What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
Right now, the builder industry is challenging because of the supply and demand of materials from wood to tile to luxury vinyl products. The cost of building has increased so much but the demand to build has not declined at all. I have become somewhat hardened to have to ask clients to reselect material for their “forever home” because their material is stuck on a boat somewhere in an ocean! It’s such a hard conversation to have.
By far the most rewarding aspect is growing clients’ trust and seeing the excitement on their faces when I can bring their vision to life in their new home. I have also gained a lot of friends who were clients first, including one of my bridesmaids who was a former client! We have since stayed friends and enjoy getting our families together.
Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
Someone who I have always given credit to in my industry is Angie Kieta, though the Madison Area Builders Association (MABA). She is a butterfly in this industry who literally took me under her wings almost 10 years ago and gave me the encouragement to involve myself full force in MABA. In turn, this has given me confidence in my daily work and a strong reflection on the success I have had.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
I have been given opportunities, such as this, to showcase my involvement in the community and share the successes I have achieved through personal and professional challenges. I am very proud of my accomplishments and my growth. A couple of notable awards are the MABA Volunteer of the Year Award in 2015 and MABA Associate of the Year Award in 2017. I was also nominated for the MABA Board of Directors in 2019 and have since held a seat, running for reelection this year. The builders with whom I have grown relationships in this industry are also something I gauge my success on. There are all different levels of builders and each one I have been honored to work with has given me the growth opportunities and expertise I can bring to clients today.
Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Don’t stop. Don’t look back. Give 100%. The reward is ahead! I am very much seeing the rewards and it feels amazing!
What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
There are so many opportunities for work and play within 30–45 minutes of the heart of Madison. It is close knit, yet still feels like a large city. We love living in Stoughton, just 20 minutes from Madison. It is a quiet town with lots going on. I am very involved in my community and being so close to Madison, the heart of Wisconsin, we can participate in statewide events almost as easily as in our own town!
Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
I used to be very involved in theater, something I haven’t dabbled in for over 15 years. I loved acting. As far as talents, I’ve also sung the national anthem at college football games!
What are your guilty pleasures?
Something as a mother of three that makes me feel guilty is wanting time away with my husband. We recently took a trip to the Florida Keys — no kids — and it was glorious! We were able to enjoy each other and the beauty of the Keys without a schedule or agenda. That is certainly a guilty feeling when you have amazing kids who you love, but it is something my husband and I try to do once a year!
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