Let’s start by getting to know you a little better. Tell us about yourself.
I am the youngest of three siblings and grew up among cowboys and musicians, living a dreamy Texas lifestyle. It was a never-ending stream of country music events and lots of rodeos growing up. For as long as I can remember I loved art but also had a bend towards business – when I was looking for a profession advertising seemed to be the perfect fit!
What’s something you love to do?
I get a lot of fulfillment out of encouraging people and championing others. I also really enjoy trying new recipes and cooking with friends. I just recently made a healthy twist on butternut squash stuffed pasta! I am constantly experimenting to transform complex, delicious recipes to be healthier and easier to make. I also really enjoy gardening – the whole process is important and in order to get what you really want you can’t skip or rush things. It’s simple yet profound.
What’s your favorite place?
When I was 20 I visited Cinque Terre in Italy. I have never been the same. It’s the best, there is truly no comparison.
What do you love about the job?
I love how many people I get to interact with every day. I rub shoulders with brilliant and skilled individuals. Everyone at Schaefer is really talented and they’re exceptional at their specific disciplines. I get to learn a lot from them!
If you could do anything besides what you are doing now, what would you do professionally?
Mostly likely I would want to do some sort of management consulting. Working with business to develop their people and processes would be a lot of fun.
What is the last thing you binge-watched?
Hallmark Christmas movies. The horrible thing is that I don’t know the names of these movies. They’re just movies that you put on – some are cheesy, some are romantic, some are funny – and you just have them on. Without fail they all fall in love in the end, they all have insane Christmas decorations that no realistic home has, but they are just feel good kind of movies.
What’s your favorite book?
The Return of the Prodigal Son, by Henri Houwen. This book is based on the famous painting by Rembrandt that is in St Petersburg. It tells the story from each character’s perspective and is truly fascinating. I am a real nerd!
If you could live in any sitcom, which would it be?
I feel like my high school was Friday Night Lights, so I kind of already have lived in that!
If there weren’t any more computers, what would be your new occupation?
I think it would be really fun to be a tour guide. I would get to explore each place by myself, come up with the perfect itinerary, then share it with people. That would be the perfect computer-less job.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve done for fun?
Paragliding – it wasn’t super scary, but it’s definitely the scariest thing I’ve done for fun.
What’s your favorite children’s story?
Nancy Drew, all of the Nancy Drew series is so good. She is the original girl boss that always solved the mysteries. It seemed like she somehow stumbled into all of these mysteries and was always fearless in the face of fear!
If you had an extra hour of free time every day, what would you spend it doing?
If I had an extra hour of free time every day, I would probably go to different museums to find all of my favorite pieces of art. Right now, my favorite local museum is the Modern Art Museum because it often has unique exhibits. My favorite non-local museum is the Louvre in Paris – it’s so fantastic. It’s the most “in-awe” I’ve ever been at a museum. I feel like no amount of time there is enough!
Why Schaefer?
Ken made a really strong first impression on me as a businessperson and a man involved in the community. I saw an opportunity that fit my strengths, but would also grow me in a lot of ways that would prepare me for anything in the future. Also, I really liked the distinct company culture that I saw interviewing and knew I wanted to be on the team.
Any words of advice?
Fear of failing will keep you from trying. Don’t be afraid to fail.
