KeHE Unwrapped: Julie Jeltema
KeHE® has many amazing employees, and today we are highlighting one of them who has been with us for 15 years! Keep reading below to learn about Julie Jeltema, a valued employee who has had an impact on countless individuals.
Q: What is your current position, and which KeHE location do you work at?
A: My current position is an Inside Sales Specialist, and I work remotely.
Q: How long have you been with KeHE?
A: I joined KeHE in October 2010 when KeHE acquired Peters Imports.
Q: What inspired you to join KeHE, and what was your first impression of the company?
A: Previously, I worked for Peters Imports and after KeHE purchased Peters in 2010, KeHE hired me to assist with the transition. It was a challenging time for me personally, as I had been with Peters for 20 years. Everyone I met at KeHE was kind, helpful and seemed to genuinely care about me. I have loved my years at KeHE and am excited for what is to come.
Q: How has your role evolved during your time at KeHE, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
A: For the first couple of years, I often worked in ‘defense mode,’ as I assisted accounts that came over to KeHE through the transition. It was challenging for them to adjust to the changes in product selection, as well as navigating a larger company versus a smaller business. I was also used to being able to work in every area of the company. At first, the most challenging part was having to learn who to work with and all the different people in a variety of roles to get my order to the finish line. As the years passed, I have met many amazing people and created some fantastic friendships. I have learned to be more patient, to show grace and to realize none of us are perfect. We must simply focus on doing the best we can.
Q: Can you share a standout memory or experience at KeHE that holds a special meaning for you?
A: Prior to the 2011 Holiday Show in Chicago, the whole team got together in Chicago. Our director at the time put together an Amazing Race around the city. It was a fantastic way to meet the team as we were split up with people we did not necessarily know. We also were able to see the great sites of Chicago and enjoy a wonderful day of team building. It will always be a great memory for me (and if you know Phil Hacopian, you may want to ask him about his role that day).
Q: What opportunities have helped you grow personally and professionally during your time at KeHE?
A: Working at the Atlanta Gift Shows years ago gave me the confidence to talk one-on-one with customers. It also allowed me to see the vision of displaying products on shelves and gift baskets. When I started with KeHE, this was particularly important to our customer base. KeHE has given me the confidence to create presentations and be able to talk comfortably with other team members and customers. Years ago, I had a director that was a bit intimidating and after he left my division and moved to another department, I heard he spoke highly of me and my ability to sell products. This compliment gave me the boost I needed to soar and grow to where I am today.
Q: What changes at KeHE have made the biggest impact on you, your work, or the company culture?
A: In 2018, the office I worked in closed and we started working remotely. I was not thrilled as I much prefer to be present with people. Little did I know that it ended up being an incredible blessing. In 2020, my mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and being a remote worker allowed me to care for her, while continuing to work. Dan Creedon was my director at the time and always stressed ‘family first.’ As I look back on that time, it was such a gift to be able to walk beside my mother to the end of her life, all the while continuing to care for my customers. KeHE has truly blessed my family in many ways.
Q: How have your colleagues and the KeHE community shaped your experience?
A: I have the best team ever! I am excited to get to work in the morning. They help, encourage, support me and others in every way possible. I love what I do, and I love working for KeHE. I have also been able to work alongside some other great people that have now become like family to me.
To learn more about KeHE, please visit https://www.kehe.com/about/.
