First and Last Name: Samantha Verhagen
Hometown: Theresa, WI
What Brought you to Fond du Lac: I actually worked in Fond du Lac for a few years, left for another job, and eventually found my way back when I started my current position.
Place of Employment and Position: Marketing Specialist at Destination Lake Winnebago Region
What do you enjoy the most about your career? I love that no two days look exactly the same. I get to be creative, try new ideas and create things that actually help people discover businesses, events and experiences in our community.
What words of wisdom would you share with other YP’s in relation to career building? Don’t compare your timeline to everyone else’s.
Who or what inspires and motivates you to be your best? People who are passionate about what they do
What are 3 Characteristics and/or Strengths that make you who you are? Creative, Resourceful, and Curious
What is your favorite thing to do in your free time/a hobby you enjoy? I love anything creative, especially doing graphic design passion projects. I’m also really into cars and love driving my ’95 Miata. I spend a lot of my free time taking care of my plants and taking 1000 pictures a day of my cats.
Name something you enjoy doing in the Greater Fond du Lac Area that others should check out: Honestly, take a day to go the Fondy Aquapark with your friends and family and enjoy your time feeling like a kid again and leave your phone back by your stuff.
What is your favorite part about being in YPF/Envision and how has it benefited you? My favorite part of YPF is getting to meet other people around my age who are actually motivated and serious about growing in their careers.
How do you engage in our community? A lot of my work naturally keeps me connected to the community because I’m constantly working with local businesses, organizations and events. Outside of work, I try to show up, support local and stay involved through groups like YPF.
Share a lesson you have learned or a nugget of advice with other YP’s: Go to the event, introduce yourself, ask the question and take the opportunity.
What do you love about the Greater Fond du Lac Area today and what is your hope for its future in the years to come? What I love now is that it’s small enough to feel connected, but there’s still plenty happening all the time. What I would love to see is some continued downtown/local business growth.
