Associate Spotlight – Kerri Ugrich

What’s one skill or strength you’ve developed over time that you’re especially proud of? One skill I’m proud of is my resourcefulness. As a kid, I think it came in handy when I wanted to make and build everything and anything, so I’d use a ream of paper and some Scotch tape and go wild. As I’ve grown up, that resourcefulness has evolved into things like creating fun things with my daughter or being a detective and solving problems at work. I think I’ve gotten good at using what I have and turning it into something great.

What’s something that consistently motivates or energizes you in your work? I love a good problem to solve and to learn as much as I can about as many things as possible. No two days are the same and there’s always some sort of unfamiliar situation that arises. When questions come up that I don’t know, which happens a lot, I go on a hunt to discover the answers or find ways to resolve an issue.

What’s something on your bucket list that you hope to do someday? One thing that’s still on my bucket list is to write (and maybe illustrate) a children’s book. I’ve got a soft spot for all things children’s literature. I even named my daughter after a Beverly Cleary character. I’ve had a vague idea of a concept for this book for a long time and have been collecting tidbits in a note on my phone. So, one day, I hope to get this vague idea off my phone,  onto a bookshelf, and in the hands of some kids!

If you could spend a day learning from anyone, who would it be and why? Ken Jennings! He’s the Jeopardy! GOAT. A guy with 74 consecutive Jeopardy! wins has a lot of knowledge to share. Plus, he might help me with another goal of mine, which is to be a contestant on Jeopardy!

What’s a tradition, place, or experience that’s especially meaningful to you? I don’t think I have one special tradition, place, or experience, but overall, anytime I can do things with my family, it’s meaningful. From trips out to Washington to visit my sister, to our yearly extended family soiree in Wisconsin Dells, to our Sunday evening gatherings at the brewery, and everything in between. If we can make a memory as a family, it’s meaningful to me.