1. What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your job and why?
As managing partner the most challenging aspect of my job is that I do it all — sales/marketing, operations, personnel, product development, customer service, etc. Prioritization and balance is a daily activity. On the flip side, I wouldn’t change this for the world. My staff has grown to 15 employees and they are my rock. I make sure to tell them this as much as I can. They allow me to do what I do best — servicing our clients and partners — while focusing on revenue growth and payroll clientele. We are in business because of our clients and when we have done well for our clients our entire team celebrates. I am so proud of the growth my team and our clients have experienced. This keeps me coming back for more every day.
2. Who do you look up to or admire in business and why?
I feel so fortunate to have been managed, led, and mentored by true professionals in their fields. I am very grateful to my previous manager, Chris Moe, whom I had the privilege to work with in the payroll industry for 10 years. Chris led by example. He was in the trenches with his team and their success was his success. Chris is a dynamic leader. I also truly admire businessman and accountant Tim Moy of MBE CPAs. Not only has Tim helped hundreds of businesses prosper and grow, he has also replicated that with his own accounting firm. He is progressive, proactive, and always taking his clients’ and staff’s best interest to heart. It’s always exciting to see what Tim will do next!
3. What has been the high point of your career so far?
The high point of my career has been becoming managing partner at Payroll Solutions and accomplishing this before I was 40. When I was offered the position of director at Payroll Solutions, and subsequently managing partner, I had some doubts. Why me? Did I have what it takes? Of course I did, but it took my friend and mentor, Morgan Klemm, to bring that to my attention. The unwavering faith he had in me fed my determination and persistence to grow and develop Payroll Solutions to where it is today. I am so proud of my team, our company, our clients, and myself. I constantly remind myself this is real and life is good!
4. Thinking back on your career, what advice would you give your 21-year-old self?
Be present and be grateful. Take every opportunity to learn from those around you (mentors, partners, clients, associates) and be in the moment. There is no need to rush. Take the time to understand and learn what they are sharing with you. Replicate their successes in your own life. Never take any of this for granted and be grateful for every professional opportunity you have been given. I truly believe that every position I’ve ever had has led me to where I am supposed to be today. None of this would have been possible if someone else hadn’t given me a chance and believed in my abilities and trusted that I will succeed.
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5. What would you say are the best things about living and working in Dane County?
Dane County is a great place to live and work. I feel so fortunate to have attended UW–Madison and continued on in Dane County, making our home in Cottage Grove. Our neighbors have become great friends, the schools are exceptional, and any time we feel like getting away, we head to downtown Madison to eat, shop, and explore. Professionally, there are so many great opportunities to network with other progressive businesses and take advantage of educational seminars and classes. As a business owner, I appreciate all of the resources available to me to help grow my business and be part of an active and forward-thinking community.
6. Do you have any secret talents or abilities that people would be surprised to discover?
When time allows, I enjoy spending time in the kitchen, mixing up different concoctions of facial masks. I love the process of planning, preparing, and mixing the ingredients until I have the perfect formula. I find it peaceful and relaxing, especially after a long day. My most popular mask is my clay/charcoal mask and I love gifting it to friends and family. I actually have friends stop at my front door with an empty container and ask for refills, which I happily oblige.
7. What are your guilty pleasures?
Every now and then, I get an extreme case of wanderlust. The need to travel, explore, learn, and relax can become quite strong. Unfortunately, these dreams and aspirations of traveling often don’t fit into my professional/personal life balance as often as I’d like. Therefore, I enjoy planning my family’s next vacation, which we probably won’t take! This wishful dreaming probably drives my husband crazy but it certainly saves us money and fulfills my need to hop on a plane and head to Italy for the week!
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