Talk to us about your professional background before Steele. What kind of career did you lead? I worked as a Benefits Coordinator for Avon School Corporation.
When and how did you get involved with Steele Benefits? At Avon, I worked with Steele for our benefits enrollment. I jokingly said I wanted to be a part of the Steele family. When I decided to leave Avon, I contacted Wes and Katy about writing me a reference letter. Katy called and said she’d write me a letter but would rather hire me. So, I jumped at the chance. I knew that I would love working here and I do.
How has your role evolved since then? My role has changed a lot. When I first started, I focused on payroll. Then in Q4, I started working with benefits counselors and getting them onboarded and appointed with proper carriers. I’ve now started working more with finance and payroll.
What does a typical workday for you look like? I focus on payroll. I check in with Katy to see if there are any changes. I also work with Andrew with finance records. I pay the bills, I collect income. I work on benefit counselor contracts and addendums.
Are there any new skills or insights you’ve picked up while working at Steele? QuickBooks. I had never worked with it before. I have done bookkeeping in the past but with a different system.
Anything else you might wish to mention? I love working at Steele. I wish I had come here earlier. I love the support and camaraderie. It’s the most amazing and supportive job I’ve ever had.
What’s the very first job you had (that’s not on your resume) and what did you learn from the experience? I worked for a convenience store. I learned that I enjoyed making my own money and working with customers. I enjoy talking and collaborating with people.
Outside of work, what kind of hobbies do you have? Grandbabies. Our life is grandbabies. We have three granddaughters- all under the age of six. We spend any of our spare moments with them.
What’s an interesting fact not many people know about you? I was quiet in high school. I barely made eye contact with people.
If you had a time machine, would you travel to the future or back to the past? To the past. I would want to be more appreciative of my family and be able to tell them that. I would try to mature a little quicker and be less selfish.
What is your favorite movie- Steel Magnolias or Fried Green Tomatoes
What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a coffee – Kathy Bates. I think I can relate to her. I would find it interesting to know if she is like any of the characters she has played.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? To be able to read people’s minds. I’m always wondering what they are thinking, how they think, and how their thoughts determine their actions.
What is your favorite holiday? Christmas. It’s family time, and I get the excitement of watching the kids and grandkids.