What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
As a destination marketing and management organization we are responsible for the marketing and management of all tourism for Madison. Although people understand the concept of tourism, many are not aware of the local economic value generated from tourism. In 2016, visitors spent $1.2 billion in Dane County alone, up 5% from 2015!
The most rewarding aspect of this job is helping create memorable experiences for visitors while they are in our destination. These memories and experiences have earned Madison accolades such as topping the list of “Happiest Cities in the World,” “Best College Towns,” and most recently “America’s Fittest City” by Fitbit.
Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
Simon Sinek, author and motivational speaker. He is the author of the classic Start With Why book, and presenter of numerous TedTalks. Sinek explains most companies do their marketing backward. They start with their “what” and then move to “how” but they neglect to even mention “why” they do what they do. We all do this in our own lives; we haven’t found our “why.” Why is the purpose, cause, or belief that inspires us to do what we do every day. His talk helped me identify what inspires me, how to think and act with purpose, and establish habits that put me at my best professionally and personally.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
From high profile events such as the Super Bowl to sold-out citywide conventions, I’ve done it all, but I would say the highest point of my career is when I have the opportunity to stand up in front of an audience and tell them why I love my job. Nothing is more gratifying then speaking to a group of hospitality and tourism students who are as passionate as I am about this industry.
Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Find your why! Work for what you believe, not the money or the status — that will come. Don’t ever burn a bridge because you never know who you will run into somewhere down your career path. Network, network, network — never underestimate the power of people!
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What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
Although I’ve been a Wisconsinite less than five months, I’ve run Crazy Legs, I placed an orange sunburst chair down on the Memorial Union Terrace on opening day, I held baby goats at Eugster’s Farm, I’ve high fived Bucky in Camp Randall Stadium, I enjoyed my first brat at Brat Fest, tested out cheese curds at every restaurant I go to, relaxed on the capitol lawn for the Lunchtime Live concert series, and walked the square counter-clockwise to purchase my vegetables and flowers at the Dane County Farmers’ Market.
Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
I was an intern at the United States Secret Service for five years through college! My degree was in criminal justice but then I found my why when I fell in love with hospitality. I still have a good shot and I’m a fantastic security guard when needed!
What are your guilty pleasures?
Cheese! When my fiancé said we needed to relocate to Wisconsin for his job all I knew was it was the cheese state! The first day we moved here he got me a Green Bay Packers cheesehead and our fridge has never had so many different varieties!
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