5 minute read
Steered by God
Kevin ’78 and Sue (Pierantoni) ’79 Breheny marvel at how intentionally the Holy Spirit has worked in their lives, starting back in their formative years. They both grew up in Catholic families and attended K-12 Catholic schools. But neither had planned to attend a Catholic university.
For us, If you allow yourself to be steered by God and what He wants you to do here, all you have to do is be attentive and watch as the incredible experiences and people come to you in life that you could never have planned.
KEVIN AND SUE BREHENY
What we have learned along the way….
Revenue solves a lot of problems. Learn how to make money - it's okay.
Serve others–you can make a living and serve others.
Pick your mentors to be someone older than you who has life experience so they can help you.
Pick your friends carefully, the right kinds of friends will help you soar.
Last but most important. Build a personal relationship with God.
“It is amazing to me how I chose Quincy and how it was recommended to me when I look back at that time,” said Kevin. “I truly believe the Holy Spirit worked through that decision which led me to Sue and my successful career. It all centers around leading me to Quincy.”
Kevin originally planned to follow his brother to Mizzou, but then the principal of his high school suggested he check out Quincy College. With his family’s blessing and after a wonderful visit, Kevin chose to attend Quincy College.
Sue did not decide to attend college until June after her high school graduation.
“Having grown up in a small town and going through a Catholic education, Quincy was just ideal to me,” said Sue. “ All I knew and felt comfortable with was a Catholic setting. It was part of our way of life.”
Our religious foundation got us where we are today and made a big impact in our lives. The influence of QU's Franciscan values and great teachers like Dr. Magliari, Dr. Natalini, and the SchleppenbacHs helped us become good young adults. It was in our hands after that.
Kevin and Sue did not cross paths until the end of her sophomore year and his junior year. Kevin ran The Club, the campus bar and restaurant. He hired Sue - then asked her on a date.
Then
Kevin reminisced, “Our first date was a motorcycle ride down Front street and it's history from there.”
Through Quincy College, Kevin met Jim Hubbard ’57, a successful alumnus from Quincy University, who was looking for some succession in his company.
“The career assistance office sent my résumé to Jim,” recalls Kevin. “I didn't even know where Decatur, Illinois was until I met with Jim. Now here we are 43 years later, still in Decatur.
“You know Jim treated me like an honorary son. When he hired me, he was looking to move to Montana to open an outfitters ranch, which is now Hubbard Yellowstone Lodge. It was all a dream back then.”
Kevin started working for J.L Hubbard Insurance in 1978. Just a few years later, he was promoted to president and owned the company by 1992. In 2002, he sold the company but continued to run it for the next 17 years. He is blessed to work alongside his son and two sons-in-law who also work for the company, now First Mid Bank and Insurance.
While Kevin was hard at work leading a company, Sue was hard at work at home.
“Kevin was a very busy working person, and it was important for me to be home,” says Sue. “We had to balance it. I always wanted to be a mother, and I was so fortunate that I was able to stay home. It was a blessing.”
Kevin and Sue have been married for 41 years. Together they have three children, Megan, Michael, and Molly, and five grandchildren.
Kevin first came to that realization at 34 while attending a White House Retreat hosted by the Jesuits.
“I was at the retreat, and I came to the realization that the Holy Spirit exists every day in our lives, and my personal relationship with God changed to where I was a different person in my commitment to my faith,” said Kevin.
Kevin and Sue have faithfully served their community and volunteer their time to share their faith and extend a helping hand. They are both quick to say that they are not perfect; they do the best they can and rely on God.
“The beauty of our faith, all the mistakes we have made, God forgives and continues to help you and allows you to work for him. He does not abandon you when you screw up,” said Kevin.
“It is amazing, and I feel like we are not through yet,” said Sue. “We are getting older, but I’m not old yet, and I feel like there is more for us to do. We are very aware of His presence in our lives and open to what God has for us to do. I believe we are here to do His work and that we will continue to do it as long as He allows us to do it.”
