I have always been an avid reader; my sister taught me to read when I was five. Growing up in the country, hard work was the norm. Feeding animals and stacking wood was constant. We would stack wood in the summer to have enough to assist our heat in the winter. I was driving the hay truck by the time I was eight because I could reach the pedals.
I got my first job at 14 and believed hard work was the road to success. I didn’t go to college; my parents made it clear that they wouldn’t pay for it, and I didn’t like school anyway. I was already paying for my car and insurance, so I continued to work after high school.
In 1996, I met Lynn Cunningham at HOK Sport. We both worked as Administrative Assistants. We hit it off and got along like peas and carrots. We remained friends throughout our careers. I worked in Construction, Automotive, and Sports Merchandising, (mainly male-dominated industries). When I was downsized and looking for work, Lynn reached out to me and told me about the opportunity at Lamp Rynearson. Once I was hired, I kept thanking her for helping me get the job, but she insisted that my skill set and experience earned me the role.
“Communication from management, diversity, and core values are all things that make me feel like this is where I finally belong.”
I started as an Administrative Assistant but am now a Project Administrator. As a result, I have more responsibilities, and I am happy to be able to offer more. Something I love about my position is that I get to read and proofread. I work with every group and have learned so much about the industry.
Communication from management, diversity, and core values are all things that make me feel like this is where I finally belong. I am encouraged to continue my volunteer work and work with Veterans. The work/life balance means a lot to me; I have a 15-year-old who will be flying the nest soon. My husband and I have been married for over 22 years, and he can see how happy I am now.