From her childhood entrepreneurial ventures to her academic achievements to her love of people, Hannah Montana is a testament to the power of connection and community. Alongside her husband and brand-new baby daughter, she navigates the joys of parenthood while striving to empower others in the workplace. Her story is one of ambition, local ties, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others.

Hannah serves as the Employee Relations Manager at The Gerken Companies, where her genuine passion for human resources shines through in everything she does. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University, specializing in Business Management, Hannah has a well-rounded grasp of various business functions. From accounting to marketing, she found herself spanning a versatile spectrum of interests that ultimately directed her career path to HR.

Hannah’s entrepreneurial zest started at the young age of 10, when she launched her own little “ventures”—selling homemade jello door-to-door, offering manicures and room cleaning services to her siblings, and doing anything else she could imagine to help people while earning money. Those early experiences sparked her love for business and working with people, a passion that blossomed as her career progressed.

An internship in an HR department while she was still in school solidified Hannah’s interest in human resources. Her enthusiasm for cheering on and supporting others, a skill she honed as a cheerleader throughout middle and high school, led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management. Over the past eight years, she has gained extensive experience in recruitment, staffing, contract negotiation, benefits administration, policy implementation, employee relations, and training, thriving in the dynamic nature of HR, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth.

Family Life and Interests

Born and raised in Napoleon, Ohio, Hannah grew up dreaming about living in a big city. It wasn’t until she spent a semester studying abroad in Spain during her college years that she realized how much she enjoys the small-town, simple life.

“Had it not been for my time in Spain, I might not have realized how deeply rooted I am in my community,” she reflects.

While in Spain, Hannah forged a meaningful friendship with her randomly assigned roommate, and they were part of each other’s weddings. Their yearly reunions are a testament to the lasting bond they’ve created.

Through a fun twist of fate, Hannah shares a name with a beloved musical icon. She’s married to Joe, who just so happens to share a name with the legendary football quarterback. Although discussing how she became Hannah Montana can become tiresome, the couple enjoys that the story initiates conversations.

Although the couple attended different high schools, Hannah fondly recalls the friendly rivalries when their teams faced off. “I remember seeing Joe at basketball games, sitting in the student section while I was cheering on the sideline. I never talked to him because he didn’t really seem my type at the time,” she jokes.

Their love story began at BGSU, where mutual friends introduced them during a casual gathering. After their first encounter, Joe boldly declared to a friend, “I’m going to marry that girl someday.”

“I still don’t believe he said that,” Hannah laughs, reflecting on their serendipitous meeting.

In August 2025, Hannah and Joe welcomed their first child, a beautiful daughter named Zola. Becoming parents has been a profoundly rewarding experience for the couple, and they cherish every moment spent with their happy, healthy baby girl. Currently residing in the quiet town of Hamler, Hannah’s strong roots in Napoleon keep her connected to her upbringing and community.

Hannah discovered her passion for golf seven years ago when Joe gave her a set of clubs as a wedding gift. Since then, her enthusiasm for the sport has grown, leading her to participate in leagues, outings, and even play at prestigious courses, such as those on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and Torrey Pines in California. One of her and Joe’s favorite adventures is attending the Waste Management Phoenix Open PGA golf tournament (they’ve made five trips so far). In fact, the couple appears in a clip from the tournament in an episode of the immersive documentary series Full Swing, now streaming on Netflix.

When she’s not on the golf course, you’ll often find Hannah indulging her love for cleaning and organizing—activities that she finds relaxing and therapeutic. “Call me crazy,” she jokes.

Career Goals

Hannah is passionate about enhancing the team member development aspect of her role, while still effectively managing Employee Relations. One of her most memorable achievements has been her involvement in planning and leading the Annual “GerCon” Training. The experience ignited her desire to develop additional training programs that empower employees to grow both personally and professionally.

“I try my very best to really understand where people are coming from,” says Hannah, ”especially all of our hard-working employees out in the field.” Joe also works in road construction, so while Hannah is not physically putting in long days on job sites, she understands the toll it takes on family life. For that reason, she makes it a priority to listen and ensure that each person feels heard.

A significant influence in Hannah’s career has been a former boss whose unique blend of professionalism and approachable demeanor fostered a fun and comfortable work environment. The positive culture they cultivated made a lasting impression on her.

“As a mentor, he imparted foundational skills that are crucial building blocks in my career,” reflects Hannah. “More importantly, he taught me the value of creating a workplace where employees feel valued and engaged.”

With her rich background in HR and team member relations, Hannah continues to make a meaningful impact at The Gerken Companies. As she balances her family life and personal interests, she remains focused on her career goals, enhancing team member development and nurturing positive relationships within the organization. Her story exemplifies the power of connection, compassion, and hard work, inspiring those around her to strive for excellence in both their professional and personal lives.

Kevin Maassel is a long-standing figure in the construction and materials industry, having dedicated more than four decades to The Gerken Companies. For the past two decades, he has worked at The Custar Stone Co., serving as a supervising foreman for ten years. His career began immediately after high school, marking the start of a remarkable journey that has shaped his identity and had a profoundly positive influence on those around him.

Born in Napoleon, Ohio, Kevin grew up just south of Ridgeville Corners in a close-knit farming family. He attended school within the Northeastern Local School District near Defiance. Kevin’s early academic pursuits culminated at the Four County Career Center, where he focused on agricultural mechanics.

Kevin’s deep connection to The Gerken Companies stems from a family legacy of commitment. His father worked for nearly 50 years as a road foreman, exemplifying dedication and determination. His brother, now retired, also served in a similar role, showcasing a family tradition of hard work within the company. This legacy continued with Kevin’s children early in their careers; his daughter worked as a flagger, while his son took on the role of a mechanic, further reinforcing the family’s bond with the organization.

In his early years at Gerken, Kevin worked for 13 years in the dredging operations on the river, laying the foundation for his subsequent transition to The Custar Stone Co. As a sand and gravel foreman in Williams County, he honed his leadership skills and industry knowledge. Now, as a supervising foreman at the Custar plant, Kevin is highly respected for his professionalism and expertise, earning the trust of his colleagues and teams.

Despite his leadership position, Kevin describes himself as a shy, quiet, and behind-the-scenes individual. Although he was never the popular kid in school, he has undoubtedly found a place at Gerken over the past forty years. And while he may not know every coworker on a personal level, he appreciates the diverse environment and the unique contributions each person brings to the team.

Dedication and Family Roots

Family plays a central role in Kevin’s life. He met his wife, Lisa, in high school; they began their relationship when she was a year ahead of him and dating one of his friends. Their love story has endured for 39 years, rooted in mutual respect and shared values. Together, they live on the family homestead that belonged to Kevin’s grandparents and great-grandparents. Kevin cherishes the memories of his childhood spent helping his grandfather on the laying-hen farm, collecting eggs, and working the land. His upbringing inspired him to restore the farm to its original glory—a dream he has successfully realized through hard work and commitment.

Today, Kevin maintains a small cattle operation and engages in grain farming, blending his professional life with his passion for agriculture. He takes pride in continuing the family tradition of farming, which has been a cornerstone of his upbringing.

In their leisure time, Kevin and Lisa enjoy off-road trail riding in their KRX^® side by side. They embark on two to three adventures each year, exploring trails in Michigan and Tennessee. These excursions offer them a welcome escape and a chance to bond with each other while indulging in their shared love for the outdoors.

Hard Work and Integrity

Throughout his career, Kevin has drawn inspiration from the values instilled in him by his father and grandfather. The lessons of dedication, hard work, and consistency guide him as he fulfills his responsibilities at Gerken. The notion of being available around the clock to his team, just as his father was to his job, resonates deeply with Kevin.

“Everything I have or own is because of Gerken,” he often reflects, highlighting his lifelong appreciation for the company.

One of Kevin’s notable accomplishments has been his integral role in establishing the new crushing operation at The Custar Stone Co. That project is particularly significant because it had been under discussion for two decades before finally being initiated five years ago. Kevin’s unwavering perseverance and forward-thinking vision for the company’s future played a crucial role in turning this long-desired concept into reality.

Kevin hopes that his children will remember him as a kind person who always showed compassion and understanding to others. He aspires to be an example of integrity, upholding strong moral principles even in challenging situations.

In his professional life, Kevin wishes for his teams to remember him as a leader who embraces challenges head-on and inspires others to do the same. He believes in the power of leading by example, always ready to roll up his sleeves and dive into demanding tasks alongside his colleagues. Rather than simply directing his team, he aims to cultivate an environment where everyone feels motivated and knows that Kevin would never ask them to undertake anything he wouldn’t do himself.

Kevin Maassel is a portrait of dedication—a man whose life exemplifies loyalty, hard work, and a commitment to family and legacy. His story is not just about personal success but also about the relationships he builds and the influence he has on those around him, leaving a lasting impact on future generations.

Seth Voigt’s journey is a testament to courage, resilience, and unwavering determination. After graduating from Maumee High School in 2017, he found himself in a place many young people do—uncertain about the future. Following in his family’s footsteps—one uncle was a Marine and another in the Army—he decided to join the United States Marine Corps, leaving for boot camp just four days after graduation. That decision marked the beginning of a transformative journey.

Military Service

Boot camp at Parris Island in South Carolina became a pivotal moment for Seth. “It’s more of a mental challenge than a physical one,” he reflects, recalling the intense 13-week experience that forged his character. The discipline and camaraderie he found there would prove invaluable in his future endeavors.

After completing boot camp, Seth continued his training at Camp Geiger in North Carolina, where he eventually became a Bulk Fuel Specialist. In that role, he demonstrated strong leadership and technical abilities, earning the respect of his peers and superiors alike. As a Marine Corporal, Seth played a key role in various military operations, including setting up refueling points for aircraft. His hard work led to the distribution of 130,000 gallons of jet fuel and the supervision of new refueling systems, culminating in a well-deserved promotion to Sergeant.

Seth’s military experiences profoundly shaped his outlook on life. He appreciates the opportunities the Marines provided, stating, “The military allowed me to see the world and meet people from different backgrounds, all working toward the same goal.” He believes that the military experience serves as an excellent transition into adulthood and is particularly grateful for how it helped pay for his college education.

Academic and Professional Success

Transitioning from military life, Seth embraced new challenges at the University of Toledo from 2021 to 2025. Despite having struggled academically in high school, the discipline instilled in him by the Marines empowered him to thrive in college, where he achieved straight As and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering Technologies. His story serves as a potent reminder that it’s never too late to reach your potential.

From April 2023 to May 2024, Seth worked as a Quality Intern/Co-Op at Kuhlman Corporation. Soon after, he joined Gerken Paving, Inc. as an assistant project manager and became a project manager in May 2025.

In his current position, Seth manages multiple projects simultaneously, coordinating logistics such as transportation and workforce. Although the work can be fast-paced and challenging, he finds joy in the day-to-day diversity of tasks.“You can plan a lot, but unexpected things will always happen,” he notes, emphasizing the value of staying calm and adaptable, much like he learned in the military.

What truly warms Seth’s heart is the sense of camaraderie he finds within Gerken’s construction teams, reminiscent of the strong bonds he cherished in his Marine platoon. Every project he oversees impacts the community, and knowing he’s contributing to something greater fills him with pride. “What we do really matters,” he affirms.

Personal Life and Hobbies

Originally from Maumee, Ohio, Seth grew up with an older brother and a younger sister and currently resides in downtown Toledo. His personal life also took a positive turn when he reconnected with his girlfriend, who he knew from high school, just before leaving the military.

When not immersed in his work, Seth enjoys watching sports, cheering on the Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Ohio State Buckeyes. He keeps his engineering skills sharp by practicing 3-D modeling, blending leisure with continuous learning.

Seth holds a brown belt in martial arts and aspires to pursue a Master’s Degree and obtain a Professional Engineering license. He dreams of sharing his knowledge by teaching classes in the future, aiming to inspire the next generation.

At the heart of Seth’s journey is a guiding philosophy: with determination, nearly anything is possible. He has continuously challenged himself, whether enlisting in the Marines, navigating college, or advancing in his career at Gerken. With a heart full of hope, he eagerly looks forward to climbing even higher, proving that with hard work and resilience, dreams can become reality.

Caleb Franz was born in Napoleon, Ohio, where traditions run deep and community ties are strong. He graduated from Napoleon High School in 2018 without a clear idea of which field he wanted to pursue. Having always excelled in math, Caleb initially entered the University of Toledo with the intention of earning a finance degree. However, an introduction-to-supply-chain-management class sparked his interest in logistics.

While juggling his studies, Caleb worked part-time as a dock worker for Dayton Freight in Perrysburg. The late-night shifts were more than just a source of income; they also gave him practical experience in logistics. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management and Finance, he joined the company’s management trainee program and became an Operations Supervisor. At Dayton Freight, Caleb learned the ropes of logistics while gaining experience in a technology-driven environment that would prove invaluable in his future.

In February 2024, Caleb returned to Napoleon to join The Gerken Companies. “Coming to Gerken was more than a good career decision,” he reflects. “It brought me back to my hometown roots.”

In his current role as Logistics Manager, he oversees transportation operations, ensuring that dump trucks, stone slingers, and lowboys are scheduled and mobilized efficiently across projects. He collaborates closely with the Aggregate Production, Asphalt Production, and Ready-Mix teams to enhance inventory coordination and provide optimal service to customers.

With Gerken transitioning to a more technology-driven approach, Caleb has been at the forefront, leveraging the company’s XBE platform to improve transportation scheduling and inventory management.

“The old-school, paper-based methods served Gerken well over the years, so you might expect to see some resistance to new technology,” Caleb explains. “But we’ve come a long way, and even the teams in the field are starting to see the benefits.”

Caleb has found a great career in logistics, a field that he says will always be essential. What’s more, his job exposes him to all areas of Gerken’s business and levels of management. Logistics serves as the hub of information; everything flows through that office, making it an excellent position to learn a new industry.

Unwavering Resilience

Caleb’s unwavering resilience is a hallmark of his character. At just 16, while balancing his first job and high school sports, he broke his jaw playing soccer. Faced with weeks of his mouth being wired shut, he could have taken the easy route and stayed home. Instead, he craved the work experience and persevered, showcasing his belief that “if you want something, you have to work for it.”

Another of life’s twists awaited Caleb when COVID-19 swept the globe, causing a sudden disruption to his college life. “It was tough going from a bustling campus environment to studying alone at home,” he recalls. Yet, he viewed that challenge as an opportunity for growth. The experience of remote learning strengthened his work ethic and resilience, qualities that have become integral to his professional success.

Caleb attributes his tenacity to his upbringing. Watching his father work hard ingrained in him a conviction that everything happens for a reason. Challenges, for Caleb, are stepping stones rather than setbacks.

“I’m not the type to feel sorry for myself or let unexpected challenges hold me back,” asserts Caleb.

Personal Life

Beyond work, Caleb nurtures a fulfilling personal life. He met his fiancée, Cally, during high school, and their love story has blossomed over the eight years they’ve been together. Engaged since December, the couple is currently busy planning their wedding for next August while balancing life with their two energetic puppies. The couple recently purchased a fixer-upper in Napoleon, diving into home improvement projects together with the support of their families.

“We like to say we bought a house but made it a home,” Caleb shares, reflecting on the joy of creating their own space.

Growing up, Caleb was a diehard sports fan. He loved following the Cleveland professional teams and the Ohio State Buckeyes. In high school, his athletic pursuits included baseball, basketball, soccer, and football—which he pivoted to after his soccer accident. Nowadays, he passionately enjoys golf.

An Inspirational Journey

At his young age, Caleb has already demonstrated an incredible ability to adapt. As he looks to his future at Gerken with excitement, he embodies the spirit of resilience and ambition. He is ready to turn his aspirations into reality.

“Gerken is constantly growing and evolving,” Caleb emphasizes. And so is Caleb Franz—ever resilient, ever inspiring.

Life is full of choices, and for Larry Hermiller, a long-time Maintenance Manager at Bluffton Paving and The Bluffton Stone Company, one of those choices is happiness. With a simple sign in his office that reads, “It is what it is,” Larry embraces the idea that our perspective shapes our reality.

Larry grew up in Pandora, Ohio on his family’s dairy farm, where hard work was a way of life. Alongside his four siblings, he learned valuable lessons about perseverance and diligence while tackling age-appropriate farm chores. His least favorite task was hoeing the weeds among the tomato plants.

“When you grow up on a farm, you are always busy,” reflects Larry, highlighting that the landscape of his childhood instilled a love for productivity. “I sometimes thought the reason my parents had kids was to get a workforce,” he quips.

The days were long, and the work was demanding. Yet laughter and music filled their home thanks to Larry’s mother, who broadened their horizons by inspiring a love for sports and the arts. She even inspired them to create a musical group that sang in church—an experience Larry fondly recalls, quipping, “My singing career ended when my voice changed.”

At age 16, Larry suffered a tragic loss when his mother passed away in a car accident. That profound experience, while deeply painful, only strengthened his resolve to work hard and make the most of life.

“I do miss farming,” says Larry, reflecting on his roots. “I mostly miss the smells of farming, of fresh alfalfa, hay, and recently turned earth.”

A Career in Maintenance

After earning an associate’s degree in Automotive/Diesel Technology from the University of Northwestern Ohio, Larry embarked on a successful career at Bluffton Paving, Inc. Since joining the company in 1997, he has taken on the role of Maintenance Manager, where every day presents unique challenges. His natural aptitude for diagnosing problems and investigating symptoms enables him to fix just about anything.

Larry’s work ethic, which he learned from his father, remains with him today. He approaches each day with an organized mindset, crafting to-do lists that often have him finishing projects well ahead of schedule.

Larry’s dedication extends beyond mere maintenance; he embodies a philosophy of proactive management. Addressing potential problems before they arise is a cornerstone of success for him, evident in his meticulous winter preparations, which prioritize efficiency for the busy construction season ahead.

Larry’s personal life reflects the same passion he exhibits at work. He and his wife, Vicki, have been married for 43 years and are proud parents of three grown children and four grandchildren. Vicki, an 8th-grade English and Language Arts teacher, shares Larry’s commitment to education and community. Together, they nurture an expansive garden, growing a bounty of fresh produce that they happily share with family and friends.

Passions Beyond Work

Beyond work, Larry has been coaching youth sports for 25 years. In fact, he coached his three children in every sport they played. He currently coaches basketball at Ottawa-Glandorf Local Schools. His enthusiasm radiates not just through competition but also in the way he interacts with young athletes, instilling in them the belief that happiness and success require effort. As he tells his players, “Only you can make yourself better. But you need the fire in your belly to want it.”

In addition to coaching, Larry served as the school’s public address announcer for 20 years. He currently contributes his skills to Zsports Live, providing play-by-play commentary for various games. An avid runner, he has participated in 5K races for over thirty years. Furthermore, he continues his father’s cherished traditions by crafting wooden marble board games and attending major NASCAR events across the country.

Above all, Larry enjoys spending time with his family. Whether it’s tailgating at Ohio State football games—where he is a big fan—running in Lima’s Star Spangled Spectacular Freedom 5K, or bonding over their shared love of craft beers, family time is what he values most.

Larry Hermiller’s life is a powerful testament that happiness is a choice—an active decision to embrace the good in our circumstances. Whether encouraging young athletes to foster their inner strength, sharing the bounties of his garden, or enjoying time with family, Larry continues to embrace life with enthusiasm.

In a world that often pushes us toward dissatisfaction, Larry’s story serves as a refreshing reminder to choose happiness, work hard, and embrace the journey. Life truly is what it is, and how we react makes all the difference.

Carl Pippin’s life journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and adaptability. Born in Detroit, Michigan, his family moved to Toledo when he was six months old. Growing up in a loving yet modest household alongside his brother and three sisters, Carl learned the value of perseverance and hard work early on. “You didn’t get everything you wanted, but you got everything you needed,” he reflects, underscoring the principles his parents instilled in him.

Carl attended Libbey High School, an inner-city school known for its rough environment. With daily fights and struggles against adversity a common occurrence, Carl developed a resilient spirit, refusing to back down in the face of conflict. At the age of 23, seeking a safer environment for his young family, he decided to leave his hometown behind and move to Liberty Center.

Carl began working at the young age of 12, helping out in his father’s painting and home improvement business. That early exposure to hard work taught him the values of determination and perseverance. He credits his strong work ethic largely to his father, who dedicated his life to hard work. Carl notes, “I learned a lot from watching my dad, some good and some bad. His challenges as a small business owner inspired me to pursue a different path.”

A Commitment to Safety

In 2002, Carl joined The Gerken Companies as part of Gerken Materials, Inc. His career evolved, and he transitioned to the Safety department in 2015. But Carl quickly realized that he missed the camaraderie of a tight-knit road construction crew. Today, he thrives as part of the dedicated team at Roadway Services, Inc., which plays a vital role in ensuring safety on road construction sites.

By managing traffic and implementing safety measures, Carl and his fellow professionals play an essential role in protecting both drivers and workers. The team handles crucial tasks—from setting zones and installing construction signage to managing barrels and programmable message boards—serving as a vital link that keeps the community safe during construction activities.

At work, Carl’s passion is particularly evident, especially when it comes to workplace safety. He expresses annoyance when observing unsafe practices and imagines that some people might perceive him as angry. But he insists any anger he projected in his youth has transformed into a powerful passion for caring. “I’ve traded the fistfights of high school for straightforward talk,” he notes, using his experience to foster cooperation and safety among his coworkers.

Real-life events have shaped Carl’s perspective on safety, and he often shares his viewpoint with new hires. “I tell them it’s important they show up for work every day, but even more important that they’re able to go home to their families every night.”

Personal Philosophy

Outside of work, Carl enjoys fishing, playing golf, and spending time with his wife of 20 years. The couple is embracing the joys of being empty-nesters and discovering newfound depths in their relationship. They recently bought a winter home in Sebring, Florida, near Lake Jackson.

Carl offers invaluable advice to young people considering careers in the construction industry. While the work can be physically demanding, the rewards of teamwork and seeing a project come to fruition are unmatched.

“Some days are tougher than others,” he acknowledges. “But if you have a strong back, a good work ethic, and a team mindset, there is tremendous reward in seeing the finished project and satisfaction in being part of something great.”

Three words that Carl would use to describe himself are passionate, caring, and hardworking. He hopes that those who cross his path understand his deep devotion to family, commitment to coworkers, and unwavering desire for everyone to return home safely each day. As he puts it, “If people believe that when I’m gone, I will have done something right.”

Carl Pippin embodies the spirit of resilience and care. More than just a worker, he is a mentor, a leader, and a friend. His story is a tribute to rising above early circumstances and transforming past challenges into a profound commitment.

Navigating the complexities of a new environment can require a quick wit. After relocating from England to Toledo, Ohio, Margaret Waldeck attended a party. Armed with her distinct British accent and a sense of humor, the 19-year-old began chatting and making friends. After learning that Margaret had only recently arrived from England, one well-meaning guest complimented her.

“She said, ‘You picked up our language quickly,’” recalls Margaret. “I lightheartedly reminded her that we British had English first.”

The encounter highlighted the subtle nuances of being an immigrant and Margaret’s ability to navigate such challenges with grace.

A Journey of Resilience

Margaret’s parents decided to move to the United States after her aunt and sister married Americans and relocated here. Migrating to the United States requires an immigrant visa and sponsorship from a U.S. citizen or prospective employer. The immigration process was rigorous and involved applications, documentation, interviews, and medical exams. Additionally, her aunt and sister had to post bonds for Margaret’s family. The lengthy process began when Margaret was a minor and concluded when she was an adult, lasting a total of six years.

“When I think of all we went through just to move to the States, much less to become citizens, watching the recent onslaught of illegal immigration is frustrating,” she says.

Margaret lost her British accent years ago, so those unaware of her background often make assumptions about her past. “Someone might ask if I remember watching a particular television show as a kid, and I have to say no because we were watching British TV.”

Career Journey

Margaret Waldeck was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and grew up in a small town outside of Cambridge in eastern England. She graduated high school at age 16 and studied computer science at Castle Manor Business and Enterprise College.

Once in the States, Margaret worked at NFO Research in Northwood and later at St. Paul’s Community Center in downtown Toledo. She started at Kuhlman Corporation in September 1997, when the company was relocating its offices to Maumee. After undergoing five separate interviews (the last of which she remembers as especially grueling) and a personality assessment, she became the company’s first IT staff person.

Her journey was not without challenges; she had to adapt to a new corporate culture and refine her technical skills in a fast-paced environment. Today, she is responsible for maintaining systems crucial to Concrete Ready-Mix and for Kuhlman’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) operations, including the online shopping website.

“For me, the best thing about becoming part of The Gerken Companies was having an IT team,” says Margaret. She enjoys visiting the division’s various locations.

“I’ve been at this company for 28 years, and I tell people it’s a great place to work,” says Margaret, who has recruited her son for previous summer internships and her nephew for his current position.

Beyond her professional achievements, Margaret is also a dedicated mother to four adult children—two daughters and two sons—all of whom live in the area. She lost her husband of 33 years, Tom, to cancer in 2021.

“I still consider being a mom my primary job,” says Margaret. She often notes that while parenting is challenging during childhood, the real test comes when your children become adults, navigating their own lives and choices. Her journey of motherhood speaks volumes about unconditional love and support, values that she carries into every aspect of her life.

Margaret’s hobbies include listening to music and audiobooks (she has a particular fondness for romance novels) and doing arts and crafts (which she usually does while listening to music or audiobooks). She crochets baby blankets, hats, and other items that she donates to Bags of Love, a local nonprofit that supports individuals in need.

Margaret has actively volunteered at Cedar Creek Church for over twenty years, contributing her technology knowledge to help produce its compelling multi-media weekend services. She is on hand for the Whitehouse location’s three liturgies at least two weekends a month.

In a world where challenges and change are constants, Margaret stands as an inspiring reminder of the power of resilience and adaptability. Her journey from a small town in England to a pivotal role at Kuhlman, all while being a devoted mother and community member, exemplifies the kind of strength we can all aspire to embody.