Talk to us about your professional background before Steele. What kind of career did you lead?
I worked for Exact Target /Salesforce. I worked hand and hand with our sales/services teams as an Account Partner. We helped enterprise-size financial service and insurance companies implement email marketing technologies across their different business units.
When and how did you get involved with Steele Benefits?
About a year ago I talked with Katy Esser. I wanted to move from the enterprise world to a smaller company that aligned with my values and provided an amazing work/life balance.
How would you describe your role in one sentence?
Trusted Advisor. I like to think our customers can reach out to Steele and trust us to help with all aspects of the world of benefits.
What does a typical workday for you look like?
I build a to-do list and then dive into emails. We sometimes have early morning meetings. During lunch, I take my dog for a walk. I typically go into the office a couple of times a week. I’m a planner, so I like to work ahead of schedule as much as possible.
Outside of work, what kind of hobbies do you have?
I play a lot of golf. I also try to hunt as much as possible throughout the winter months. I have two daughters who are highly involved in basketball and golf which keeps me busy.
Do you have a favorite Steele memory?
When I first started, we had a day in the office, and it happened to be Wes’ birthday. We all had a great time with everyone in the office and it was nice to meet/greet everyone on Day 1
Are there any new skills or insights you’ve picked up while working at Steele?
The one thing I’ve learned more than anything is that everybody has the same goal to make the benefits world as easy and smooth as possible.
What’s an interesting fact not many people know about you?
I grew up in a small town in southern Illinois. Sixteen years ago, the racing industry brought me to Indianapolis.
What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
Bungee jumping. I was 18 years old and on Spring Break.
What’s the very first job you had (that’s not on your resume) and what did you learn from the experience?
My very first job was at a golf course. I cleaned the golf carts and helped maintain the pro shop/clubhouse. It taught me how to have conversations with anyone and then turn those conversations into relationships that still last today when I return to my home course in Illinois.
If you could jump into a pool of anything, what would it be full of?
A pool of luck.
What part of the driver’s test are you most likely to fail?
Probably the signs. My oldest daughter just took the test, and I realized I couldn’t answer the questions.
Soda or pop?
Soda.
Which celebrity would you choose as a mentor?
Steve Jobs. It would be amazing to hear the stories of the early tech world and what he learned throughout his time in life and business.
What’s the wildest online purchase you’ve ever made?
I just redid my bedroom, and I didn’t read the description of the comforter I purchased. Both the comforter and the pillowcases had a whole lot of sequins on them.