KERV is celebrating Women’s History Month by uplifting the women on our team. This week, we’re thrilled to spotlight Grace Foulkrod, Junior Digital Strategist.
Tell us about your career journey
I graduated from UT Austin in December 2020. Throughout college, I made minor career moves through various marketing-related internships as well as freelance content creation work, specifically photo, video, and graphic design.
After graduating, I operated my family’s shaved ice trailer through its second season being open. (Check out Sisters SnoShack if you’re in Austin — I’m biased, but we sell the best shaved ice in town!) I managed all aspects of the business, including planning, branding, marketing, sales, employees, supplies, PR & customer service, and code compliance. This was an incredibly fun and rewarding experience, but I think my favorite part was that I got to do it all alongside my sisters!
In August of 2021, with just a few weeks left in the snoball season, I passed the baton to my younger sister and started at KERV.
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I went to UT Austin, where I studied Marketing and Management Information Systems.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
The people are absolutely one of my favorite parts of the job. From my very first day at KERV, I have always felt heard and valued. And I genuinely enjoy every second that I get to spend with my team (shoutout to Deleyla, Zayna, Kristina, and Ryan!).
I also love how dynamic the work is; I enjoy that our processes and products are constantly changing to become more innovative and efficient, and I love that I get to play a role in shaping the changes.
What moments were the most meaningful in shaping your career up until now?
This is my first full-time job out of college, but there are a few moments I could name from my time in college and operating the snoball trailer.
Throughout college, I filmed weddings. Through these experiences, I learned that I did not want to work in the event industry, but that I definitely wanted to work closely with people. I learned through a combination of my coursework and freelance work that I wanted to pursue a career that would stretch both sides of my brain — the creative and the analytical. Through my management of the trailer, I also learned that efficiency is a high priority of mine, but not as high as taking care of my people. I sought efficiencies through processes, while always prioritizing staffing and paying my hard-working employees what they needed over what the trailer necessarily required to operate.
I have definitely found the sweet spot between creative thinking, data analytics, and human interaction my in Digital Strategist role at KERV.
What matters most to you?
This feels a bit like too easy of an answer, but I have to say my family. I have three younger sisters, and they are my very best friends. My family has shaped so much of who I am today, and I believe they will continue to shape me for the rest of my life.
Funny story — I’m from Austin, and I originally thought I wanted to go far away for college. I applied to 10+ out-of-state schools, and ironically ended up at UT… and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. And I’m still here! One day I will finally move away, but I don’t love to think about that day.
Relationships also take precedence in my life. What matters most to me is that the people in my life — from strangers to friends to family — know their value and feel seen, known, and loved.