spend it doing absolutely nothing. I would mediate and try to watch my thoughts instead of thinking them.

Any words of advice?

Book that trip. Attend that concert. Fall in love. Don’t get lost in the details.

Why Schaefer?

The attention to detail. Every step of the way, including this exercise was intentional. The warm first impressions from Bryn, Ken, Sara and the rest of my interview team was a great reflection of the culture at Schaefer.

Let’s start by getting to know you a little better. Tell us about yourself.

My name is Libby. I was born and raised in Dallas, went to the University of Kansas, and kept going north to Chicago. Eventually, I made my way back to Texas and spent 15 years in Austin, where I met my husband and had two beautiful kids. Brady is 11 and Emma is 10. We moved to Argyle in 2019 and are so happy to be back in the DFW area! Our dog Buddy is a four-year-old Goldendoodle who is the love of our lives. He is the best boy in the whole world!

What’s something you love to do?

I love to watch my kids doing what they love. My son plays football and basketball. My daughter plays soccer.

What is your favorite place?

The beach.

What do you love about your job?

I love problem solving, organizing, and working with people. I love seeing a project go from an idea to the finished product.

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

The Incredible Dr. Pol — I have a 10- and 11-year-old.

What’s your favorite book?

Educated by Tara Westover.

If you could live in any sitcom, which would it be?

Friends — I would be Monica. She is my cleaning and organizing soul sister.

Are you a listener or a talker?

Both.

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Chips and queso.

If computers didn’t exist, what would be your occupation?

I would be a private investigator the old school way — following people and digging through trash.

What’s the scariest thing you’ve done for fun?

Paragliding in Switzerland. I did not have fun and found out I do not have a need for speed.

What’s your favorite children’s story?

Press Here — it’s not really a story, but it was my kids favorite book when they were little.

If you had an extra hour of free time every day, what would you spend it doing?

Out to diner with my kids and husband. No devices, no distractions.

Any words of advice?

Two pieces of advice from my mom that always hold true:

1. When in doubt, don’t.

2. I really liked you until I got to know you. Basically this just means take things slow when you meet new people. Whether it’s a significant other or a friend. You don’t have to go all in right away — you may find your first impression was way off. This is why I think the Schaefer interview process is so incredible. They take the time to get to know you for your sake (potential employee) and their sake. It’s a really commendable process.

Why Schaefer?

The people and the environment. I’ve never walked into a place that felt more genuine than Schaefer. Everyone is so thoughtful, but also intelligent and dedicated to creating good work. It really seems like a family and I m so excited to get going!