Debbie Schultz
What's your day job? I own Totem Solutions, an Alpharetta based employee benefits consulting firm. We design, implement, and manage benefit programs for large private and public sector firms nationwide.
What advice would you give a young woman entering your industry today? Invest in yourself and become a “student” of the industry. Seek out an employer who will invest in you. Take chances and don’t be afraid to fail.
How do you destress at the end of a busy day? I enjoy pilates (with coworkers) and archery as a solo activity. I love live music as a means to unwind and destress.
Pet peeves in the workplace? Bureaucracy. Indecisiveness. And form over substance.
How will you be spending Mother's Day this year? I will visit my mom on Mother’s Day and see my kids and grandkids over the weekend. And. . . make time to nurture the mom who is me.
Michelle Fragle
What's your day job? I work for The Wine Group as a regional vice president of sales. The Wine Group is the 2nd largest wine supplier in the world.
What advice would you give a young woman entering your industry today? It is an incredibly dynamic industry that allows individuals to build amazing relationships with excellent wholesaler partners. My advice: be open to learning every facet of the industry that you are in, because it will help you be a better and faster decision-maker, thus giving you a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Always be honest about everything: peer and teammate feedback, performance, and work-related situations. There will always be a time when it is easier to bend the truth, but don't do it. It hurts your integrity, and your integrity is all you have. One team, one dream! Take care of your teammates. Watch out for them. You will build a stronger relationship and a stronger team. Work Hard!
How do you destress at the end of a busy day? Work out, spend time with the family at baseball games, and of course, a beautiful glass of Imagery pinot noir.
Pet peeves in the workplace? It is vitally important to be honest in all aspects of your life. Own up to the good and the bad things that happen.
How will you be spending Mother's Day this year? I am spending it with my family at home, sharing a great home-cooked meal on the Big Green Egg with a glass of Tribute Cab Sauv.
