Every month, Schwartz Insurance Group selects a peer-nominated associate to receive a Core Value Award. The winner is chosen because they "lived" one of our agency's core values - typically an event or accomplishment above and beyond the call of duty in serving our customers. This month, Debbie Kuhn has "lived" our core value of "There's Only Opportunity."
Here's her story:
There are times when an employee’s position in a company leads to unexpected opportunities to expand their role, such as stepping into a co-worker’s shoes when they must take time away, or jumping in to assist different teams when things get too hectic. The challenge can be rewarding!
Whether it’s handling marketing tasks, helping out the Director of First Impressions, or tackling projects for Benefits, Personal and Commercial Lines, Deb Kuhn proves “There’s Only Opportunity!”
You joined Team Schwartz in 2016 as a Marketing Assistant. Can you explain the ways in which your position has expanded over the past couple of years?
Yes, I was hired primarily to take care of the company's website and online presence (social media pages), including our blog and the monthly newsletter. Then, due to a series of unexpected occurrences, a need arose for someone to step into various temporary roles to assist each team, and I was happy to help out. It can be a tad challenging, but I enjoy the tasks and I like doing different things every week.
If you could travel anywhere in the world (money being no object), where would you visit?
I love traveling and I've been lucky enough to do quite a bit of it over the years - from Honolulu to Istanbul. But I haven't yet made it over to Ireland, and since a DNA test revealed (unsurprisingly) that I'm mostly Irish, I feel compelled to visit the Emerald Isle one day. Another goal is to make it up to Alaska. I'm not a fan of cold temps and snow, but the beautiful scenery will make the trip worthwhile, I'm sure.
Do you have any personal interests or hobbies?
Many! Besides traveling, I love reading, hiking in the mountains, wine-tasting, and playing pinball on my Twilight Zone pinball machine.
The book or the movie?
The movie adaptation rarely ever does a good book justice.
Are there any pets in the Kuhn household?
About a year ago I adopted two wicked-sweet kittens. Kylo is black and Leia is black and white, and they're siblings, so they get along quite well. But they get into so much mischief that I usually refer to them as "The Little Rascals."
Rock and roll or country music?
I love lots of different genres (even disco!), but I really don't like country music. (Except for Johnny Cash. The Man in Black is pretty cool.)
We have to ask: U.K. or U of L?
If I don't say U.K., my family will disown me! But I'm not a rabid Wildcats fan - I don't hate U of L.
What might we be surprised to learn about you?
I'm a published author and freelance writer and editor. It's a great passion of mine and I have a personal website: www.debbiekuhn.com.
Congratulations on your Core Value Award, Deb - and thank you for doing such a great job for Schwartz Insurance Group. You are appreciated!