I use my creative abilities and fine arts background to design everything our clients see, from brochures and newsletters to social media content and our website, which I built and manage using WordPress. I also manage our annual client events, including our charity golf tournament "Golfing Fore Good," the veterans benefit and client appreciation day at the Rochester Red Wings, and our most popular event, the Fall Fest picnic and tasting.
Why I Do This
I've worked in this industry since 1992, starting at Northwestern Mutual Financial Network right after college. I began in reception and worked my way up to New Business Processor, eventually becoming securities licensed and serving as Compliance Coordinator. I no longer hold industry licenses (they lapsed when I took time off to be a full-time mom), but that foundation gave me deep insight into how this business works.
What I'm most proud of is our caring reputation and family atmosphere. All of our new clients come from referrals from existing clients. We've never paid to advertise and have never bought a book of business. Our 99.8% client retention rate reflects our deep dedication to placing clients' needs first, and they inspire us to be our best.
What I Bring to the Table
Part of my job involves client gratitude, recognizing life events with personally selected gifts for major milestones, such as new babies, first homes, college acceptances, graduations, and marriages. I really enjoy selecting gifts and sending them with congratulatory messages from the team. We love celebrating our clients' wins and supporting them during difficult times as well.
I would never have expected to use my creative skills in this type of role, but I love blending my design ability with telling our firm's story for both internal and external audiences. I've embraced learning and using technology like WordPress, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, and Riverside for podcasting. These tools help me communicate who we are and what we stand for.
The Personal Side
I was born in Florida and lived in Dallas, Texas, until I was nine. Then we moved to Fairport, New York, where I grew up and still live today. My parents traveled quite a bit due to my dad's job at Xerox, and they never expected to love living in Upstate New York. But they did, and they passed along their love of this area and the outdoors to me: camping, hiking, canoeing, gardening, birdwatching, and just everything about being outside and enjoying nature.
My husband Joe works remotely from our home for a company in Colorado. He has a really strong work ethic and inspires me to work hard, but also to enjoy the moment. Our daughter Mary is our pride and joy. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University at Buffalo and is currently earning her master's degree in speech pathology. We have lots of extended family in the area, but Joe and Mary are my two favorite people to spend time with.
I love working on our house: painting, decorating, and rearranging furniture. I love working outside in the garden and getting together with extended family for dinners. And I love taking walks with our dogs Bailey and Jiro (both Shih Tzus) and going on hikes in all the wooded parks we're lucky to live near.