• What is your profession and why did you choose it?

I am the Regional Sales Manager for Bell Bank Mortgage.  I have been in mortgage and banking for over 26 years.  I graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in business administration with an emphasis on finance and real estate.  I really did not choose the business, it just started as a job out of college and it just stuck for me for all these years.  I love what I do and look forward to coming to work everyday!

• What might someone be surprised to know about you?

Some are surprised to know that I have 6 children and that we have homeschooled them since 2006. I have one college graduate, two in college and three more at home. 

• Do you have a hobby, play a sport, or have any special interests?

I enjoy being with my kids at their sporting events/musical interest.  Whether I am helping coach a team, running them to practice, or just encouraging them from the sideline, this is my special interest. 

• What job would you be terrible at?

Dentist

• Who has impressed you most with what they’ve accomplished?

My mom.  While she gave countless hours to St. Luke’s Hospital as the head nurse of Labor & Delivery for more than 25 years of her 34 years of service, she also managed to come home after long shifts and put dinner on the table for our family.  Overworked, and sleep deprived, my mom was a self-sacrificing person that taught me to give your best at whatever you do in life.  Today, she has Alzheimer’s and my regular visits to see her are not nearly enough to repay her for all the ways she supported and cared for me.  No doubt she continues to make me a better person and I find myself learning more about empathy, caring for our parents, and the importance of living a life with balance between work and family.   

• Where is the most interesting place you have visited?

The Big Island in Hawaii.  Being able to see an active volcano dump into the ocean is pretty fantastic.  Touring the island via helicopter is also a lifetime memory.  Plus, the vast difference from the desert like environment in Kona to the rain forest conditions in Hilo just 80 miles apart, makes touring this island remarkable.   Pretty sure you can’t go wrong regardless of which island you visit in Hawaii.
 

• Do you have any advice based on your area of expertise?

Always get pre-approved for financing before shopping for a home. Any good realtor will require the client be pre-approved before touring homes.  Plus, working with a great lender that has the ability to tailor the pre-approval letter based on the offer you want to make, is really important.

• If you could work anywhere in the world, where would you choose?​

I think I would choose Denver as long as my office faced the mountains.  So close to amazing outdoor adventures (hiking, skiing, etc..) and still close to a major airport to travel throughout my region.
 

• How has working in a shared work space influenced your business?

This is a great environment to launch a new business or for a small company to call home every day. 
 

• What is your favorite restaurant from the St. Louis area?

Annie Gunn’s (not related)

• What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their lives?

Snow skiing in Colorado (or any of the great resorts in the Rockies).  Stunning views and an experience that will be with you for a lifetime.
 

• Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to?

Van Halen

​Looking for something fun and different to do this winter? A new attraction is opening in downtown St. Louis and we are excited to share the details with you!
 
St. Louis Union Station Aquarium will be opening in December of 2019!
 
They will have six galleries that feature a variety of fish from around the world.
 Confluence - features fish from Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
Global Rivers - has fish from South America, Africa and Southeast Asia.
Changing Rivers-is an interactive gallery teaching you about how dams, erosion and human water use change the rivers.
Oceans Shore- fish from where the rivers meet the ocean. Also interactive you can feed the stingrays and sharks.
Shark Cannon- their largest aquarium that is 250,000 gallons and has over 80 sharks and schools of fish.
Deep Oceans- the last gallery that uses technology to see unique deep-sea creatures.
They offer interactions with the animals and a behind the scenes tour for an additional fee.

Looking for more fun? They also have attractions near Union Station including the giant Ferris wheel overlooking St. Louis, a Carousel, Grand Hall 3D light show, a fire and light show, mini golf course, rope course, mirror maze and a Polar Express train ride. You can also host events there for corporate events, weddings and birthdays.
 
Want to grab a bite to eat? There is five places to eat and they even serve alcohol! The Train Shed, St. Louis Union Station Soda Fountain, 1894 Cafe, Laundry’s Seafood and the Beverage Car.
 
So go on down and have some fun this winter!
 Location: 201 S 18th St
St. Louis, MO 63103
 
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10am to 6pm
Friday - Saturday 10am to 9pm.
 
Tickets: Adult $25
Child (3-12) $18
 
For more information check out their website! https://www.stlouisaquarium.com/