Music is an escape for me. There is nothing better than having a song to escape into. I have many life moments that are forever engraved in my head due to a song that I associate with the memory.

A favorite quote of mine is “Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away”. Coming from a large family it is very easy to get lost in the shuffle. So when I started my family I really tried to soak up even the littlest of moments along the way. It is in those moments that I have found some of my greatest joys.

I have always been mindful of a saying “Success is not permanent but neither is failure”. I even have it framed on my desk and have had for many years. As a 2nd generation owner of the agency and being with the agency from the beginning I have seen my share of both. I learned early on that they go hand in hand and never to dwell on either because they both allow us to grow and evolve into the best version of who we are and can be. I truly would not want my successes without my failures because they both keep me grounded and remind me I am human😊

My dad is notorious for having quotes that he repeats all the time. One that resonates for me is “Do you want to talk the man in charge or the woman who knows what is going on”. Why do people always assume that a man is the one in charge? I will never allow myself to be defined by this because women can be in charge as well as be the brains behind an operation. To think otherwise is not valuing who and what women can contribute.

I am very active in the women’s group at my church, LaPrairie United Presbyterian Church. Every year our church women make over 1000 lap quilts and blankets. We provide these quilts to nursing homes, homeless shelters, VA homes, abuse shelters and to our local WIC programs. I am so thankful that the women of my church are blessing the recipients of these quilts and hope that our Christian love is shared by our sewing ability.

I’m also very passionate about farm families. I know we always say thank a farmer but remember this includes the team of husband and wife in most cases. The farm depends on the supportive women that assist whenever needed, be it checking livestock, running equipment, moving equipment, assisting with marketing, doing the book work, providing meals in the fields and most importantly the support that we give our partners. Women are just important to the success of a farm as the men, remember that the next time you thank a farmer and the farmher.  

“Don’t quit your daydream.”

I’m always trying to reach for more in my career, just as I’ve seen my mom do throughout the years. I’m so lucky to have been able to follow in my mom’s footsteps because she is my biggest role model.

For my daughters and all the women in my life: “It is not fancy hair, gold jewelry, or fine clothes that should make you beautiful. No, your beauty should come from inside you – the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, That beauty will never disappear and it is worth very much to God.” 1 Peter 3:3-4

For my husband and son and other men in my life: Be kind to women. They constitute half the population and are mothers to the other half.

For me & all the Moms: “Motherhood is a choice you make every day, to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own. To teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you’re not sure what the right this is… and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.” – Donna Ball

I’m not afraid of admitting I’m a nerd, so my favorite quote is definitely “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” - Albus Dumbledore.

I’ve been lucky enough to grow up with incredible female role models, which has inspired me to start my own freelance business before even graduating college.

Now, I am enjoying my time working from home in Nashville, exploring the city and its music scene on my downtime.

“Where there is a woman there is magic” - Ntozake Shange

I like to create my own magic by spending time with my kids, practicing mindfulness, and bringing joy to others.

My mom grew up working on her family crop and cattle farm. She never let the fact that she was a girl affect her ability to complete chores and other farm work. As a result, she instilled the same beliefs in me.

Additionally, through my involvement in agriculture I have built a strong network of female mentors and friends. Many of whom share similar beliefs and encourage and inspire me to be my best self.

Currently, I’m still active in my family’s cattle operation and look forward to continuing on as a sixth generation farmer.

Betty is such a role model within our family and our agency. From raising 11 children to standing by Hugh’s side through the years of business, she is so inspiring.

She has such a kind heart, and we are lucky to have had her with us as the business and our family has grown.