Employee Spotlight Kristen Stowe

Talk to us about your professional background before Steele. What kind of career did you lead? I worked as an Aflac agent for about four years. Before that, I was at a small Allstate agency as an insurance agent selling P&C products.

When and how did you get involved with Steele Benefits? In 2018, I asked Mike Steele if they needed any benefits counselor for the upcoming enrollment season. After we met, he ended up hiring me for a full-time position.  I started as a Customer Success Specialist in the fourth quarter, and it was a fast-paced learning experience. Right after that, I was offered a Customer Success Manager position.

How has your role evolved since then?  I have since moved to the enrollment team for a different experience.  Educating people has always been something I have been good at, and I knew it would be a better fit professionally. I love the educational aspect of enrolling. I love helping people and I’m so happy to be in this role.

How would you describe your role in one sentence?  I educate employee benefits to people at organizations and help them determine what options are best for them and their family.

What does a typical workday for you look like? There is a lot of teamwork involved. I oversee the call center mainly.  Making sure call queues are running smoothly, and that we are functioning at a high-quality standard for open enrollments and year-round clients.

Do you have a favorite Steele memory? Working in the Hen Den before we all went remote is a great memory. When I first started, several of us girls sat together in the basement and the guys called it the Hen Den because of all the cackling we would do. We would have such a wonderful time talking and helping each other throughout the day. It was a great way of bonding and having comradery with my coworkers.

Outside of work, what kind of hobbies do you have? I enjoy doing my nails. I love to paint on canvas. I am super crafty and find joy in that. As a family we enjoy going outside. We love camping, boating, and the beach. Anything with water we love.

What’s an interesting fact not many people know about you? I was born in California and have 7 siblings.

What advice would you give to yourself at age 15? You are worthy and strong. Don’t listen to your inner critic when that voice arises.  You will be successful personally and professionally.

What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done? When I was 23, I went to Croatia with a friend on a whim. Not knowing what we were doing or the people we were going to meet. It was a fun and spontaneous adventure.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? To always have patience and love in every circumstance.

What would you sing at Karaoke night? I love to sing. I was in the show choir in high school. I love all genres of music, but I would most likely sing a country song.

What’s the silliest way you’ve ever gotten an injury? I went to San Francisco to visit my uncle when I was 18 and we went on a Vespa tour of the city. I was the passenger on the back of the scooter, and as he was passing the car in front of us, he failed to clear the back of the car. My leg hit the taillight and consequently broke.

Soda or pop? Soda.