NOVEMBER'S FEATURED FEW:

Sally Jo Baumgartner

Esteemed Retiree

FEW Member since THE BEGINNING! 1982

Hometown: Grand Forks, ND

Family: Jeff Baumgartner who worked at UBS (formerly Piper Jaffray) for 39+ years - Daughter - Kendall and her spouse Josh

What do you actually do at work?

Before retiring I owned and operated a candle factory for 15+ years in Pequot Lakes, MN

What was your first job (ever)? 

My goal during high school and college was to have a different job every summer which could expose me to new experiences.  The first was the most disgusting - washing glass tubes in a hospital lab.

How do you help others succeed?

First - listening and more listening followed by facilitating networks and sources for new opportunities (am currently assisting someone looking for a new job in the Brainerd area).  If you know of a company looking for someone smart, high energy, outgoing, a quick learner, digitally inclined, flexible and people-oriented with a ready laugh - please contact me!

What does FEW mean to you?

Some of you (including those on the recent WOW trip in September) are familiar with how FEW started. Ten to twelve women in 1982 reached out to other career women in the St. Cloud area to form this new business/networking group.  The group was oriented to establish new contacts/friendships, be exposed to newsworthy topics and perhaps assist women wanting to advance their careers.

It’s been all of that for me through the years and to this day, (some 37+ years later) most of my best friendships have blossomed because of FEW and you.  November, of course, is your annual meeting and soon it will be time to determine whether you will be renewing your membership.  For many, it’s an easy decision but for others, renewing can be a time issue, a budget matter, a career decision, or maybe the emotional/friend connection just isn’t there. 

Although it may not be apparent today, please trust that this organization, FEW, could someday be your link to new discoveries, career connections, a lifeline during challenging times and, for sure, solid gold friendships. 

Last vacation spot?

A few weeks ago to San Diego with my solid gold friend, and fellow FEW founder and friend, Kathleen Bernick.