Behind the name!

Like most people, you're probably curious about the story behind my unique name. While it's not tied to any epic tales of my parents' love for exotic cocktails or fruity indulgences, the truth is just as interesting. 

Growing up, my parents couldn't have been more different, especially about adult beverages and their parenting philosophies – a delightful blend of contrasts that shaped my upbringing in the heart of central Kansas (Nickerson, KS .... near Hutchinson).

Yes, I participated in all the quintessential 'farm things' you can imagine. From tending to the fields to caring for animals, my childhood was steeped in hard work and invaluable life lessons. My brother and I learned the virtues of diligence, thriftiness, kindness, and keeping one's word from an early age.

My dad was a rugged yet tender cowboy at heart who instilled in me the value of hard work with his 'Get up, you're burning daylight!' mantra. He wouldn't hesitate to give you the shirt off his back (just don't try to take it from him!). My mom was a ray of sunshine in any room, known for her multiple talents and overwhelming kindness. As a business owner, church pianist, painter, and skilled seamstress, she taught me empathy and the art of making every person feel cherished.

Together, their contrasting yet complementary approaches shaped me into the resilient and compassionate individual I am today - someone who believes in: 

Okay, enough of the backstory. Let's dive into the good stuff!

From a young age, I knew farm life wasn't quite my speed. While it was great during childhood, I craved a faster pace as I grew older. After earning my degree in Marketing from Kansas State University (with emphasis on Accounting and Business), I ventured into managing retail stores, banks, and even a multi-channel telecommunications call center. (Quick tip: Call center experience is gold – those frontline reps offer invaluable insights for strategic planning!).

After work took me to Oklahoma (again, not a great fit for me), I returned to the Kansas City area and found a work home at Sprint for 19 years. Despite the ever-looming annual layoffs, I thrived in roles spanning diverse functional areas, often diving headfirst into uncharted territory. That experience taught me quickly to either 'sink or swim' when faced with new challenges. I always chose to swim – driven by a curiosity for learning, a knack for quickly adapting, and a willingness to roll up my sleeves. In 2018, I voluntarily left Sprint in pursuit of agency-side and new industry experiences, and the journey transformed me into a successful pivoter, adept at navigating any industry, ambiguous situation, or complex business model. 

Building trust and fostering collaboration are my superpowers, internally and externally. I take the time to understand each role, the interlacing of responsibilities, and the ripple effects of every decision. I am known for supporting my teammates because I'm not afraid to step in when they need backup.

So, let's connect and continue this journey together!

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