Katie Pyles

A lot of times, I base my success off the numbers that I get, because we do have to get sales and things like that. But it's not just about the numbers I get - it's about the relationships I build with people. I think that's why the retention's so high, and I'm able to keep people with us, because I've built a very trusting relationship with them. So I guess I base it off a couple different things. I mean, yeah, numbers are important, but it's important to be personable and build relationships with people.

My manager that I have now, she's amazing, and she told me not to be afraid - well, just don't be afraid to ask questions. Whether it be with the people that I look up to, or people that I'm working with, or the clients that I have. And don't be afraid to not only ask them questions, but push myself to go farther. So just not - don't be scared. I mean, the worst thing you're gonna hear is a no. So I would say just not being - do not be scared, do not hesitate, don't put - that holds you back from moving forward.

Stay focused. Stay organized. Do not be afraid to ask questions and explore different avenues of business with the client, because that's how you miss out on opportunities. And if you want to go further, I started going back to school - I graduate at the end of the year. I went back in 2023, and I told myself after I had gotten turned down for an internal position, I'm going to be the best I can be. I'm gonna go back to school, and I'm not gonna be turned down over something silly again. You can have all the qualifications in the world, but sometimes you have to have that degree to get certain things. You just have to want it. You have to be organized, and you have to be persistent, and you have to want to be the best you can be. Focus - it's really important. I've had to refocus myself before. I mean, I've been discouraged before and had to recalibrate everything.

The biggest challenge I would say is bringing in new faces as far as business. Retention's not a problem, but bringing in new faces - because I live in just a small town, there's not a lot of new and upcoming businesses like there would be in Kansas City. I feel like Kansas City, the business is a lot different there, because I've worked there a little bit before to help in the past. So I would say gaining that new business, whether it be individuals or actual business owners, it is hard to get that sometimes, just being in such a small area.

Honesty, integrity, trust - I feel like being optimistic's important. You know, don't get discouraged and become a pessimist, try to stay optimistic. So all of those things are very important to me.