Yvonne Koester serves as Executive Assistant to JK Moving’s founder and CEO, Chuck Kuhn – a role that puts her at the center of the action and calls for exactly the kind of adaptability she’s built her career around. Two and a half years in, if you ask her what keeps the work interesting, she’ll tell you it’s simple: no two days are the same, and that suits her just fine.
A career built around keeping things moving
Throughout her career, Yvonne has gravitated toward roles built around managing schedules, supporting others, and wearing a lot of different hats. It’s a work style that suits her well, because she thrives on variety, adapts quickly, and genuinely enjoys the puzzle of helping people stay organized and on track. “Once you have a great working relationship and know the people you support,” she says, “this position is rewarding. You get to help people stay on track and make their life easier.” Finding the right place to do that work, though, took a little serendipity.
Why JK?
Coming to JK wasn’t something Yvonne had planned, but after hearing about the culture and researching the company’s story, something clicked. “I kept hearing great things about the people, the culture, and the work being done there,” she recalls. “It seemed like a place where employees were valued and encouraged to grow.” What she found when she arrived confirmed it – a team that lives by the company motto “Together We Succeed” in ways she sees demonstrated every day. That same energy follows her home.
Yvonne’s life outside the office
Outside of work, Yvonne is happiest when she’s moving. She and her family are outdoor enthusiasts who love cycling and hiking, and a few years ago she rediscovered a childhood passion when her daughter started ice skating lessons. When things slow down, she turns to baking. And if you really want to surprise her colleagues, she learned to drive a tractor as a kid to help her grandparents on their farm. No license required, apparently – and just one more skill in a long and varied repertoire.
Never give up
One of Yvonne’s proudest accomplishments is earning her bachelor’s degree while working full-time, raising her firstborn, and navigating a new language all at once. “It was overwhelming at times,” she says, “but it taught me discipline, perseverance, and how to manage multiple tasks. Never give up.” It’s advice she’d offer anyone just starting out in her field; and a philosophy that clearly shapes how she approaches everything she takes on.
What’s next for Yvonne Koester
That forward momentum extends to what’s next for Yvonne. On the personal side, she has a goal on the horizon: completing a 100-mile cycling ride (her husband has been campaigning for it). Professionally, she’s focused on continuing to grow by taking courses, building new skills, and finding ways to add more value to the team around her.
And the song that takes her right back? Rihanna’s “Pon de Replay” is a track she shared with her best friend, who has since passed. It’s a song that still brings a smile, and the memories that come with it are ones she clearly holds close.