Carrie Koenig is the director of Environment & Facilities for The Bartolotta Restaurants, the premier restaurant and catering group in the Greater Milwaukee area. In her role, Koenig aids to deliver the the Bartolotta Promise of delivering an exceptional environment for guests. Learn about Carrie Koenig…
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
First job: My first job was as a medical file clerk for a urology clinic.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WI: So many to choose from! My go-to pastimes are hiking throughout any number of our beautiful Milwaukee County parks while listening to a podcast, road tripping through Door County with my husband, or enjoying the Riverwalk along the Milwaukee River with my kids.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: My single biggest accomplishment is becoming a mom. I always knew I wanted to have children, and I feel so blessed and grateful to have these kids in my life. Witnessing their growth and guiding them into adulthood is such a gift that I do not take for granted.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: My father passed away from cancer when I was 14. The older I get, the more I realize how much this tragic period in my life propelled me to live life to the fullest, to do my best and, above all else, to be kind to others.
Someone who inspires you and why: My mom, hands down. She is the matriarch of the family that keeps everyone together and is also the life of the party. I’ve even had friends adopt her as their own. She has always been my biggest supporter and cheerleader. I am forever grateful for her.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Even though my background is in commercial interior design, I am currently in a facility management role. That’s the great thing about facility management; there are so many ways to get here. Most colleges do not offer specific programs for this field, but there are a multitude of professional development courses you can take through professional associations and organizations. There is an aging workforce in this industry either retiring or on the verge of retirement, so now is a great time to get into the field. Also, my advice is to find a mentor, mentor someone else, brush up on your business skills or take some courses in finance. Everyone around you can teach you something, good or bad. Never stop learning and allow yourself to be open to all opportunities.
Favorite quote: “Just keep swimming.” –Dory, Finding Nemo
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I was a very shy child with low self-esteem. Becoming a mother and going through the birthing process was a very transformative time in my life and truly made me realize that if I could get through that, I could do anything I put my mind to.
What makes someone fabulous: Kindness, sincerity, calmness and authenticity. And just keep swimming, just keep swimming…