Women in Business 2016

Women business in

• Americana insurance producer has passion for industry • Nancy’s Cafe open for 10 years • Produce State Bank employees love working with customers

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

6 |PAGE TUESDAY, 2 | WOMEN OCTOBER IN25, BUSINESS 2016 2016 | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016

gAmericana a career and insurance new motherhood producer has passion

tyBy and Sam Wilmes sam.wilmes@albertleatribune.com hanged entury.

Center An insurance producer at Americana usInsurance and Agency in Albert Lea is astegratsisting clients in meeting their insurance files, in needs. d mothAngela McCormick, 46, has worked housein the position since May. der the “Insurance is a boring subject to a lot ly of over people,” McCormick said. “Insurance ercent is a lot about covering, protecting your n those assets, and a lot of people kind of miss rethe lesspoint and kind of get that mixed up nswith that the premium.” more She said once people have an educandtion areabout something, they tend to make ose resmarter choices. ssors.

She said each client has different hood is that must be met. needs transi“Everyone has their own story and ove an that they have made,” she said. choices or“Certain new choices affect insurance predful of miums.” bark McCormick on operated her own direct career writing agency in Kiester and Wells for multiple years. She is licensed as a producer in the state of Minnesota and Iowa. isions A Lake Mills High School graduate, mothMcCormick attended North Iowa Area regard

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Angela McCormick is a member of the insurance team at Americana Insurance in Albert Lea. SAM WILMES/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Community College while she was an analyst at Cummins Filtration in Lake Mills.

McCormick took insurance courses at Kaplan University.

She said she enjoys working at the According to the Pew Research Center, 40.4 percent of married mothers were the primary earners in households that included agency. children under the age of 18 in 2011. PROVIDED “I love it — the people and the fact that (director) Tom Sorenson lets me have the ability togood kindemployers of spread understand my to their careers. While adjustments will ation to such decisions may grow to regret ognize that almost certainly need to be made, it’s im- them when they find they miss their wings,” old the McCormick adjustments said. you “He will gives needme to make in the ability grow.” aftermath of a pregnancy. portant that women avoid knee-jerk reac- jobs and the responsibilities and sense theto immediate McCormick has two adult daughters, tions. Some women feel guilty about not of purpose that comes with those jobs. spending enough time with their children When making career decisions asAshley new and Look Lauren, for and ways an adult to reduce son, your and ultimately allow that guilt to govern motherhood is approaching or after Logan. it workload at home Americana Insurance Group is at 1450 W. their decisions about their careers. But arrives, make a list of the pros and cons She saidJuggling the transition to investment a career and new motherMain St. was initially women who don’t give ample consider- to each decision and the motives behind hood uncomfortable. won’t just have an impact at the each decision you might make. The more “Needless office.toPart say, of it was making out of a successful my because as a woman you bring a cercomforttransition zone, butfrom once working I got intoprofessional the tain amount of compassion, but you also thoughtfully you approach each decision, just found a passion for it,” bring the happier you’re likely to be withclasses, that toI working mother is recognizing that a certain amount of knowledge,” We’re Your Local Partner decision once it’s been made.

McCormick said. “Maybe adjustments need tosometimes be made at home she said.

In Business people see as well. things Both in us new thatparents we do not are in the She said she has faced discrimination Avoid going overboard at the office see in ourselves.” same boat, but mothers are the ones in who certain situations.

Providing financial Working mothers are often driven McCormick to spend the hopes firstshe three makes months a dif-at home “There have been situations where you solutions for business owners show their employers that new motherferencewith in the their livesnew of her child, customers. and during those run into other individuals who, because hood will not affect their on-the-job per“I hope three justmonths my personality new mothers in general typically you de-are a woman, do not appreciate what since 1906 - with the local formance. In their haste to prove moth— I hope velop that aitcertain leaves arapport footprint with with theiryou newbring to the table,” she said. “I know decision process you deserve. erhood won’t prove a distraction, people,” that“We newas fathers dohave not. Babies new babies she said. people I have experienced that.” mothers may take on more they can chew. a tendency may to prove remember more comfortable people who being fed McCormick said she has never used are kindorand who to bring value to us.instead I herofgender as an excuse.

Recognize that being a working mother rocked sleep by mom does require an adjustment period, espehope that dad. is In what such I leave instances, — basically look foraways“You to have to look at being a woman as footprint.” cially in the immediate weeks and months reduce your workload at home, whether a strength and not a weakness, because it www.securitybankmn.com after maternity leave has ended and your McCormick that’s sharing said she has cooking been duties the loneor other is a strength,” she said. “It may not be a Albert Lea • 437 Bridge • 373-1481 Member physical strength, but it is an emotional body has yet to adjust to its new schedule. woman chores in an office around before. the house that were once FDIC Emmons • 201 Main St • 297-5461 Accept help when it’s offered and rec“I didyour not responsibility see it as a disadvantage, alone. strength, and it is a mental strength.”

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016 | WOMEN IN BUESINESS 2016 | PAGE 3

Take a cue for life from successful women Women had another successful year in 2015. According to the Fortune 500 list, 2015 tied the record set for the highest number of female CEOs in America’s largest companies by revenue. Twenty-four women, including Mary Barra of General Motors, Meg Whitman of Hewlett-Packard and Ginny Rometty of IBM, made the list.

Although women make up 45 percent of the labor force and only 5 percent head Fortune 500 companies, women are making greater strides than ever before.

For example, in 1998, just one woman led a Fortune 500 company, according to Pew Research Center.

Certain traits could help propel successful women to the top. Here’s a look at some of the ways female professionals can overcome professional hurdles and make their mark.

• Be passionate about what you do.

Women who maintain passion about their careers are more likely to overcome any challenges and stand out in the workplace. If your profession is not stoking any passion, explore alternate career opportunities.

• Recognize your strengths. Today’s professionals are less likely than their predecessors to stick with one company or line of work for their entire working lives. But just because you change jobs or career paths does not mean your past experience is useless. Successful women know what they do best, whether it’s public speaking, writing or making sales pitches. Apply those strengths when looking for a new job or career.

• Know when to ask for help. Even the most accomplished women have limitations. Asking for help when you need it can help you overcome those limitations.

To be good at what you do, you first have to learn from others. Sometimes the smartest way to overcome an obstacle is having several hands on deck to provide a boost. Thinking that the work is better left to you alone could be a mistake. Enlist help when you need it and never hesitate to ask for another perspective.

• Make time for exercise. A sluggish body can make for a sluggish mind.

Successful people need to be sharp, and exercise can help them maintain their mental focus. According to John J. Ratey, Ph.D., a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, muscles send hormones rushing to the brain where they mix with a substance

It is important to not be afraid to make calculated risks, though it is not recommended to make reckless decisions. PROVIDED called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. BDNF plays a role in brain cell growth and learning. Without it, brains can’t absorb new information or grow and learn. Exercise also helps relieve stress, which can make resolutions easier to see and make tasks less overwhelming.

• Go easy on yourself. While many successful people strive for perfection, achieving perfection is unlikely, if not impossible. Successful people often admit to being their own worst critics, but don’t beat yourself up if you endure some trial and error. Mistakes can be a great teacher, so use any you make to your advantage.

• Don’t be afraid to take risks. Successful women are not afraid to take risks. Many may have decided they don’t fit a specific mold and want to affect change. However, calculated risks are different from reckless decisions, and it is important to recognize the difference. A calculated risk may involve starting your own business after learning the ropes in a specific field and testing the waters. Reckless behavior would be opening that business with no relevant experience.

Visit albertleatribune.com for the latest news

Recognizing the professional women at Americana Insurance Group & their excellence to the insurance industry.

Lori Bagley

Angela McCormick

Suzanne Dickson

Amy Miller

Nancy Vaale

www.americanainsurance.com (507) 377-2000

PAGE 4 | WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2016 | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016

Making food and making friends at work

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

W

hile most people are still sleeping at 3 o’clock in the morning, Albert Lean Nancy Newman is gearing up for another day.

The owner of Nancy’s Cafe, 120 S. Washington Ave., Newman opens her business at 4:30 a.m.

“We have a pretty good breakfast crowd,” she said.

Her business is one of the only restaurants in the city open that early.

Newman, a 1974 Albert Lea High School graduate, opened Nancy’s cafe 10 1/2 years ago, after working as a bartender at the Union Center for 20 years.

Out of a job, she began looking to buy a bar, when she found out the building at her present location was for sale. It formerly housed Abrego’s Cafe.

She is open typically from 4:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 4:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturdays.

She operates the place with her partner, John, two waitresses and one waiter.

One of her waitresses has been there for six years, while the other has been there for three.

Newman said some of her most popular meals are Denver and Mexican omelets, eggs benedict, sausage gravy and her soups.

She makes everything from scratch.

“I love it, I just love it,” she said of her business.

She said the business has been going well. Living in Albert Lea for 60 years, she likes seeing people she knows from the community come to eat. Some come as often as every day, others once a week, once a month or occasionally.

She knows many by name and gets worried when some of her regulars don’t come in.

When she’s not working, Newman said she enjoys camping at Hickory Hills and

Nancy Newman has owned Nancy’s Cafe on Washington Avenue in Albert Lea for more than 10 years. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE spending time with her grandchildren.

She has lived in Albert Lea her whole life.

Nancy’s Cafe Where: 120 S. Washington Ave. Hours: 4:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 4:30 to 11 a.m. Saturdays Phone: 373-5469

We appreciate all the woman working at Produce State Bank. You’re assets to our team.

109 W. Park Ave. 220 E. William St. Hollandale Albert Lea (507) 889-4311 (507) 373-5500

2401 Brige Ave. Albert Lea (507) 373-8600

www.producestatebank.com

MEMBER

FDIC

Three Locations Family Owned

Nancy’s Cafe is at 120 S. Washington Ave. in Albert Lea.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016 | WOMEN IN BUESINESS 2016 | PAGE 5

John Gladue butters toast at Nancy’s Cafe last week.

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PAGE 6 | WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2016 | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016

Juggling a career and new motherhood The role women play in society and within their own households has changed dramatically over the last half-century.

According to Pew Research Center analysis of the Decennial Census and American Community Surveys Integrated Public Use Microdata Sample files, in 1960 just 10.8 percent of married mothers were the primary earners in households that included children under the age of 18. That figure rose steadily over the next 50 years, reaching 40.4 percent by 2011. Though the steady rise in those percentages makes the 2011 figure less than surprising, the fact remains that today’s working mothers have more on their plate than ever before and are under more pressure to juggle those responsibilities than their predecessors.

Juggling a career and motherhood is difficult for any woman, but the transition to wearing two hats can prove an especially difficult adjustment for new mothers. The following are a handful of tips for new mothers about to embark on the challenging task of juggling a career and a growing family.

Carefully consider career decisions Some new mothers respond to motherhood by making changes with regard Exmark • Stihl Husqvarna

According to the Pew Research Center, 40.4 percent of married mothers were the primary earners in households that included children under the age of 18 in 2011. PROVIDED to their careers. While adjustments will almost certainly need to be made, it’s important that women avoid knee-jerk reactions. Some women feel guilty about not spending enough time with their children and ultimately allow that guilt to govern their decisions about their careers. But women who don’t give ample consider-

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ation to such decisions may grow to regret them when they find they miss their old jobs and the responsibilities and sense of purpose that comes with those jobs.

When making career decisions as new motherhood is approaching or after it arrives, make a list of the pros and cons to each decision and the motives behind each decision you might make. The more thoughtfully you approach each decision, the happier you’re likely to be with that decision once it’s been made.

Avoid going overboard at the office Working mothers are often driven to show their employers that new motherhood will not affect their on-the-job performance. In their haste to prove motherhood won’t prove a distraction, new mothers may take on more they can chew.

Recognize that being a working mother does require an adjustment period, especially in the immediate weeks and months after maternity leave has ended and your body has yet to adjust to its new schedule.

Accept help when it’s offered and rec-

ognize that good employers understand the adjustments you will need to make in the immediate aftermath of a pregnancy.

Look for ways to reduce your workload at home Juggling a career and new motherhood won’t just have an impact at the office. Part of making a successful transition from working professional to working mother is recognizing that adjustments need to be made at home as well. Both new parents are in the same boat, but mothers are the ones who spend the first three months at home with their new child, and during those three months new mothers typically develop a certain rapport with their new babies that new fathers do not. Babies may prove more comfortable being fed or rocked to sleep by mom instead of dad. In such instances, look for ways to reduce your workload at home, whether that’s sharing cooking duties or other chores around the house that were once your responsibility alone.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016 | WOMEN IN BUESINESS 2016 | PAGE 7

MAKE MARKETING MANAGEABLE TIPS FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, ENTREPRENEURS It may seem that anyone with the guts to run their own small business should be able to master marketing with ease.

And yet marketing strikes many small business owners with dread.

In fact, a common refrain from business owners is: “I know my business is good, but I have no idea how to market it.”

Recently, The UPS Store conducted a survey of small business owners to identify their concerns. One-third of respondents said marketing or branding their business was the biggest challenge they face.

To put it into perspective, marketing their businesses topped other common concerns of business owners including lack of time and lack of financial resources. Meanwhile, more than half of those surveyed said marketing ranked “very high” or “extremely high” on their list of key priorities.

This contradiction becomes more concerning when you factor in the role small businesses play in the nation’s overall business landscape. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses (companies with less than 500 employees) provide 55 percent of all jobs and have provided 66 percent of all net new jobs since the 1970s.

The small business sector could be stronger yet, if its representatives didn’t feel intimidated by the essential discipline of marketing, said Marcus Lemonis, entrepreneur and host of CNBC’s “The Profit.” Yet nearly 40 percent of respondents in The UPS Store’s survey agreed or strongly agreed that they feel “overwhelmed” by the challenge.

“Any business owner who can make a strong, persuasive pitch for the funding of their business can probably do the same for the products or services of that business,” Lemonis said.

To help small businesses transfer the skill of selling to funders to selling to customers, Lemonis offers the following tips: • Know your target customer. Just as you played to the interests and likings of your funders, you can do the same with potential customers through strategic marketing.

• Recognize that the keys to success for any small business are people, process and product. Those funding your business will want to know you have those three in order. If you do, your cus-

Business owners should know their target customers when thinking of how to market their business. tomers will be more confident in your business, too.

• Understand that people are the cornerstone of your business. Find the right people to make sure they’re marketing and selling your brand the way you would.

• Be vulnerable, be honest and communicate. This stands true for every aspect of your business, including developing the next steps of your marketing strategy. If you share your business or your brand’s story with a genuine approach, your success will increase.

These are things most small business owners can do. Yet there are also marketing processes and skills that many small business owners aren’t familiar with and need help from others to acquire.

Among those who can provide help are The UPS Store’s 4,500 locations across the nation. These stores are independently owned and operated, so store owners understand the challenge firsthand. Part of their mission is to help local startups, entrepreneurs and small businesses solve their problems, including marketing, printing, shipping and mailboxes.

“I encourage small business owners to find new ways to break down the marketing barrier and learn marketing processes that will attract new customers and grow their business,” Lemonis said.

Find resources to jump-start your marketing strategy at theupsstore.com.

Saluting women in the work place.

Toll Free 1-800-204-2461 BonnerupFuneralService.com

The Faces You Can Trust

331 S. Broadway • Albert Lea, MN • 507-377-6868

PAGE 8 | WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2016 | TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2016

Produce State Bank employees love working with customers

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

The tellers at Produce State Bank on William Street come from various backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common: They love working with their customers.

Darcy Nielsen of Albert Lea has worked at Produce State Bank for 14 years. She started at the company’s Hollandale office and came to the William Street location about two years ago.

Nielsen said she works the teller line and helps people open checking and savings accounts, IRAs, CDs and debit cards.

“I like the variety of people,” she said of her job. “I like customer service.”

She said she enjoys getting to know their customers as friends.

Kris Peoble of Albert Lea has worked at the bank for a little over two years, and at the William Street location for about 1 1/2 years.

She works as a teller, opens accounts and helps people with online banking.

Peoble said she likes the opportunity tellers have at a small-town bank to get to know their customers on a personal level.

“The customer’s not a number,” she said. “They’re a person.”

She worked at Erlandson’s for 12 years before coming to the bank.

Though she worked with bills and talked with customers at that business, she said it has been a change to come into banking.

Kelli Hensche of Clarks Grove is the William Street location’s third teller, who also works as a loan assistant and in loan maintenance.

She has been at the bank for 11 months, but in the banking industry for 15 years.

The three women work with Jay Romer, vice president of the company.

In addition to the Hollandale and William Street locations, Produce Street Bank also has a location on Bridge Avenue.

Kris Peoble, Kelli Hensche and Darcy Nielsen all work at Produce State Bank on William Street. They said the favorite part of their job is working with customers. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Our hats are off to the women who put in long hours and give great service!

Thanks to my team for outstanding customer service!

Kereen Johannsen & Tammy Frondal

507.373.2311

Insurance from the best!

1330 W. Main • Albert Lea 507-377-2852 troythompsonagency@gmail.com

www.ThorneCrest.net 1201 Garfield Avenue | Albert Lea, MN