This is the extended version of our visit with Holstein World team member, Jessica McKee. An abbreviated version appears in the June magazine. If you’d ever like to get in contact with Jessica, she can be reached at 800-334-1904 ext. 244 or jmckee@dairybusiness.com!

Greetings World readers! I’m delighted to share with you a little bit about me. Among several other duties, I am a liaison between our subscribers and our publications. I care for our online visitors, and those who take time to write or call. I provide customer care to both our domestic and foreign customers, and to my colleagues.

I have one daughter, a wonderful young woman, who along side my son-in-law is raising my three grandchildren back in my home state of California. My parents were both originally from Brooklyn, NY. Hence, I was raised an odd native Californian who says “ahrange” (orange) and “harrible” (horrible).

My past occupations have included being a professional performing musician, co-owning a golf school/ driving range in California, working at a restaurant/pub in Colorado and I have counseled on a hotline for battered women and children. I’ve asked people if “they’d like fries with that?” I’ve sold stereo equipment, helped people create their dreams with a home loan. I’ve lived every moment, and been blessed with incredible people to share it with.

Timing is a curious phenomenon…and so is perception. We are DairyBusiness Communications – Dairy being the key word here. For example, a gentleman called who was trying to locate our office. He was delivering our creamer and was a ’stand in’ for the guy who usually handled our route. Jenn Larabee jumped right in to direct him from the interstate, he was grateful and they hung up. Great! The beverage service was finally coming to replenish our creamer and coffee for the office!

Important office supplies, I’d say.

20 minutes later, it was the gentleman calling back. Our office lies in a very tricky spot. It’s rather off the beaten track, and at the edge of a very confusing entanglement of streets. So I’m not surprised he’s confused about where to go from the main street. I remained on the phone with him, guiding him in. Moments earlier, Karen Knutsen, Jenn and Carol Moyer here in the office mentioned how odd this was. We all smile a lot, we laugh as much as possible…for the most part, we’re happy people…with imagination. BUT…you can just imagine how shocked we were to see a industrial-haul tanker pull up in our narrow drive. Uh, yes the cream was here…only it wasn’t in small ounce packets we could fit in the fridge of the break room…uh no. We’re talking TANKER. We invited him in for new directions, a cup of coffee with cream and shared the laugh. After all, the key word Dairy brought us here.

Most exciting accomplishment? Meeting our subscribers at World Dairy Expo and helping to keep them informed by offering them a variety of information that our publications provide. The smile I receive back, the thank you over the phone…the email of gratitude, it means a great deal to me. Knowing every day I talk to people all over this world who share the same concerns, and who strive to provide the same quality of nourishment for their neighbors, their family and their friends at home and across the seas reminds me that it’s a very small world. And we share it together. So every time I hear thank you, I receive it like a hug and that’s a wonderful thing.

I believe in what we do – supporting this industry. Every smile I receive, thank you, email of gratitude, means a great deal to me. Every day I talk to people all over this world who share the same concerns, who strive to provide the same quality of nourishment for their neighbors, their family, their friends at home and abroad. It truly is a small world. And we’re in it together.

I am so proud to work with this talented and dedicated group of people I call my colleagues. I am honored to represent a company that has stood tall for over 100 years, providing something of true value to a very hard working industry that is constantly challenged by change.

I have always had a very soft spot in my heart for farmers and I cannot thank them enough for what they do. The farming community worldwide provides the fuel for life. It’s hard work…not everyone CAN do what farmers do. I have a deep admiration and respect for our farmers both at home in the US and all over this incredible earth. Their dedication is inspiring, worth great recognition. Truly the most gracious, warm and genuinely happy people that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Dairy farmers not only provide for us, but they also teach a true love for animals. What ever I can do to give back…I’m there.

Jessica’s Favorites
Music: Raised in opera theaters and with the great sounds of swing and big band. Love jazz, rhythm and blues, country…rock and roll…and folk. There isn’t a music venue I don’t like.
TV Shows: I still miss Johnny Carson!
Movies: ‘The Jerk’ with Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters… “All I need is this chair…and…”
Books: I enjoy autobiographies, historical recounts…and words of wisdom and inspiration.
Quote: ‘We have nothing to fear, but fear itself.” F.D. Roosevelt
“You’ve only lived a minute of your life.” Alice Cooper
Hobbies: Cooking, Traveling and People…all kinds of people. What we all have in common is our difference.
Cow: Unfortunately I do not. But if you ever need a cow sitter…

This is the extended version of our visit with Holstein World team member, Jessica McKee. An abbreviated version appears in the June magazine. If you’d ever like to get in contact with Jessica, she can be reached at 800-334-1904 ext. 244 or jmckee@dairybusiness.com!

Greetings World readers! I’m delighted to share with you a little bit about me. Among several other duties, I am a liaison between our subscribers and our publications. I care for our online visitors, and those who take time to write or call. I provide customer care to both our domestic and foreign customers, and to my colleagues.

I have one daughter, a wonderful young woman, who along side my son-in-law is raising my three grandchildren back in my home state of California. My parents were both originally from Brooklyn, NY. Hence, I was raised an odd native Californian who says “ahrange” (orange) and “harrible” (horrible).

My past occupations have included being a professional performing musician, co-owning a golf school/ driving range in California, working at a restaurant/pub in Colorado and I have counseled on a hotline for battered women and children. I’ve asked people if “they’d like fries with that?” I’ve sold stereo equipment, helped people create their dreams with a home loan. I’ve lived every moment, and been blessed with incredible people to share it with.

Timing is a curious phenomenon…and so is perception. We are DairyBusiness Communications – Dairy being the key word here. For example, a gentleman called who was trying to locate our office. He was delivering our creamer and was a ’stand in’ for the guy who usually handled our route. Jenn Larabee jumped right in to direct him from the interstate, he was grateful and they hung up. Great! The beverage service was finally coming to replenish our creamer and coffee for the office!

Important office supplies, I’d say.

20 minutes later, it was the gentleman calling back. Our office lies in a very tricky spot. It’s rather off the beaten track, and at the edge of a very confusing entanglement of streets. So I’m not surprised he’s confused about where to go from the main street. I remained on the phone with him, guiding him in. Moments earlier, Karen Knutsen, Jenn and Carol Moyer here in the office mentioned how odd this was. We all smile a lot, we laugh as much as possible…for the most part, we’re happy people…with imagination. BUT…you can just imagine how shocked we were to see a industrial-haul tanker pull up in our narrow drive. Uh, yes the cream was here…only it wasn’t in small ounce packets we could fit in the fridge of the break room…uh no. We’re talking TANKER. We invited him in for new directions, a cup of coffee with cream and shared the laugh. After all, the key word Dairy brought us here.

Most exciting accomplishment? Meeting our subscribers at World Dairy Expo and helping to keep them informed by offering them a variety of information that our publications provide. The smile I receive back, the thank you over the phone…the email of gratitude, it means a great deal to me. Knowing every day I talk to people all over this world who share the same concerns, and who strive to provide the same quality of nourishment for their neighbors, their family and their friends at home and across the seas reminds me that it’s a very small world. And we share it together. So every time I hear thank you, I receive it like a hug and that’s a wonderful thing.

I believe in what we do – supporting this industry. Every smile I receive, thank you, email of gratitude, means a great deal to me. Every day I talk to people all over this world who share the same concerns, who strive to provide the same quality of nourishment for their neighbors, their family, their friends at home and abroad. It truly is a small world. And we’re in it together.

I am so proud to work with this talented and dedicated group of people I call my colleagues. I am honored to represent a company that has stood tall for over 100 years, providing something of true value to a very hard working industry that is constantly challenged by change.

I have always had a very soft spot in my heart for farmers and I cannot thank them enough for what they do. The farming community worldwide provides the fuel for life. It’s hard work…not everyone CAN do what farmers do. I have a deep admiration and respect for our farmers both at home in the US and all over this incredible earth. Their dedication is inspiring, worth great recognition. Truly the most gracious, warm and genuinely happy people that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Dairy farmers not only provide for us, but they also teach a true love for animals. What ever I can do to give back…I’m there.

Jessica’s Favorites
Music: Raised in opera theaters and with the great sounds of swing and big band. Love jazz, rhythm and blues, country…rock and roll…and folk. There isn’t a music venue I don’t like.
TV Shows: I still miss Johnny Carson!
Movies: ‘The Jerk’ with Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters… “All I need is this chair…and…”
Books: I enjoy autobiographies, historical recounts…and words of wisdom and inspiration.
Quote: ‘We have nothing to fear, but fear itself.” F.D. Roosevelt
“You’ve only lived a minute of your life.” Alice Cooper
Hobbies: Cooking, Traveling and People…all kinds of people. What we all have in common is our difference.
Cow: Unfortunately I do not. But if you ever need a cow sitter…

7 weeks and 3 days ago my world changed completely! A sweet little girl came into our lives and we keep falling more in love with her each day. My husband Kelly and I are having a wonderful time getting to know little miss Aubree Lauren – or ””””Baby Bree”””” for short.

Thank you to everyone who have sent gifts and well wishes to our new family! Its special times like these that I feel so blessed to be in an industry that cares so much for each other. Im very happy that we will be raising Aubree as a farm girl – whether she will lean towards dairy or beef has yet to be determined FYI, my husband works for the American Simmental Association.

Now that I””””m back in action as a new working mom, I figured it”””’’s only right that I share some pictures with all of you – enjoy!

Holstein World: Describe your position at Holstein World. When did you first begin working, what are your primary responsibilities, favorite tasks, etc.

Leon Vaughn: My position at Holstein World is as an Internet & IT Assistant. I began working early in January 2007. I””m responsible for some of the website updating and design. My favorite task is website design.

Holstein World: Share with our readers a little bit about your personal background. What you did before Holstein World, schooling, family members, pets, hobbies, etc.

Leon Vaughn: I currently live in Northern NY in a cold and snowy little village called Copenhagen. The sun seldom shines there. I have a wife, a son, 3 step-children, a Jack Russell Terrorist, a cat, and 3 ducks. I enjoy motorcycling and on-line gaming. I have an Associates degree from Jefferson Community College in Watertown, NY. I””ve worked at a variety of places over the last 30 years in a variety of occupations.

Holstein World: What is one of your favorite memories working here? Most exciting accomplishment?

Leon Vaughn: I haven””t worked here very long so I haven””t had a chance to get many favorite memories. I do enjoy working here as the people here are an eclectic bunch.

Holstein World: Describe your position at Holstein World. When did you first begin working, what are your primary responsibilities, favorite tasks, etc.

Sarah Schmidt: In June of 2005, I joined the Holstein World team as an Internet Services Associate and Contributing Writer. My primary responsibilities include working with current Internet customers and their websites, while also helping to develop websites for new customers and promoting the Internet services we have to offer. Secondary responsibilities include writing stories for the magazine from time to time, and coordinating our efforts on the All Breeds Blog.

Some of my favorite tasks include completing a website and posting it for the world to see, visiting with breeders and researching pedigrees. I enjoy following the progress of a customer’s herd and becoming “involved” in their operation.

Holstein World: Share with our readers a little bit about your personal background. What you did before Holstein World, schooling, family members, pets, hobbies, etc.

Sarah Schmidt: I grew up on a Registered Holstein family farm, Raylore Farm, in Hutchinson, MN. My parents, siblings and I have always been involved in the dairy community and enjoy showing at any level. Junior Holstein activities were a part of our life from a very early age.

After graduating from the University of MN in 2005 with a degree in Animal Science, I went straight to work for the Holstein World. While in school I had internship experience with Cargill Animal Nutrition, MN Dept. of Agriculture and the College of Agricultural, Food & Environmental Sciences. I was also very involved on campus with the Gopher Dairy Club and the Dairy Judging Team. Go Gophers!

My husband, Kelly, and I just recently purchased an acreage in SW MN where we currently have a herd of three bred Simmental heifers. (Kelly works for the American Simmental Association.) Plans are to grow this group of heifers, while also working with Holstein heifers from my parents’ farm. Equal beef & dairy! Showing (both species) is one of our hobbies, along with playing with our Springer Spaniel, Brodie, reading, remodeling our house and barn, and visiting our families.

Holstein World: What is one of your favorite memories working here? Most exciting accomplishment?

Sarah Schmidt: Some of my favorite memories come from when our whole team gets to spend time together. We have a lot of fun together, whether it be a sale, company meeting or World Dairy Expo. We enjoy what we do and the people we work with, that makes it easy to have fun!

Personally, my most exciting accomplishment has been seeing my work, a website or a story, published online or in the magazine. Also, seeing the number of websites that we work with grow from about 100 when I began, to now being close to 250! Online advertising is definitely not a passing fad – its here to stay! People really enjoy the convenience and ease of promoting their animals online, while also reading the daily news information that we provide.

Holstein World: Is there any additional information you’d like to share?

Sarah Schmidt: I LOVE visiting with people and I LOVE cows! I have a tremendous respect for breeders who have dedicated their lives to developing cows and cow families, and have a progressive and optimistic view of the registered dairy cattle business. At a time when it can be easy to dwell on milk prices, feed prices, weather, finding good help, etc., I find it refreshing to talk with someone who is excited about a springing heifer or anticipating the classifier’s next visit. I enjoy helping people promote their animals through print and online advertising. Be excited and proud of your herd – if you’re not, who will be?

Holstein World: Describe your position at Holstein World. When did you first begin working, what are your primary responsibilities, favorite tasks, etc.

Karen Knutsen: I started at Holstein World in February 2002, so I””m just about to celebrate being a New Yorker for five years now! When I was first hired, my primary responsibilities included more public relations things – writing press releases, helping plan special issues, writing promotion pieces, and helping with ads. I transitioned into an assistant editor position about a year after that, and eventually became Editor in August of 2004. Besides writing, as well as organizing a fabulous editorial team, I still dabble with some ad work and website updates. I””m also in charge of collecting news for both Holstein World and AllBreed Access daily updates. My favorite part of the job, by far, is traveling and learning the stories behind everyone that I meet. It doesn””t matter if you have 30 cows or 3,000 cows, your stories are fascinating because they all reflect the passion that we share for the Registered Holstein cow.

Holstein World: Share with our readers a little bit about your personal background. What you did before Holstein World, schooling, family members, pets, hobbies, etc.

Karen Knutsen: I was born and raised on Lovdal Farms in Rising Sun, MD. My dad and uncle were partners on the dairy, until just recently, when my uncle retired. Dad still milks cows and loves it! I graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in animal science and left school to work as a poultry supervisor for Perdue Farms in Delaware. The chicken business is quite an adventure, and I should probably write a book about those 1.5 years of my life, but I missed the dairy industry too much to stay. I worked for Semex USA for 10 years – both on the east coast and in Madison, so I got to fully appreciate the level of enthusiasm that Badger fans have for all their teams! From Semex, I came directly to the World. I””m currently serving as a 4-H co-leader for the Moo Crew Dairy Club in central New York, and love, love, love the winter times here – including skiing, hockey, snow shoeing and anything that involves being outside in the cold weather! I still get home to milk some weekends, and really enjoy working at Lylehaven when I can!

Holstein World: What is one of your favorite memories working here? Most exciting accomplishment?

Karen Knutsen: I””ve got too many favorite memories to pick just one – but most include those lovely travel stories! Julie Brown and I trying desperately to find a hotel with a hairdryer on a trip west…decorating for the Kingsmill sale, any trip to California, a speeding ticket on the way to the Heatherstone sale, my Bacon Hill lunch meetings…this industry is filled with many great clients, but more importantly, it”’’s filled with even more great friends! And of course, our office is loaded with practical jokesters. We have an awesome working environment both here and with our field team – the best I””ve known! Exciting accomplishments have been the evolution of AllBreed Access and the continued new developments in Holstein World.

Holstein World: Is there any additional information you’d like to share?

Karen Knutsen: I think the success of Holstein World and AllBreed Access is all due to teamwork – between the livestock ad team and the internet team, and also between all our readers. The magazine should really be called “Your Holstein World” as we try extremely hard to bring the world to your door, telling your stories and reporting on your events. We absolutely love what we do, and while many of us would like to, we can””t milk cows. These magazines are our “farms” and we””re just as committed to making them succeed. I think you””ll see a lot more new things in 2007 – both in print and on the internet. We hope you like them! Please feel free to let us know what you think – our ability to change and grow comes from your comments and suggestions!

Holstein World: Describe your position at Holstein World. When did you first begin working, what are your primary responsibilities, favorite tasks, etc.

Jenny Thomas: I started with Holstein World in January 2006 working on special projects including the first issue of AllBreed Access. I then joined the staff as a full-time employee in March 2006 as a breeder advertising sales representative. My duties include sales and editorial responsibilities for AllBreed Access as well as Internet sales for both the Holstein World and AllBreed Access websites. In addition, I help with show, sale and event coverage for both the Holstein World and AllBreed Access publications. The most current addition to my list is the All-American Jersey Contest which has exceeded many expectations in its first year!

Holstein World: Share with our readers a little bit about your personal background. What you did before Holstein World, schooling, family members, pets, hobbies, etc.

Jenny Thomas: I grew up on my family dairy – Richman Farms in Lodi, OH. The farm consists of 700 acres and they are currently milking 40 head of registered Holsteins, Jerseys and a couple Brown Swiss. I attended Ohio State, where I earned a degree with a major in Animal Science and a minor in AgBusiness and Economics. After graduation, I worked for Ohio Farm Bureau as an Organization Director. Two years later, I moved back to the family farm and worked for Ohio Holstein Association as the Office Manager.

In December, I married Nathan Thomas of Triple-T Holsteins, North Lewisburg, Ohio where we currently reside. We board show heifers and cows, while milking our small herd of Holsteins and Jerseys.

My hobbies and pets are much of the same creature…the cows! So much of my life revolves around the cattle and the people that work with them.

Holstein World: What is one of your favorite memories working here? Most exciting accomplishment?

Jenny Thomas: I currently am drawing near to my one year anniversary….and can not believe that it has already been that long! I have enjoyed every minute! What they say is true…time flies when you are having fun and surrounded by great people. It has been a great experience to be part of such a close-knit and cooperative team.

As far as my most memorable moments…my first official week of work sent me on a road trip in Maryland with Frank Putman. We had a great time and a very successful week during our herd visits. We dubbed our trip “Frank & Jen’s Great Adventure.” I felt very fortunate to be able to visit with the great people and their cattle and calling it my ‘job.’

AllBreed Access has been a work in progress, growing and evolving with each issue. The website in return has gained popularity and both the print and internet have taken off to a new level! Now, we have added the All-American Jersey Contest for the deserving Jersey breeders. It has been a great sense of accomplishment to see recognition given to these well deserved individuals and their owners.

Holstein World: Is there any additional information you’d like to share?

Jenny Thomas: Growing up, I always leafed through the pages of the Holstein World. I remember seeing great cattle and high profile herds that covered the pages. I only hoped that one day, I would have something ‘good enough’ to advertise. Now when I reflect, I realize that there is always someone looking to buy…but self-promotion is essential to be found. It does not matter if you do not have the winner from Madison, you still have ’something’ that ’someone’ could be looking for! BE FOUND!

Holstein World: Describe your position at Holstein World. When did you first begin working, what are your primary responsibilities, favorite tasks, etc.

Frank Putman: I joined the staff of Holstein World in April of 2004, with the primary responsibility of working with breeders on their ad programs in print or online. The geographic area that is my beat is the eastern region of the US. I also cover Holstein events in that area (and report on them), be it sales, shows or conventions. It is also my pleasure to visit breeding establishments in that area and share with our readers the news that these breeders are making. There is no favorite task. Actually there are no tasks. All is pure enjoyment. From helping in the creation of ads or seeing the pride and pleasure of breeders that win in the show ring, sales ring or at home with their breeding programs.

Holstein World: Share with our readers a little bit about your personal background. What you did before Holstein World, schooling, family members, pets, hobbies, etc.

Frank Putman: I was born on a dairy farm (so many years ago). I have bred, milked and shown Holsteins. I have worked as a fitter for sales and shows. I have spent 9 years as a salesperson for a major AI firm. I have had the pleasure of selecting for consignment sales as well as locating cattle for clients. I also served as a merchandising representative for NY Holstein for a brief period. Reflecting on this, I would say that I have been preparing for my employment with Holstein World for many years. I have either been in or seen all sides of the business.

Holstein World: What is one of your favorite memories working here? Most exciting accomplishment?

Frank Putman: My favorite memories continue to be the interaction with people and the pleasure of working with a selfless group of people who always want to produce a quality product that serves our industry. In many ways, our goal is the breeders’ goal. It is always exciting to see plans and promotion come to fruition and the desire for readers to “get their hands” on the latest issue, when attending an event.

Holstein World: Is there any additional information you’d like to share?

Frank Putman: The only other item I wish to share is that we are always just a phone call away when you have any questions on promoting your cattle. Remember that all other breeders have full schedules and can only learn of your product if you serve it up to them. You do not go through a fast food drive through without seeing the menu. How else would you know what they are serving?

Holstein World: Describe your position at Holstein World. When did you first begin working, what are your primary responsibilities, favorite tasks, etc.?

Julie Brown: I came to Holstein World five years ago in November 2001 as a Breeder Advertising Representative/Associate Editor. One year ago I became the Livestock Advertising Sales Manager/Associate Editor. My primary responsibilities have been and remain working together with breeders on print and internet advertising for maximum industry exposure and to expand their income opportunities through effective marketing and advertising. I truly enjoy the study of cow families, the bloodlines, compiling effective ads and entire advertising campaigns. I also am privileged to attend and provide coverage for sales and show events around the country.

Holstein World: Share with your readers a little bit about your personal background. What did you do before Holstein World, schooling, family members, pets, hobbies, etc.?

Julie Brown: I grew up on a registered Holstein farm at Marionville, MO. I had many responsibilities including milking, feeding, meeting the dairy sanitation and inspection requirements and registration of animals. My brother and our parents still dairy on the farm at Marionville. I graduated from Missouri State University, then worked for Missouri Holstein Association for five years part-time. When my husband Russell and I were married our business became Julie-B Holstein, a small elite herd of cows and replacement dairy heifer operation. We showed cattle extensively including the All-American Produce of Dam in 1999. Labor and industry infrastructure became difficult in southern Missouri, so I made a decision to sell my herd in small groups as they were fresh or springing beginning in spring 2001. That fall, I went to work for Holstein World. I love animals of all kinds and have many pets, both domestic and wild! The domestic ones include cows, horses, and cats. My hobbies include fishing, sewing, photography, reading, music, and cooking.

Holstein World: What is one of your favorite memories working here? Most exciting accomplishment?

Julie Brown: It is too difficult to pick one, because there are many. I enjoy working with everyone on staff very much, we strive to work hard and have fun doing so. I will always carry memories of the Century Celebration Sale at Holstein World. I enjoy industry camaraderie at events such as shows and sales, and I have enjoyed interacting with people I have met as I have been traveling to these events. One of my personal greatest accomplishments comes when a client is very pleased with the results of the work our staff has done, and our combined efforts pay off with tangible success in terms of merchandising income and recognition for them.

Holstein World: Is there any further information you would like to share?

Julie Brown: In any industry, there is no more effective means of raising income potential than a consistent, regular program of advertising. This component of the registered cattle business is every bit as important as your accountant, veterinarian, nutritionist, or banker. You can feel comfortable assigning the details of your advertising program to the professional staff at Holstein World. The most effective way to do this is to assign a budget to this area and see what options are available to maximize your efforts with this number. Day in and day out, over the long term, advertising does not cost, it pays. The key is making a plan and sticking to that plan just as you do in your work each day.

Holstein World: Describe your position at Holstein World. When did you first begin working, what are your primary responsibilities, favorite tasks, etc.

Amos Vryhof: My position at Holstein World is an assistant web developer. I started working Part time in the fourth quarter of 2005, and continued on until being hired on Full time in February 2006. My primary responsibilities include, the All Breed Access website, Online Holstein World, Western DairyBusiness, and Midwest DairyBusiness magazines, website updates, Internal technical support for our employees, and filling in for Eric when he is not in the office.

Some of my favorite tasks are developing new technologies for use on our websites, and customer websites, as well as creating new websites for customers. It is rewarding to create a good looking website, and a happy customer. It can be a little frustrating at times because I”m more of a computer person than a dairy person, but in the end, it’’s always a good feeling to make the best website I can build.

Holstein World: Share with our readers a little bit about your personal background. What you did before Holstein World, schooling, family members, pets, hobbies, etc.

Amos Vryhof: Prior to starting at Holstein World, I attended Clarkson University for Management Information Systems for a few years, and since then have worked in various industries, including Electroplating, Retail, Computer Technical Support, Trucking, and Contract work installing Point of Sale Systems, and various low-voltage electrical work. Currently, I live with my brother and his family in Nedrow, NY. I have two Nieces, a Nephew, and another on the way. My Hobbies are pretty much all DIY type of things; Home Brewing, Carpentry, some Auto repair, and Computers. I also have a small coin collection, including the complete collection of Mercury Dimes.

Holstein World: What is one of your favorite memories working here? Most exciting accomplishment?

Amos Vryhof: Working here has been a pretty good collection of memories. I would have to say it is a very fun place to work, and very rewarding most of the time. I would have to say the Christmas party at Turning Stone was a great memory, and winning my way up to $130 from the $10 I took was fun… even though I lost it all about 10 minutes later. I think the most exciting accomplishment has been working on the team that has taken our Internet services department from a few breeder sites, holsteinworld.com and dairybusiness.com to about 250 customer websites, with sites for a blog, All Breed Access, and two of our most popular DairyBusiness publications…. as well as a few big projects in the works that I think will make this year very exciting.

Holstein World: Is there any further information you”d like to share?

Amos Vryhof: I think 2007 will turn out to be our best year yet. With new team members coming on board to help keep up with the workload, and the new projects we have in store, I think we can safely say our customers will get more than ever out of our Internet Services Department to help integrate their print and electronic advertising packages. All of the major advertising players in just about every industry are using the combination of new media (Websites, Online Sales, Online Catalogs, etc) and old media (Print, radio) to hit on target with the whole customer base.