It’s hard enough working a full-time job, but when the clock hits 5:00 p.m., the second shift often begins for many working parents.
Having just celebrated Mother’s Day a short time ago, we wanted to ask working Waukee moms how they do it!
Cindy Anderson | Waukee Medicap Pharmacy
Mom to Taylor, Riley & Regan
How many children do you have?
I have 3 girls, not sure what I did to deserve that…….
Tell us briefly about yourself, your current career and your family.
I have worked for Medicap for 13 years, the last 8 in Waukee and the last 2 & 1/2 as manager. My oldest daughter is pre-med at Wartburg, my other girls are 7 and 8.
What does a day in your career look like?
My long days at work are 8-6, so it’s early to the sitter for the girls to catch the bus to school, I’m at work 7:45 – 6 or 6:30. Fortunately, when my husband took his current job we were able to work our schedules together so we both pick the girls up 2 or 3 days a week. The longer days make it so I can have a day off during the week which is WONDERFUL, I get so much done on that day, it means more family time on the weekend. My day off and shorter days it’s softball for both girls, soccer for one, girl scouts for both and tae kwon do for one.
You seem really busy! How do you manage work and family?
My husband and I have really been able to coordinate our schedules well. It is still difficult sometimes. My parents moved here from Colorado to be with us and they help when they can. An amazing sitter, like a second mom, is also incredibly helpful for us.
Do you have advice for moms striving to do it all?
Take deep breaths, make the most of the time you do have together and forgive yourself for being at work, you know what is best for your family, don’t feel guilty about whatever decision you have made.
What is the most rewarding part of being a working mom?
Fortunately, my schedule is such that I am able to spend a significant amount of time with my kids, plus I get the benefit of them seeing me doing something important, helping people, I love it when they are proud of me for that.
Tonya Hotze | Pizza Ranch
Mom to Lindsay, Olivia, Taylor & Tanner
Business professional title?
Owner/Operator Altoona, Waukee, & Urbandale Pizza Ranch
How many children do you have?
2 Daughter Olivia 21 and Taylor 19 and 2 Stepchildren 1 Girl Lindsay 21 and 1 boy Tanner 17
Tell us briefly about yourself, your current career and your family.
I am the owner of the Altoona, Waukee and Urbandale Pizza Ranch. We opened Altoona 8 yrs ago, Waukee 6 years ago and Urbandale has been open 6mons.
My husband Brian and myself have been married 11years. We have 4 children Lindsay is 21 and just finishing up her college at UNI. Olivia is 21 and currently in her first year in the Respitory Therapist program at Dmacc. Taylor is 19 and is currently going to Aveda Salon in West DesMoines. Tanner is a Jr. in High School over at West Central in Stuart Iowa.
What does a day in your career look like?
My day starts off with a workout at 5am then on the computer to find out how all the stores did business wise the night before. Then off to either one of the stores. Depending on the day sometimes I can end up at all 3 stores making sure that everything is running properly. Depending on the day I sometimes can be home for supper or some days I won’t get home until 10pm at night because I helped close one of the stores. Everyday is different and everday is a great challenge.
You seem really busy! How do you manage work and family?
You have to have a supportive family and you have to prioritize your schedule. You have to be able to communicate with everyone and always always be willing to be open to new ideas and new schedules My life has always be busy. I lost my first husband to cancer when I was 28 years old and we had two daughters together. They at the time were 3yrs old and 16 months old so I had to learn a long time ago how to make the most of every situation and always take every minute and spend with them as much as I could weather that meant singing in the car together or writing special notes to them so that they knew no matter where I was at or what I was doing I always was thinking of them.
Do you have advice for moms striving to do it all?
Take time to really see the big picture in life. Always remember that your family comes first. Work is always going to come and go but your family is what gives you the support that you need to be the best at what you really want.
What is the most rewarding part of being a working mom?
As my daughters have grown up they never new there DAD and that really made me sad as he was a wonderful person and I always wanted them to know him. So I always was trying to make sure that I kept pictures and that I talked about him all the time. And not so long ago they sat me down and said Mom we know that you loved our dad and we know that you want us to know everything about him but they looked at me and said Mom we can’t ever miss something that we didn’t know we had. Right at that moment I knew that God gave me wonderful caring daughters and that I am so proud that they gave me the peace to know that all those years of working and not always being there when I wanted to they still turned into beautiful daughter.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Just to let working mom’s know that you have to know how balance work and home if you can’t do that and believe me there were times that I thought I would go crazy but if you can’t do both that is ok. If someone told me today that I needed to give it all up to save my marriage or my daughters I would even have to think twice I know that my family comes first no questions asked.
Michelle Holtz | Sweet Rewards Gluten-Free Bakery
Mom to Ryan & Connor
Business professional title?
Owner, Sweet Rewards Gluten Free Bakery, LLC
How many children do you have?
2
Tell us briefly about yourself, your current career and your family.
I have 2 children, Ryan is 21 and Connor is 14. I am married to Chad who works for Wells Fargo. We have lived in Waukee since December 2001. I grew up in the Des Moines Metro area, went to Hoover High School, made a few moves to Naperville IL, Fort Scott KS and then back to this area. This is home, and we love Waukee. The bakery was my husband’s idea. He has not been able to have gluten or dairy for several years. He convinced me to do some farmer’s markets, to taste test my bakery items with friends, family and acquaintances. We took the feedback and perfected our product. We are always striving to do more, come up with new recipes, and just be able to give to those who can’t have your everyday bakery items.
What does a day in your career look like?
I am usually in the bakery by 7:15/7:30 and I leave around 6 p.m. The day consists of a lot of baking, finishing, cleaning, and the most important part of the day is talking with our customers. Without our customers, we wouldn’t be here. They are the important part of our business, and we do our best to spend time with them when they call or visit.
You seem really busy! How do you manage work and family?
My husband is so supportive and helpful! I was a stay at home mom for quite a few years. I took care of everything around the house so that when he was home, we had family time. Now that I am getting home after he gets there, he is starting the laundry, helping with dinner, and just always asking what he can do to help. My kids are helpful too. Which is a blessing!
Do you have advice for moms striving to do it all?
My advice is don’t force it. Let it happen when it’s to happen. Whenever I have tried to force a business decision it failed. When I let go, and just prayed about it, then it happened when it was meant to happen. The other key is patience, understanding, knowing that you will fail at times, struggle, etc, but it’s learning from those times that is the key.
What is the most rewarding part of being a working mom?
Well, I have been fortunate to have be both a stay at home mom and now I am back outside the home. The rewarding part is making the contact with our customers. Our customers are great. The excitement they have when they come in is awesome. Then one a first time customer walks in and says, “WOW! Look at all this stuff. Amazing”. That’s is probably the best thing ever! So many people that come here the first time are just overwhelmed. It might have been years since they had a cupcake that tastes like a “normal” cupcake, or a cookie that tastes like the peanut butter cookies their grandma use to make. That is very rewarding! Love it!
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Just that I am so blessed. I really am.
Sara J. Larson | American Trust & Savings Bank
Mom to Jake & Lauryn
Business professional title?
Vice President and Branch Manager at American Trust & Savings Banks
How many children do you have?
Two – 16 year old son named Jake and 10 year old daughter named Lauryn
Tell us briefly about yourself, your current career and your family.
I have worked for American Trust & Savings Bank for seven years. I have worn numerous hats in my time here and currently run the day to day activities of the branch. Just over 17 years ago, I started my banking career as a teller in Waterloo, Iowa while I was a student at the University of Northern Iowa. I have also been a State Bank Examiner and an Internal Auditor. I have been married to my husband, Justin Larson, for 18 years. Our two kids keep us very busy with soccer, cross country, gymnastics and church activities. In my free time (Free time? What’s free time?), I enjoy running, reading books, being active in my church and playing volleyball.
What does a day in your career look like?
In my line of work, there really isn’t a “normal” day. I meet with clients to discuss their borrowing needs and find solutions. I do the interviewing, hiring, and mentoring on the retail side of the bank here in Des Moines. I cover when people are sick, work on new accounts, lead meetings, train, etc…
You seem really busy! How do you manage work and family?
Managing both work and home can be a challenge! I have a wonderful husband who splits much of the at-home duties with me 50/50 We are a great team. We have a family calendar that has EVERYTHING written on it. The four of us talk every evening or morning, making sure we all know what is on the schedule for the day. I am also very thankful that Jake has his driver’s license. That helps immensely too!
Do you have advice for moms striving to do it all?
Stop trying to do it all! Honestly. I am only one person and I know that I need to ask for help Most of our kids’ activities are done via carpool. It is amazing when parents work together how much less work it is for everyone. And…be sure to take time for yourself. You will be a better mom, wife and co-worker if you have a few minutes to yourself every once in a while!
What is the most rewarding part of being a working mom?
Hearing my kids laugh. I know it sounds simple, but I know my time with them is so limited. I hope we have instilled in them the values that will make them strong, kind, hardworking adults with caring, faithful hearts. Our son will head off to college in two years and our daughter won’t be too far behind. With everyone being so busy, I really try hard to be in the moment with my kids. And laughter is by far my favorite part!
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Just that I love being a mom. It is the hardest role I have and by far the most rewarding!
Donna Stall | Iowa Realty Waukee Office
Mom to Ryan & Kyle
Business professional title?
Assistant manager and real estate agent at the Iowa Realty Waukee Office since 1993
Of which I could not ask for a better company to work for.
How many children do you have?
Two boys – Ryan /17 yrs old & Kyle / 14 yrs old (both students at Waukee)
Tell us briefly about yourself, your current career and your family:
I grew up in NW Iowa, in a small town called Palmer (greatly know for their winning streak in basketball). I was raised on a farm and learned the value of work ethic from my parents at an early age. I have two siblings, middle child of three girls. I attended the University of Northern Iowa where I received my BA. I moved to Waukee in 1990, was married in 1992 and taught in the area until 1995. I got my real estate license in 1993 and began working the business part time. I absolutely loved real estate and Waukee so decided to make the transition to real estate full time and I have been with Iowa Realty’s Waukee Office since then as both a sales agent and assistant manager.
What does a day in your career look like?
Every day is different! It gets kind of crazy depending on the time of year.
I fortunately get to start every day with my family. I love the flexibility this career offers but that does come with somewhat of a trade off at times (working evenings/weekends). After seeing my kids off to school I tackle my schedule either in or outside of the office depending on appointments for the day.
As a working mom in real estate I am fortunate that “most of the time” I have the flexibility to not miss school events, games or other activities my kids are involved in. A day in real estate is different every day and that is partly why I enjoy it so much. Whether showing homes, listing homes, working with builders, working with other agents, in meetings or just at my office tackling paperwork I truly love what I do! Having been at the Iowa Realty Office in Waukee for 21 years it is like my home away from home and the group of people there are like my extended family so spending time at the office is enjoyable for me. I make “eye to eye” contact with my kiddos after every school day and then hit it again of an evening if needed. I enjoy meeting new people and helping them achieve the American Dream of homeownership. Thus, the 21 years in the business with the same company and same office!
You seem really busy! How do you manage work and family?
I believe that staying connected during the day is very important! My kids are 17 and 14 so I text and call them (probably too much if you ask them) to stay in touch in regards to school, practice, homework, etc.
I am very organized and plan. I live by a prioritized list and take it one changing day at a time. I have to be as flexible as the business I am in.
I have a very supportive and understanding family, supportive and understanding clients and a supportive group of people at my office!
I guess that is why I live, worship, play and work in Waukee. It’s just a great place work raise a family and call home!
Do you have advice for moms striving to do it all?
It’s very individual. You have to do what works best for you and your family. A good support system is a must! I believe working moms “do it all” each and every day no matter what they are doing /working in or outside the home. Learn to live with guilt. Most moms feel guilty when they have to divide their time and attention between home and work. Accept that sometimes you will feel conflicted and move on. Remember to fit some valuable “me” time into your schedule! Take care of yourself, which I know from experience is easier said than done but if you manage your energy well you will be more productive at home and at work. Be proud of your juggling abilities and all that you are achieving. By doing this you become an inspiring role model for your kids.
What is the most rewarding part of being a working mom?
I get to teach my kiddos the importance of good work ethic. I get to show them that you can have both a successful career and a family and how to find a balance. They see the value and importance of supporting one another and giving back. My kids have been on plenty of appointments with me over the years and have been on my end of numerous business calls in the car, at home, on vacation and I love that they have had the opportunity to see the value I put on each and every client. It’s like the old saying, “Tell me and I Forget, Teach me and I Remember, Involve me and I Learn”. My kids have been involved in many aspect of my business since they were toddlers. Many of my clients have become lifetime family friends and I am proud of that. However, my kids know that selling real estate is what I do, it’s not who I am and that is important to me.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Being a mom is so very rewarding in itself. I happen to work outside the home and have had a great support system both at work and home. I have found a balance that sometimes I admit gets out of whack at times and that is alright. It’s not about having it all or about doing it all. It’s about doing what‘s best for you and your family and for each of us that is something different. Remember to enjoy life. The time you have as a parent of young children passes more quickly than you expect so think of parenting as a gift. Just remember what’s important and in the end it will all come together.
Happy Mother’s Day!!!