Star City Six – Stephanie Laux
Kinetic by Windstream (windstream.com) is a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions for consumers, businesses, enterprise organizations, and wholesale customers locally and nationally. Stephanie Laux is the subdivision development engineer at Windstream.
Tell us a little about your business.
My role is to specifically work hand-in-hand with developers and builders of new subdivision and multi-dwelling projects. I help usher projects through all phases from design to construction, and ultimately completion so that residents can take advantage of next-generation internet speed.
How did you get started in the business?
I’ve been working for Windstream for 22 years. Right out of college, I started as a sales assistant on the Omaha sales team and spent eight years in Omaha before transferring to Lincoln. I’ve had many roles including applications designer, call center supervisor, operations local manager, area manager for retail, and marketing consultant.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
After 18 years in leadership, I had a chance at a new role: individual contributor. I’m passionate about leadership, but this opportunity was unique. It allowed me to travel less and be home more, so I took a chance and I’m thankful I did. This transition allowed me to stretch a different professional muscle in local marketing, networking with local influencers, and build our brand recognition deeper in the Lincoln market.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Being a part of the Kinetic Sport Center project.
Tell us a little about your family.
I’ve been married to my husband Jim for almost two years. Between the two of us, we have four kids. Morgan is in her first year of college, Isabel and Sydny are freshman in high school, and Easton is a sixth grader.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Becoming a mom is number one. The second biggest was moving to Lincoln. It’s where I met Jim and gained two more daughters!
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Craft projects or doing some refinishing/redecorating in the house.
Who inspires you?
People who are kind.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Healing the sick. I’ve seen too many people I love suffer from terminal illness.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
Undergraduate or graduate professor in organizational behavior, emotional intelligence, leadership, growth, etc.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
A Warmer Day, a local nonprofit focused on putting warm coats, gloves, and hats on anyone who needs them.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
Any book by Brené Brown.
What is your favorite movie?
The Goonies.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
There could be quite a few famous people on this list, but I’d pass up all of them to have dinner with any one of my grandparents again.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 437-7200; stephanie.laux@windstream.com; windstream.com.