FEW St. Cloud Featured FEWs

Abbey Graves

Reva Van Vleet — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 19:36:03 GMT

Member Spotlight

Abbey Graves

Title: Owner/Producer

Company: Abbey Graves Productions

Years as an FEW Member: First year!

From childhood dream to dynamic entrepreneur, Abbey has built a career rooted in creativity, storytelling, and a whole lot of soundboard magic.

“I wanted to be a radio DJ from the time I was 10,” Abbey shares. “They just seemed so cool—talking into a microphone and running a soundboard all day.” That dream came to life as she pursued a degree in Radio Broadcasting and spent seven years as a DJ in St. Cloud before transitioning to new opportunities.

What started as a personal podcast project evolved into a full-fledged production business. Today, Abbey works with clients around the world to create meaningful, community-driven podcasts—while still getting behin

d the mic herself. Mission accomplished.

When asked what she does, Abbey often replies with a laugh: “That's a loaded question!” Then she’ll explain: “I help people create podcasts and the online elements to promote and support their shows to reach their audiences.” For the quick version, she says, “I edit videos for people and DJ weddings on the weekends.”

Why FEW?

Abbey first discovered FEW while supporting a podcast client speaking on a panel. “I loved the energy in the room,” she says. “A room full of women in leadership positions uplifting and encouraging each other felt like the perfect place to be.”

Paying It Forward

As a leader, Abbey is passionate about helping others find their way. “I like to say I’m an open book,” she explains. “If someone comes to me with a question, I want to come back with an answer—or at least point them in the right direction. It’s our job as leaders to be as helpful as we can be to the generation behind us.”

On Abbey’s Bookshelf

Recently, Die with Zero by Bill Perkins made a lasting impression. “It really shaped my outlook—not just on how I spend money, but how I spend time,” she says. “It’s about living rich now, through experiences, travel, giving, and doing meaningful work.”

Superpower: Being the Go-To Problem Solver

What’s Abbey’s most unique compliment? “People call me about the most random projects, and I always seem to have a solution,” she laughs. “Makeup tips, memorial videos, Halloween costumes, bingo machines—you name it, I’ve probably helped with it. I never know who’s going to text me for what, but I love being the person people turn to.”

Dream Dinner Guest: Queen Elizabeth

“I’m obsessed with The Crown, so I’d love to ask Queen Elizabeth how accurate it really is,” Abbey says. But beyond that, she admires the Queen’s ability to lead with grace through decades of personal and national challenges. “There’s a lot we could learn from her.”

Thank you, Abbey, for bringing your energy, ingenuity, and authenticity to the Forum! We’re thrilled to have you as part of the FEW community.

Kirsten Nelson Roenfeldt

Kristin Hannon — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 19:12:28 GMT

Rev. Kirsten Nelson Roenfeldt Salem Lutheran Church, Senior Pastor Kirsten is married to Steven. They have two children: Axel (14) and Else (12)

Hometown: Annandale

What do you actually do at work? I administrate a small non-profit organization, a church. While we have some special rules that are different from other nonprofits, we operate similarly. This includes building a staff of eight (one full time and the rest part time) in addition to myself. We work together to:

Lead meaningful worship
Teach about Jesus in hopes of growing faith
Create connected community
Serve our neighborhood and the world.

Salem has been involved most recently in the formation of a Community Outpost on the East End. This effort will result in a free healthcare clinic available in the north end of our building at 90 Riverside Drive SE. The outpost will be staffed by the St. Benedict College nursing students and faculty in partnership with Centracare. Our St. Cloud police department will use this outpost as a place for neighborhood outreach, particularly through their co-responder team where police and mental health professionals respond to calls side-by-side. Like the first COP house in the Southside neighborhood, this effort is led by the St. Cloud Area Public Safety Foundation

What is your biggest accomplishment? Seeing a group of people motivated and moving toward the goal of a beloved community.

Is your desk/office messy or organized? Messy. My desk is a clutter of deeply compassionate ideas and hopeful projects. I organize it when I can't think anymore and need to clear my head.

Do you have or are you a mentor? Both. I have relied on mentors to help me find my guiding direction in the midst of a rapidly changing world and the organization for which I work (the church, jot just Salem). I have coached pastors who are new, those approaching retirement and those in transition. Professional coaching is a skills set I am grateful to have been trained in as a way to walk alongside my colleagues and other leaders who are finding their best next step.

Who is your oldest friend and where did you meet them? Lynda Porter might be my oldest friend. She and I went to church and school together from the time we were small until we graduated from high school. Since I've come back to MN, we have reconnected over the Ride to End Alzheimer's. Her sister and my dad are diagnosed with dementia, and it has been good to have someone who cares as deeply as I do about research to end these diseases.

Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become? My dad. He taught me to be independent and to charge forward into the unknown. That comes in very handy in a profession full of unknowns for the church these days.

What do you do for fun? Ride a bike, Nordic ski, read a book by a fire

Who is your hero? Women who lead. Brene Brown. I feel connected to her because I was a social worker in my first profession, and I love that she has helped so many people in the business and personal worlds understand the importance of vulnerability for real connection, as well as redefining that honesty is kind.

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you? I'm very interested in each person I encounter and their unique perspective, and I'm not so interested in convincing people to agree with my perspective.

Meet Kelly Corbett

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 20:25:21 GMT

Kelly Corbett
Gabriel Media/Director of Sales & Development
Kelly is married to Phil, who is a School Counselor at Sauk Rapids High School. They have 3 children ages 22, 20, 18

Hometown: St. Joseph

What is your job? As a non-profit, I am responsible for the revenue strategy, leading the Development team, and also lead the Sales Team.

What was your first job? Social Work

How do you help others succeed? I lead with love and build trust. Get to know what motivates and is important to them. Helping others grow brings me the greatest joy.

Is your desk/office messy or organized? Usually messy, though my coworkers would describe me as organized. I absolutely LOVE spreadsheets!

Do you have or are you a mentor? Michelle Primus from Momentum Partners

Last book read? The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan with Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Favorite vacation spot? Glacier National Park

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Soup!

Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become? Too many people to count. Attending a TEC (Together Encountering Christ) retreat and then getting involved in working them has had the biggest impact on the person I have become. Coming to know Jesus in my life, because of that program, but also the people I’ve gotten to know working the retreats over the last 30 years.

Biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure? Wine

What do you do for fun? Love having meaningful conversations with others

What is your biggest pet peeve? Lack of authenticity

What are three words that best describe you? Empathetic, passionate, driven

Meet Pam DeMorett

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 19:41:21 GMT

Pam DeMorett, Townsquare Media Senior Account Executive working in media sales

Pam is married and has four adult children

Hometown: LeCenter, MN

Member since: April 2024

What was your first job? I worked at our farm picking rocks in the spring, weeding the bean fields, driving the tractor when we bailed hay.

How do you help others succeed? I lead by example. I try to always be positive and encouraging.

What is your biggest accomplishment? Raising a child with special needs.

Are you a task-oriented person or a people-oriented person? I tend to be task oriented when at work.

Last book read? Christy, by Catherine Marshall

What do you do for fun? We moved to the area permanently after purchasing a lake home in 2020. I like to relax by the water and take the pontoon out on the lake.

What is something you're obsessed with? English romance/fiction from the 1800s

Meet Nikki Painter

Thu, 30 May 2024 00:52:22 GMT

MEET OUR FEATURED FEW:

Nikki Painter

How long have you been an FEW Member? I came as a Guest (Mar-Jun 2022) and joined as a member in July of 2022

Where is your hometown? Born in Albert Lea, MN; Moved to Wayzata/Plymouth area for high school.

Tell us about your family? Husband: Jeff, Daughters: Brecken and Oaklee, Dog: Bam (Jack Russell)

What do you do at work? Gather requirements and deliver customer data for marketing campaigns

What was your first job? Sales associate at The Buckle

Is your desk messy or organized: It's generally neat with 1-2 piles of "things to get done / go through"

What do you do for fun? We live on a lake so we're on the water as often as possible: boating, kayaking or paddle boarding.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? An EMT

Where is your favorite vacation spot? Mesquite, NV / St. George, UT - we try to visit my husband's family there every year!

What is your biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure? Turtle Mocha from Caribou Coffee (let's meet for coffee)

Meet Amanda Hackett

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 20:51:41 GMT

Amanda Hackett is the Communications Director at Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict.

Hometown: Stacy, MN

How long have you been a FEW Member? Around 5 years

Introduce your family: Husband of four years, Austin; two beautiful daughters, Arianna and Brynlee; and the sweetest yellow lab, Nova (3).

What is your job? I manage external and internal communications including our magazines, website, social media, promotional materials, and advertising (so, a lot of writing, editing, and graphic design). I’m also privileged to serve on boards and committees for multiple organizations that mean a lot to me.

What was your first job? I helped out at my mom’s dental office one summer when I was a teenager. One of their dental assistants was on maternity leave, so they needed some extra hands.

What is your biggest accomplishment? This will sound cliché, but my biggest accomplishments are the two beautiful girls I’m raising. They bring so much light and joy into my life and the lives of others. How can I not beam with pride?

Favorite vacation spot? Somewhere tropical on a beach – although, I love adventurous vacations jam-packed with activities, too!

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? A cheeseburger with everything on it and some variation of French fries.

What is your biggest pet peeve? When people are rude for no reason.

If you opened a business, what type of business would it be? I love to write and proofread, so it’d be fun to open a proofreading/copyediting business.

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you? My parents set a goal to bring my twin sister and I to all 50 states before we graduated high school…and we succeeded!

Meet Amy Hedke

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Amy Hedtke, Agent for State Farm insurance in St. Joe.

Member since: April 2022

Originally from: Sartell, MN

Family: Husband, Kyle Hedtke (also a State Farm Agent in Sartell)

3 kids-attend Sartell schools, Daughter-Kylie (14) 9^th grade, Son-Kellen (12) 6^th grade, and Daughter- McKenna (6) 1^st grade

What do you actually do at work?

Own a State Farm insurance agency in St. Joseph; providing auto, home, life and health insurance. My passion is educating customers on coverages and simplifying insurance jargon so it makes sense. I love being involved in the community and helping people recover financially in their worst moments in life

What is your biggest accomplishment? Starting my own business in 2022 and doing a full remodel on the building I purchased in St. Joe for my office!

Is your desk/office messy or organized? Organized

Last book read? Happy Place -Emily Henry

Favorite vacation spot? Anywhere in Europe

Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become? My husband, Kyle. Continually builds me up and encourages me to see the full potential in myself and always makes me laugh.

What do you do for fun? I love going to concerts!

What are three words that best describe you? BUSY, DETERMINED, STRONG

What is your favorite way to waste time? Scroll through Instagram reels

What is something you're obsessed with? My kids’ activities. I love seeing them excel in the things they love to do!

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you? I played college hockey at St. Bens and was a 2-year captain.

Meet Lisa Rykhus

Fri, 24 Nov 2023 18:12:18 GMT

MEET OUR FEATURED FEW: Lisa Rykhus

Organization/Title – Image Builders, Sr. Sales Representative

How long have you been a member of FEW? 7 years

Hometown: St. Cloud, MN – born and raised here

Family: Husband Scott, Children Corey and Brandon and 2 step children Kaitlyn and Lucas and 1 grandchild/Hunter and another on the way.

What do you actually do at work? I work with companies and schools to promote themselves, product or services, reward their employees, develop tradeshows campaigns and more through the use of promotional products and apparel.

What was your first job? I worked as a waitress at Copper Lantern, now Copper Kitchen on the eastside of St. Cloud

Is your desk/office messy or organized? I am a very organized person. This helps me work with my clients to take their sometimes messy, chaotic and unorganized situations and make sense of them.

What is your biggest accomplishment? Going through my divorce in 2014 and overcoming all the challenges around that event. It changed me in a lot of ways and as my sister says that she got her sister back from whom I had become.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be a background dancer for a performer on stage. I still would like to be the lead singer of a band but I really can’t sing.

Who is your oldest friend and where did you meet them? My friend Tammy. We were mom friends as our youngest kids were growing up. We have stayed friend sharing similar life experiences and going through the ups and downs of life.

Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become? My dad. I was always a daddy’s girl and wish I would have told him the impact he had on me while he was still alive. He was a sales person most of his life and I learned a lot about life and sales skills from him.

Do you have any silly fears? having a party or gathering or even a lunch appointment and people not showing up.

What is your biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure – I love craft breweries. My husband and I love to visit different breweries on our vacations. You can meet the most interesting people. We love to talk to random people and bartenders.

Meet Charlene Ridlon

FEW Admin — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 18:12:39 GMT

Name: Charlene Ridlon

Organization/Title: Anna Marie’s Alliance

Length of time as a FEW Member: I have been a member since 2021.

Hometown: My hometown is Shakopee, Minnesota, but I have now lived in Waite Park, longer than when I lived at home.

Family: Husband Scott, Daughter Gabrielle

What I actually do at work: I write grants and work with the development team in donor relations.

My first job: I worked as a cashier in a Snyder Drug store

What my biggest accomplishment is: I followed my dream and opened Art As You Like it in 2003 and had 16 great years of being an entrepreneur. It was the hardest job I ever had and the most rewarding. I am glad I was able to do it, but I am also glad that I am now able to do other things.

Is my desk messy or organized: I am in a constant state of trying to figure out a work flow (messy!)

My favorite vacation spot: Someplace pretty to hike or walk, a museum or art exhibit to visit, a body of water, good food, and a place to relax must be above 65 degrees, but below 90.

Who my oldest friend is and where I met them: Robyn, we met the summer before Kindergarten. We have not lived in the same state since we were 9 years old, but continue to stay in touch all these years later.

What I do for fun: I am currently exploring my artistic side, so I watch art videos, take art classes, and have been painting outside when the weather is nice—it gets me out and about to search for scenic things and beautiful areas around Minnesota and beyond.

What I wanted to be when I was a kid: A teacher

Something I’m obsessed with: Learning and creating in new art mediums. I love to buy the supplies and play until I am bored, or create cool things.

Meet Katie Knutson

FEW Admin — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 16:37:52 GMT

Name: Katie Knutson

Organization/Title: Northwestern Mutual Director of Operations

Length of time as a FEW Member: Since 2019

Hometown: St. Cloud

Family: Husband Matt, Kids: Hailey, Jordan and Tyler

What I actually do at work: A majority of my time is spent developing our younger in the business reps in the first few years of their business.

How I help others succeed: Asking lots of questions for them to self realize.

Last book I read: Daisy Jones and the Six

Favorite vacation spot: I loved our road trip through South Dakota.

Biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure: A good Bloody Mary

What do I do for fun: Spend time at the lake

What is my biggest pet peeve: Being late

What are three words that best describe me: Compassionate, Loyal and Fun

If I opened a business, what type of business would it be: Advocate! A business to advocate for those who are not able.

Meet Kelly Doss

FEW Admin — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 22:42:50 GMT

Name: Kelly Doss

Organization & title: Resiliency Coaching, Owner & President

Length of time as a FEW Member: Since July 2022

Hometown: Alexandria, MN

Family: Mom, dad, three sisters, one brother, two nephews and four nieces.

What I actually do at work: I provide life coaching services for individuals and leadership/strategic coaching for organizations.

What is my biggest accomplishment: Starting my own business!

Last book I read: The Prosperous Coach

Favorite vacation spot: Have not been there yet, but I want to go to Greece!

If I could eat one meal for the rest of my life, it would be: Tater tot hotdish.

Biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure: Cookies.

What I do for fun: Volleyball.

My hero is: Ronda Rousey.

My silly fears: Deep water. I watched Jaws as a kid and I may be scarred for life

Three words that best describe me: Determined, genuine, and happy.

What did I want to be when I was a kid: Lawyer.

I'm obsessed with: Essential oils

Other FEW members might be surprised to learn about me: I have 18 tattoos, and I am expecting to get another within the next few months.

Meet Jacque Bistodeau

FEW Admin — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 14:21:23 GMT

Name: Jacque Bistodeau, but FEW members will better know me by “Frenchy”

Organization/Title: LB Carlson, LLP - Manager

Length of time as a FEW Member: 11 years

Hometown: Little Falls

Family: Husband Alex, yellow lab Willow (9), two active boys ages 5 and 3

What I actually do at work: CPA – the wearer of all hats. My primary focus is building a relationship with a client to advise them on accounting, tax, and business matters, either directly or being able to help connect them with the resource that can. I like to say I take my clients' accounting headaches/stress away.

My first job: Server/Cook at Pizza Hut

How I help others succeed: Empowered Women Empower Women

Is my desk/office messy or organized? My desk is organized chaos

My favorite vacation spot: VEGAS!

My biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure? Marvel Movies/Marvel Cinematic Universe

What I do for fun: Softball

My silly fear: Spiders (but I would argue this is a legit fear and is not silly)

What I wanted to be when I was a kid: Lawyer

Something I'm obsessed with: Taylor Swift is my not so secret, secret obsession.

What other FEW members would be surprised to learn about me: Without Rugby I wouldn’t be where I am today. I played Rugby for SCSU and continued to play for a Women’s team after graduating, and was the women’s college coordinator for the MN Rugby Union for a number of years. Rugby is how I met a large number of my lifelong friends and my husband. It was also a Rugby friend who told me to join FEW and brought me as a guest to a meeting when I first moved back to the St. Cloud area.

Meet Linda Allen

FEW Admin — Sat, 13 May 2023 17:26:31 GMT

Name: Linda Allen

Organization: Executive Director, Quiet Oaks Hospice House & Respite Care

Length of time as a FEW Member: Since 2019

Hometown: Born in Albany, MN and now reside in St. Cloud

Family: I am a daughter, older sister, aunt, mother, and grandmother- they call me Gigi. My grandchildren- Brynn (5 ½) and Marco (2 ½) are my greatest joy.

What I actually do at work: Manage interruptions and handle the day-to-day activities of operating a non-profit. Hopefully I guide, lead and inspire my staff along the way. I also have the honor and privilege to journey with family members whose loved ones are living out their final days. This is often wrought with anticipatory grief and I help people as they endure that pain.

My biggest accomplishment: I am proud of the fact that, as a single mom, I managed to raise 2 incredible daughters while juggling and navigating some of the most challenging times in my life. I believe some of the greatest difficulties we face make us who we are.

Is your desk/office messy or organized? Messy- yet I almost always know which pile something is in.

Are you a task-oriented person or a people-oriented person? I am very much a people-oriented person and thrive when I am able to help others.

Last book read: My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere warm and sunny- preferably with a beach.

The one meal I'd eat for the rest of my life: Pizza! I am a fan of Canadian bacon and pineapple. My all-time favorite was a BBQ chicken pizza with sauerkraut once made by Godfathers. I don’t think they make it anymore but it was delicious!

What I wanted to be when I was a kid: A teacher or a veterinarian.

My favorite way to waste time: Binge on Netflix

What other FEW members be surprised to learn about me: I was once a nun. Actually, I played the part of Mother Superior in The Sound of Music. I haven’t done much theater since high school but love it and am planning to audition for something this year.

Meet Gail Cruikshank

FEW Admin — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 18:25:50 GMT

Name: Gail Cruikshank

Organization: Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation – Talent Director

Length of time as a FEW Member: Since 2014

Hometown: St. James, MN

Family:

Husband, Tom
Son, Tyler married, to Ally with daughter Chloe
Daughter, Katie engaged to be married May 27 to Austin

What I actually do at work: I support our local employers, job seekers and community partners to support their needs in the area of all things workforce/talent. I help provide programs to support career exploration to our future workforce, connect current workforce with local employers, provide resources and connections to our employers to enable them to grow their businesses right here promoting our region in any way we can as the best place to live, work and engage.

How I help others succeed: I recognize and highlight their accomplishments providing them the support to connect and confirm their passions.

My biggest accomplishment: Other than being a Mom, my biggest accomplishment has been coordinating key workforce events in Central MN – Talent Summit and Exploring Potential Interests and Careers Community Collaborative.

The person who has had the biggest impact on who I've become: my Mom

My biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure: cookies and Captain Morgan

The three words that best describe me: Compassionate, Dedicated and Persistent – my colleagues refer to me as professionally persistent in successfully engaging folks to engage in our work as a non profit.

My favorite way to waste time: do color by number pictures on my iPad

What other FEW members would be surprised to learn about me: I was the rifle carrier in our High School Marching Band.

Meet Pam Bjerke

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 16:45:24 GMT

Name: Pam Bjerke

Organization/Title: Stearn’s Bank CHRO, SPHR

Length of time as a FEW Member: Less than 1 year

Hometown: Rice, MN

Family: Married with six children ages 26, 24, 17, 15, and two 4.5 year old twin girls

What do you actually do at work? I work hard to place the right people in the right places to contribute to the organization’s success. I have an outstanding team and strive to support them in achieving their goals, and be a conduit for their success.

What was your first job? I had my own paper delivery route in sixth grade. Growing up in northern MN, I recall some COLD delivery route days in the winter!

Favorite vacation spot? I love to travel! Norway, China, and Alaska are favorites that I would love to return to some day!

What are three words that best describe you? Competitive, adventurous, and compassionate.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? A professional fishing guide (and I still do!).

What is something you're obsessed with? I sit on the board of Anna Marie’s Alliance and am extremely passionate about advocacy for women and children affected by domestic violence in our community. I’d love to share more about how we as women executives and our companies can partner with Anna Marie’s to provide support with all of you! Reach out to me!

If you opened a business, what type of business would it be? Someday I’d like to have a fishing/outdoors guide service that caters to building skills of confidence and self-worth, particularly with children and women.

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you? I spend almost all of my free time in a boat (or on the ice) fishing and am a member of women anglers of Minnesota (WAM). If you like to fish, WAM is a great place to learn more and be connected to a great group of women across the state!

Meet Julie Schomer

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 05:17:23 GMT

Name? Julie Schomer

Organization/Title? A Home for the Day/ Director

Length of time as a FEW Member? March 2022

Hometown? St. Cloud

Family? Husband Daryl and son Camden

What do you actually do at work? Many hats in a small organization - operations, marketing, payroll/bookkeeping, compliance, and of course interact with our members and make sure they have fun.

What was your first job? Mixing paint at Mills Fleet Farm.

What is your biggest accomplishment? It was God given but getting pregnant after a difficult infertility journey.

Last book read? Four thousand Weeks

What do you do for fun? Golf, camping, biking

Who is your hero? My mom. She is a rock.

What is your biggest pet peeve? When people repeatedly interrupt me.

Do you have any silly fears? Mice- dead or alive.

What is your favorite way to waste time? Real housewives shows.

What is something you're obsessed with? Budgeting

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you? I had a motorcycle in high school and through college.

Meet Kristin Hannon

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 05:01:31 GMT

Name: Kristin Hannon

Organization & title: Sherburne State Bank, Retail Operations Officer

Length of time as a FEW Member: 6 years

Hometown: Sauk Rapids - now residing in St Cloud

Family: My husband John - we have a 17-year-old son Andrew who is a Senior at Area Learning Center and we have a 13 year old daughter Annabelle “Annie” who goes to North Jr. High. We also have our 10 year old Black Lab Lucy.

What do you actually do at work: I'm not sure! I'm just starting a new position at Sherburne State Bank in mid-October as part of my 19-year career in banking, and looking forward to learning all about my new job.

What was your first job? I worked at Coborn's Video in Sauk Rapids- It was the best first job ever!

Is your desk/office messy or organized? Very messy but I do know where everything is!

Last book read? Run Rose Run- James Patterson & Dolly Parton

Favorite vacation spot? East Coast- I absolutely loved Rhode Island

Who is your oldest friend and where did you meet them? My friend Missi- we met when she was a freshman and I was a sophomore- we had a crush on the same boy- and we did not get along. Luckily said boy didn’t interfere with our friendship. We were each other’s Maid of Honors and we are godparents to each of our kids as well.

Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become? I think my high school band Teacher- Mr. C. Believe it or not I used to be incredibly shy and wouldn’t say boo. There was some sort of high school injustice going on in Band and through him, I learned how to process and also how to say what I want to say while trying to stay calm, cool, and collected.

What do you do for fun? Read at the lake

What are three words that best describe you? Kind, persuasive, welcoming

What is your favorite way to waste time? Read - I am always reading.

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you? While I love adventure, I will not ever do anything that includes free falling like bungee jumping, skydiving, roller coasters,

Meet Kayla Ward

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 04:50:22 GMT

Name: Kayla Ward

What was your first job? Laying sod and cleaning bathrooms for a family business

How do you help others succeed? Challenging their thoughts and encouraging them

What is your biggest accomplishment? My first thought is opening my own business and it being here almost 7 years later but truly I think waking up everyday and being a kind person is a bigger deal.

Is your desk/office messy or organized? I would say it's an organized mess. I know where things are but someone else might have trouble finding things.

Last book read? Hannah's Dream

What do you do for fun? Watch college hockey, sing in a choir, snuggle my furry family members, theatre, and spend time at the farm with my alpacas

Do you have any silly fears? Anything in bodies of water that don't naturally belong there, specifically buoys

What did you want to be when you were a kid? I wanted to be a veterinarian. I love animals and want to save them all. I think I was in junior high when I realized I would have to put animals down and that was a deal breaker for me.

If you opened a business, what type of business would it be? I already have a few but if I could open another I would definitely choose a coffee shop. It was one of my all time favorite jobs.

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you? I played hockey until I graduated high school.

Meet Kayla Girgen!

FEW Admin — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 21:26:43 GMT

FEATURED FEW

Name: Kayla Girgen, RD, LD

Organization & title: Founder & Digital Creator LIFe – Lose It Forever, an app-based group coaching program for women after bariatric & metabolic surgery

Length of time as a FEW Member: Two months; I'm a newbie!

Hometown: I grew up in Royalton and currently reside on Kraemer Lake near Saint Joseph.

Family: My husband Jeremy & I have been together for over 15 years; happily married for 10. We have two XL cats – Molly & Beaker.

What do you actually do at work: I own & operate an online group coaching program for women after bariatric surgery. My day consists of a mix of everything! Client check-ins, app development, content creation, marketing, etc. I am a one-woman online small business!

What was your first job? My parents owned Books 'N Stuff (now the city hall) in Royalton, and I put my organization skills to work by alphabetizing books.

How do you help others succeed? I help others succeed by meeting them where they are at & finding solutions that suit their unique lifestyle. We've been overcomplicating nutrition for far too long, and my goal as a dietitian is to simplify nutrition and provide practical ways for my clients to feel their best inside and out.

Last book read? The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

Favorite vacation spot? My husband & I love backpacking the North Shore – especially in the fall. The scenary never gets old!

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Fish tacos!

Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become? My sister Kelly. She has a rare genetic condition called Cohen syndrome. She taught our family patience, persistence, and how Road Runner makes for a good laugh regardless of your mood (MEEP! MEEP!).

Biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure? Bad Habit Brewing; we live way too close

Do you have any silly fears? I hate grasshoppers!

What is your favorite way to waste time? I love reading and soaking up the sun on the pontoon.

Meet Greta Stark-Kraker!

Sam Switzer — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 20:24:55 GMT

Name: Greta Stark-Kraker (pronounced Crocker)

Organization & title: Central Minnesota Community Foundation Executive Director

Length of time as a FEW Member: Three months

Hometown: St. Cloud/Central Minnesota

Family: Husband and three grown step kids and three dogs

What do you actually do at work: I’m the Executive Director of CMCF, I collaborate with community leaders and help our donors achieve their philanthropic goals through the community foundation. I do this by engaging people, connecting resources and building community. We truly are better together. In addition, I get to help CMCF staff, board members and volunteers provide a concierge level of engagement and commitment to our community as a whole.

What was your first job? I worked at Dairy Queen on Hwy 10

How do you help others succeed? I believe in building people up and bringing people together to better our community for all.

Is your desk/office messy or organized? Definitely organized clutter

Are you a task-oriented person or a people-oriented person? People orientated

Favorite vacation spot? In the winter anywhere with a beach and palm trees and in the spring, summer and fall the North Shore.

Who is your oldest friend and where did you meet them? My best friend Amy, we met in high school homeroom.

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Mac-n-cheese?

Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become? Barb Carlson, former CMCF Development Officer.

Biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure? I love fun shoes!

What do you do for fun? Enjoying a quiet road trip on a backroad, snowshoeing, quilting, long walks with my dogs, and spending time with family and friends.

What are three words that best describe you? Empathetic, Adaptable, Convener

What did you want to be when you were a kid? Teacher

Meet Ann Thelen!

Sam Switzer — Mon, 16 May 2022 17:08:08 GMT

Name: Ann Thelen

Organization & title: Falcon National Bank Business Development Coordinator

Length of time as a FEW Member: < 6 Months

Hometown: St. Cloud, MN

Family: Married to Dave for 32 Years -Allison 27 years old Josie 24 years old

What do you actually do at work: I am a Relationship Banker as part of the Business Development Team – I also direct the Gold Club Members (50 plus)

Who is your oldest friend and where did you meet them? My oldest friend would be Julie McPhee who I met on the 1^st day of kindergarten. She lives in Dallas Texas and we stay in touch still to this day.

Favorite vacation spot? Favorite vacation spot is Ixtapa Mexico.

What do you do for fun? I love to travel , go to concerts, and reading

What is something your obsessed with? I have an obsession with candles

Do you have any silly fears? I am afraid of heights

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? My favorite food is PIZZA

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you? I am defiantly a people- oriented person.

Meet Kris Nelson!

Sam Switzer — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 17:05:23 GMT

APRIL FEATURED FEW

Name: Kristyn Nelson

Organization & title: Premier Real Estate Services, REALTOR

Length of time as a FEW Member: 4 years

Hometown: Ortonville, MN

Family: Husband is Darell – 20 years, Sawyer is 16 and Samantha is 18

What do you actually do at work: I help people in buying or selling homes, land, cabins or an apartment complex

What is your biggest accomplishment? I spent 16 years building a successful business that I sold to allow me to be home with my son.

Is your desk/office messy or organized? Organized – I love watching organization videos on YouTube

Are you a task-oriented person or a people-oriented person? People – oriented person

Last book read? I’ll be there. (But I’ll be in sweatpants.) by Jess Johnston

Favorite vacation spot? Negril, Jamaica

Who is your oldest friend and where did you meet them? Her name is Amy and we met at my first job out of college. She lives in Two Harbors, MN but we see each other four or five times a year. We have been friends for 25 years.

What do you do for fun? I love to cook. It relaxes me. It fills a basic need but also allows me to create and do things with my hands. I was in a cooking club for many years and miss it so much!!

What is something your obsessed with? Travel, but it is so hard right now. I need the sun so going south during winter but also just experiencing new places.

Meet Kelly Sayre!

Sam Switzer — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 18:01:56 GMT

MARCH FEATURED FEW

Name: Kelly Sayre

Organization & title: The Diamond Arrow Group, Founder & President

Length of time as a FEW Member: 7 years

Hometown: Rockville, MN

Family: Husband, and two boys 8 & 10, and our 190 lb. Great Dane wanna-be lap dog

What do you actually do at work: I teach situational awareness skills to the everyday person, specifically women, to save lives and prevent trauma and just released my first book on the topic.

What was your first job? Delivering the Shopping News newspaper all over Rockville once a week in 4^th grade. I had to cross Highway 23 TWICE on the route. Now that I’m a mom to a 4^thgrader, I can’t believe my parents were okay with that.

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Pizza. All day, every day.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? A Veterinarian or Zoo Keeper for Tigers.

What is something your obsessed with? Studying violent behaviors to learn early warning signs so I can share that knowledge with women to (hopefully) avoid themselves ever having to experience violence. And dancing to live music.

Biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure? Watching any of the Real Housewives shows.

Do you have any silly fears? Playing infield at a baseball or softball game. I have this nightmare vision of getting creamed by the ball. I don’t know why because to the best of my knowledge, I’ve never actually had it happen to me! I prefer the outfield when I’m “highly encouraged” to play with extended family.

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you? I can’t stand to eat yogurt. I really, really want to be able to eat it. It’s always served as a breakfast option, and many times the only other option with bagels or donuts, and my body craves a protein at breakfast. That’s why I always carry protein bars, every where I go. Haha!

Meet Mary Bruno!

Amanda Hackett — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 14:44:17 GMT

DECEMBER FEATURED FEW

Name: Mary C Bruno

Organization/Title: Owner at Bruno Press

Length of time as a FEW Member: 3 months

Hometown: Born in State College, Pa., but grew up in St. Joseph, Minn.

Family: My mother, Maryann, and older brother, Marty

What do you actually do at work? I run a small letterpress printing business. My day starts with getting my interns and employees on track filling orders and getting social media posts all ready to rock. Then I start on design projects on the computer or printing on the 100-year-old presses in the shop.

What was your first job? Dishwasher at Kay’s Kitchen at like 13. It was horrible and I often cried, it was terrible.

How do you help others succeed? I do enjoy helping others in any way I can, I am a good teacher and I want to pass on the things I have learned. We all do better when we all do better.

What is your biggest accomplishment? My Tedx Talk, a HUGE printing project of the The Rule of Saint Benedict, cover of MSP/St. Paul Magazine.

Favorite vacation spot? Just returned from a week in Cabo and I would say that it is right up there! Otherwise I enjoy ALL travel, Paris, Buenos Aires, you name it, I love it!

Do you have any silly fears? Snakes coming up through the toilet, sharks in a swimming pool, Jason (the killer) outside my window.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? A veterinarian. I LOVE animals.

What is something you're obsessed with? Ted Lasso

Meet Stef Tschida!

Amanda Hackett — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 18:02:59 GMT

NOVEMBER FEATURED FEW

Name: Stef Tschida

Organization/Title: Owner, Tschida Communications | Owner, MN College Essay Coach

Length of time as a FEW member: Two months

Hometown: Long Prairie, Minn.

Family: Husband Troy, 9-year old Logan, 4-year-old Claire

What do you actually do at work? Build relationships, help solve business problems with communications, project management, and work across my team.

What was your first job? Waitress at the Village Café in Grey Eagle, Minn.

How do you help others succeed? I help them understand how clear communication can solve business problems by helping them build and strengthen relationships with anyone who matters to their success. It’s so fun!

Last book read? Who Not How by Dan Sullivan. Amazing business book about flipping your thinking to build your business by leveraging the right people.

Favorite vacation spot? Puerta Vallarta, Mexico

What do you do for fun? Read! If I’m being honest, it’s all I ever really want to do. This is why I don’t allow myself to read fiction unless I’m on vacation–because I’ll get sucked in and shirk all other responsibilities until I finish whatever book I’m reading!

What did you want to be when you were a kid? A book author! I’d write stories and mix up the first and last names of my friends to be the characters. I just co-authored a book that was published in September, so I achieved this dream, though it was a business book, and not the fictional stuff I envisioned writing at a young age!

What is something you're obsessed with? The show “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives” on Food Network. I love to cook and eat, and I’m so inspired by the small business/entrepreneurial aspect of what each chef or owner does. They have marathons of Triple D on Friday and Saturday nights and if I’m being honest, I’d much rather watch them with a glass of wine than do pretty much anything else after a long work week!

Meet Sandy Borstad!

Amanda Hackett — Sat, 02 Oct 2021 01:55:17 GMT

OCTOBER FEATURED FEW

Name: Sandra Borstad

Organization/Title: Talent Development Manager at Blattner Company

Length of time as a FEW member: Two months. It has only been a short time, but I have already seen the value of the group, enjoyed a few meetings and am impressed by the incredible women in the group.

Hometown: Avon, Minn.

Family: I have two teenage daughters, Haille (17) and Ella (14)

What do you actually do at work? I lead a team that includes instructional designers, training specialists, audio visual group and the Learning Management System administration. We create a variety of learning experiences for people located in the home office including orientation, onboarding, personal development, job specific and leadership training. We also support field training. We are currently working on launching a buddy program for new hires, creating training paths for each position and enhancing the onboarding experience.

What was your first job? My first job was being a waitress at Charlie’s Café in Freeport. It was a great learning experience. Yes, they really did have the best caramel rolls around and possibly still do!

How do you help others succeed? The biggest thing I do is listen and ask questions. I believe everyone has what it takes to succeed inside of them. They might not always know it, so it helps to have someone believe in them and guide them. By listening I can tell where someone is at currently. Then, I can ask questions to help them see the way to move forward.

Biggest indulgence? This is going to sound silly, but my biggest indulgence is bracelets, specifically wrap bracelets. I love them, especially if they have inspirational words or meaning behind them. It started about five years ago when I was going through a very challenging time in my life, I stumbled across a woman who made beaded bracelets with charms that had words such as faith or believe. She referred to them as armor and encouraged people to fierce forward through challenging times. That is what sparked my love of bracelets, and it has grown from there.

What do you do for fun? I love road trips and being outside, finding new walking or hiking trails. I also really enjoy playing cards and board games.

Who is your oldest friend and where did you meet them? I have two friends I have known since I was in kindergarten.

Are you a task-oriented person or a people-oriented person? I am both. Most people would say I am a people person. However, I always have three to-do lists going–one for projects around the house, one for things I need to get done daily at home and a work list.

If you opened a business, what type of business would it be? I am not sure exactly what this looks like, but I would help people tell their stories through connection, photography and writing.

What are three words that describe you? Kind, creative and resourceful

Meet Lori Ruhland!

Amanda Hackett — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 16:13:09 GMT

SEPTEMBER FEATURED FEW

Name: Lori Ruhland

Organization/Title: Founder/Owner at Cinder Boutique

Length of time as a FEW member: 1 month

Hometown: Cold Spring, Minn.

Family: I have been married to Ryan Ruhland for 16 years. We have a 13-year-old son, Jackson, and a 7-year-old daughter, Claire.

What do you actually do at work? I think a lot of people think owning a clothing boutique is just “fun” and while it is absolute fun, it is a lot more involved. I spend a great deal of time shopping my vendors’ inventory to find the perfect pieces for Cinder. Once items arrive, I organize a model shoot with the most amazing group of women, edit the photos, and then upload the photos, product information, inventory and price onto the website (www.CinderBoutique.com). Next I price tag each piece, steam them, and place them on display at our store front inside of Urban Style Salon in Waite Park, Minn. I also do website order shipments from my home office as well as packaging orders pick-up vs. ship. Starting in September, we will be doing Facebook LIVE Sales again on Thursday nights at 8 p.m.! I genuinely love every step of the process; well maybe not the steaming part lol. Nothing makes my heart swell more than helping women find the perfect piece(s) that make them feel like their very own version of CINDERella!

What is something you’re obsessed with? I have this crazy obsession with coffee mugs! It drives my family crazy because there is literally no room for anyone else’s cups in TWO cabinets!

Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become? My late father. He was a business owner for over 30 years. He worked so hard, countless hours, yet always was there for me when I needed him. He found balance in his life. How many of us can say that?! I want to show my children that with hard work they can do anything. I also want to show them that being their mom is my number one job. He used to always say to me, “Whatever you are, be a good one.” I love that.

What is your biggest pet peeve? Boastful behaviors. I believe in modesty. Let your hard work show for itself and pass on your wisdom to those trying to achieve their goals. There is room for everyone at the top.

Do you have any silly fears? Maybe the better question would be, what am I not afraid of, lol! I am afraid of things that move fast…waterslides, roller coasters, and those wicket fast spiders!

What is your favorite way to waste time? I really enjoy playing cards, board games or putting together puzzles with my family. It relaxes me.

Are you a task-oriented person or a people-oriented person? I think I am a bit of both. Deep down I am more of an introvert so tasks are more my style, but I need people energy to keep my spirit alive.

What are three words that describe you? Genuine + Caring + Sarcastic

Meet Rachel Lolmasteymaugh!

Amanda Hackett — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 12:12:26 GMT

AUGUST FEATURED FEW

Name: Rachel Lolmasteymaugh

Organization/Title: Sales Associate at FaceTime Business Resources

Length of time as a FEW Member: 1 year

Hometown: St. Cloud, Minn.

Family: Ken (Doc) husband of 20 years, Warner (15), Eve (13), and Anna Rose (11)

What do you actually do at work? I help businesses, organizations, marketing professionals and marketing teams communicate their messages through physical pieces of marketing and design in an effective and consistent manner congruent to their brand. That includes commercial printing, promotional products and materials, apparel, signage and design services.

What is your biggest accomplishment? After going over my professional accomplishments, I realized it is my personal ones that are my greatest. I have a beautiful family that is happy and healthy. I have been happily married to my husband for 20 years and we have 3 wonderful, kind, caring, smart, well-adjusted children. That is not easy these days, and I feel as if my hard work and sacrifice have paid off. Having a good family is an accomplishment we don’t often celebrate, but we should!

Is your desk/office messy or organized? My desk is my computer which is semi-organized. I could probably clean up my desktop a little though. I work from home, at the office, in my car, at the coffee shop or anywhere that has wifi. I do have to clean out my computer bag often so that stays organized.

Favorite vacation spot? One I haven’t been to yet. I love traveling! I am headed to Nashville with friends this fall, Playa del Carmen over MEA with the family, and New Orleans with my girlfriends this winter.

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Every morning my husband makes me the most amazing eggs. Sometimes on toast or avocado toast, sometimes he will add steamed mushrooms or tomatoes. Doc is very creative and nobody can make his specialty eggs like he can. Delicious! I am so spoiled!

What do you do for fun? I love the people I have surrounded myself with and there is no end to the fun we have together. Spending time with my tribe both calms me and invigorates me. From live music to good food, events and celebrations, there is never a lack of something to do and wonderful people to do it with.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? I was going to be a pilot that lived in New York City with my daughter. I didn’t quite make it as a pilot and I would never live in a big city now, but I was blessed with my daughters. The important parts of my childhood dreams came true.

What is something you're obsessed with? I love to play games, especially cribbage. I am in a league with another FEW member and we have a blast playing together. I often set up mini tournaments at my house for our cribbage-playing friends. Even my birthday cake was cribbage-themed this year.

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you? Before going into sales, I used to be a teacher and own my own preschool and daycare. I love children!

Meet Megan McClure!

Amanda Hackett — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 17:35:46 GMT

JULY FEATURED FEW

Name: Megan McClure

Organization/Title: Owner of McClure Insurance Agency

Length of time as a FEW Member: Was a member back in the mid and late 90s and rejoined a few years ago.

Hometown: Hovland, Minn. (20 miles outside of Grand Marais)

Family: Small family! My dad, younger brother, sister-in-law, and one niece, daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren and a fourth due August 16. They live in Fairbanks, Alaska. Lost my mom to pancreatic cancer at the age of 70; October will be four years ago.

What do you actually do at work? My main focus is employee benefits and HR support as well as helping clients with Medicare coverage. We do sell ALL types of insurance within the agency; however, those are what I specialize in. Running/managing the agency and my staff takes up the rest of my time.

What was your first job? Dishwasher at age 14. Hardest job ever and worked very long hours at that age. Knew what I was not going to be from then on! Did a lot of babysitting, but that was not my first “paycheck” job.

What is your biggest accomplishment? Running my own business for 30 years, becoming a successful agency, and generating 90% of our new clients from referrals (which speaks volumes to me).

Favorite vacation spot? Too many so this is hard. Would have to say back home to Grand Marais and Hovland.

Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become? My dad. I took over his insurance agency and worked for him a bit in high school. Very smart businessman that taught me a lot in business and school.

What is your biggest pet peeve? Right now: our government giving away so much “free” money and not encouraging people to work for it!

What are three words that best describe you? Trustworthy, kind, and fun.

If you opened a business, what type of business would it be? Wellness shop for supplements and oils and use of relaxation chairs, smoothies and other items for self-care, or a small resort that would incorporate the wellness shop and breakfast for guests.

Meet Tonya Inselman!

Amanda Hackett — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 23:02:02 GMT

JUNE FEATURED FEW

Name: Tonya Inselman

Organization/Title: Director of Human Resources at Rice Companies

Length of time as a FEW Member: Brand new - 2021

Hometown: Paynesville, Minn.

Family: Married with two daughters (11, 14)

What do you actually do at work? Cheerleader, creator, mediator, therapist, problem solver

What was your first job? I was 14. Opening envelopes and sorting coupons!

Is your desk/office messy or organized? Depends on the day.

Favorite vacation spot? Northern Minnesota in fall

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Sushi

What are three words that best describe you? Positive, ambitious, authentic

What did you want to be when you were a kid? An actress

What is your favorite way to waste time? Binge Netflix

Meet Rebecca Cluever!

Amanda Hackett — Sat, 01 May 2021 14:00:03 GMT

MAY FEATURED FEW

Name: Rebecca Cluever

Organization/Title: Mental Health Therapist/Owner of Creative Connections Counseling

Length of time as a FEW Member: 1 month

Hometown: Sauk Rapids, Minn.

Family: Significant other and three children

What do you actually do at work? I have two very different roles. I first have the amazing opportunity to be with others through their triumphs and pitfalls by offering outpatient mental health (“THERAPY”). Secondly, I spend an enormous amount of time on hold with insurance companies, documenting my every move in forms that no one will look at, and completing little administrative tasks.

Is your desk/office messy or organized? Organized. I am a firm believer of going paperless whenever possible. The toys and books in my office are in their place but in no specific order.

Are you a task-oriented person or a people-oriented person? People-oriented. I prefer to spend time with my patients, customers, colleagues, community members, family and friends.

Biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure? Donuts. I have to take detours to my office to avoid the fabulous bakeries in Central Minnesota.

What is your favorite way to waste time? Puzzles of all kinds. I love brain teasers, online puzzles and cardboard puzzles. I can’t stop until I finish the puzzle. Secondly, I love bad dad jokes and watch videos with bad dad jokes. My husband has requested that I stop sending him videos with bad jokes.

What is your biggest pet peeve? Shaky legs. I can’t stand someone sitting next to me shaking their leg. I have been blessed to be part of a family that has several shaky leg shakers.

Favorite vacation spot? I love to travel all over the U.S.A. and Canada. We take several road trips each year to new spots. My recent favorite was the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. My next wish list location is a hot air balloon ride in New Mexico.

What are three words that best describe you? Genuine, assertive, kind and collaborative

Meet Kimberly Magnuson!

Amanda Hackett — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 17:25:20 GMT

APRIL FEATURED FEW

Name: Kimberly Magnuson

Organization/Title: Business Banker at Bremer Bank

Length of time as FEW Member: 3 years

Hometown: Buffalo, Minn.

Family: Husband, Chris; four children: three sons and a daughter, ages 10 to 17

What do you actually do at work? I share my financial skills, industry knowledge and expertise with business owners and nonprofit leaders to help them successfully realize the financial goals of their operations, so that together we can create prosperous businesses and thriving communities. I accomplish this by facilitating business loan, deposit and financial services through my role as a business banker at Bremer Bank.

What is your favorite vacation spot? Anywhere by the ocean. I love the sight, sound and smell of the water. Watching the sun set over the ocean is top 10.

What do you do for fun? Love boating and water sports with my family and friends on a warm, sunny day in northern Minnesota. Love hiking in the Duluth area or any of our state parks. Love outdoor live music, adult beverages and good conversation on a summer evening.

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Salad! Love the variety in salad; meat/no meat, veggies, different lettuces, variety in dressings. All good!

What is your biggest pet peeve? Being asked a question but not having my response listened to, as evidenced by a lack of thoughtful follow up comments or questions, or worst of all, a comment or question that is directly something I already said or answered!

What are three words that best describe you? Passionate, dedicated, loyal

If you opened a business, what type of business would it be? I’d love to own/operate a Dairy Queen. Who isn’t happy coming to get ice cream?

What is something you are obsessed with? My morning coffee, brewed at home, with collagen powder and Coconut Creamer. The thought of that in the morning really helps me get through my workout and start the day!

Meet Ashley Nations

Amanda Hackett — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 19:24:11 GMT

MARCH FEATURED FEW

Name: Ashley Nations

Organization/Title: Accounting Manager at Mahowald

Length of time as a FEW member: On my third year

Hometown: Sartell, Minn.

Family: Daughter, Payton (11); Son, Sawyer (6); Pooch, Dex

What do you actually do at work? Financial Reporting, budgeting, pay employees and bills, make sure we are getting paid. Bottom line…I am known as the money and numbers lady!

What was your first job? The apparel section at Shopko. I’m great at folding shirts.

Is your desk/office messy or organized? Organized.

Do you have or are you a mentor? I have a professional mentor, and I highly suggest one.

Last book read? “Didn’t See That Coming” by Rachel Hollis

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Probably anything Mexican

Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become? My father who has and is continuously pushing me to be the best version of me!

Biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure? Cheesecake...I could eat it every day!

What do you do for fun? I love to curl up with a good book and mug of tea (or adult beverage in the summer). I also love to camp and kayak. Hot yoga is my favorite way to de-stress!

What is your biggest pet peeve? People chewing with their mouth open.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? A nurse. Turns out, I’m terrified of needles.

Meet Gail Rucks

Amanda Hackett — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 15:41:53 GMT

FEBRUARY FEATURED FEW

Name: Gail Rucks

Organization/Title: General Manager at Woodcrest of Country Manor

Length of time as a FEW member: Just starting third year as a FEW member. Great organization and members, dearly miss our monthly luncheons.

Hometown: Sauk Rapids, Minn.

Family: Both of my parents; a son with a granddaughter and two great-grandkids (yes I’m great! :); a daughter, son-in-law and two grandkids; Sadie, my cockapoo; and a new “friend” from the South who is teaching me to have fun and laugh again. He makes me happy!

What do you actually do at work? Oversee the day-to-day operations of 60 senior apartments with assisted living services and 24 memory care apartments. I have a GREAT team of managers and staff.

What was your first job? First job was as a receptionist at Country Manor in Sartell.

How do you help others succeed? I like to present an idea/concept to an individual and allow them to create a plan and an outcome, thus taking the ownership, making sure the individual has the necessary tools available to be successful.

What is your biggest accomplishment? Working and experiencing many growth opportunities for the same company for almost 48 years; thus, earning the trust to have responsibility for a brand new project.

Is your desk/office messy or organized? Desk was very messy until I read this question. As of this moment, my desk has never looked so organized. So...let’s see if it can last.

Are you a task-oriented person or a people-oriented person? Very much people oriented. However, I have never missed a deadline.

Do you have or are you a mentor? I have an excellent mentor, my boss. He has taught and coached me “Servant Leadership” for which I am truly grateful.

Who is your oldest friend and where did you meet them? My best friend, who also ironically has the name Gail, is like a soulmate. We met when we were both members and officers of the Eagles Auxiliary in St. Cloud. Started traveling together and we always have a lot of fun and laughter.

Meet Sarah Engdahl

Amanda Hackett — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 15:35:44 GMT

JANUARY FEATURED FEW

Name: Sarah Engdahl

Organization/Title: AVP, Controller at Stearns Bank

Length of time as a FEW Member: 4 years

Hometown: St. Cloud, Minn.

Family: Husband, Ryan; Kids, Ava and Bennett; Dog, Chase

What do you actually do at work? Financial reporting and analysis, budgeting, strategic planning, and all tasks that help us accomplish these things.

What was your first job? Babysitting for neighborhood kids and cashier at Scheels during high school

What is your biggest accomplishment? Having a successful career while also being an involved mom

Is your desk/office messy or organized? Organized (mostly)

Do you have or are you a mentor? I am very fortunate to have had many wonderful mentors. I continuously aspire to be a great mentor and help others achieve their goals.

Last book read? The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? It would definitely include chocolate!

What do you do for fun? I love spending time at the lake, recently started mountain biking, and am hoping to spend a lot of time cross-country skiing this winter. I also enjoy watching my kids in their sports and activities.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? Kindergarten teacher

What is your favorite way to waste time? Sitting around the campfire with family and friends

What is something you're obsessed with? Most recently, ice skating (not at all because of my skating skills)—I finally convinced my husband we should build a backyard rink and it has been a lot of fun!

Meet Jenny Theis

Amanda Hackett — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 14:23:37 GMT

DECEMBER FEATURED FEW

Name: Jenny Theis

Organization/Title: Senior Community Engagement Manager at Alzheimer's Association

Length of time as a FEW Member: I believe since January 2015

Hometown: I grew up near Saint John's University

Family: Four kiddos: Ashley (30), Boulder, CO; Alex (21), McMinnville, OR; Henry (17) and Aubrey (15) at home; Teddy, the dog, and Woody, the cat. I also share my life with Brandon and his daughter, Lana.

What do you actually do at work? Raise awareness and funds to make this a world without Alzheimer's and all other forms of dementia.

What is your biggest accomplishment? Having my daughter my senior year in high school, finishing college in four years and buying my first home at 23.

Last book read? I just finished Christmas at the Island Hotel. Just a fluffy read that has been perfect for this tumultuous year. I've read 54 books so far this year.

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Christine's Thin Mint Cheesecake.

Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become? My dad. He's an amazing mentor, with solid advice.

What do you do for fun? Reading, eating great food, going to concerts (pre-COVID), hiking, family history, theater, being in nature, and I started riding a bicycle again this spring with Brandon's encouragement (first time in about 30+ years!)

What did you want to be when you were a kid? I wanted to be the first female head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you? That I've been treated for depression and anxiety for 20+ years. I regularly see a therapist and take daily medication. I want to normalize mental health issues.

Meet Kathy Markman

Amanda Hackett — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 16:12:43 GMT

NOVEMBER FEATURED FEW

Name: Kathy Markman

Organization/Title: Registered Nurse at CentraCare Health System

Length of time as a FEW Member: 2 years

Hometown: Pierz, Minn.

Family: I'm married to Mike (29 years) and have two sons, Matt (24) and Eric (22)

What do you actually do at work? I work at CentraCare's Ambulatory Surgery Center at the Health Plaza. I admit and prep patients prior to surgery and care for them as they recover after their procedures.

How do you help others succeed? I love to mentor young nurses starting out in their career finding confidence and gaining critical thinking skills as they navigate a changing world of health care.

Are you a task-oriented person or a people-oriented person? Honestly both. There's great satisfaction in completing things on the to-do list, but there's something fulfilling about a genuine heart-to-heart talk also.

Last book read? A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota by Sun Yung Shin

Favorite vacation spot? Spending time at our cabin on Potato Lake near Park Rapids.

Biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure? A wonderful dessert with a really good cup of coffee.

What do you do for fun? Get out in nature. I love to refuel with a good walk, bike ride or kayaking.

Do you have any silly fears? Well, there's snakes...and mice.

Meet Melonie Nathe

Amanda Hackett — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 16:17:06 GMT

OCTOBER FEATURED FEW

Name: Melonie Nathe

Organization/Title: Documentation Manager at Marco Technologies

Length of time as a FEW Member: 1 month

Hometown: Clarissa, Minn.

Family: Married to Mike (2 years in November); he has 2 sons—Jeremy (27) and Justin (25)

What do you actually do at work? We are in the process of implementing an ECM, creating/editing a ton of internal standard work documents, and we do business process mapping. I am hopeful that my team’s contribution will help Marco become more efficient and allow our employees to excel at their work.

What was your first job? Aside from being a farm kid, mine was a summer job at the school as a janitor along with four other students. I did not love babysitting—I was a tomboy with a shortage of nurturing skills outside of the animal kingdom—but did it now and again (when mom made me).

Do you have or are you a mentor? My spiritual teacher is my most cherished mentor; however, I believe mentorship comes in unexpected thought-provoking moments rather than in one person labeled a “mentor.” If you’re open to it, anyone can make a comment or perform an act that makes you feel or think profoundly about something. Anyone who has had a deep and meaningful conversation with me has taken a mentorship seat for a moment. Sometimes I take away something meaningful from a simple conversation—if it strikes a nerve, or if it makes me feel anxious—or if it makes me tear up in appreciation, e.g. We can all be mentors to each other at any time.

Who is your hero? My parents are by far my most influential and heroic figures. They are hard-working, resilient, loving, intelligent, introspective, creative and talented...they raised six children while managing a 360-acre dairy farm with Holsteins and a herd of goats; mom wrote a novel, dad was a beekeeper—they made their own maple syrup. Mom worked a full time job at the post office, and we all worked hard on the farm. They faced hardships with dignity and grace. They spend their retirement wood-carving and tending to a massive lawn and gardens. All of their children have a strong work ethic. They have had the strongest impact on the person I have become.

Do you have any silly fears? I absolutely love and appreciate water, but I’m also convinced that anything that lives under the surface is going to get me. Sometimes I imagine things “getting me” when I’m in a lap pool and can clearly see all the way around me. I don’t really know what “get me” means, but it won’t be ideal (sharks, dead bodies…)!

Last book read? The Four Agreements. I just read it for the first time within this past year, but it has become one of my all-time favorites, and I reference it often and pass it on to others often. The last book I read “for fun” was Doctor Sleep because I’m a Stephen King junkie.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? My first memory of wanting to be something was a journalist or a novelist. I also wanted each one of my family members to build a house on our 360 acres so we could always stay close, with the uninhabited parts being an animal shelter/refuge.

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you? No one knows me currently, but what I would want FEW members to know about me is that I love the outdoors/nature and all creatures, I love the connection and learning opportunities that deep and meaningful conversations bring, I love to travel and experience adventure, and someday I hope to finish a novel that I’ve been working on for over 25 years…it’s never too late!

Meet Grace Davidson-Thooft

Amanda Hackett — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 12:24:29 GMT

SEPTEMBER FEATURED FEW

Meet our September Featured FEW, who is also our new FEW Website Manager!

Name: Grace Davidson-Thooft

Organization/Title: Campus Outreach Manager and Box Office Assistant for Fine Arts Programming at CSB/SJU.

Length of time as a FEW Member? One month!

Hometown? Goshen, Massachusetts

Family? Husband of one year, Taylor

What do you actually do at work? Outreach around arts on campus and the Fine Arts Series, engaging campus students in the arts, social media management and website management, along with managing box office student employees and serving as an assistant manager for our box office.

What was your first job? I worked at the after-school program for our district with K–6 students.

How do you help others succeed? Listening first, finding out what others really want and continually encouraging and lifting them up towards those goals but understanding and validating their struggles and their own realities. Nothing gives me more joy than being the cheerleader for my friends, family and students!

Is your desk/office messy or organized? My work-from-home office is very organized, cleaned everyday…Now, my work office I haven’t seen since March 18 is a different story…It will be a big surprise to see what state I left it in!

Favorite vacation spot? My husband and I got engaged in Maui. I daydream about returning when the pandemic settles down!

Who is your oldest friend and where did you meet them? My oldest friend, Sarah, and I met on the first day of third grade which was also my first day at a new school after we had moved to Massachusetts. I sat next to her and told her we were going to be best friends. Even with our lives looking very different and with my move halfway across the country seven years ago, we still text or call at a minimum every week if not daily.

Who is your hero? It truly is my mom. She is a fierce businesswoman with incredible work ethic, a big personality and a bigger heart. I’ve seen her work her way up from bottom to the top more times than she should have had to in her career and in life. She also was willing to sacrifice so much when her family needed her. I followed in her footsteps by moving away from home at a young age to find my own place and where I belonged. I don’t know how she balanced it all, or continues to, but I’m grateful for all of her encouragement and the example she set forward for me and my sisters.

Do you have any silly fears? Recently, crickets are my irrational fear.

Meet Kathy Grochow

Amanda Hackett — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 17:54:23 GMT

AUGUST FEATURED FEW

Name: Kathy Grochow

Organization and Title: Director of Community Programs at CommunityGiving

Length of time as a FEW Member: I don't remember (I joined when I was at Bremer, had a lapse, rejoined when I was at the College of Saint Benedict and now I'm at CommunityGiving). Maybe since 1998??

Hometown: Cokato, Minn.

Family: Husband, Duane, daughter who will enter second year of college and son who will enter 11th grade.

What do you actually do at work? I oversee all distributions to include competitive grants, grants from Donor Advised Funds, and scholarships for our partner foundations in Alexandria, Brainerd, St. Cloud, Willmar, Paynseville, ROCORI, Foley, Sauk Center and Carver County. I also support community visioning processes with our executive directors in our Partner Foundations and identify community opportunities and collaborations that build community to include bridging and bonding within the community.

What was your first job? Working for my dad on the farm—bailing hay, picking rock and walking beans. My first real job off the farm was the Video Bug (renting VHS movies).

What is your biggest accomplishment? Transitioning from my favorite job (Bremer Nonprofit Resources Specialist) to a new challenge (Major Gift Officer at Saint Ben's) to my dream job and the BEST work environment and colleagues ever—CommunityGiving and the Central Minnesota Community Foundation! Biggest accomplishment is landing, by God's grace and guidance, in a place where I can excel and make a difference.

Do you have or are you a mentor? I've had a professional mentor, June Roos, who had been extremely critical at a very important time in my career back in the late '90s and early 2000s.

Last book read? The Uncommon Woman by Susan Larson.

Favorite vacation spot? Costa Rica though I've been there only once, but it was the best vacation!

Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become? My dad. He had some simple rules that as an adult, I now value. Family comes before friends, always seek the silver lining, be positive and, of course, the golden rule. He has provided continuous nuggets of wisdom my entire life and continues to do so today with incredible relevance. He's a kind, gentle, soft-spoken man whom I greatly admire.

Biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure? Chocolate—Lindt, nothing better!

Meet Sam Switzer

Amanda Hackett — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 15:14:15 GMT

JULY FEATURED FEW

Name: Sam Switzer

Organization and Title: Events and Brand Manager at United Way of Central Minnesota

Length of time as a FEW Member: 6 months

Hometown: Escanaba, Mich.

Family: Husband and two fur babies (a German Shepherd and a Beagle mix, who we thought was a shepherd...false advertising!)

What do you actually do at work? I plan and manage all of United Way's large events—from coordinating a few hundred diners, hosts and chefs for Progressive Dinner to blowing the air horn to signal the start of our Bus Pull. I do a little of everything. I also manage our internal marketing, social media and graphic design.

Do you have or are you a mentor? I'm lucky enough to work for my mentor, Jessica Houle. She's been a friend, coworker and supervisor for 12 years. I love her dedication, problem solving and caring nature she carries with her.

Favorite vacation spot? I love to travel and experience new places, so it's hard to pick a favorite. I love Grand Velas in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, when I want a relaxing beach and NYC when I want to be active.

If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? Mexican cuisine—burritos, tacos, chips and salsa, margaritas, I love it all!

Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become? It's not a "who," it's a "what." Seven years ago, my husband and I spent six weeks in France, Italy and Greece. At that time, we didn't embrace all the phone apps that are available now, so we did it without a language translator, without Google Maps, and without much help other than a car GPS that only spoke French (which we do not!). It was a HUGE learning experience both personally and in our relationship. I learned that situations are never as bad as they feel in the moment, there is always time to stop and appreciate exactly where you are, being comfortable is a good thing—it means you're growing. And calories in gelato never count after 9 p.m.!

What do you do for fun? I love to cook and learn new cuisines, read outdoors while soaking in a little sun, go geocaching and explore new areas and traveling.

What is your favorite way to waste time? Recently, I discovered the Bravo show "Below Deck," a reality series that follows the crew of a luxury charter yacht. I can easily lose a couple hours to that show. On a side note, I also think I missed my calling and would make a great chief stewardess!

What is something you're obsessed with? OrangeTheory Fitness! I've been a member for over three years and pre-pandemic, I would go four mornings a week. It's the only thing that can get me out of bed at 5 a.m. I love the coaches, owners and other members, but more than that, I love the feeling of accomplishment when I do something I didn't think I could.

If you opened a business, what type of business would it be? I actually already have! For four years, I ran the mini-dessert company Bite Size. I sold in various farmers markets and catered weddings and other events.

Meet Amanda Hackett

Amanda Hackett — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 19:18:33 GMT

JUNE FEATURED FEW

Name: Amanda Hackett

Organization and Title: Communications Coordinator at Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict

Length of time as a FEW Member: It's been about two years. My first visit was as a guest at the 2017 November business meeting with my friend and colleague, Sister Nina Lasceski.

Hometown: Stacy, Minn.

Family: I am a newlywed; my husband, Austin, and I got married this past September! I also have my mom, Tamara, my dad, Timothy, and my (fraternal) twin sister, Samantha.

What do you actually do at work? I handle our organization's external communications, including social media, magazine publications and our website. This involves posting on social media, designing, writing and liaising with many different people throughout the monastery.

How do you help others succeed? I encourage them and let them know when they are doing a great job. I think words of encouragement are so important.

What was your first job? I helped out at my mom's dental office for one summer while one of their employees was on maternity leave.

Is your desk/office messy or organized? My desk is pretty organized and clean. When the work begins to pile up, I make an intentional effort to devote time to simply tidying up. It makes me feel much more organized and on top of it!

Favorite vacation spot? I am a huge fan of anywhere with a tropical beach, a beautiful view and a cold margarita!

What do you do for fun? Traveling is my biggest passion! I have been to all 50 states as well South America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe twice. When I'm not on the go, I enjoy basking in the sunshine, taking walks, writing and binging a good Netflix show!

Who is your hero? My mom is my hero. She is my best friend and has always supported me. Also, she's hilarious and such a blast to be around! I aspire to be like her.

What are three words that best describe you? Adventurous, compassionate and ambitious.

Meet Leah Rosso

Amanda Hackett — Fri, 01 May 2020 18:30:34 GMT

MAY FEATURED FEW

Name: Leah Rosso

Organization/Title: Pastor of First United Methodist Church of the St. Cloud Region

Length of time as a FEW Member: 3 or 4 years

Hometown: Woodbury, Minn.

Family: I have a husband of 20 years and three daughters (6, 10 and 12)

What do you actually do at work? A little bit of everything! Now, because of COVID, I focus mainly on making sure people are staying connected to one another, that the church is supporting the needs of the wider St. Cloud community and putting together a worship video every week!

How do you help others succeed? I encourage them to focus on their strengths, see vulnerability as a positive and be themselves.

What is your biggest accomplishment? Lately, it's been creating worship videos! Who knew I should've gone to film school?

What was your first job? I loved to work when I was young, so I worked at all kinds of places: a stamping store, Creative Kidstuff, Toby's Restaurant, in the tech department at school, Famous Footwear and cleaning out milk barns!

Is your desk/office messy or organized? Mostly organized. When the piles grow, I have to take a break and clean house before I can think straight.

Do you have or are you a mentor? I have many mentors and I am a mentor. I believe strongly in sharing leadership, learning from others and doing all the good I can!

Last book read? The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett for fiction and Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor for nonfiction.

Favorite vacation spot? We go to family camp at the YMCA Camp, Camp DuNord, every summer. It's right on the edge of the boundary waters.

What do you do for fun? I love to travel, although I haven't done a lot since having kids. I've spent time in Zimbabwe, South Korea, Japan, Guatemala, Haiti and Israel/Palestine.

Who is your hero? Some of the people I look up to most are Barbara Brown Taylor, Maya Angelou and Peter Storey (who helped end apartheid in South Africa).

What are three words that best describe you? Compassionate, motivated and a good listener.

Meet Melissa Stalboerger

Amanda Hackett — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 19:22:00 GMT

March Featured FEW

Name: Melissa Stalboerger

Organization & title: Woodcraft Industries Inc., HR Generalist

Length of time as a FEW Member: 1 year

Hometown: Luxemburg

Family: Husband, Eric, of 17 years; 2 children, Ava (14) and Jacob (12)

What do you actually do at work? I take care of many things: interviewing, hiring, firing, disciplining, benefits, payroll, set up meals, picnics, recognition awards ceremony and many other duties.

What was your first job? I worked as a hostess at Perkins. Way back when we had to wear a green skirt and pin striped shirt with a bow tie!

What's your biggest accomplishment? Having children.

Is your desk/office messy or organized? I would say an organized mess...

Who is your oldest friend and where did you met them? Jen. We lived close by each other since kindergarten. We were maid of honors in each other's weddings. I am godparent to her son. She is godparent over my daughter. Our daughters are six weeks apart and best friends.

Biggest indulgence/guilty pleasure: Taking a nap.

What is your biggest pet peeve? When individuals concern themselves with other people's problems. Motto in my office: "Everything in life is easier when you don't concern yourself with what everybody else is doing."

What did you want to be when you were a kid? A teacher. In some ways, I have become with with being a mom, coach and working in HR.

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you? I have coached girls' travel basketball for seven years. I started with the group in second grade. This is my last year with the girls in eighth grade.

Meet Kim LeBlanc

Amanda Hackett — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 19:14:57 GMT

February's Featured FEW

Name: Kim LeBlanc

Organization/Title: Evelie Blu Boutique, Owner

Length of time as a FEW Member: This is my second year as a member of FEW.

Hometown: I live in Sauk Rapids.

Family: I have 2 children, Chase, 28, and Ellie, 19. My husband, Bruce, and I have been married 31 years this June. We are currently empty nesters!

What do you actually do at work? I manage all the aspects of my boutique including six employees (two full time), merchandising, buying, operations, marketing, etc.

What was your first job? I was a movie theater (Cinema 70 for those of you who may remember) concessions and ticket sales associate.

Is your desk/office messy or organized? Okay…Organized to me, but probably messy to most people. Office work is not my favorite thing to do. I like being on the sales floor meeting my customers and hearing their stories.

Last book read: I am currently reading ‘Yoga and the Quest for the True Self’

Who had the biggest impact on the person you have become? My husband has been always been my biggest supporter and cheerleader. He is my partner in life, my coach, my sounding board, my best friend. He has helped me become the person I am today.

What are three words that best describe you? Kind, Loyal, Adventurous

What is something your obsessed with? I am obsessed with learning! I am a self-taught entrepreneur and have an innate drive for continued learning. I am interested learning about any subject as long as it will help me grow intellectually, creatively or spiritually. I love taking workshops, going to conferences and reading nonfiction books. I recently discovered podcasts and listen to them every morning while I am getting ready for work and in my car! They are great!

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you? I am going back to school! I am currently enrolled to become a yoga instructor. This is something that has been tugging at my heart for a few years and I finally decided to do it. So, watch for yoga classes being taught at Evelie Blu Boutique later this year!

Meet Doreen Meier

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 14:14:13 GMT

DECEMBER'S FEATURED FEW:

Doreen Meier

Human Resources Business Consultant - HR Simplified

FEW Member since: 20+ Years

Hometown: Richmond, MN

Family: Husband, Tom, Two adult sons, Dustin (22) and Ben (18)

What do you actually do at work?: I design strategic HR initiatives and provide HR support to organizations.

What was your first job (ever)? Cashier at Menards in St. Cloud

Do you have a mentor? Yes

Last vacation spot? Costa Rica-It is my favorite place to go!

Biggest indulgence? Taking a 2-hour nap!

What do you do for fun? I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I also love doing adventurous things (e.g. hiking, camping, motorcycling).

What one word would friends say best describes you? Authentic

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you? I have accepted a full-time position as the Director of Human Resources at St. Cloud Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic, effective December 30, 2019.

Meet Sally Jo Baumgartner

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 20:27:33 GMT

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.

Meet Sarah Cords

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 19:36:47 GMT

OCTOBER'S FEATURED FEW:

Sarah Cords

Leadership, Team & Culture Development Facilitator, Certified Dare To Lead Facilitator, Brand & Marketing Strategist

Textile

FEW Member since 2016

Hometown: St. Joseph, MN

Family: I have a wonderful family that includes a hubby, two daughters, Aliyah and Ava, three dogs, and two cats.

What do you actually do at work?

As a leadership development coach & facilitator, I work with individuals and teams toward transformational leadership and operationalizing values. I also work with brands and companies to create strategies that align across the short term and long term growth cross-functionally for sales and marketing (traditional, digital, social, etc.). My branding work affects all aspects of a business and is directly connected to consumer needs, emotions, and competitive environments. I am also working to elevate brands through values-based brand strategies & communication.

How do you help others succeed?

I believe in lifting others up by highlighting their skills and strengths while always learning, growing, and creating forward momentum. Active listening and being present with people is key.

I recommend (book, movie, show, activity, restaurant, website, etc) and why?

Well, I am very passionate around the Dare To Lead work that Brene’ Brown is pioneering. I recommend to everyone to read Dare To Lead. While my recommendation list is quite long, that bubbles to the surface.

Who was your favorite teacher and what did they teach you?

I am a lifelong learner and have several teachers that have impacted my life. I had a wonderful teacher in college who was passionate about equal rights and feminism that introduced me to some eye-opening authors and resources. I consider my friends and children to be some of my biggest teachers almost daily, as well as my colleagues, fellow board members, committee members, and FEW tribe. We have some amazing leaders in FEW that I continually learn from.

Last book read?

I’m reading Good To Great currently. I just re-read Daring Greatly by Brene’ Brown, and for fun, The Toottooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris.

Last vacation spot?

Jay Cooke State Park - Camping gives my family the time to slow down and reconnect with each other, nature, and explore.

What's one word that friends say best describes you?

Driven & Attentive ( I had to ask!)

What is your personal or business philosophy?

Foster connection, share resources and always be a learner. Connect with your authenticity, and you will see a shift in who you attract. We all benefit from building others up around us. It’s okay to fail, as long as you learn from the experience and get back up.

Meet Carie Essig

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 20:14:44 GMT

SEPTEMBER'S FEATURED FEW:

Carie Essig

Executive Director

Stearns History Museum

FEW Member since 2019

Hometown: St. Paul, MN

Family: Daughters, Elizabeth (10th grader at Sartell) and Anastasia (US Navy Hoorah!)

What do you actually do at work?

Set the vision and tone for guest experiences for all interactions with the Museum. Supervise an expert staff of curators, educators, and designers who provide exhibits, public programs and fun for adults, children, groups and families. My favorite thing to do at work is to spend time with our members and supporters learning about our shared interest in history.

What was your first job (ever)?

Babysitting… I loved it.

Are you a task-oriented person or a people-oriented person?

Both. I particularly love it when we can match people and tasks in a way that grow the people and the organization.

What do you do for fun?

Camp, saunter in the woods, garden

Last book read?

A cheap paperback historical fiction. It’s my guilty pleasure when I travel.

Last vacation spot?

True vacation: Hawaii. Other favorite home away from home is the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado.

What one word would friends say best describes you?

Fair

What is your personal or business philosophy?

Work hard, tell the truth even when it hurts, and lead by example.

Meet Jodi Elness

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:13:26 GMT

AUGUST'S FEATURED FEW:

Jodi Elness

Director of Recruitment and Admissions

St. Cloud Technical and Community College

FEW Member since first time was in the early 1990's and now for about 10 years

Hometown: Alexandria, MN

Family: Two boys and a significant other

What do you actually do at work?

Attend meetings...just kidding...but I do call myself a professional meeting attender. I am in charge of meeting the enrollment goals of the college. We have both technical and liberal arts majors and our enrollment numbers have been solid and I am super happy to see the attitudes changing towards students choosing to go into two year programs.

Is your desk/office messy or organized?

My desk is very messy but I know where everything is. This always surprises me because at home, I hate clutter. I am working hard to simplify my home life and will work on the desk and desk drawers after that. It seems like once you start tossing, it just gets easier.

Do you work in the field you were educated in?

Sort of...my major at SCSU was Mass Communications and Marketing. In the field of college admissions, you need strong communication skills to fill your programs. I don’t think most folks start out with the intention of becoming a college admissions director. But once you find the work, most of us can’t imagine doing anything else.

Biggest Indulgence?

Dairy Queen and the house pizza at House of Pizza.

What do you do for fun?

I love being outdoors. I think nature presents us with so many beautiful sights if we just slow down to look at them. My favorites are four wheeling, camping, hiking, or just sitting in the sun on a chilly fall day.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

John Denver’s wife. I know that dates me, but seriously, I wanted to live in the mountains, walk in meadows, wear hats and sing songs all day. I never made it to the mountains, I don’t look good in hats, I can’t sing, and I didn’t marry John Denver. I do, whenever I can, walk in meadows. I guess one out of five isn't bad. Time for some new “when I grow up” goals.

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you?

That I am an introvert and describe myself as dorky. I am happiest in a comfortable chair, outdoors, reading a book, with no interruptions.

What is your personal or business philosophy?

I would say that it has changed over the years. What once seemed important seems just silly now. It’s not about how much money you make or how important you think you are at your job. What is important is how you treat people, how you treat yourself, how you spend your time, how you spend your money, your health and making the most of each day. I always say I wish at the age of 25 I knew what I know now.

Meet Sarah Noble

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 13:09:00 GMT

JULY'S FEATURED FEW:

Sarah Noble

Associate Advisor

AIS Planning

FEW Member since October 2018

Hometown: Morris, MN

Family: Husband: Andy, Children: Alexandra (13), Katelyn (11), William (9)

What do you actually do at work?

I get to build amazing relationships and help people align their life goals with their financial plans! At AIS Planning we help guide our clients by offering objective advice--not tied to any financial company or product-- and we do this by getting to know them deeply and intentionally with thoughtful questions and careful listening. Our motto is: Plan your tomorrow, enjoy your today!

Are you a task-oriented person or a people-oriented person?

People, people, people! I love meeting new people and thrive in environments where connecting is key!

Do you work in the field you were educated in?

No! I never thought I would be in the world of financial planning--in a MILLION years. Ha! Life has a way of helping you get to exactly where you need to be. Through a series of events, I was led to this industry and about a year ago--into the world of planning with clients. I absolutely love helping people and teaching women in particular, that financial planning isn’t “just for the boys”. Learning how to manage your money and be in control of your future gives you freedom, confidence and CHOICES! Who doesn’t love those!?

What one word would friends say best describes you?

Passionate!

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A teacher! I would force my younger brother and his friends to sit at little desks while I corrected their papers and assigned them homework. Ha! I loved using my creative skills to come up with fun lesson plans and having an organized ‘classroom’ was a thrill at age 10. They still remind me of this and when they do I remind them they have overdue assignments!

What is your favorite (clean) joke?

What is a pirate’s favorite letter?

Answer: You think it’d be “RRR”, but ‘tis the “C” they love!

Sorry--my 9-year old son gives me the best clean jokes--I had to share!

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you?

People are usually most surprised to learn that I was a hockey player! I grew up in a ‘hockey family’, and have been skating ever since I can remember! I played organized girls hockey from the age of 12 all throughout high school for the good ‘ol Morris Tigers. I’m a left-winger with a mean wrist shot! SHE SHOOTS-SHE SCORES!

What is your personal or business philosophy?

Always act with integrity--doing the right thing is never wrong--and the seeds you plant today will bring forth a harvest in due time.

Meet Cristy Lynn Lahr

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 17:41:40 GMT

JUNE'S FEATURED FEW:

Cristy Lynn Lahr

Restaurant Marketing Director and

Catering Coordinator

Chic-fil-A Crossroads Center Location

FEW Member since 2017

Hometown: Bowlus, MN

Family: Husband, Joe - celebrated 20 years in February. 2 kids - Wyatt is graduating high school this spring; Katie, husband, Tony and Grandbaby Thea

What do you actually do at work?

I am the Marketing Director and Catering Coordinator. I handle all of the catering orders coming into the store. I also work on the advertising, social media, donation requests, community events and networking for this location. Telling people why Chick-fil-A is different and why it’s so great.

What was your first job ever?

Babysitter, age 13 and Returns Inspector at Fingerhut, age17

How do you help others succeed?

Build them up. Encourage their strengths.

Is your desk/office messy or organized?

Mostly Organized - messy spaces gives me anxiety

Are you a task-oriented person or a people-oriented person?

Definitely People, get to know the people you are working with and tasks are more fun and get done faster.

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you?

Besides being a grandma?.. Lol I was a fitness personal trainer and worked in a gym for 2 years

Last vacation spot?

Went on a Cruise to the Bahamas and Cuba

What is your personal or business philosophy?

Treat others how you would like to be treated.

Meet Tammy Reis

Mon, 13 May 2019 17:09:28 GMT

Tammy Reis

Vice President - Loan Officer

American National Bank of MN

FEW Member since February 2016

Hometown: Osakis, MN

Family: I am married to Paul for 36 years and we have two grown sons who are married, 1 grandson and 1 grandchild on the way. They both live around here.

What do you actually do at work?

I do mostly mortgage loans of all shapes and sizes. Land Loans, Construction Loans, Home Purchase and Refinance, Home Equity Lines of Credit, Home Improvement and Investment property purchases.

Do you have a mentor?

My husband is my mentor. He owns a business and we have lots to talk about each evening!

Last Vacation Spot?

Ice Fishing in my Ice Castle on Leech Lake

Do you work in the field you were educated in?

I do not. I went to St Cloud Business College for Travel Management and did that for one year and then was hired as a receptionist at a bank in Edina and I’ve been in banking ever since. I have learned from many great people in this business.

What do you do for fun?

Fishing, hiking, 4 wheeling and snowmobiling

What's one word your friends say best describes you?

Good listener and teacher

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you?

I love to play the piano and grew up playing the piano, clarinet and saxophone. Currently taking piano lessons again at the Wirth Center.

What is your personal business philosophy?

Be nice, honest and hardworking

Meet Leila Utsch

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 20:04:34 GMT

Leila Utsch

Alumni Relations Event and Office Coordinator

College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University

FEW Member since July 2018

Hometown: Paynesville, MN

Family: Jerry Utsch, Children: Josh, Adam, Chris and Carissa. I have 10 grandchildren ages ranging from 18 - 3 years.

What do you actually do at work?

Along with the director of alumni coordinate and execute all event logistics for all alumni events from organizing and marketing events to registration, payment processing, paying deposits, food, beverages and other event details. Scheduling and event coordinator for the Alumni Board and their four annual meetings. Partner will athletics department and Director of Alumni Relations on J-Club and J-Fund duties, Including scheduling of J-Club Board Meetings, J-Club Events and J-Club marketing and communications. Working with the business office regarding all budgets for the alumni office and events. Other duties as assigned.

What was your first job (ever)?

In high school, I worked with two special needs elementary students for an hour and a half, 3 times a week for two years.

Is your desk/office messy or organized?

Honestly, it depends on the time of the year. During my busy time of the year it is usually a mess but in my quiet time my office is more clean and organized.

Who was your favorite teacher and what did they teach you?

Mr. Novak, American History

Do you have a mentor?

Fr. Don Talafous, OSB

Last book read?

“Room for You” by Beth Ehemann

Last vacation spot?

St. Pete’s Beach and Fort Myers, Florida

Biggest indulgence?

Peanut Butter Snickers

What do you do for fun?

Cooking and baking it is my relaxation.

What one word would friends say best describes you?

Achiever

Meet Maretta Johannes

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 14:15:12 GMT

Maretta Johannes

Licensed Aesthetician/Certified Laser Technician CE,CLT & Licensed Permanent Makeup Technician/Injection Specialist

Omni Cosmetic (St. Cloud & Wayzata)

FEW Member since 2007

Hometown: Sartell

Family: I am married to my wonderful husband Ken; I have a son (Brandon), a daughter (Brittaney), and four adorable granddaughters.

What do you actually do at work?

My focus has always been on using the best technology available to provide the best skin care procedures for men and women under my care at Omni Cosmetic. My specialty is in both non-surgical and non-invasive medical skin care procedures. I do the Halo laser procedure and PhotoFacial BBL treatments to correct my client’s skin damage/sun damage and give them “Halo glow” back to their skin. I love customizing a skincare treatment to help a client achieve desired goals. I have advanced education and training in Sciton laser procedures, SkinPen Microneedling, personalized HydraFacial treatments, Botox, Fillers, and Permanent Cosmetics for signature eyeliner, Microblading for eyebrows and permanent makeup for lip/liner tattooing.

How do you help others succeed?

By being a good listener, communicating my knowledge to others and by sharing my connections to people; to benefit a person seeking help in growth professionally and personally.

Is your desk/office messy or organized?

Organized. I am strictly thorough to minute details.

Are you a task-oriented person or a people-oriented person?

People-oriented person. I love helping my clients like what they see in the mirror.

Last vacation spot?

Jamaica. My beautiful daughter had an intimate wedding on the beach.

What do you do for fun?

I enjoy spending time with my family, volunteering for Church functions; I am an exercise enthusiast and enjoy traveling, reading, walking, and home improvement.

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you?

I started out teaching skincare for ten years before getting into medical Aesthetics industry. I continue to enjoy public speaking at events and organizations and sharing my knowledge with Aesthetic students throughout Minnesota.

What one word would friends say best describes you?

Compassionate

Meet Rebecca Hoffman

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 15:28:16 GMT

Rebecca Hoffman

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Gratitude Counseling LLC

FEW Member since August 2018

Hometown: Melrose

Family: I am a mother of one son, age 20

What do you actually do at work?

Provide therapy for individuals, couples and families

How do you help others succeed?

I focus on the positives, listen, and help define goals. I am often described as a very genuine and encouraging person.

Is your desk/office messy or organized?

Organized, but there are days...

Last book read?

Educated by Tara Westover. I was fascinated to see how she overcame so much and went on to thrive.

Last vacation spot?

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, just got back the second week of January! The turquoise water was amazing.

What is your personal or business philosophy?

My favorite quote is “She believed she could, so she did.” My philosophy is to envision where I want to be while believing I can get there.

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you?

I received the scholarship from FEW in 2005. I always appreciated this honor from this group of professional women, and so when I had the opportunity to join, I jumped at it.

What one word would friends say best describes you?

Compassionate

Meet Tracy Jacobs

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 21:23:31 GMT

Name: Tracy Jacobs

Tax Manager

BerganKDV

FEW Member since August 2017

Hometown:

Annandale, MN

Family:

Husband - Allan, 12 year-old son - Lucas, 5 year-old daughter - Zeeva, Great Dane - Sika

What do you actually do at work?

To keep it short, I help clients and staff with questions and help solve problems, review tax returns, compiled and reviewed financial statements, and payroll filings that have been prepared by staff.

What was your first job (ever)?

Aid for the physics department at Mankato State

Is your desk/office messy or organized?

Usually organized (depending on how far into tax season it is)

Are you a task-oriented person or a people-oriented person?

More of a task oriented person.

Who was your favorite teacher, and what did they teach you?

Mr. Altman - 8th grade shop class. He was also my basketball coach who taught the importance of being there for your team (we had 6 players on the team).

Last book read?

Working on The 36-Hour Da

Last vacation spot?

Alaska - loved it

Do you work in the field you were educated in?

Yes

What do you do for fun?

Going to the movies with my kids, running, triathlons, making quilts.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A chiropractor

What is your favorite (clean) joke?

What’s a penguins favorite food? Ice-burgers

Meet Lori Braegelmann

FEW Admin — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 06:00:00 GMT

Name: Lori Braegelmann

Regional Coordinator, Central Minnesota (12 years)

Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota

Member since 2016

How do you help others succeed?

I help others succeed by being curious about them, supporting them with enthusiasm and inspiration, and conveying that I want them to be successful.

Is your desk/office messy or organized?
My work space is um, a-hem ... full, with piles. But the piles are all organized and I know where to find things.

What is the last book you read?
A Legacy Unrivaled, The Story of John Gagliardi by Boz Bostrom

Where was your last vacation spot?
At my best friend's cabin on Little Birch Lake.

What is your biggest indulgence?
Strong coffee, but that's tied with chips and fresh salsa.

What do you do for fun?
I love to walk, read, do puzzles, and spend time with my grandkids.

What would other FEW members be surprised to learn about you?
I love public speaking. It gives me energy to speak in front of a group, from 20 to 200 people.

Meet Nina Lasceski, OSB

FEW Admin — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Name: Nina Lasceski, OSB

Associate and Planned Gift Specialist,
Office of Mission Advancement,
Saint Benedict's Monastery

Member since 2016

What was your first job (ever)?

As a teenager, I did babysit for various families in the town where I grew up. My first retail job was in a very small book store in the city next to the town I lived in. The owner usually ran the store herself and needed someone to work for her so that she would not have to be present day in and day out. After being trained, there were certain afternoons when I indeed did work in the store alone as cashier. Since the store was so small, I learned many tasks concerning books like how to order them from the publishers (before the Internet!), how to stock shelves, and how to do inventory.
I got to create and set up fun window displays as well.

How do you help others succeed?

As much as I can, I try to look life and situations with a glass half full instead of empty attitude. I do my best to help others see how this can help them too. Another area I emphasize is the importance of having patience, both in yourself and in others.

Who was your favorite teacher and what did they teach you?

Oh, this one is a hard one, because I had so many. In elementary school, I enjoyed Mrs. McConnell, as she read each of the Little House on the Prairie books to her classes every year, including mine. I grew up in Michigan, and who would have guessed many years later, I would live in the state highlighted in those books. In high school, my favorite was my speech teacher, Mrs. Strachan. She always encouraged me and enriched my love of public speaking.

Do you work in the field in which you were educated?

Well, sort of. I have a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts. One of the duties for my job is writing radio advertisements for our monastery. When we need a video produced, I help with that too. I had two minors in college, one being Business Law and Regulation. This knowledge is helpful in my planned giving role. Before coming to the monastery, I worked ten years in the broadcasting field and then ten years in the call center customer service profession.

Biggest indulgence?

Pizza.

What do you do for fun?

Sing. I first began to sing in my church choir in the sixth grade and I have been singing ever since. Currently, I sing in the monastery schola and in the Great River Chorale in Saint Cloud.

What one word would friends say best describes you?

Well, can I say two? Detail oriented.

Meet Crystal Brink

FEW Admin — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 05:00:00 GMT

Name: Crystal Brink

Account Executive, Innovative Office Solutions

What was your first job (ever)?

Nurse's Aide, Country Manor, Sartell

How do you help others succeed?

I encourage and give honest advice on how to improve.

Are you a task-oriented person or a people-centered person?

I am task-centered as a sales person. I need to make sure everything for my customer is done in a timely manner. I have lists!

Who was your favorite teacher and what did they teach you?

Mr. Kroll, my 5th grade teacher. He taught me learning can be fun. He gave me the fire to keep on learning and always strive to make myself better. He actually received Teacher of the Year the year after I had him.

Do you have a mentor?

Two. My mom and my sister.

What do you do for fun?

Golf and hang out with friends and family.

What is your personal or business philosophy?

Always treat others as you would like to be treated. You don’t know what is going on in their lives.

FEW St. Cloud Featured FEWs

Abbey Graves

Abbey Graves

Why FEW?

Paying It Forward

On Abbey’s Bookshelf

Superpower: Being the Go-To Problem Solver

Dream Dinner Guest: Queen Elizabeth

Kirsten Nelson Roenfeldt

Meet Kelly Corbett

Kelly CorbettGabriel Media/Director of Sales & DevelopmentKelly is married to Phil, who is a School Counselor at Sauk Rapids High School. They have 3 children ages 22, 20, 18

Hometown: St. Joseph

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Meet Sarah Noble

Meet Cristy Lynn Lahr

Meet Tammy Reis

Meet Leila Utsch

Meet Maretta Johannes

Meet Rebecca Hoffman

Meet Tracy Jacobs

Meet Lori Braegelmann

Meet Nina Lasceski, OSB

Meet Crystal Brink

Kelly Corbett
Gabriel Media/Director of Sales & Development
Kelly is married to Phil, who is a School Counselor at Sauk Rapids High School. They have 3 children ages 22, 20, 18