You may have talked with me, Micki Kastel, Director of Operations, on the phone to confirm distribution details or needed help with your account access. I have been interviewing my teammates to give our readers an opportunity to know more about each individual on a personal level. It is now my turn to answer my own questions.
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
Going to the beach with a good book, my favorite music, beverage and snacks. This is a place I love to go with friends and family, but I am equally as happy going alone.
What are your hobbies, and how did you get into them?
Paddle boarding is an activity I have just begun. There is just no passing up an opportunity to enjoy the water, weather and beaches in Sarasota! I took up the violin not too long ago; I truly love music and the violin is such a beautiful instrument. I have been enjoying reading more than ever before as well as biking and running to my favorite music.
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
When my boys give me a hug, tell me they love me or just say “thank you”.
What do you love about your job?
I love making clients happy with speedy and diligent service. Every request is important and will get treated as such. So often I seek out the same service level in my personal service needs, but it is really hard to find. Everyone on our team operates in this manner and I think that’s what makes us such a great team. I’ve been with White Oaks coming up 13 years now and it has always brought continued knowledge, challenges and opportunities to wear many hats.
What’s your favorite way to spend time with your family?
Anything we do outdoors is time well spent. We enjoy putting puzzles together as a family and playing word games, such as Scrabble and Bananagrams.
What makes you proud of your family?
I am proud of my boys for their ability to move from Minnesota to Sarasota, FL. We have had our challenges to say the least and they are strong, supportive and loving. Reconnecting with long lost family in Florida has also been wonderful. My parents and older sister, are interested in getting a place in Sarasota now as well! I am proud of the family connections I continue to build as our lives move forward in Florida.
If you could only teach one thing to your (future) child, what would it be?
Be conscientious and respect yourself.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Now that I live near the Gulf of Mexico, I never want to give that up. There is something about ocean waters that is healing and good for the soul. Sarasota has some of the most beautiful beaches. I don’t think I’ll be moving anytime soon!
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
My magic power would be to wave my hands or a magic wand to restore the ecosystem of the ocean to a healthy state. The ocean is a vital source to our lives.
