Meet Andrew Lotz

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

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, raised in Saint Bernard Parish. Moved to Dallas after Hurricane Katrina and was recruited to play football at Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas. While in school, I adopted two dogs. Cookie, who I found in a parking lot of a Sonic, living off scraps, and Louis, who was given to me. I majored in Information Systems and Data Analytics for my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I enjoy the combination of creative problem solving and numbers.

In college, I was the General Manager of a brewery, whereI learned to brew beer and a lot about cooking. After graduating, I transitioned to a coaching role, serving as a QB assistant coordinator throughout grad school and eventually got hired by the Houston Texans to “turn numbers into colors,” which translates to leveraging data and analytics to learn more about their fans. 

I like to try new restaurants and discover new bars – preferably outdoor places with easy TV viewing. I watch a lot of football. No surprise. I like to find good bars. And I wants to visit every NFL stadium. So far, I’ve been to three. 

What’s something you love to do?

In no particular order: golf, pickleball and cooking.

Where is your favorite place?

New Orleans

What do you love about the job?

Continuous learning.

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

The Bear

What’s your favorite book?

Profiles in Courage

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

Entourage, I’ve never been to California. 

Are you a listener or a talker?

Listener

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

Steak

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

Football Coach

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

Snuck into an abandoned orphanage.

What’s your favorite children’s story?

The Giver

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

Golfing

Any words of advice?

Failure is where growth happens.

Why Schaefer?

The company culture and opportunity to develop. 

For more about Andrew, check his bio.

We all see and feel the challenges facing companies of all sizes in today’s business landscape. We see it across all of our business verticals and within our own walls. As an agency with 27 years in the business we have also seen that challenges like this often beget opportunity IF you can embrace it with the right mindset. 

In order to grow our agency and navigate this ever-evolving industry, we believe being proactive and investing in our leadership is essential to our success. We launched a new program called the Make Life Better Leadership Series and though this inaugural workshop may be the first in a new series, it’s really the embodiment of a larger initiative at Schaefer called Schaefer University. It started with a need to gather training documents for onboarding and best practices and has grown into a philosophy of continued learning and exploration for the whole agency. We strive to be experts in our field, and in that effort, we have to be open and curious about the “what” and “how” we pursue knowledge.

Schaefer University acts as a platform for exploration, training and teaching. It keeps each of us focused on the pursuit of better instead of simply complacent with what’s been done. It’s a reminder for each of us to look for ways to learn and step into challenges with curiosity and humility. If we want to provide a dynamic environment for people to work, we have to embrace this mindset of pursuing knowledge and sharing experiences.

This workshop was created with the goal of making our purpose as an agency – to Make Life Better – tangible, and we set out to empower and equip our leaders, partners and a few clients to step into some of the shared challenges of this industry with a shared goal. We saw it as an incredible way to create opportunities to collaborate from a space of shared experience.

We had the pleasure of hosting Kristen Hadeed, author of Permission to Screw Up, and hearing her vision for the future of work. Our team unpacked these ideas with our very own Doug Austin, who facilitated a discussion around how these ideas are relevant to our business.

The workshop brought new ideas to the table, affirmed some of our current efforts and opened our thinking to how we can improve and refine our processes for developing talent.

We partnered with the TCU Department of Design, holding the workshop in the heart of the Fine Arts Building and Red Productions to capture video and photography from the event.

“Career Cushioning, Quiet Quitting, Conscious Quitting, Quiet Promotion, and the impending Silver Tsunami are contributing to a very interesting workforce landscape, especially as it relates to tomorrow’s leadership formation.”

Kristen Hadeed

Kristen’s book, Permission to Screw Up: How I Learned to Lead by Doing Almost Everything Wrong, is a memoir that details her journey as a young entrepreneur who started her own cleaning company while still in college. In the book, Hadeed candidly shares her many mistakes and failures as a leader, and how she learned and grew from them.

Through her personal anecdotes, Hadeed provides valuable insights on leadership, including the importance of building a strong company culture, giving employees the freedom to make mistakes, and learning to lead by example. She also emphasizes the value of persistence and resilience, and the importance of taking risks and embracing failure as part of the learning process.

Permission to Screw Up is a refreshing and honest take on leadership, presented in an engaging and relatable way. It serves as a source of inspiration for anyone looking to become a more effective leader, and highlights the power of learning from one’s mistakes and embracing failure as a necessary step toward success.

Kristen’s live message centered on 4 key areas that lead to employee engagement: passion, growth, freedom and belonging. We explored finding the sweet spot where your motivations and talents combine, talked about career growth and the difference between rock stars and superstars, investigated what it means to have freedom at work and renewed our call to maintain our authentic culture of belonging at Schaefer.

This time with Kristen was an experience like no other and was incredibly valuable time spent focusing on leading as our most authentic, human selves.

Meet Rachel Connell

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

I was born in Grapevine, the Christmas Capital of Texas. I grew up in Southlake, TX. I am a middle child with two sisters — we are an all girl household, but I wouldn’t change it for the world! I graduated from Baylor in May 2022, and wanted to move back home to DFW. I have an Aussie Doodle puppy named Oia (pronounced “ee-yah”) after the town in Santorini, Greece with all the beautiful blue domed buildings. Although my family thought her name was cute, we do semi-regret naming her something Greek because most people don’t know how to say it!

What’s something you love to do?

Music has always been a big part of my life! I love singing, playing the piano and guitar, and collecting vinyl records– I have around 50 currently. I am also an avid concert goer on weekends and enjoy country dancing when I can. 

What’s your favorite place?

Glacier National Park.

What do you love about the job?

I love that I’m able to be a part of people’s career development.

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

Yellowstone.

What’s your favorite book?

There’s too many to choose! But I do love picking up new historical books.

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

Either New Girl or The Nanny just so I could have Fran’s wardrobe.

Are you a listener or a talker?

Listener.

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

Hands down, chocolate chip cookies.

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

A whitewater rafting guide.

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

I swam a foot away from a whale shark in the ocean. They are HUGE, but thankfully don’t mind people that much.

What’s your favorite children’s story?

The Magic Tree House series.

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

I’d use it to finally become a morning person and take some time to ease into a peaceful morning.

Any words of advice?

Always pay it forward!

Why Schaefer?

The culture. It’s unbeatable!

Meet Payton Luster

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

So far, I have lived in 3 different states and 7 different cities. I was born in Colorado and my whole family lives there, but I grew up in Texas (I refuse to admit I’m a Texan though). I majored in Public Relations at the University of Texas at Austin, and loved football game days and spending the summers at Barton Springs. When I graduated, I wanted to move to Fort Worth to be closer to my family. 

What’s something you love to do?

I love attending fitness classes in the area like cycling and yoga. On the weekends, I love to go to the Coyote Drive-In and hole-in-the-wall restaurants. 

What’s your favorite place?

My grandparents’ ranch in Colorado Springs–it’s beautiful in the winter!

What do you love about the job?

I love being a storyteller and creating work that people actually engage with. Everything you have been persuaded to learn more about or buy, a copywriter came up with the message that made it stand out. To do that kind of work is pretty amazing to me.

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

Formula 1: Drive to Survive.

What’s your favorite book?

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave.

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

How I Met Your Mother —I would love to figure out my life in New York with my closest friends. 

Are you a listener or a talker?

I can be both. I’m a listener in big group settings, and slowly become a talker to smaller groups of people.

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

My mom’s green chili enchiladas.

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

Screenwriter.

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

My second time snowboarding, I went down a black diamond. I did cry in the moment, but it was a fun time.

What’s your favorite children’s story?

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket.

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

I would definitely indulge in some self-care like reading and journaling.

Any words of advice?

My dad has always told me, “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” It may be something you hear in sports, but I feel like it applies to everything in life.

Why Schaefer?

I was looking for a work culture that loved to nurture talent and helped recent college graduates hone their skills. It was really important to me that I work at a place where I was surrounded by extremely talented people that cared about each other. And Schaefer lives up to that.

Meet Audrey Dao

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

I grew up in Arlington, TX. I went to school at the University of Texas at Arlington where I studied Visual Communications Design and fell in love with advertising. I have an old beagle named Roosevelt and a boyfriend named Zach who I love to karaoke with on the weekends.

What’s something you love to do?

Cooking (and eating) food, karaoke, and being with friends and family.

What’s your favorite place?

The State Fair of Texas.

What do you love about the job?

Being creative with other awesome creatives and creating incredible things.

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

Avatar the Last Airbender.

What’s your favorite book?

The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald.

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

Abbot Elementary — I love this show and I just feel like I would have so much fun with the cast.

Are you a listener or a talker?

I am a listener when I first meet people, then I slowly become a talker.

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

Thai food or Vietnamese pho.

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

An illustrator or pottery (I’ve never done pottery but I would like to).

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

Rode the Tower of Terror at Disney World.

What’s your favorite children’s story?

Winnie the Pooh.

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

I would take a nap or do whatever chore I’ve been putting off.

Any words of advice?

Be kind to yourself!

Why Schaefer?

The amazing work that comes from the amazing people who work at Schaefer. I love the creative environment.

For more about Audrey, check her bio.

Meet Julia Norek

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

I grew up in Jamison, Pennsylvania with two younger siblings and a dog. I went to college at the University of Georgia and graduated in 2018. I double-majored in Marketing at the business school and PR at the communications school. I played club lacrosse all 4 years. After college, I traveled and worked for about two years before ending up in Denver working full-time in Marketing.

What’s something you love to do?

I coach youth lacrosse and occasionally play in an adult league. I also play in a variety of recreational sports leagues in Denver with friends. I love a good park day or grabbing lunch or a drink with friends. I love reading, baking, pilates; and hiking in the fall and summer and snowboarding in the winter. And trying new things!

What’s your favorite place?

The beach! 

What do you love about the job?

The continued challenge and opportunities of learning new systems and implementing them.

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

The Great British Baking Show. 

What’s your favorite book?

The Stormlight Archives series by Brandon Sanderson (or anything by Sarah J. Maas).

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

Friends, New Girl, Parks and Rec – I just love the shows.

Are you a listener or a talker?

I think both but I know that’s a cop out lol.

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

Bagels or Thai food.

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

Some kind of adventure tourist guide maybe.

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

Bungee jumping!

What’s your favorite children’s story?

Socks for Supper.

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

Reading or going for a walk outside.

Any words of advice?

Life’s short, don’t take it too seriously!

Why Schaefer?

The detailed interview process, the description of the position and my understanding of what the position consists of —- but mostly how everyone I met seems to genuinely love working at Schaefer!

For more about Julia, check out her bio.

Meet Jason Shupe

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

I was an Air Force brat. I was raised all over but ended up here in DFW. I dropped out of every school I ever attended, but I ended up in graphics arts. It’s ironic because art was the only class I ever failed. I married my best friend and we have three sons. If I have any amount of time to spare, I am outside fixing things or hanging out with my kids. 

What’s something you love to do?

Anything outside, and I fix stuff.

What’s your favorite place?

Death Valley.

What do you love about the job?

Teaching others.

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

The Sopranos. Not very current on shows.

What’s your favorite book?

Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions

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

Mork & Mindy. Killer location, nice jeep, puffy vests, and suspenders.

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?

Potatoes.

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

Mechanic.

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

Canyoneering.

What’s your favorite children’s story?

I have no idea.

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

Hike.

Any words of advice?

Don’t be an asshole.

Why Schaefer?

Friendly people.

For more about Jason, check his bio.

Meet Van Nguyen

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

I was born and raised in Ho Chi Minh city, South Vietnam. I moved to the USA when I was 18 and started school at SMU. My dog’s name is Junior and he is 5 years old.

What’s something you love to do?

Garden, watch movies, travel and draw.

What’s your favorite place?

Ho Chi Minh City.

What do you love about the job?

I love organizing numbers and connecting with people from different teams at Schaefer. This is a new role at Schaefer, so I have countless opportunities to learn new things. I get excited about learning something new every day.

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

I don’t really watch TV, but I love watching cooking videos on YouTube to learn new tricks.

What’s your favorite book?

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki.

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

The Devil’s Wear Prada because I love how the main character is willing to challenge herself to meet a new opportunity in her life. 

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?

Banh Can Cua (Vietnamese Crab Thick Noodle Soup). 

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

I would design a good organized system to keep track of paperwork and paper records. 

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

Back in 2019, I had a trip with my friend to an island in Vietnam. Everybody went diving to watch coral and sea creatures, so I took a risk and dove with them (with the help from a tour guide). It was scary but it worth it!

What’s your favorite children’s story?

The Little Mermaid.

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

Take my dog, Junior, to the dog park and go to Central Market. 

Any words of advice?

Work hard and believe in yourself. 

Why Schaefer?

My first impression was great. Everybody who I have met at Schaefer was very nice and friendly. It sets the tone for my belief that I can contribute to the team and learn from great coworkers while I’m here. 

For more about Van, check out her bio.

Meet Ridge Schorling

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

I was born and raised in Porterville, California where I helped my family raise cattle. I went to school in San Luis Obispo, where I got my undergrad in business administration from California Polytechnic (Cal Poly) State University. I also continued my education at Southern New Hampshire University where I received my Master’s in Accounting. Throughout college, I had jobs where I made chocolate and moved furniture. In February 2022, I moved to Texas and eventually found my way to Schaefer.

What’s something you love to do?

Jiu jitsu! The community of friends, as well as the sport itself, have made this a valuable hobby and interest.

What’s your favorite place?

California Hot Springs. It’s where our ranch is. It’s peaceful and beautiful during the winter and spring.

What do you love about the job?

Numbers! Everything balances, or at least should. When it doesn’t, it can be solved.

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

All the comedy specials on Netflix.

What’s your favorite book?

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

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

The Office because it’s the only sitcom I’ve watched in entirety and Steve Carell seems like he’d be a fun boss to have.

Are you a listener or a talker?

Listener.

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

Steak.

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

Probably something military related.

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

Mountain bike down Haleakala in Maui, Hawaii with a rented bike and only a helmet for protection.

What’s your favorite children’s story?

The Little Mouse that Could.

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

I would probably spend it planning my future days and years. I would also spend it thinking.

Any words of advice?

It’s not, “work smarter, not harder.” It’s, “work harder and smarter.”

Why Schaefer?

Schaefer is tech-focused, which was something new and exciting to me. I wanted to work at an innovative place that would allow me to grow as a private accountant. Also, the hiring process was very seamless and everyone was so welcoming!