Saturday, February 21st Featuring stories about people who
ENJOY THEIR JOBS & WORKPLACES & Employers who do UNIQUE THINGS for their Employees!
2 • Saturday, February 21, 2015 • WHO SAYS WORK CAN’T BE FUN
HURON DAILY TRIBUNE • www.michigansthumb.com
Old Guy Tire serves people from the Thumb and beyond
Ron Szymarek, owner of Old Guy Tire, stands proudly in front of his shop in Kinde.
Amy Bailey/For the Tribune
specialized tools required to work Some travel from as far as Sterling on newer vehicles. Szymarek still Heights for their tire needs, as his had to invest in new equipment prices are affordable, and he proKINDE — Tucked away in the for his tire business with the tire vides excellent quality of services. farm fields of Kinde is a small pressure monitoring systems, but Being an educator most of his life, tire sales and repair shop known it wasn’t as much in comparison to Szymarek likes to explain the proto many locals as Old Guy Tire. what he would have to invest in to cess to his customers, where as The business is run out of Ron keep up with the evolving modern other repair shops might not take the time to educate. Szymarek’s personal garage on technology. *1 “There’s a need for reasonable Cross Road, not too far off from OFFInsurance for running a tire busi45affordable – 55 hp than • 2015 models • MFWD ness is also more tires,” Szymarek says. “Everyone M-53. a complete automotive repair, so is welcome here.” At the time of its opening in to special-PowerTech™ Since Old Guy Tire doesn’t Turbocharged engine 1978, Old Guy Tire–– wasOR known ––as Ron made the •decision advertise, all of his customers are Szymarek Repair, where many ser- ize in tires. • Independent 540referred PTO to his shop through word Whenever locals referred friends vices were offered such as carpentry and automotive repair. for Szymarek and family to Szymarek’s shop, he of mouth. Szymarek says it’s a • Tough was nicknamed as “the transmission old guy” great feeling to hear a customer say worked infinancing his shop as a side job months decided to they’ll be back again. from driving buses and teaching in Kinde. Szymarek options –– AND –– embrace the title and renamed his “It’s kind of neat,” Szymarek English and Spanish for North Category 1 and quirky name of 2chuckles. Huron Schools. Szymarek eventu- business under•the OFF Aside from running his shop, ally retired from teaching, but con- Old Guy Tire. compatible 1 Besides repairing and ordering Szymarek likes to ride his motortinued to drive buses for 12Implement more Bonus* Szymarek also cycles, spend time with family, and years as a service to his community. tires for customers, • Folding ROPS From there, Szymarek Repair works on the proper disposal of take care of his church. Szymarek is evolved into a full-time job for Ron. discarded tires, taking inventory involved in the Kinde Presbyterian Eventually, Szymarek limited his and organizing storage, cleaning up Church and directs their singing services to just tire sales and repair. the shop, invoicing and filling out group, All for Hymn. At one point, Szymarek had As the advancement in vehicle paperwork. Szymarek’s customers always to be hospitalized for a time, and technology developed, it became more difficult to keep up with the f e e l w e l c o m e d a n d c a r e d f o r. couldn’t work. Once he recovered, By amy bailey For the Tribune
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Ron Szymarek of Old Guy Tire demonstrates how he removes a tire from the rim in his shop. he returned to find his shop freshly cleaned, his motorcycles polished, and a full list of orders waiting for him. His customers and friends had taken the initiative to make sure he had nothing to worry about while he was away. “I have this plaque in my house that says, ‘Friends are really chosen family,’ and I really believe that,” he said. Szymarek credits his friends for the support and encouragement he’s received over the years. He views his friends as most would view their family, and they
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continue to show support today. Many have helped him build additions onto his garage as his business grew and lent a hand whether he asked or not. One of the most rewarding aspects of Szymarek’s job is making a cranky customer smile and sending them off on the road safely. He takes pride in his prices and quality of service. Ron believes a positive outlook is crucial to making a small business work. “If you’re not happy in what you’re doing, then don’t do it,” he said.
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HURON DAILY TRIBUNE • www.michigansthumb.com
WHO SAYS WORK CAN’T BE FUN • Saturday, February 21, 2015 • 3
Caseville brewer’s job mixes science and art Bowlby strives to make good beer for everyone By Chris Aldridge Tribune Staff Writer
CASEVILLE — Life’s essentials are criminals in Nick Bowlby’s basement brewery. In the craft beer world, oxygen is a life taker. Too little carbon dioxide steals flavor; too much turns it foamy and overpowered. Exposure to sunlight gives it a skunky flavor. That’s why Bowlby spends the majority of his time in the basement, or “beer cave,” at Thumb Brewery, meticulously making sure conditions are favorable to keep the taps flowing upstairs. “It’s kind of cramped down here,” Bowlby says. He’s not joking. Turn one corner and you’re barraged by barrels of beer. Another wall is lined with kegs. Glass beakers and tanks sit high on a table in another section, like a scene out of “Breaking Bad.” See beer • 4
Nick Bowlby spends the majority of his time in the “beer cave,” located in the basement of Thumb Brewery in Caseville. Right, Bowlby measures the density of the fermented beer. Chris Aldridge/Huron Daily Tribune
Ubly golf pro finds his niche back at home in the Thumb By Paul P. adams Tribune Sports Editor
UBLY — Dave Hanson grew up on a farm, where he learned all about hard work and discipline. Although farming provided a good life for his family, Hanson desired a job that was a little more “fun.” “Growing up, you learn the hard way, you get all the hard jobs that aren’t any fun — it was a drag,” said Hanson. “Once I went to college and looked back on it, I appreciated the lifestyle
and appreciated the fact that the farm got me to this point. “Looking at it now as someone who is going to be 26, I appreciate the farm a lot more than I used to, but I love my job now.” In his high school days, he excelled at sports, but it was golf that he gravitated to. It was between Hanson’s junior and senior year in high school where he realized he wanted to make a career in golf. “The thought and the idea that stuck with me is I wanted to do what I wanted to do and find
something that I loved doing,” he said. “I didn’t want to get into something where I may have made a little bit more money, but I hated it. I wanted to do something that I loved and had fun with. I thought how awesome would it be to go to a golf course every day?” Following graduation in 2007, Hanson enrolled in Ferris State University’s renowned Professional Golf Management Program. See golf • 4
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Ubly Heights Golf & Country Club PGA Professional Dave Hanson presents the 2014 club championship trophy to Chad O’Berski.
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4 • Saturday, February 21, 2015 • WHO SAYS WORK CAN’T BE FUN
HURON DAILY TRIBUNE • www.michigansthumb.com
beer ■■
From 3
All are tools of the trade used by Bowlby, a 24-year-old brewer and Huron County native. He said he made his first batch in college as a culinary arts major, but didn’t see himself landing a job in a brewery at that time. “But why not try it?” he said. “So many beers, so little time.” The day usually starts around 8 a.m. He heads into the basement to start hand-mixing grains, brewing and filling kegs for recipes handed down by owner Scott Stacherski. A hot liquor tank, mash tun and boil kettle sit on a table. “That’s where you get the bittering and flavors,” Bowlby said. He moves quickly to another station, crouching into a rectangular shack marked by pieces of Styrofoam standing four-and-a-half feet tall and about three times as wide. A portable heater blows a goldilocks 68 degrees to help ferment the beer. After that, it’s transferred to a carbonation cooler upstairs for at least three hours. The beer also visits the “chill wizard,” which cools the batch to 60 degrees and aerates it. Soon after, Bowlby makes use of a “wine thief” to pull a sample of the beer, before it is carbonated, to test density — too much oxygen produces unwanted flavors and decreases shelf life, he said. All the variables are perplexing, even for Bowlby. “The worst part about my job is worrying about beer,” he said. “There’s just so many things to know and consider. It’s overwhelming sometimes.” Still, watching bubbling beer fermenting has its perks. “It’s almost as fun making it as it is drinking,” he said. “It’s an art and it’s a science.”
Bill Diller/For the Tribune
Dental hygienist likes her job in Caseville Selena Reyes is a dental hygienist in Dr. Scott Redwantz’s office, in Caseville, a job she’s held for three years. Reyes loves the patients and the office staff. She loves working with her hands, and feels that Dr. Redwantz is very advanced as far as technology goes, which makes her job a lot better. Reyes is a Bay City Central High School and Delta College graduate. She lives in Bay City with her dog, Henry.
golf ■■
From 3
After a number of internships, he graduated in December 2011. During the Professional Golf Management Program, prospective golf pros are tested and challenged to make sure they are ready for a career in golf. “In college, when I got through some of the parts where they weeded some people out, I could see it start working,” Hanson said. “The internships were really awesome too. “They gave me a taste of private, public and resort courses. Those really drove me to the end.” Hanson was set to take a job as an assistant at Eastern Michigan University, before learning of an opening at Ubly Heights Golf & Country Club. The decision was easy for Hanson to become the PGA Professional for Ubly Heights. In doing so, he got to do what
many in his field don’t get the opportunity to do — return home to work. “I always thought it would be cool to come back home, (but) I didn’t know if that would be possible,” he said. “I thought I would have to go out and do some traveling and building up a resume, because really, there aren’t that many courses around here that come open.” Hanson loves golf and is a self-professed people person, so being a golf professional has been an easy fit for him. “My favorite part of my job is most people, when they come to the course, they’re done with work or off work that day,” he said. “That’s their time to cool off and relax. You just get to see a lot of people who are happy to be there to see you and go golfing. “The (golf) course is a unique place, where most of the time, people are happy to
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be there. I like dealing with people who are happy to see me at work. If they come to my work happy and enjoy themselves, that makes me happy too.” Although Hanson doesn’t have to pay for a round of golf at Ubly Heights, his playing time is somewhat limited due to his many duties. He shot down the common misconception that all golf pros do is actually work on their game. “Sometimes, you feel like that puppy in the window,” Hanson said. “You’re right there, you’re looking at that sunshine, that gorgeous green golf course with people playing. “But you’re inside doing paperwork, answering phones and checking people in. You just wish you could get out there and play. “If I can get out a couple of times a week to play, that’s a
good week.” Among Hanson’s many responsibilities is being a teacher of the game. When he’s not running things in the clubhouse, he can be seen giving lessons on the driving range and practice green. Lessons can range from just a simple tune up for experienced golfers to complete overhauls for others, or introducing the game to a brand new golfer. “That’s a part of the job that has the most potential to feel good,” Hanson said. “You can’t always help everyone, but the ones that you do help, really give you that satisfaction.” On days that Ubly Heights hosts a tournament, the hours can be long, but they’re always enjoyable according to Hanson. “The tournaments are a lot of work and preparation, a lot
of stuff people don’t see,” he said. “But tournaments always seem to the most fun. Once they tee off, they’re out there having a good time. When it’s done, the course did well, people usually can’t wait for it next year.” Being a golf professional is mostly an enjoyable and fun job, but it’s not without its challenges. Hanson deals with some long hours at the course. Because most of his staff consists of high school and college students, days in the fall can consist of arriving at the course around 7 a.m. and staying until close. Those long hours put in during the season come with a payoff, though, as when the golf season is over, Hanson gets an extended break. “I’m a reverse teacher,” he said. “Teachers get the summer off, I’m the opposite, I’m a snowbird. I definitely take
my down time pretty seriously. It’s a great way to recharge. If I worked year round, I probably wouldn’t put as many hours in a day that I do. “When I get there in March and leave in November, that’s my work season. If I have to put in a lot of hours doing that period time, I know I have three good months to relax and recharge.” Hanson is now entering his fourth season at the PGA Professional at Ubly Heights and wouldn’t change a thing. “From the day I got in there, I recognized a lot of people,” he said about returning to the Thumb. “It was nice to have that foot in the door when it came to the costumers. “It’s great to know a lot of people in your community. Some people may not like to be home, but I love it. This is a place that has never done me wrong, and I like it.”
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HURON DAILY TRIBUNE • www.michigansthumb.com
WHO SAYS WORK CAN’T BE FUN • Saturday, February 21, 2015 • 5
Sand Point man embraces new career in real estate By Bill Diller For the Tribune
UPPER THUMB — The age of the Internet has caused many changes in American culture. Its immediacy couldn’t be matched by every industry. As a result some businesses found it necessary to downsize and a lot of talented, dedicated individuals found themselves looking for work. Dave Vizard of Sand Point was one such person. Vizard began a successful journalism career by writing for his high school newspaper. He entered college, intending to finish in four years and go to work as a reporter. Unfortunately, it was during the Vietnam War era. “I couldn’t afford to stay in school, and I was eligible for the draft,” Vizard said. “I had a low number, so I volunteered for the marines. They made me editor of the base newspaper.” And so began a journalism career that lasted more than three decades. Following a two-year tour of duty with the U.S. Marines, Vizard returned to school where he worked on the college newspaper. He graduated from Wayne State University with a major in English and a minor in journalism. His passion for keeping people up-to-date on what was happening around them led Vizard to a distinguished career with the Detroit News, the Flint Journal and the Bay City Times. “I loved it,” he said. Then along came the Internet, and the newspaper industry hasn’t been the same since. Vizard found himself in a position where a decision needed to be made; remain in a business that was changing rapidly, or move on. He chose to seek greener pastures — and he hasn’t looked back. “The whole scope and approach to producing the news changed,” Vizard said. “I was part of another era. I wrote my first stories on a Royal manual typewriter. When I first went to the Detroit News, they had a word processor. ... It was a big, clunky monster. When I got hired at the Flint Journal, they still used electronic typewriters. Since then, the industry has moved all the way along to full pagination systems.” Seeking a somewhat slower lifestyle, Vizard and his wife decided to move to the Thumb. “I came here as a kid,” he said. “We used to camp at Sleeper State Park and the Caseville County Park. I had all these great memories. When it came time to settle down after my newspaper career, we picked Caseville.” A “Type A” personality, Vizard wasn’t the sort to sit back and enjoy being “retired.” He sought other avenues to occupy his time. Along the way, he became the manager of a home health care agency. “I really liked working with the nurses and the therapists,” Vizard said. “Helping people, that was the whole thing. Because I spent most of my life in the Thumb, I ended up, through the nurses and therapists, taking care
Bill Diller/For the Tribune
Real estate agent and author Dave Vizard, of Sand Point, is enjoying his second and third careers following a 34-year career as a journalist. Here he is seen relaxing in his home with his dog Daisy. of the parents of people I’d grown up with ... because they’d gotten to that age where they needed home health care.” He was with the home health care agency for a short time, and then decided to move on. Shortly thereafter, he received a phone call from a local realtor. “David Kraft called me and said things were picking up in real estate,” Vizard said. “He said he thought I’d be really good at it, and asked if I’d like to join them.” Vi z a r d j u m p e d a t t h e chance. “I thought it was something I might like,” he said. “I’ve bought and sold property, as an individual, most of my life. My wife and I have owned homes in Flint, Flushing, Birch Run, Bay City, and here. Each time we’ve flipped them. That’s how we ended up on Sand Point.” His experience with buying and selling homes was one reason he considered the offer. “The other thing was their reputation,” Vizard said. “David Kraft has such a great reputation. I knew he was tech savvy, heavily into the Internet and computers, and that’s the future.” Vizard left a career where the Internet had changed things drastically, and was now employed in a totally different business — with a company that embraced the technology. “That’s the way most people shop for homes now,” Vizard said. “They start looking and shopping the Internet. Once they see something they like ... that’s when they call.” A company’s reputation is important. That’s especially true in the real estate industry. “When people want to
buy or sell property, they start asking their friends and neighbors who to call,” Vizard said. “That’s how we generate a lot of our business.” He embraced his new career, but discovered starting over required some study. “I was quite frankly surprised at the amount of information I had to learn,” Vizard said. “I think most people have the idea that selling real estate is easy. There’s a lot more to it than most people think.” The agency Vizard works for is modern, technology driven, and offers full service. “We take care of people from the minute we meet them to the time the keys and the cash are exchanged,” Vizard said. “We’re with them throughout the whole process. A lot of the time people come to us when they’re in a stressful situation. Either they have to sell, or someone has passed on. Their life has changed, and they need help. They come to us looking for answers ... looking for assistance.” The agency provides that aid. “If you can help someone find financing, there’s a lot of joy in that,” Vizard said. “If you can find a way to make a deal that makes everyone happy ... that’s very satisfying.” Another aspect he enjoys is the freedom working as a real estate agent offers. “A great thing, the nature of real estate, is that I’m essentially an independent contractor working out of David Kraft’s office,” Vizard said. “I set my own hours ... we all take care of the office, to make sure it’s staffed. The idea that I can schedule my own hours, and the fact that we’re a resort community,
gives me the time to work on my writing projects.” Vizard is not the type to waste time. When there’s nothing to do, he does other things. “I have goals,” he said. “I need a driving force. I expect I’ll work until they close the coffin lid. I enjoy work. I enjoy working with and meeting new people. I like the challenges you run into. It fuels my spirit.” Meeting new people led Vizard, along with a friend, author Dennis Collins, of Oak Beach, to start the Huron Area Writers Group. It was a way these two accomplished writers could share their knowledge. “The whole idea behind it was to provide a platform, an arena, where creative people could come together and help each other write,” Vizard said. Since beginning the group, Collins, who had already published one novel, has written three more. Other members of the group have also published novels, including Vizard. His first book, “A Formula For Murder,” has been out a couple of years now, and Vizard has sold thousands of copies. “The first book took me about five years to actually write,” Vizard said. “I started thinking about it years ago, but was so involved in the newspaper business that I never allotted the time for it. I always had it in the back of my mind. It was a bucket list thing. With the encourage-
Bill Diller/For the Tribune
Dave Vizard is pictured in his home office on Sand Point. ment of the writers group, it really started coming together. It was one of the great joys in my life when that first box of books came.” The success of the first book caused Vizard to begin working on another novel. “The second one has taken two years,” Vizard said. “It will publish in May. It’s called, ‘A Grand Murder.’ It takes place in Bay City, and involves a man who goes on vacation to Mackinac Island ... and does not come back.” His success as a novel-
ist hasn’t affected Vizard’s intention to continue being a real estate agent. “I really enjoy real estate,” he said. “Far more than I thought I would.” Due to the changes caused by the Internet, Dave Vizard found it necessary to rediscover himself. It has been a blessing in disguise. His career in real estate, along with his blossoming career as a novelist, keep him hopping. He wouldn’t want it any other way.
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6 • Saturday, February 21, 2015 • WHO SAYS WORK CAN’T BE FUN
HURON DAILY TRIBUNE • www.michigansthumb.com
Amy Bailey/For the Tribune
Eli Kabban guides Aaron Saenz, a junior on the USA High School boys basketball team, through treatment at Scheurer Healthcare Network’s rehabilitation department.
Athletic training and sports medicine is Kabban’s passion University in sports medicine, and then went on to pursue his masters from Michigan State University. He interned for the New England Patriots, New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers during his studies. In 2000, he returned to the Upper Thumb and began working for Scheurer Hospital. He now lives in Harbor Beach with his wife and two sons. Kabban practices at Active Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, Harbor Beach Community Hospital, and Scheurer Healthcare Network. After a typical 12-hour day working between the clinics, he can be found at local sporting events around Huron County, providing preventative and injury care for young athletes. Kabban primar-
By Amy Bailey For the Tribune
UPPER THUMB — Athletic training and sports medicine has been in the back of Eli Kabban’s mind ever since he was in eighth grade. The excitement of a ball game made young Eli realize he could become an athletic trainer. Athletic training was an up-and-coming profession then, and Central Michigan University happened to offer one of the best programs in sports medicine in the country, therefore making it the obvious choice to further his education. Kabban, a Harbor Beach native, obtained his four-year degree from Central Michigan
ily covers Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Lakers and UnionvilleSebewaing Area Schools football and girls/boys basketball as a community service, which is offered by Scheurer Hospital. “You have to have a passion for what you do, and then everything takes care of itself,” he said. “This is fun. This isn’t work to me.” Kabban treats patients of all ages with a variety of conditions. The most common treatments he performs are for orthopedic-related injuries, post-surgical rehab, sprains, neck and lower back pains. “I’m seeing more and more high school kids with neck and back pain due to the use of electronic devices,” says Kabban. Therapy goes beyond
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physical treatment, however. The road to recovery requires cooperation between the caregiver and patient. Everyone needs to be on the same page to move forward to progress with the treatment. “The patient and I are on the same team,” he said. “We work together to help achieve their goals.” One of the most rewarding aspects of Kabban’s job is being able to witness a patient return to their normal activities after an injury or illness and have their lives back. When asked about keys to success in the athletic training business, Kabban stresses the importance of accessibility and communication with patients. Being flexible is key to being a solid and reliable athletic trainer. Working to the best of your ability to assist and serve your patient is critical to being successful in the health care industry. “Medicine has progressed tremendously in the last 20 years. Treatments are getting shorter and shorter. The outcome is in evidence-based medicine,” he explained. “At the end of the day, we’re still treating human beings.”
Amy Bailey/For the Tribune
Eli Kabban works with James Quinn through some exercises in Scheurer Healthcare Network’s rehabilitation department.
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WHO SAYS WORK CAN’T BE FUN • Saturday, February 21, 2015 • 7
Dizzy Daisy Winery owner and winemaker Harold Kociba inspects a tank of Concord grape wine. Seth Stapleton/ Huron Daily Tribune
Dizzy Daisy Winery owner embraces a good challenge By Seth Stapleton Tribune Staff Writer
MEADE TOWNSHIP — Harold Kociba is a man who likes a good challenge. When the Dizzy Daisy Winery owner and winemaker decided to start the business back in 2006, he had no winemaking experience to speak of — just a bunch of grapes. Kociba said he originally planted grapes on his four-acre property to sell them. “I put an ad in the paper the first year and nobody wanted to buy any,” said Kociba with a laugh. Undeterred, Kociba said he needed to figure out something else to do with his crop. He already had a food grade building on his property from a former business he had back in the 1980s selling milk and ice cream. So why not make wine, he thought. “I very seldom even drank wine — I was a beer guy,” he said with another chuckle. “I don’t drink that much of anything anymore. Usually, the main wine drinking we do is we taste these wines all the time while we’re making them. It’s by tasting the wine you know what’s happening to it, because it’s always changing.” Before being able to say something as profound as that, Kociba had to learn about the winemaking process. And he learned fast and on the fly. Once he decided to take the plunge, Kociba went all-in, taking numerous classes and reading books detailing the process and the industry. He said he continually attends meetings hosted by Michigan State University because it’s a perpetual learning process. That fact is the thing Kociba enjoys most about his profession. “It’s interesting because making wine is like cooking,” he said. “Like a chef — it’s like playing with this and seeing what you can do better with it. You’re always thinking, what can I do to make it better?” As an example of the complexity of his craft, Kociba talked about a conference he attended where a yeast company showed attendees how they could start with the exact same juice base and make five different tasting wines just by using five slightly differ-
ent kinds of yeast. “It’s because of the way the yeast interacts with the juice,” Kociba said. Dizzy Daisy grows 38 different grape varieties on its property. Kociba does a lot of blending of those grapes because they don’t have a lot of some of the varieties. Ever the experimenter, Kociba said they have three different wines that they blend five different white grapes together. “Each have their own unique flavor,” he said. In total, Dizzy Daisy offers over 40 different wines, where you will find everything from their dry red Marechal Foch to the sweet blend of their best-selling Bad Axe Passion. A testament to Kociba’s winemaking versatility, Dizzy Daisy’s awardwinning wines range from Bad Axe Passion (a white sweet wine), to Daisy Delight (a dry white wine), to Dechaunac (a dry red wine). Kociba calls the winery his “retirement project,” but the business has taken off so well that there’s not much free time left. Dizzy Daisy produces just under 5,000 gallons of wine a year and is stocked in nearly 50 stores across the state. “I’m retired, and I’m working harder now than I ever did,” Kociba said. Of course, that’s partially his own fault, as Kociba admittedly continues to explore new tastes and styles as well as different segments of the industry. His latest experiment: hard cider. He said he has a small experimental batch going right now. “Hard cider is taking off like crazy,” he said. While the busiest times for the winery are in June and July, it’s pretty much running year-round to keep up with demand. In the wintertime, it’s a lot of bottling, and then once those tanks are cleared, Kociba is thawing out frozen fruit to get it ready to go. In the summer, it’s a lot of pushing the product to both the retailers and consumers. In the fall, workers swarm the vineyard in search of grapes that are hand picked. “We’re making wine pretty much year-round,” Kociba said. “Making wine is not easy. To make good wine, there’s a lot to it.”
Seth Stapleton/Huron Daily Tribune
Above, the winery has won various awards for its Bad Axe Passion, Daisy Delight and Dechaunac wines.
Left, Kociba explains the bottling process in the bottling room at Dizzy Daisy Winery. Seth Stapleton/ Huron Daily Tribune
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8 • Saturday, February 21, 2015 • WHO SAYS WORK CAN’T BE FUN
HURON DAILY TRIBUNE • www.michigansthumb.com
He knew he would love working for the Coast Guard By Rich Harp For the Tribune
HARBOR BEACH — Many people work a job because it pays the bills. They may not hate it, but they may not like it either. Such is not the case for BM2 (E-5) Jeremy Swearer. He joined the U.S. Coast guard because he knew he’d love the job. Swearer was raised in Dubois, Pennsylvania. He joined the Coast Guard in 2009 after graduating from high school. “At the end of my junior year, I decided that is what I wanted to do,” he said. “I went in straight out of high school.” Swearer said he likes the water. “Getting paid to drive boats was very appealing,” he added. There also was an added bonus to being in the Coast Guard. “I felt it would be great to serve (my) country,” Swearer noted. He felt saving lives would be very appealing. In addition, the law enforcement side of the job was interesting too. Swearer explained he first went to boot camp at Cape May in New Jersey. “From there, I went to Boston,” he said. “I was (stationed) on a 270-foot cutter.” His assignment took him to South America where they patrolled much of the coastline. Through this experience, he was able to visit Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and other countries. His South American tour didn’t last long. He soon found
Rich Harp/For the Tribune
Computers are an integral part of the U.S. military. Boatswains Mate Jeremy Swearer uses them on a regular basis for a variety of official uses. himself in Virginia at the Coast Guard’s Boatswains Mate School. “From there, I got orders to Harbor Beach,” he said. “I’ve been here almost four years.”
Swearer explained Harbor Beach has two boats, and he’s on at least one of them every day — so long as the weather isn’t too bad. He normally is the crew member who drives the craft.
“I either drive or train people to drive,” he said. “In Harbor Beach, I drive boats. That’s my job here, and it’s what I love to do.” Driving boats is the fun stuff. It’s what
I’ve always liked to do, and it’s what I’m doing here.” Swearer admits not every day is a barrel of laughs, but they are all interesting. “Cleaning is my No. 1
hatred,” he said. “I like making messes, not cleaning them up. Other than that, there is nothing to complain about.” See coast guard • 10
Local veterinarian was always interested in animals, science By Casey Johnson Tribune Staff Writer
BAD AXE — Whether it was growing up on a hobby farm in Almont, attaining national champion status for rabbit showing or a natural love of the animal kingdom that led to Brandon Hajdo-Fernandez becoming a veterinarian isn’t certain. Perhaps, it was a combination. “I was always interested in animals and science and biology,” Hajdo-Fernandez said. “(Becoming a veterinarian) ended up being a natural progression.” The young doctor has been employed at the Bad Axe Animal Clinic since January of 2014, and the only thing not on his agenda is idle time. A typical day for HajdoFernandez, 30, consists of routine checks and vaccines, up to a dozen surgeries and an occasional emergency call. When he’s not at the office, he’s doing field work — literally. The clinic is expanding it’s large animal program, and Hajdo-Fernandez spends many of his days doing farm visits. And while he doesn’t play favorites in the animal world, he said he does like cows quite a bit. “The more I get to work with them the more I like them,” he said. “Hopefully, one day I will have a pet cow.” If he did play favorites, rabbits would likely claim a close second. As a 9-year-old 4-H member, Hajdo-Fernandez had become the No. 1 person under age 12 showing English Lops in the nation. He traveled around Michigan, Ohio and even
to New York for competitions. His love for animals took him to Michigan State University where he earned his under-grad degree and attended vet school. He settled in Caseville after working in various places such as Alcona County and other areas up north. For HajdoFernandez, the rural countryside has always been a draw, catering to his interest in both large and small animals. And the Thumb is not an unfamiliar home. He said his grandparents, when alive, owned a cottage in Caseville that he regularly visited. “(The area) kind of goes along with the mixed practice (of small and large animals),” he said. “It’s a good place to be.” But it isn’t the only place he’s been this past year. Last summer found him not tending the needs of Huron County creatures, but Alaskan animals. He spent three months doing relief work for an absent vet in Alaska, a place Hajdo-Fernandez said he always wanted to go. But despite the menagerie of new and exciting animals, he said he only performed one out-of-the-ordinary task the entire trip — a fecal sample on a black bear. And, unfortunately, he never even got to meet the bear. But during the stay, he did experience the summer solstice — which brings nearly 24 hours of consistent daylight, and a bike trip through Denali National Park where he did see a few bears. Now that he’s back in the Thumb, experiencing temperatures perhaps just as frigid, he’s enjoying a lot about life here. Particularly getting to know
the community while caring for large animals. “It’s a different experience when someone invites you out on their farm, you get to know them,” he said. “Going over to their house, sitting around talking about things — it’s kind of neat. You don’t quite get that aspect in the clinic.” In the clinic, however, HajdoFernandez said he “really gets to experience that human animal bond,” as he watches the relationships between people and pets. “In the clinic, people bring their puppy in and as the animal grows up, you get to see it grow up and be there for the milestones of that family and puppy,” he said. But there are challenges to face. One of the biggest, he said, is making an end-of-life decision. “It’s good because you get to alleviate the suffering that’s there,” the doctor said solemnly. “But it’s never really easy.” And there’s always the difficulty of offering perfect care in imperfect financial situations. “We vets are animal lovers first and a business second,” he said, but added it does have to, at some point, be a business. Which is why they offer opportunities for care credit to help “make it easier.” For the future, Hajdo-Fernandez sees an expansion in their large animal reach as well as more advanced surgical opportunities. “(We have) a young staff of vets here trying to vamp things back up (in large animal care),” he said. See veterinarian • 10
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Casey Johnson/Huron Daily Tribune
Dr. Brandon Hajdo-Fernandez is pictured with Mighty Mike, his 9-yearold rescue Chihuahua.
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WHO SAYS WORK CAN’T BE FUN • Saturday, February 21, 2015 • 9
Gottschalk is key player at Cooperative Elevator Co. By Bill Diller For the Tribune
PIGEON — Sue Gottschalk calls herself a ‘glorified gofer.’ Although the title probably fits, she does much more than meets the eye for the Cooperative Elevator Company. Someone needs to take care of the day-to-day, seemingly inconsequential, matters that keep a growing business competitive. She does it with style. Always upbeat, Gottschalk usually is on the telephone or sending and receiving e-mails, conducting the affairs of the company she’s worked for the last 37 years. She began working for Thumb Network Cooperative, which became the Cooperative Elevator Company five years later. Although her duties vary throughout the day, depending on what she happens to be working on at any given moment, she officially is the administrative assistant to the CEO of the co-op. “I do a variety of things,” Gottschalk said. “I do the Cooperative Elevator Company health insurance. I also do life insurance. I’m in charge of advertising and various other programs. .... I address concerns people may have.” One minute she may be making travel plans for the CEO, and then handling an insurance issue for an employee the next. Gottschalk switches gears often throughout the day, taking care of each item
Bill Diller/For the Tribune
Sue Gottschalk, who calls herself a glorified go-fer, can usually be seen working at her desk at the Cooperative Elevator Company. as it comes up. “If someone has an issue, I try to direct them into the right area,” she said. “I do odds and
ends, really.” Her position as administrative assistant involves keeping the CEO Pat Anderson
apprised of what’s happening when she’s out of the office. “She is out on business a lot, so I just keep her con-
nected,” Gottschalk said. “I also do travel plans for the board when they’re traveling for conferences. I plan com-
pany get-togethers, like our employee dinner. See gottschalk • 11
Accountant loves her role for Zwemmer Dairy Farms By Rich Harp For the Tribune
ELKTON — Some accounting offices are in prestigious buildings. Others may be a simple building — perhaps a store front on Main Street. The office of Megan Schlund is different from anything anyone would imagine. Megan works for Zwemmer Management in Elkton. She is not a farmhand or dairy worker. She is a CPA and accountant for one of the largest dairy operations in the Thumb. Her office is not located near the farm. It is not located near the barns. It is actually located in the barn. The young accountant graduated from Deckerville High in 2002, went to Saginaw Valley State University and graduated with a degree in accounting in 2006. “I started at Nietzke and Faupel (in Pigeon) right after I graduated in 2006,” she said. “I’m a CPA. I have a license and everything.” Her transition to Zwemmer Management took place over a number of years. Schlund said she worked at Nietzke and Faupel until July 31, 2014. Then she started at Zwemmers full time in September. She had worked with the farm account and with the owners while at her former work place. “As their operation grew, they needed more assistance,” she said. Over time, she grew to like Jake and Saskia Zwemmer, owners of the dairy operation. “We were talking casually one day, and it just started from that,” she said. Today, she helps to lighten
Rich Harp/For the Tribune
Megan takes time to check out the dairy herd at Zwemmer Dairy in Elkton. It is not part of her job, but it helps relax her. She has loved farm animals since her school days with the 4H Club. Saskia’s load. At one time, Saskia Zwemmer handled all the accounting by herself. At this time, Schlund handles a large number of duties at
the farm. “I enter financial transactions into the computer,” she said. This is no small chore due to the
many transactions which takes place on this large dairy operation. The management company owns four dairy farms in the Elkton, Caseville
and Snover areas. In addition, it owns JSZ Land Company in Snover.
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See dairy • 12
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10 • Saturday, February 21, 2015 • WHO SAYS WORK CAN’T BE FUN
HURON DAILY TRIBUNE • www.michigansthumb.com
Sergeant finds helping others to be gratifying By Rich Harp For the Tribune
H U R O N C O U N T Y — Ry a n Neumann is an officer with the Huron County Sheriff’s Department. He has been with the department for 10 years, and he will celebrate his sixth anniversary as a full-time officer this year. The young policeman has quickly moved up the ranks, and he is now a sergeant working out of the Pigeon area. Neumann said being a police officer is something he always wanted to do when he was a kid. “My dad was a police officer in Sebewaing,” he noted, and admitted that seeing his father in a police car made him proud and excited. He attended Delta College and received an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Afterward, he continued at North Eastern Basic Police Academy which is an offshoot of Delta College. After graduation, he started working with the county, but it was not a full-time job. “I started at the Sheriff’s Department June 2005 on a part time basis,” he said. “It took me four years to move up. The sheriff called me on my birthday of 2009 and asked me if I wanted full-time.” It did not take Neumann long to make up his mind. He had worked in a factory and had held several part-time jobs trying to make ends meet. “I also worked for the Sebewaing Department and the Elkton Police Department while working part time (for the sheriff),” he said. Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson noted that a little over three years later, Neumann was promoted to sergeant, and “still today remains the same amount of
enthusiasm he had when he was first hired.” “Like many of the deputies who work here, he was a good choice for the county and he’s definitely considered a team player,” Hanson added. Neumann is a patrol officer with the sheriff’s department. “I handle complaints,” he said. These will range from accidents to civil complaints to criminal complaints. Neumann works the midnight shift. He usually starts at 8 p.m. On a normal night, he will load his patrol car, check his equipment, and then check with dispatch. Dispatch may inform him there is nothing on the agenda, or they may have complaints waiting his attention. If this is the case, he starts handling them immediately. He guessed his maximum number of complaints on a shift may have been as many as 10 to 12. “In bad weather, you can go from car accident to car accident,” he said. In addition, he has seen many deer/car accidents. “During the rut, its unbelievable how many how many deer can be hit in a day around here,” he said. “I’ve hit two deer, but they didn’t do much damage.” But Neumann is more than a patrol officer. He has other titles, including accident investigator. “Anytime there is a very serious accident or fatality, they call me,” he said. He usually works with another officer when dealing with investigations. Earning his accident investigation title did not come easily. He agreed to the job at the request of his lieutenant. He then headed off to Oakland County College to take a series of classes.
Rich Harp/For the Tribune
Sgt. Ryan Neumann discusses police policy with Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson.
See sergeant • 12
coast guard ■■
From 8
He said it would be hard to describe an average day because very few are the same. Nonetheless, he described some of the things which happen during a day’s work in Harbor Beach. “Our work day starts at 8 a.m.,” he said. “We do maintenance on the equipment and on the boats. We do trainings on the equipment and (study) techniques on ice rescue (in the winter).” He went on to say they study actual handson training and classroom trainings. A day in the summer is a different story. “Summertime, we’ll go on the boats,” Swearer said. “We’ll do tow training, and Man Overboard Training.” The likelihood of encountering a man overboard is somewhat rare, but they need to know how to deal with this situation. “We do law enforcement patrols and boarding,” Swearer also said. He noted boarding in this area is usually for a safety inspection. “We make sure they have all their safety equipment so they can be safe on the water,” he said. If a boat is not in compliance, they can get a federal citation from the Vessel Case Coordination Center for the infraction.
Rich Harp/For the Tribune
Swearer inspects life jackets in the storage room of the Harbor Beach Coast Guard. Inspections are a regular part of a day’s work at the station. Swearer gave an overview of the Harbor Beach Station.
“It’s one of the smallest stations in the Coast Guard,” he said. “We’ll have 16 (crew
members) here next month.” The station normally has that number in both the winter and summer. The number changes due to personnel rotations, but it averages 16. A new crew member is scheduled to arrive this month. Swearer explained the Coast Guard normally rotates personnel on a regular basis. The rotation occurs about every three to four years. When a Coast Guard member’s rotation date is nearing, they usually are given a choice of several new duty stations. For Swearer, that rotation day is coming soon. He will be leaving Harbor Beach by June or July. He thinks he will either be going to Florida or to Texas. He thinks his new job will include a lot of law enforcement. After all, drug trafficking is high in those areas. He knows rotation is part of the life he has chosen, and he enjoys that part of the job. “I like moving around,” he said. “The Coast Guard gives me that opportunity every four years.” And, he admits, he misses the action part of the job. “I’m ready to get back into it,” he said with a smile.
veterinarian ■■
From 8
Also, the clinic has a desire to “develop the scope and range” of surgeries. “The more we can do here, the less (patients) have to travel down to the city,” he said. When he’s not found at the clinic
or on local farms, he’s probably spending a few of his average 10 to 12 hours a week biking — a year round activity for Hajdo-Fernandez. In the winter, he takes his fat bike out on the lake, following the tracks left by snowmobilers. Whether it’s
hiking, biking or snowboarding, he will probably be outdoors. Or he might be spending time with Mighty Mike, his 9-year-old rescue Chihuahua. In his own veterinary future, he would like to spend a little more time
in semi-arctic conditions. He wants to go to the UP 200 — the Upper Peninsula dog sled races — to provide veterinary care, something he experienced once as a vet apprentice during his college years. Someday, Hajdo-Fernandez might
even return to Alaska to administer vet care — for the Iditarod. But for now, he can be found alongside the other three veterinarians at Bad Axe Animal Clinic, tending to the needs of those both great and small.
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WHO SAYS WORK CAN’T BE FUN • Saturday, February 21, 2015 • 11
From law to medicine: Medical assistant at home with Scheurer By Bill Diller For the Tribune
PIGEON — When Amber Stroud of Bad Axe entered college, her intention was to become a lawyer. Born in the Detroit area, her family moved to Huron County when she was in the second grade. She graduated from Bad Axe High School in 2000, and then began taking classes at Baker College. In order to help pay for her schooling, Stroud took a job working for an OB/GYN in Bad Axe. It changed her plans, and her life. “That job gave me my love for medicine,” she said. “They taught me how to take blood pressure, and about the interaction with people ... seeing the progress people make. I really like to learn, and I feel that in the medical field, you’re always learning.” Stroud now is a medical assistant in the Scheurer Healthcare Network. She works in pediatrics as an assistant for Dr. Kala Reddy and Dr. Theresa Guinther. “I never really pictured myself in this field,” Stroud said. After changing her major from law to medicine, Stroud
also changed schools. She graduated from Davenport University as a medical assistant and also received a degree in phlebotomy, which is drawing blood. Her newfound skills landed her a dream job at Scheurer Hospital, and she’s never looked back. “I’m really happy here,” Stroud said. “I love helping people and trying to get them feeling better ... especially the kids. It really is my passion ... I love working with kids. They’re fun, and you can laugh and joke with them. They’re not always as serious, like working with adults. I love getting on their level. I can relate to them. I’m not a very serious person ... I like getting silly and goofy with the kids. It’s hard when they’re sick, but it’s so good to see them come back and begin to feel better. I love that aspect.” The pediatric department of the Scheurer Healthcare Network is growing. They recently hired Guinther to work with Reddy. As a result, they also hired an additional medical assistant. Now the office boasts the two doctors plus an LPN and two medical assistants. “Dr. Reddy had an estab-
Bill Diller/For the Tribune
Amber Stroud, of Bad Axe, loves her job in the pediatric department at Scheurer Hospital. She can¹t imagine herself anywhere else. lished practice, but I think people are becoming more aware they need to bring their kids in for more than just being sick,” Stroud said. “They need to have their well-checks.” The ‘well-checks’ help medical personnel determine whether or not kids are developing normally. It is Stroud’s job to take their vital signs and keep records of their growth and overall health. She also gives immunizations and instructs the patient and their parents on the care of wounds
or fractures. “I also make specialty appointments,” Stroud said, “such as sending a patient to an ear, nose, or throat doctor, or an orthopedist. Pediatric specialists are usually located in bigger cities, like Flint, Saginaw, or Detroit.” Stroud loves her job, with one caveat. “The one thing I don’t like is dealing with insurance companies,” she said. But that doesn’t deter her from showing up for work every
day with a smile on her face. “Why spend your days being down, or holding grudges?” Stroud said. “I feel that if you put a smile on your face, and be happy, it’s contagious. That’s why I like to greet people with a smile.” It’s all part of her philosophy of being of service to the patients, and their parents. “We get some difficult kids come through the office,” Stroud said, “but parents can be hard to deal with at times. For the most part, they’re great.
They just want to get their kids feeling better. When your kid’s sick, it’s stressful.” In her opinion, not everyone is cut out to work in pediatrics. “I think it takes a special kind of person to do this job,” Stroud said. “You have to realize that everybody is going through something, and you just have to be patient and listen. Let them get their frustrations out.”
sponsor an event, she is the one who makes the decision about participating, or not being represented. “A lot of them are year after year after year, like having a float in the Farmer’s Festival,” Gottschalk said. “We support the FFA through our advertising, and the American Cancer Society. Most of our advertising is community oriented, such as the school and the food pantries.” She is very careful how advertising money is spent, because ultimately it all goes back to the fact that local farmers are supplying the funds. “It’s all farmer money, because they own us,” Gottschalk said. “We’re very careful. If it’s not beneficial to our farmers, then we try to stay clear of it.” People looking for sponsorship usually send a letter or an e-mail. Gottschalk goes over
the request, and then makes a decision on whether or not to follow through with funds. “Because of our different locations, we have 11 different areas we advertise in,” Gottschalk said. “We spread our community service through a lot different territories ... through the schools and libraries.” Yo u c a n a l s o h e a r Gottschalk on the radio, giving the grain report ... just another facet of a job that changes with each tick of the clock. “I think one of the reasons I like my job is that two days are never the same,” she said. “It’s very challenging at times, to try and organize all the different things. You have to prioritize. I really don’t think there’s anything I dislike about my job. Some days are just hairier than the next. Some days are calm, others are chaotic.” That’s not to say Gottschalk
knows everything about her job that there is know. “I’m still learning,” she said. “It’s a never ending learning process.” Part of that is the fact the Cooperative Elevator Company continues to expand. “I’ve seen this company grow so much,” Gottschalk said. “We have more employees, more territories. We have branches in Akron, Fairgrove, Birch Run, Pigeon, North Branch, Sebewaing, Gagetown, Ruth, Elkton, Bad Axe, and Deckerville, as well as a division of Lapeer Grain.” She knows she wouldn’t have the job she loves were it not for the farmers who use the co-op’s facilities. “Our famers are A-number 1 as far as I’m concerned,” Gottschalk said. “They are great. In order to like your job, you have to have good employers. Our employer is
our farmers. We have eleven hundred bosses. I think that’s why I like my job, because I know where my paycheck comes from — I know that my paycheck comes from every farmer that does business with us. It’s my job to give them their money’s worth. We are here to serve the farmer.” Even though Gottschalk could conceivably quit work and spend her time babysitting her new grandson, she chooses to go to work every day with a smile on her face and pep in her step. “As long as I remain healthy, and as long as I feel I’m still an asset to this company, I don’t see me retiring anytime soon,” she said. This “glorified gofer”will most likely be doing Cooperative Elevator Company business for years to come.
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N e x t y e a r, w e h a v e our 100th Anniversary Celebration. I’m in charge of that committee.” Her duties vary, and she wouldn’t want it any other way. “I just do what needs to be done,” Gottschalk said. “I’m a glorified gofer, and proud of it. There always has to be someone to take up the loose ends and put them together ... to get them sorted out. I’m happy to have that job.” The health insurance plan for company employees also is her responsibility. “I do that with two other people,” Gottschalk said. “Each year, we go through our plan and sort out what we need ... all the aspects of what our board will allow us to have. We go through it and see what best fits the company, and the employees. It’s a process every year.”
She also works directly with the employees. “I work with them to make sure everyone is entered into the system, and to make sure there are no glitches,” Gottschalk said. “We also make sure we’re getting what we’re paying for, as far as benefits are concerned, to make sure there isn’t an overpayment or underpayment.” The insurance plan is checked quite often, sometimes every day. “Insurance is very complicated,” Gottschalk said. “I’m a go-between between the insurance companies, the company, and our employees. It’s very time consuming.” Her duties don’t end there. “I also do the advertising for the company,” Gottschalk said. “I’m coordinator of advertising, the one who authorizes all advertising.” If the co-op is asked to
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12 • Saturday, February 21, 2015 • WHO SAYS WORK CAN’T BE FUN
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“It took almost two years to finish,” he said. Neumann took classes while continuing to perform his duties for the sheriff ’s department. The classes were divided in steps. One needed to finish the first eight steps to be considered an accident investigator. Afterward, an officer could get more advanced training as he finished more classes and more steps. “I stopped at step 8,” he said. “Hopefully, they’ll let me go for additional courses in the future.” Not only is Neumann a patrol officer and an accident investigator, he is one of the department’s airboat operators and trainers. “I’m an airboat operator,” he said. “We do a lot of training. We get to ride on the bay and train on the boat. With an airboat, we can do rescues on water and on ice. It’s interesting, that’s for sure.” He related one of the most exciting lifesaving ventures he had encountered. “Dispatch called me after I had worked a shift to go out with Dick (Koehler),” he said. At that time, Neumann had recently trained to run an air-
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Rich Harp/For the Tribune
Sgt. Ryan Neumann looks at photos of airboat training on Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson’s computer. boat under Koehler. They had a call involving a person in dire need of medical attention. He was on an island near the end of Geiger Road. “It was foggy that night,” Neumann said. “The water was low and rocks were sticking out everywhere. I used the spotlight, and Dick was driving.”
They located the man without incident. He had a ruptured appendix. They rushed him to shore where an ambulance was waiting to take him to the hospital. The officers were instrumental in saving a life. It may not have been fun, but the ordeal was intense, and it was very gratifying.
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Seeing sick children everyday can be difficult, but Stroud isn’t interested in moving to another department. “If I were in acute care, my job would be a lot different than it is here,” she said. “I don’t like the hours on the floor. Some people have to work midnights. I like the doctor’s office setting just for that reason. I like having weekends and holidays off.” She also likes the atmosphere of the pediatric department. “In this office, everybody is like part of a family,” Stroud said. “I just love the family environment here at Scheurer Hospital.” A typical day for Stroud is to arrive before 8 a.m. and begin going over the day’s schedule. “We’re on electronic records now,” she said. “We see if any of our scheduled patients need a vaccine. When a patient comes in, we take their height, weight, and blood pressure ... if they’re over the age of 3. We do it a little differently with babies. Our job is done then until the doctor comes out with orders.” At times a less than cooperative patient may require Stroud to assist the doctor with their examination. “A lot of kids fight different things, like throat swabs or ear cleaning,” she said. “Then the doctor will ask for help to distract them, or help hold them. It can be nerve wracking, because kids will fight and scream. You just have to remind yourself that you’re protecting them, and keeping them safe.” An aspect of pediatric care Stroud feels
Bill Diller/For the Tribune
Amber Stroud enjoys working in a clinic setting.
a lot of parents misunderstand is the value of vaccines. “I would like to see less resistance,” she said. “You get a lot of that with some parents. I think vaccines are very important. Maybe more education would help. I think people should be more open to reading information about them. There is no big conspiracy when it comes to vaccines, like a lot of people think. I’m really passionate about vaccines, and making sure kids are vaccinated.”
Bad Axe medical assistant loves her job Jillian LaFave pauses for a photo during her busy day as a medical assistant for Huron Medical Center. LaFave works in the pediatric office of Dr. Charles Christensen, D.O. “I know it sounds cliche, but I love helping people,” LaFave said of why she enjoys her job. She works at the front desk as well as assisting with child care including administering shots. “I love being around kids and helping kids,” she said. After being employed with HMC for two years, she said she still loves her job and the people she works with as much as the day she started. Casey Johnson/Huron Daily Tribune
A Neighbor You Can Trust, When Trust Counts Most.
Rich Harp/For the Tribune
Although much of her job is accounting, Megan Schlund also is very involved with human resources at Zwemmer Management.
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Other duties include scanning information into digital files. She codes financial transactions. “I do a lot of organizing,” she said. She is the go-between Jake Zwemmer and customers and vendors. If this isn’t enough, Schlund meets with prospective employees, helps them fill out applications, and does the initial interviews. “I do different things here than at Nietzke and Faupel, but both jobs (have kept me) very busy,” Schlund said. Her list of duties continues. She helped implement a new time clock system. It automatically syncs employee hour information from each location and transmits it to her office. This eliminates travel to each farm to pick up time cards. “I (also) help out with human resources,” she said. This includes dealing with health insurance and workers compensation. “We’re considered a large employer,” Schlund said. “We have over 100 employees.” Regulations, most often federal, require a large employer to follow more stringent guidelines. The biggest parts of this are the health care regulations. Schlund explained why she loves this type of challenge. “I love numbers,” she said. “If I didn’t, I couldn’t do what I do. I like it. It matches. You have checks and balances and everything has
to balance out. I like to look at what I did in the past and how to improve it for the future. You can’t do that if the books don’t balance.” When not in the office doing the paperwork, she is in the barns taking care of other kinds of business. “I have an office and a desk, but I have the ability to take time to walk through the barns and see the animals,” she said. “Sometimes I have to walk through the barns to see a person to get information.” She comes prepared to do both jobs. “I switch into rubber boots when I go outside,” Schlund said. “They’re warmer than shoes and I can spray them off before coming (back) in.” As odd as it may sound, her busy and unusual job is right up her alley. The young accountant was raised in this type of environment. “Farms are not new to me,” she said. “We had a hobby farm when I was growing up. I would go to the county fair with my animals.” She also showed at the Farm Association shows in Lansing. “Other accountants would not find this job to be as appealing as I do,” Schlund said. “I stink when I get home. That would bother some other people, but it doesn’t bother me. My husband (Matthew) said he’d rather I came home stinky, but happy and loving what I do, than not.”
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