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.
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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.