The Purdue Women’s Network connects alumnae around the globe with opportunities to share their skills, knowledge, and leadership to uplift and inspire other women. In this ongoing series, we check in with Purdue alumnae who run their own businesses and are looking to connect with others.

Tell us about your academic and professional background.

After graduating, I took a management position with the Home Depot. The experience provided me with exceptional insight to the changing trends in customer service resulting from advances in technology — including online shopping. Customer expectations are increasing, and I was able to carry over a tremendous amount of this knowledge to my subsequent line of work.

Tell us about your business.

I transitioned into the insurance industry following a chance meeting with a field supervisor on a flight to South Carolina. I spent a short time training in the field before I opened an agency of my own in September 2012. The American Family Insurance Adsit Agency provides auto, commercial, farm, home, and life insurance to residents of Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. Since opening, we have grown and qualified for many company achievements, including eight-time All-American, Life Diamond, Distinguished Life Diamond, Early Diamond, and Peak Harvest.

Who would be a good referral for you right now?

It is important to our agency to support local businesses and community partners. We are looking to connect with people we can trust and give back to, such as realtors, mortgage brokers, and agriculture partners. 

Tell us about your hobbies and what keeps you busy in your free time.

In my spare time, I enjoy fostering dogs through Across America Boxer Rescue and helping to educate the public on the importance of adopting rescue pets. My husband and I have a one year old daughter who keeps us busy. When she lets me, I work on making quilts, a hobby that I have loved since I was 18.

How are you working through these uncertain times?

I’ve learned to not get ahead of myself in thought, which creates anxiety, and to take each day as it comes. There are new opportunities out there, and the transition to working from home has allowed us to embrace the technological innovations that American Family offers. Our agency carries an online presence via Facebook, AmFam.com, and a texting service that has allowed us to stay connected with our customers and prospects even while we are away from the office.

The best approach I have heard — and taken personally and professionally — during the pandemic is, “What does this make possible?” It has been tremendously helpful in keeping my eyes and arms open to what the future holds.