Our latest employee spotlight is Kristin Berry, the President at Total Solutions. With her primary focus on cultivating client relationships and ensuring their satisfaction, she excels at removing obstacles and actively contributes to shaping our company culture. Kristin is also the go-to person for special projects as they arise. Just last week, we celebrated Kristin’s two-year work anniversary. Join us in recognizing Kristin’s outstanding leadership and her pivotal role in Total Solutions’ success.
Favorite part about working at Total Solutions?
My favorite part about working at Total Solutions is definitely the team and the family-friendly culture we have. We laugh, have fun, and get our job done. I know if I have something come up with my kids, I have team members that have my back. That is a good feeling.
What has been your proudest accomplishment at Total Solutions?
I would say my proudest accomplishment has been the growth we have experienced in the two years I have been here. We have welcomed over 50 new clients in the last two years and retained 85% of the clients we already had. This speaks to the level of customer service and delivery our team provides.
What Total Solutions client do you think everyone should visit?
This seems like a trick question. How in the world do I just pick one?!
What would you be doing for a career if you weren’t doing your job?
If I wasn’t doing what I am doing now, I would love to be an interior designer. I love decorating and sometimes feel the need to spend someone else’s money on a project.
What is the best career lesson you have learned?
Surround yourself with good people and your job will be so much easier and more fun. You don’t have to be the subject matter expert on everything and you don’t have to know it all. That is why you hire good people.
What is something you learned in the last week?
In the last week, I have learned about all of the great resources available to small businesses at the Immigrants and Entrepreneur Summit!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like to spend time with my family and friends, decorate my house, shop, golf, and relax when I can. With two kids in activities, our life is quickly becoming all about practices and tournaments.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
Can’t is a strong word. BUT, I wouldn’t want to live without my family.
What is your favorite place to be?
On a beach somewhere.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
When determining whether or not to make the move to Total Solutions (from the Quad Cities Chamber after 15 years), someone said to me “what would you do if you were not afraid?” That really stuck with me and ultimately led me to make the move. I was comfortable with what I was doing and knew how to do it really well. Turns out, I could try something new and still be good at it. I am so glad that message really stuck with me.
What would your autobiography be called?
This Crazy Life
If you could have dinner with any 3 people dead or alive who would you choose?
My mother (she passed away in 2016), my grandmother (she passed away in 2020), and separately from that, Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. She is a wife, mother, and successful businesswoman. I would love to hear about her journey to success.
What’s the worst style choice you’ve ever made?
Any choices I made before 2003 were questionable.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Any Man of Mine by Shania Twain.
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Employee Spotlight – Laura Furlow
Laura is a member of the Total Solutions accounting team. She joined Total Solutions in February of 2023.