Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Valek.
Hi Amy, We’re so excited to have you on the platform. Before we ask about your work life, you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My goal has always been to help others and improve the world. By following my heart and trusting my instincts, I have had opportunities to create an experiential learning program, “market” meat, re-establish a struggling school, and today oversee both learning and development and “make a difference” initiatives for JB in St. Michael, Minnesota, a family-owned company providing protein solutions and 3PL services to the retail and food service industry. Growing up, I thought I wanted to be a teacher because my parents were teachers. I had a chalkboard and school desk in my room, and I played school with my little brother and stuffed animals. But, once in college, I wanted to take a different path. I loved my communication classes and decided that was my “direction.” How do I help others best communicate with one another? How can I turn that into a career? After finishing my undergraduate program, I applied for graduate school at the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University. They only accepted 16 students per year then, so I didn’t know if I’d be accepted. At the same time, my dad, who volunteered for Junior Achievement, learned about a job opening at their campus in Maplewood.
It was December of 1999, and I drove back to Minnesota (from Wisconsin) after my last class in a blizzard to attend my first “real” job interview! I remember the person interviewing me saying, “We never considered offering this job to someone who just graduated from college, but we’re interested in having you start this new program.” I would create an experiential learning program for 5th and 6th graders to run a mock city for a day. I had to decide about the job over the weekend, wondering if I would be accepted into grad school. In the end, I took the job and, about two weeks later, received my acceptance letter into graduate school! But my experience with Junior Achievement was extraordinary – I learned so much and was given so many opportunities. I also saw the impact of my work every day when the kids had “lightbulb” moments, connecting the dots between what they were learning in school and the real world. I was fulfilling my goal of making a difference.
After 6 years, however, and many commuting hours, I felt the nudge to try something new. I started to let others know I was interested in a new opportunity. A family friend told me that a company in St. Michael, JB, was hiring for a position in marketing. Although I grew up in the area, I had never heard of JB. I researched and decided to throw my hat in the ring for the opportunity. Once again, I was still determining what would happen since I technically didn’t have a marketing degree, but like the job with Junior Achievement, they were willing to take a chance on me!
I entered the world of marketing meat with the No Name brand. I worked on everything from customer relations to being No Name’s face. I did cooking segments on Fox 9 and KARE 11, showing how to use our products. It was a lot of fun, and once again, I learned a lot. But, after I gave birth to my daughter, something shifted in me. I liked what I was doing but no longer felt like I was helping others or giving back. Plus, I was dropping my daughter off at daycare, and, in my mind, someone else was raising her. I wanted to return to doing something where I was making a true difference for others.
Well, as fate would have it, our ownership was looking to expand their work with their family foundation, and they asked if I’d be willing to help with an initiative to bring a school “back to life” and oversee the company’s corporate giving and volunteer programs. My prayers were answered—I was back to helping others and making a difference. But all good things must come to an end and open the door to something even better. After a couple of years, we stepped back from the school, and I was fortunate enough to be offered another position at JB, developing their learning and development programs. I created JB University and am living out what I wanted to do as a little girl. I am a teacher. I also became an Insights Discovery practitioner, helping people better understand themselves and others, improve communication skills, and make a positive difference in everything they do. In addition, I still oversee our company’s “make a difference” initiatives; I am an active Chamber board member and continually look for ways to serve the community, give back, and make the world a better place. I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate to have been provided with so many opportunities.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are always rocky roads. I’ve encountered sharp curves, bumps, and potholes along the way. There have been times when I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. I had to remind myself that I may not know the answer or understand where things are going, but I kept watching for signs and remained open to new opportunities and possibilities. Things always have a way of working out.
Thanks for sharing that. Please tell us more about your work.
I am most proud of my work heading up our company, Learning, and Development because I get to help people become the best version of themselves. One of my favorite programs to teach is our Insights Discovery Program. It is incredibly eye-opening as participants gain greater self-awareness and a better understanding of how to show up in the world. Many people have thanked me and told me that the program changed their lives. This fills my cup. I am also proud of the relationships and partnerships I’ve helped to build and establish in the community. A few of my favorites include my work with the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce, Youth Frontiers, and STMA schools. One of my dreams was establishing a community learning opportunity with keynote speakers and networking. In 2023, that dream became a reality as I worked with the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce and the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce president to create “An Afternoon of Inspiration.” We held it at the St. Michael Cinema with 3 excellent speakers and a sold-out crowd. We did it again this past January and are considering expanding since it has succeeded! I am excited about the newest partnership between JB, Youth Frontiers, and STMA Schools. Through this collaboration, we will support our community’s schools as they strive to foster self-directed learners, effective communicators, and active, responsible, and respectful community members. This work inspires me every day!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jbgroup.com/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/amy-valek-2030855
