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.