How has Van Meter supported you as you balance being a mom and an employee-owner?
TC: I have the flexibility to be active in my children’s school community by volunteering and donating my time and resources. I can work hard while being present for my family because of the work/life balance Van Meter encourages.
KW: Getting 12 weeks of paid parental leave was such a gift and time all new moms need. You hear that kids get sick a lot, but you have no idea what “a lot” means until it’s real. I have always felt supported to re-arrange my schedule to get a sick kid down for a nap, turn a meeting into a phone call so I can get them to a doctor appointment or turn my out-of-office on for a day of snotty snuggles.
KS: The Flexibility! It’s been a huge blessing to work at Van Meter while having young kids. Van Meter has allowed me the flexibility to go to my daughter’s preschool celebration, care for my kids when they are sick and even attend special events like a field trip day, dance pictures at our dance studio or a Mother’s Day lunch at school. Van Meter is truly advocating for me to be there for my family and be the best I can be for them – as a wife and mom.
What are the similarities between your role as mom and your role at Van Meter?
KB: I have to be very detailed, present and approachable – whether it’s juggling schedules, appointments and sporting events or making sure payroll is accurate and timely.
KS: Both my roles help others grow. As a leader, I hope to help my team grow and develop, and as a parent, I help my kids learn and grow. Also, we have fun! I love working at Van Meter – laughing with my fellow employee-owners and working with my team to create ideas and bring them to life. And my kids are so fun too – whether watching my girls giggle while tackling each other, playing hide-and-go-seek or just getting my four-month-old to smile – I do my best to enjoy this life stage knowing it goes by quickly.
LSF: Prioritizing time is key. At work, I prioritize my time to make sure I can be successful with my responsibilities and then adjust when needed. With my kids, I make it a point to have one-on-one time, to get to know them and soak up all I can. It’s one time they don’t have to share attention and can enjoy the time with me.
How does being a mom help you add more value at Van Meter?
LSF: My daughters are the reason I go to work and strive to be great in everything I do. I want to make a difference because I want them to do the same when they get older.
KB: Being a mom has given me the ability to multitask at a new level, taught me patience and inspired me to always leave things better than they were before.
TC: Being a mom helps me add value to Van Meter by promoting our values of giving back to the places where we work and live and being active in the community. I can show my children how serving others and spreading kindness can impact yourself and your community and show my community how much Van Meter really cares.
KW: When I’m up against something mentally or physically challenging, I literally tell myself, “I’ve had two kids back-to-back. I can do anything!”
Want to join a workplace where you are supported as a mother? Visit vanmeterinc.com/careers to discover opportunities at Van Meter!
