What have you accomplished in your professional life/career since your 40 Under 40 selection?
My husband Nick and I moved to Marquette, Michigan, where I work as marketing manager within Dining Services at Northern Michigan University. We have two children and opened our own brewery, solely focused on farmhouse and barrel-aged beers called Barrel + Beam. We still get back to Madison and are really happy to say that you can find our beer in stores around town.
What accomplishments, milestones, or endeavors have you attained in your personal life since your 40 Under 40 selection?
In addition to raising two beautiful children, opening Barrel + Beam brewery, which recently celebrated two years in business, is by far the hardest and most rewarding thing I’ve done. There’s nothing like the pressure, constant hustle, and incredible highs and lows of running your own business. The learning is nonstop and your leadership skills are always being honed. We have an amazing team and I’m so pleased to be playing a part of their professional journey.
If you were to “do it all over again,” what (if anything) would you do differently throughout your career?
I wouldn’t do anything differently because I firmly believe all of my experiences — and a whole lot of luck — led me to where I am today. I’m grateful to all of those who gave me a chance, encouraged me, mentored me, and helped me be where I am today.
How did your 40 Under 40 selection help your career?
I am still incredibly honored to have been recognized and truly enjoyed meeting and getting to know others who were selected, several of whom I still keep in contact with today.
What is something that you have a new passion for since the time of your induction — either professionally or personally?
Working full time while running a business and being a mom makes me appreciate free time when I have it. I enjoy cooking and reading and I can’t get enough of business and self-help podcasts — I listen to them daily!
Based on your experience, do you have any advice for today’s young professionals (under 40)?
White space in your life is a very good thing. Building your career can be all-consuming in the beginning, but free time and exploring what interests you personally is important, too.
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