Forward Janesville - TheReport - First Quarter 2018

FIRST QUARTER 2018 • 17 AMBASSADOR PROFILE What prompted you to get involved with the Ambassadors initially? When I moved to Janesville in 2014, I did not know very many people in the area. When I lived in Rockford, I really loved being a chamber ambassador and I really just love helping people, so I reached out and got connected to join right away. I interviewed with Lisa Hurda and Trish Reed and knew I wanted to be part of that team! What keeps you coming back? The community involvement, giving back, helping others, the great team of Ambassadors we have, business and personal connections, etc., etc., etc.! I could go on and on. I really enjoy volunteering and learning more about what organizations in our community offer. It’s great to celebrate milestones with them and also help them when they need resources. You are a small part of something so much bigger. It makes me smile just thinking about it! What was your most interesting—or hilarious—Ambassador experience? Too many hilarious, “I can’t believe I just did or said that” moments to note … I laugh at myself on a daily basis! What advice would you give to a new Ambassador? Have fun! Being an Ambassador comes with a lot of responsibility, but we have so much fun. Our team is very diverse, which allows us to learn so much from each other, so don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you have not spoken with yet. You’ll have embarrassing moments for sure, but you’ll learn a ton by just being yourself. FUN FACTS ABOUT KELLY... What do you consider your greatest achievement? My greatest achievement is definitely marrying my best friend, Mr. Willoughby (the crazy fisherman that he is!), but crossing that Wisconsin Ironman finish line for the first time in 2010 is a close runner-up. And every time I race, I still get that same emotional, unbelievable feeling. What words or phrases do you most overuse? Yep! Describe your perfect afternoon. Sunshine, very little wind, about 78 degrees, and the only thing I have planned for the afternoon is to spend hours on my road bike, enjoying as many scenic views of lakes or rivers as possible. What tops your bucket list and why? As crazy as it sounds, I seriously want to complete at least a half/full marathon or a half/full Ironman in all 50 states. I am a pretty competitive person and love pushing myself to try new and exciting things. Racing in different locations is very thrilling and invigorating! Favorite quote or motto: “Help a Child Today and You Won’t Have to Repair an Adult Tomorrow” – Rock House Kids, www.rockhousekids.org “Let your smile change the world but don’t let the world change your smile.” – Connor Franta Kelly Willoughby Having a little fun, Kelly Willoughby, a Senior Account Executive for the Gordon Flesch Company, and her husband Bill stand next to their GFC “watchdog” Gordy! The GFC Charitable Foundation donated towards the Chicago Fallen Police Fund and Gordy travels from Branch to Branch to keep watch over everyone! FJI Welcomes New Staff Member Forward Janesville is pleased to announce the addition of a new staff member to the team: Carol Engebretson. Carol has taken on the role of the Events and Membership Coordinator, responsible for membership recruitment, membership retention, and event management. Carol will also work closely with the volunteer Ambassador team to oversee their projects and activities. From 1998-2016, Carol served as the Executive Officer of the South Central Wisconsin Builders Association, working with many local businesses involved in the building industry, and planning many association meetings and events such as SCWBA’s annual Parade of Homes and Home Show. Prior to that, Carol worked at the City of Janesville for 12 years, most recently as Permit Coordinator with Residential and Commercial Building Inspector certifications. Carol spent the past year as a Procurement Buyer at SHINE Medical Technologies. Carol is a lifelong resident of Janesville along with her husband Bruce. They have two adult children: Chad (married to Bridget), an electrician, and Katy, who is in software sales in Chicago. Carol and Bruce both adore spending time with their 4-year-old granddaughter, Reilly. Carol can be reached at carole@forwardjanesville.com or by phone at (608) 757-3160. Please stop in and welcome Carol to the staff! Senior Account Executive | Gordon Flesch Company • AMBASSADOR SINCE 2014 • • ATTENDED ABOUT 70 RIBBON CUTTINGS • “I honestly have no idea exactly how many, but we’ve celebrated with a ton of amazing organizations. I love the tours!”