Q
You currently live in Dayton, Ohio, but you grew up in Ashland, Ohio. Tell us about Ashland.
A
Ashland, Ohio, [is] halfway between Cleveland and Columbus—Amish country. If you drive past Ashland, there is a sign that says: “World Headquarters of Nice People.”
Favorite Movie: Tombstone
Favorite Musical Group: Rascal Flatts
Favorite Book: Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect, by Will Guidara
Favorite Part About Living In Dayton: “I’m 15 minutes from absolutely anything I could ever want to do, and yet I live in the woods, so I have this serene place that I go every night and get to spend my days.”
Favorite Dayton Restaurant: El Meson (“They have all kinds of Latin food. The staff is wonderful, and they have an outdoor solarium that’s heated. It’s a lovely place to go.”)
Favorite Dish At El Meson: Tortilla soup
Q
What is something you learned growing up in Amish country, that someone who didn’t grow up in that environment would not know?
A
One thing I learned was it’s just a different culture, and while we may not understand it, it was something to definitely respect.
Q
That must have been an interesting place to grow up.
A
It was a great place to grow up. I actually grew up in a rural area near the city of Ashland [and attended] Hillsdale High School, where we had things like Drive Your Tractor to School Day. I was one of the few who did not live on a farm. I was not good at sports, so I was in the band.
Q
What did you play?
A
The tuba. I really enjoy music, and always have, so the band was more my speed.
Q
What was your favorite class in high school?
A
Anything with math. I almost went into mathematics as a major. I decided math was going to be a little bit tough and ended up majoring in accounting.
Q
Who were your childhood heroes?
A
My dad. My dad always worked extremely hard. His dream, as one of 11 kids, was to go to college and be a CPA. But he did not have the means to do that, so he never went to college, but he worked very hard his whole life.
I don’t remember him ever having just one job. He worked for the volunteer fire department, he worked for the township, doing road crew and things like that, and he had a full-time job. And he always made sure that he made time for us.
Q
You are the first woman to be the president of the firm. How important is that for you?
A
I think it’s important that other people see that somebody who looks like me, acts like me—has the same whatever as me—has succeeded. And so people feel like, especially young women, “I could be that too.”
Q
Have you made a conscious effort to support other women who are prospective executives in your firm?
A
Yes, absolutely. I’m the executive sponsor of what we call our Embracing Differences Committee. The focus of that committee is that we all have differences. We decided to call it Embracing Differences for just that reason—we are stronger because of the differences that we bring to the table, whether that’s being female or having grown up in a small town or the color of your skin or who you love.
Q
What’s a perfect weekend look like for you?
A
Spending time with my family. If we can be outside, that’s great. So I’d go for a hike. I love to cook, so I love to make a big meal and have my family around the table and just laugh together.
Q
Is there a business leader in any industry who you most admire?
A
Sarah Friend [president of The Partners Group]. She’s in Portland, Oregon. Her ability to think through how to run a firm and how to treat employees well—and also her commitment to her family— inspires me.
Q
What three words would your co-workers use to describe your management style?
A
Thoughtful, caring, and open.
Q
What would you change about the insurance industry?
A
I would like for leadership teams to look more like the communities they serve.
Q
What gives you your leader’s edge?
A
My heart for this company and the industry. I’m so in love with this industry, and I feel like that’s what gives me the edge. It’s not just a job. I really care about the people I work with, the work we do, and the clients we serve.
