AGIA's Playground

Love and Family at AGIA

AGIA Associates Jeff and Julie, share what makes their working relationship unique.

When and where did you get married?

We were married on April 1, 2007 by the late Ron Warren, at the Grand California Hotel at the Disneyland Resort. It was a perfect Spring day, and we were surrounded by our closest family and friends; a real-life fairy tale come true.

How did you come to decide to work together?

Shortly after we got married I (Julie) graduated with my BA in English, and had not really committed to a credential program, when Jeff brought a job description home for a project coordinator position, and immediately I said, "I could do that!" I was lucky enough to have been exposed to AGIA culture ahead of time through the Corporate Games, and I already knew some great people from the company, so it was a natural step to apply.

The benefits now are that we get to commute together and sometimes take lunches or breaks together, which is nice since we are new parents who otherwise may not have any time together. We both enjoy participating in United Way activities like Fun in the Sun, and Day of Caring, so we really have the opportunity to grow as individuals and as a couple through our jobs and company activities.

Tell us about your newest addition!

Our beautiful daughter, Abigail Jean made our little family complete on December 16, 2007. We were certainly surprised as we were not expecting her for another 5 weeks, but she was perfectly healthy and beautiful and has been the light of our lives since. She is such a character these days as she is eight months old, going on 4 years. She is so independent, funny, and happy, all of the time, We really lucked out on all accounts.

Community Service in Minnesota

The AGIA Minnesota office (employees and some family) spent a day in early March working at a local Habitat for Humanity site. The site is the first Habitat location in Plymouth, MN. It is a 4-plex (serving 4 families)! Unique to this site is the location near a wetland, which required extensive excavation and sol correction along with the goal to have the least impact on the natural areas surrounding the site. One method to preserve the wetland is the on-site storm-water management with a raingarden, to reduce and treat run-off water. One of the four units is fully ADA compliant- allowing Habitat to partner with a family with special needs in regards to the physical and architectural layouts of the home. All projects for the day were inside- thankfully, as the outside temperature in the morning was -6F (yes BELOW Zero) and warmed up to a balmy 12F about the time we left in the afternoon!

Wellness Spotlight- Kim, Billing Manager

How do you define Health and Wellness?

• Improving fitness
• Improving knowledge
• Defying aging!
• Minimizing stress
• Being around friends that enjoy similar activities

• Making good lifestyle choices

What type of exercise do you do?

Lots.... I decided a long time ago never to "diet", so I am in perpetual exercise motion. I usually exercise in some way every day. My favorites right now are cycling and swimming. I compete in both events because it gives me a goal to challenge myself with. When I am not training, I walk with my dogs.

What are your top 3 artists on your play list?

I usually skip to a song I like and if it fits my cadence, I go with it!

What is your favorite healthy snack or meal?

Before workout: oatmeal, peanut butter and banana toast

During workout: original chocolate Power Bar

There are some clear favorites after a long ride or swim: Rudy's combo chicken burrito; no sour cream and double chicken

Dessert: Dove chocolate, Ice blended mocha

How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle?

I keep a balanced schedule of athletic, stress reducing, volunteer and lifelong learning activities that are just for   me.

What do you think about the Wellness Works website?

It's great! I think it gives people another topic to talk about that is other than work that still binds them in a common cause and contributes to better relationships.

What do you think AGIA could do to encourage people to live a healthy lifestyle?

AGIA could continue to promote the wellness initiative with things like promoting healthy snacks in the vending machines, covered bicycle racks, corporate pool passes, volunteer opportunities and a variety of learning opportunities.

New Employee Spotlight- Kalon, Treasury Accounting Specialist

If you could write a book what would the title be?

If I could write a book, the title would most likely be "Around the World", or something to that effect. I would base it mostly on travel stories from exotic countries.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about surfing, being active, and staying close to family and friends.

If money was not object, what would you do with your life?

If money was not object, I would consider traveling around the world, visit and surf every continent. I would probably write a book about it.....

What was your college major? 

I continue to take classes focusing on International Business.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies include: Traveling, Surfing, Dancing, Reading, Exercising, and being a good friend.

What book are you currently reading?

I am currently reading the book, "Science of Surf Forecasting" by Nathan Todd Cool

If you could spend one day doing what you wanted, what would you do?

I would spend it relaxing on a tropical island with nothing to worry about except for coconuts and sunscreen!

If someone gave you $1000 what would you do with it?

Invest it!

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to own a business that facilitates a spontaneous lifestyle involving a necessity for travel.

What would you attempt to do if you knew that you could not fail?

I would enter a big wave competition in the legendary island of Teahupoo, Tahiti.

What is your favorite AGIA value and why?

My favorite AGIA Values are Innovation and Contribution, and I am torn between the two. I feel that an individual can make the most out of his daily existence in a company by contributing, and making a process more efficient. It would be the greatest reward for me to achieve a worth while innovation that made peoples lives easier enabling them to work smarter.