The Director of Business Development for ArcVision Inc. (and professional member of the Retail Design Institute) on why mornings are the best time to get things done, her favorite binge-watching crush and what she plans to do now that the world is opening up again.
What’s the most cherished item in your office?
Pictures of my family, especially my niece, Ava, and my nephew, Collin. They mean the world to me.
What’s your favorite time to get things done?
I am a morning person. I typically wake up around 4:30 every morning and like to start my work day as early as possible. I am definitely most productive in the morning.
What’s the soundtrack that plays in the background of your office?
I do not have a set soundtrack, but I usually have a local radio station playing in the background. I like to listen to the “Morning Show” and catch up on local news.
Name the band you cannot take off your playlist.
I don’t necessarily have a favorite band, as I listen to a variety of music/artists. Unknown to most, one of my favorite genres is oldies—music from the ’50s and ’60s. When I was a kid, my father restored a 1959 Seeburg Jukebox, which has had a huge impact on my taste in music over the years.
What does a typical workday look like?
I have been with ArcVision Inc. for 15-plus years now and handle several roles within the company. I currently oversee our new business/marketing efforts as our Director of Business Development, assist with current client relations and am part of ArcVision’s Leadership Team.
Depending on the day, I may be at a conference interacting with clients and industry friends, at home working on proposals, or in the office interfacing with our employees.
What are you binge watching right now?
I watch a lot of Netflix, so I am looking forward to the finale of “Ozarks,” which is coming out soon. I love to cook, so I also watch a lot of cooking competition shows like “Top Chef,” “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Chopped.” And I am a sucker for reality TV.
What’s the coolest thing you have done since the pandemic hit?
Finally deciding to purchase my first home. Once the pandemic started, I quickly realized I needed more space and a dedicated area for my home office. There were a few ups and downs during the process, but I was lucky enough to close on my home before the rise in the housing market.
What has this experience taught you?
Remembering that our lives are constantly changing.
Favorite comfort food.
Any Mexican food.
Best advice you ever received?
Don’t wait for an opportunity—create it.
Biggest influence in your life?
My parents have been a huge influence in my life. As long as I can remember, both of my parents have been extremely hard working in their careers, but yet found the time to be at every event my sister and I had growing up. Even now, as they transition to retirement, they continue to work part time and volunteer wherever they can with their church and other organizations.
Throughout my career, they have supported me every step of the way, and I cannot thank them enough for showing me that hard work and dedication can lead you to a successful life.
What trait do you most admire?
Determination. I may not always have the answer, but I am determined to find the best answer and solution.
What advice would you give your younger self?
To be more confident in myself. I may not show it, but from a young age, I have always had an internal struggle with self-confidence and it’s something I am constantly working on and learning from.
What’s the first thing you are going to do when you are able to get back to some sense of normalcy?
Travel internationally. Unfortunately, I have had to cancel a couple of my international travels plans the last couple of years due to COVID. My last trip prior to the pandemic was to London in October 2019 for the Chicago Bears’ football game played at the then new Tottenham Stadium. I had a great time with friends and exploring the city.