Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your current role?
A: As the Video Content Lead at Steffes Group, I have the privilege of guiding a talented team of creatives. Since my start in March 2022, I’ve focused on fostering a collaborative environment where every member feels empowered to bring their expertise to the forefront. My role is to oversee our video projects, ensuring that each one aligns with our high standards and brand vision, while providing our editors and videographers with the support and direction they need to excel in their roles. It’s about setting the stage for creativity and ensuring our team has the resources to capture the energy of auction days and translate it into compelling stories that resonate with our audience. I also curate our collection of images that are integral to the visual storytelling of Steffes Group, making sure our website and promotional materials reflect the professionalism and dynamism of our brand. Keeping our YouTube channel updated with fresh content is another way I connect with our community, showcasing the depth of what we do at Steffes Group.
Q: How did you become involved with YPN?
A: My journey with the Young Professionals Network (YPN) began in the summer of 2019, during my time at Cass County Electric Cooperative. The Cooperative was actively engaged with the Chamber, and their enthusiasm for YPN inspired me to become a member. With a natural inclination towards being social, I found myself a bit out of my element attending my first event—the summer picnic—without knowing anyone. To my surprise, the individuals I met there were incredibly welcoming, instantly making me feel at home. This warm reception was the turning point for me; I dove in headfirst, joined various committees, and have been deeply involved ever since, contributing to the vibrant YPN community.
Q: What motivated you to choose your current career path?
A: Capturing life’s moments through a lens has always been more than a hobby—it’s my passion. Initially, I believed that storytelling and video production would confine me to the news industry. However, after high school, I discovered the vast landscape of opportunities available. A mentor opened my eyes to the art of filming weddings, igniting a spark within me and revealing the power of visual narratives.
This mentorship was a turning point, leading me to realize that my skills could extend beyond traditional news. I learned to craft stories for businesses, to create engaging content that resonates emotionally with audiences and enhances brand connection.
Now, with Steffes Group, my role allows me to immerse myself in the array of stories within the agricultural and construction sectors. It’s about asking the right questions, uncovering the personal narratives that are at the heart of the industry. Every day presents a new chapter to narrate, a new opportunity to translate the vibrancy of these worlds into visual experiences that captivate and inform.
Q: Can you share a significant challenge you’ve faced in your career and how you overcame it?
A: A significant challenge I faced was managing a video project with shifting expectations due to a sales representative’s uncertainty about what they wanted. The deadlines were tight, and the constant changes made them seem increasingly unrealistic. Recognizing the need for intervention, I proactively sought clarity by consulting directly with the COO. Together, we established a more structured approach for future projects, implementing a protocol to set clear expectations and a definitive vision for each video before beginning production. This strategy not only salvaged the project at hand but also paved the way for more efficient and successful collaborations in the future.
Q: How do you stay updated and continue to grow professionally in your field?
A: Staying current in the dynamic field of video content creation is a constant challenge. The landscape is continuously evolving, with software updates and advancements in technology offering new tools and techniques to master. To remain at the forefront, I’ve made professional development a scheduled priority. Regularly, I carve out time to explore the latest research, learn from industry leaders, and engage with new software tutorials—often through informative YouTube videos. This includes embracing advancements such as AI in video editing, which significantly streamlines our editing process for faster delivery without compromising quality. My commitment to learning and adapting to these innovative tools ensures that I’m not just keeping pace with industry changes, but I’m also able to bring the most innovative solutions to my work at Steffes Group.
Q: What has been your most rewarding experience with YPN so far?
A: While I’ve cherished building genuine connections within YPN, the most rewarding moment came during a challenging personal journey this year. My husband and I were grappling with infertility, undertaking another IVF cycle. It was a dear friend from church who thoughtfully nominated us for a Lend A Hand Up fundraiser. When I relayed this to the YPN Leadership Committee, they responded with a heartwarming gesture—a collective donation of over $1,000, which Lend A Hand Up generously increased by an additional 20%. This overwhelming show of support left me at a loss for words. It’s experiences like these that underscore what YPN means to me: more than a network, it’s a community that has become like family, standing with you through every high and low.
Q: How has being a part of YPN impacted your professional network?
A: My journey with YPN has been transformative, opening doors I might not have otherwise imagined. Being nominated as YPN’s “One to Watch” was not just an honor but also a pivotal moment professionally. It showcased my work to potential employers and underscored the value I could bring to their teams, which led to my current role at Steffes Group.
Through YPN, I’ve honed a stronger leadership identity, learning to navigate and guide diverse groups with confidence. Serving as the social committee chair, I engaged with professionals from a variety of backgrounds and skill sets, enhancing my ability to conduct meetings with assurance, even when I wasn’t the most knowledgeable on every topic.
Q: Can you share a memorable connection or opportunity that arose through YPN?
A: In my introductions to new members at YPN, I often find myself sharing the experience of meeting Kiah, a fellow member and realtor, during my first year with the network. We quickly struck up a friendship, and when it came time for my husband and me to purchase our first home, it was clear who we would turn to. Kiah was instrumental in the process; the trust and rapport we had nurtured through our YPN interactions were invaluable. She guided us through every step with such care and dedication that it reinforced the power of the connections made through YPN—connections that extend beyond professional networking and into the meaningful milestones of our lives.
Q: Where do you see yourself professionally in the next five years?
A: As I look to the next five years, my professional path might not be defined by traditional upward mobility, but rather by deepening my expertise in video content creation and discovering innovative ways to communicate our brand’s story. While Steffes is growing rapidly, my immediate aim is to focus on my own growth within the realm of video production.
I am keen on embracing new technologies, especially those involving AI, to craft compelling narratives for our auctions and company profiles. My commitment is to evolve with the industry’s changes, bringing fresh, creative marketing strategies to the table. By enhancing my skills, I aim to contribute significantly to the impact and success of Steffes Group’s projects, regardless of my official title or role.
Q: Any final thoughts or messages you’d like to share with the community?
A: Whatever task lies before you, tackle it with such passion and attention to detail that you want to #PutYourNameOnIt, and you’re proud to say, ‘I did that.’ This mantra, which my dad and uncle instilled in me, serves as a powerful reminder to own every project I take on. It’s not just about completing a task—it’s about infusing your work with integrity and excellence. If you’re not striving to do something you can proudly attach your name to, it loses its purpose.
