#KSRCrew Spotlight with Kelly Merrill
Get to know the people behind the insights in our #KSRCrew Spotlight series. We sit down with employees throughout the firm to learn about their experiences, background, and what makes them tick.
In this edition, we chat with Kelly Merrill, Vice President Finance & Administration, with a BS in Accounting & Law and an MBA with specialization in HR from the New York Institute of Technology. Discover Kelly’s thoughts on how her friends would describe her, preferred superpower, and other insights in this Q&A.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the KS&R team?
Working with a group of smart people – being able to bounce ideas back and forth for ways to make KS&R a financially stable business.
How did you end up at KS&R?
Long hours in the automotive industry in poor economic times led me to search for a new adventure. I applied to a blind ad in the newspaper for a controller and I am still here 19 years later!
What brings you great joy in your life?
My family, friends, and pets.
In your opinion, what does the world need more of?
Kindness. I think there are too many self-centered people in the world today that think only of themselves. I strongly believe that you can achieve personal happiness by how you treat and interact with others. By working together in a kind and fair environment, people perform better and as a group can be more successful.
What are you most grateful for in this moment?
My family and friends. Without their support I think I would have a meltdown daily.
Who has inspired you in your life and why?
My mother. She always believed in me and tried to get me to find balance between work and life. She was my go-to for everything, good or bad.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation. I travel back and forth between Syracuse & Canton frequently to spend time with my 87-year-old father. The 2 ½ hour drive each way can be exhausting. And it would allow me to hit all the places on my bucket list that I started this year!
What is your favorite childhood memory?
Family vacations in Cape Cod.
How would your friends describe you?
My friends would describe me as someone that can be counted on and someone that has a hard time saying no when asked to help with something.
Aside from necessities, what is one thing you could not go a day without?
My dog – there is something to say about unconditional love. When I am out of town without him I have been known to make my husband facetime me so I can talk to him (my dog – not my husband!).
If you could share a meal with any individuals, living or dead, who would they be?
My mother. She has been gone for 2 ½ years now and I still want to pick up the phone and call her. I have so much I want to talk to her about and get her opinion on.
Would you rather live on the beach or in a cabin in the woods?
The beach! The sand, sun and surf make up my happy place!
