Pearl’s in-house marketing team (Pearl Marketing Group—or “PMG” for short) churns through hundreds of projects every single year. With so many jobs to keep track of, project management is critical.…
Emilie Leadley–Pearl’s Own Super Woman Over 20 years ago, Affinity Billing Representative Emilie Leadley contracted a virus that changed the course of her life. But despite the hardships she faced…
Though many of our employees are still operating from home after transitioning to remote work in 2020, a few people have been contributing virtually for much longer. You may think…
Growing up, Scott Simons never imagined working in insurance. What started as a part-time job to make a little extra cash in college turned into a 14-year (and counting!) career…
Heather Guillory—Exemplary Service with a Dash of Sparkle
If you’ve worked with Heather Guillory, you know she offers the utmost in service. Maybe you’re even among those who call her “Hill” (more on that later). As a member…
Though many of our employees specialize in one area of work and stick to it, there are a few people of Pearl who work different jobs throughout their career… enriching…
The Stories Behind 5 of Our Favorite Christmas Songs
Christmas music is a cornerstone of the holiday season, and we all know at least one Christmas aficionado who had seasonal playlists looping long before the Thanksgiving turkey was cooked.…
Sheneka Leggison, senior underwriter for Pearl's real estate errors and omissions program, never expected a career in insurance. When she was younger, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. "Anybody who…
For Tracey Blumenshine, her team and family—sprinkled with laughter and love—keep her going. As Business Insurance Operations Supervisor, Tracey oversees a team of service center technicians at Pearl's Peoria Heights…
When her high school accounting teacher told Cheryl Staller she should go into accounting, Cheryl scoffed and thought, no way! After getting her degree in business management and working in…
Justin McGhee is fondly referred to as "Bleader" by his coworkers at Pearl. While many of us may have garnered office nicknames, Justin's carries a particularly inspiring meaning. "'Bleader' actually…
There’s no doubt social media has the power to bring people together in a powerful way. But it also has the ability to do the opposite. And because the pandemic…
Variety is the spice of life, and Sam Daugherty—one of our digital marketing strategists—adds an undeniable zest to the Pearl family mix. Just like the sweets he loves so much,…
If you ask Saurabh Shah—Shah to his coworkers—what gets him up in the morning and helps him stay focused at work, it's one in the same: family. Shah's wife and two…
In a recent survey, teachers were asked to describe in their own words how they were feeling about the school year during the pandemic. The response? Anxious, fearful, worried, overwhelmed,…
For assistant data marketing analyst Vanessa Ray, there's nothing more important in life than caring for others. "I'm extremely motivated by helping people," says Vanessa. "I want to feel like…
Today, we have a very special edition of People of Pearl. We are focusing on the one man who started it all—our founder, Jack Pearl. Without his big dreams and…
One of our key missions at Pearl Insurance is to help people get back on track amidst a difficult situation. As it turns out, Danielle Schoonmaker—one of Pearl's marketing coordinators…
There's no denying it… a pandemic can take a toll on physical relationships and mental health. So during a time where tensions are high and physical contact is low, we…
If you ask Brandon Morgan the best thing about working in Pearl's Kansas City office, he has one answer. "It's the Chiefs, of course!" he laughs. "Seriously though, KC is…
Like many of us at Pearl, senior insurance representative Emily Carpenter didn't grow up dreaming of working in the insurance industry. "I originally wanted to work in law enforcement," Emily…
It only takes a few moments to discern what's most important to Ingrid McKay. As a customer care representative for Pearl Insurance in New York, Ingrid enjoys assisting customers with…
Vicki Holcomb—A Welcome Smile and a Friendly Hello
If you've visited Pearl Insurance in Peoria Heights or contacted us by phone, you've probably had a conversation with Vicki. Vicki Holcomb is our senior switchboard operator at Pearl. "I…
Today, there are still many battles we are fighting to overcome. And gender equality is still near the top. The sad truth is it took women over 100 years to…
The Ultimate Debate: The Origins of Valentine’s Day
The history of Valentine's Day is pretty muddy. Many believe Valentine's Day was created solely to drive sales for cards, flowers, and gifts—a so-called Hallmark creation. Some claim its roots…
Tired of Giving Boring Gifts? Try an Experience Instead.
Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and it’s no secret that most are scrambling to find the perfect gift for their sweetie. Not to scare you, but nationwide, $9.5…
Jake Pearl inherited more from his grandfather than the family name and legacy. He exhibits the same drive his grandfather, Jack Pearl, exercised over 65 years ago when he began…
Floral Designs Inspired by a Deep Love of the Natural World
Michele Birkner, owner of Michele's Floral Events & Decorative Accessories, credits her success to the influence of her parents. "My mother was creative and artistic, and my dad worked hard…
"I wear a lot of hats in my department," says Christi, "but I take den mother and chief optimist seriously!" Among her coworkers, Christi is the one who makes sure…
