Julie and her husband Patrick moved to Greendale about 18 years ago to raise their children in her husband’s hometown, a place they knew would be great to raise a family! Since they have made it their home, Julie’s family has also joined them, her brother, sister and their kids as well as her parents. They are all very close.
The line of work Julie does gives her the flexibility to enjoy the close-knit lifestyle that Greendale has to offer. She is a trainer/coach for a small boutique firm where she works with business executives on communicating more effectively, verbally and non-verbally. She enjoys helping people to make small improvements to help them succeed both personally and professionally.
While her husband started volunteering with the Greendale Youth Football League, Julie began working at the concession stands. Over the years she has graduated from that position and become the VP of the Greendale Panther Athletic Booster Club, running the concessions for all high school sports at Greendale High School. She also volunteers as the “Uniform Mom” and the “Football Mom” for GHS.
In her spare time, Julie enjoys doing puzzles. She has a photographic mind which gives her amazing skills to remember what those pieces look like. Typically, she can do a 1000-word puzzle in a matter of hours. She also enjoys reading, being creative and taking really long walks around Greendale.
Thank you Julie, for playing such an active role in our community.
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
A: I had an amazing college experience at UW-LaCrosse which steered me toward higher education. It was while at UW-L that I made friends with someone who later encouraged me to do the training work I do now.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Greendale and what do you love there?
A: How can I choose? I love Ricardo’s for their wings, burgers, and of course pizza…especially the cheeseburger pizza. I love Sugar & Flour for their avocado toast breakfast (add an egg!). And you can’t go wrong with Joey Gerard’s for one of Nick’s perfectly crafted Old Fashioneds. Regardless of where I go to eat, I love that I run into people I know.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in Greendale?
A: We have lived here for almost 18 years. Patrick grew up in Greendale, and as with most people who grow up here, he left and returned to raise a family. We wanted to raise a family in a close-knit, safe, supportive, and friendly community.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in Greendale?
A: There are so many unique and interesting people around the village. One person who is always good for a fun story is Steve Burrows. Though he doesn’t live here anymore, he grew up here and returns often. We usually run into him at Ricardo’s and we hear stories about growing up here and who he’s rubbing elbows with in Hollywood.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: I’ve always wanted to go to Germany. Our family heritage is German and it would be a great experience to see where our families come from.
Q: What is your favorite movie OR what is the first movie you remember seeing in a theatre?
A: I don’t watch much TV or movies as I prefer to read. When I do sit down (not much time for that), I watch anything on the Food Network. I love to cook and entertain and can always pick up tips for my next meal. One of the first movies I remember seeing in the theater was The Muppet Movie. Perhaps that’s why I love rainbows.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
A: Be kind. Show empathy. Spend time with people…they are more important than anything else.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: On the short list: see Billy Joel in concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City. We had tickets for his May 2nd show but it was postponed due to COVID-19. Soon. Very soon. On the longer list: participate in RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa). My cousins participate every year and I think it would be an amazing accomplishment and a ton of fun!!
Q: What is your favorite music/ 3 bands you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: I love most music, but especially 70’s and 80’s. A few of my favorite artists: Billy Joel, Elton John, George Michael. I’ve been fortunate enough to have seen them all in concert.
Q: What current / former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Greendale?
A: Ferch’s. I like the idea of an old-fashioned ice cream shoppe keeping the history of Greendale alive.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative: with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? Where in Greendale would you have lunch?
A: I would choose Michelle Obama because she’s smart, down-to-earth, and approachable despite being a former First Lady. I’d take her to Sugar & Flour because I know she’d appreciate the fresh ingredients and we’d chat over coffee. And maybe a pretty cookie, too.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Greendale?
A: It’s a cliché answer but I have to say the small-town community feel. It’s a supportive village to raise a family, it has a tight-knit family vibe, and it’s rich with interesting history.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
A: Likely still in Greendale, volunteering in many ways, walking the trails and being happy doing it all!
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
A: If I could do it all over, I’d love to be an interior designer. I love house plans, design, color, and everything that is home design.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: I’ve been lucky to travel all over the country. I love seeing our country from an airplane. I appreciate the beaches of North Carolina because of the ocean and because I’ve been there with family making memories.
Q: If you were cast in a movie and could choose your costar, who would it be?
A: Jason Bateman. I’ve been a fan of his since his days on Silver Spoons.
Q: Favorite month? Holiday? And Best single day on the calendar?
Month: December
Holiday: Thanksgiving
Single Day: my birthday
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: My kids.
Q: What are one or two of your favorite smells?
A: Lemon and fresh baked bread.
Q: If a movie was made of your life, who would you want to play you?
A: Sandra Bullock
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A: Family, Safe, Warm
