Real Success Stories
Meet real role models working in various industries who have found success through alternative pathways after high school — and what they like about what they do! Looking to dive deeper? Complete this scavenger hunt to help you explore the many paths to success.
-
Tiffany Beyer
Manager of Talent Acquisition
Tiffany Beyer always thought she'd grow up to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, but she actually began her career working in venture capital. After moving home to the Topeka area, Tiffany needed a new job, so she decided to start at Stormont Vail Health, where her mom worked. Now, she's the manager…
Read More -
Ronald J. Gentry
Facilities Management Director
As the facilities management director at Stormont Vail Health, Ronald J. Gentry oversees everything on the property — from the wiring behind the walls to everything you see in the clinic. Find out how he started his career and his advice for others interested in management positions.
Read More -
Melinda Herrig
Enterostomal Therapy Charge Nurse
Melinda Herrig started her career journey as a barber, then decided to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a nurse. As a single mother, Melinda pursued her dream by taking one college course per semester at Washburn University. Today, she's a charge nurse at Stormont Vail Health.…
Read More -
Laura Caby
ER Charge Nurse
Laura Caby began her journey at Stormont Vail Health when she was 18 years old. She started working in the Housekeeping Department and is now a charge nurse! Discover more about her journey and why she says Stormont feels like home.
Read More -
Carrie Cooley
Automation Technician
Carrie Cooley fell in love with math after having an amazing teacher in high school. She uses that passion every day as an automation technician at Stormont Vail Health. By asking lots of questions, working hard and keeping a positive attitude, Carrie is the best technician she can be. Learn…
Read More -
Josh Smith
President, Klaver Construction Company, Inc.
One of Josh Smith's first jobs was pouring and jackhammering concrete while working for his grandfather. Throughout his career, he's been grateful for the help, support and lessons from his peers. Find out what he does as president of a company and hear his advice for others interested in…
Read More -
Steve Sloan
President, Midwest Minerals
Midwest Minerals supplies materials used in the construction and road industries. Steve Sloan started at the business back in 1995, when he began learning through hands-on experience and training from his peers. Discover what Steve enjoys most about this industry and the opportunities it…
Read More -
Jay Van Hove
Executive Vice President, Koss Construction Company
Jay Van Hove initially thought he'd be a high school history teacher and coach. But after taking a few construction classes in college, his view of the industry changed, and so did his career goals. Now, he's the executive vice president of Koss Construction Company.
Read More -
Chris Rech
Vice President, A.M. Cohron & Son, Inc.
For Chris Rech, the best part about the construction industry is contributing to something tangible — when a project is finished, you're able to say, "Hey! I helped make that!" As vice president of A.M. Cohron & Son, Inc., Chris sees this in action daily. Learn about his career journey and…
Read More -
Chad Girard
President, APAC-Kansas, Inc. Shears Division
Chad Girard's family worked in the construction industy, so once he realized a career in professional sports wasn't in his future, he followed in his relatives' footsteps. Today, he's the president of APAC-Kansas, Inc.'s Shears Division. Discover what that job entails and why the construction…
Read More