East Bay Claims Member Profile:
Kelly Szymulewski - Living the Full Life
By Bryan Harrison, A.N.N., Inc.

March 2008 Association News Network -
East Bay Claims edition

East Bay Claims member, Kelly Szymulewski (pronounced “shim-a-les-key”), of JM Environmental, lives a very full and very balanced life.

The first impression of this vibrant young woman may not include the notion that she is, in fact, a mother of four active kids. As you get to know her a bit, though, the love for her family shines through, and the poise with which she carries herself is that of a confident mother, indeed.

Born in Jefferson City, Missouri, Kelly tells us “I was born a country girl”. The third of four children, and the only girl, Kelly was an outdoor girl from the get-go.

“I was such a tomboy I swore I’d never have girls,” she states. “And, of course, I was blessed with three foo-foo girls.” She actually has three girls and one boy, ranging from ages 14 to three. Her family thrives in the rural community of Plumas Lake, just below Marysville, north of Sacramento.

“I keep my kids close,” she explains. “We spend a lot of family time together, do a lot of family things.”
Managing all that comes with a family that size while working a full time job - any full time job - is the kind of challenge many mothers face these days. “It’s totally doable, though,” Kelly says. “You (just) really have to plan things.”

And Kelly Szymulewski knows how to take on a task. When she gets involved she doesn’t attempt to just take over a situation, but makes herself available to whatever and however she can help facilitate the matter at hand - and then takes charge.

In the relatively short time she’s been in the industry, she has already become the Secretary of the Sacramento Claims Association; is involved in several other groups to varying degrees; and is working with the Claims Conference of Northern California planning committee in producing the 15th annual event July 24-25 in Sacramento.

She tells us that her job at JM Environmental is a perfect place for her. “Working with Jon Aronson, John Moore, Tom Graves, and the whole crew is right where I want to be,” she says.

With a background in bookkeeping, after earning her degree in accounting from Sierra College, Kelly advanced into being a Project Manager, working for six years at Shaw Construction, a small company in the Sacramento area.

“I went to work at V&M Restoration, Inc. hoping for an Office Manager/Bookkeeping position,” she tells us. Chuck Thomas saw different potential in her. “I started in Marketing, and love it! I will never do anything else,” she says excitedly.

“When V&M was going under and I was researching my options, I was so ecstatic when I learned (not long into her stint there) I could be at JM. I wanted a home and I found it here,” she states proudly.

“I’m basically Jon Aronson’s right-hand gal... taking care of golf tournaments, advertisements, new business, customer service. I love it. I LOVe my job!” she exclaims.

Kelly goes on to explain that she’s always been passionate about what she does. “My family gives me a bad time about how I never let go - even when I’m giving birth to my baby. It’s my personality - it’s who I am, I guess,” she says with a shrug. “During my last pregnancy, (actually) while I was giving birth, my boss was calling me to find out where some permits were”. She goes on to say that she gave birth and was back on the job two days later!

Growing up with divorced parents, Kelly moved with her mom out West at an early age. “My mom is a city girl at heart. We moved to L.A. where her family was,” she explains. Business ventures landed them in Sacramento when Kelly was 13. She’s been here ever since. Having just celebrated her 34th birthday February 15th, it’s clear she considers this home.

"My dad and brother still live in Jefferson City,” she tells us. The oldest of her three brothers has passed. Of the two remaining, she says, “one is in the Marines in Missouri, and the other brother lives here in (nearby) Lincoln, California!” Kelly is the third oldest surrounded by boys, just as her one son is the third oldest surrounded by girls.

As Secretary for the Sacramento Claims Association, Kelly works with Vice President Chris Yaw on the Golf Tournament Committee, as well as the Reservations & Welcoming Committee. In addition to her other Northern California claims associations involvement, she’s also involved with the Wild Turkey Foundation with Larry Nelson, from Bragg & Associates, and the Marysville Elks Lodge Foundation with Carl Montgomery, of Sams & Associates.

With regard to her growing participation with the CCNC, Kelly tells us “I got my feet wet last year, and now am jumping in as much as possible helping with sponsorships.”

She finds peace back at the ranch with family and her horses. “We have three mustangs I got at the auctions,” she says with a smile. “My kids are just as involved. Dirt bike riding, camping, barbecuing. It’s fun. My kids love it.” Not hard to hear the love in her voice as she talks about her family.

“I’m very used to busy weekdays, balancing activities,” she explains. “I make sure I attend all my kids’ various events,” she states.

“It’s a crazy busy life, but it fuels my fire. It’s who I am. I lose my mind sometimes if I don’t have a lot going on.” Clearly, the state of her mind is safe for the foreseeable future.