As warmer weather thaws the snow and ice outside, hibernation is finally coming to an end. Springtime is a season of renewal and rebirth, but it can also come 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…
Picking the Right Insurance Agent Could Save You Thousands
A few years ago, a new owner of a tunnel wash operation in the Midwest had the misfortune of having a customer whose vehicle was damaged in their tunnel. At…
It's 2020 and more and more companies are deciding they don't need or want to tell adults how to dress. A new wave of "dress for your day" initiatives were…
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…
5 Simple Tips to Remember the Names of Everyone You Meet
You've just started a new job. Your boss takes you around to meet the team. One by one, she introduces you to your new co-workers. And one by one, you…
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…
We're still over a month away from the true first day of winter. But in the Midwest, we've already experienced two heavy snow falls (the first on Halloween!) and record-breaking…
Our offices are filled with a host of wild and wonderful characters. And while they all shine brightly year-round, sometimes—like a man howling at the full moon as lycanthropy courses…
Have you ever thought about the difference a smile can make—to yourself and to others? According to Mother Teresa, "We shall never know all the good that a simple smile…
Meal prep saves money, saves time, reduces stress, and contributes to a healthy, balanced diet. But if you've never done it, this beneficial habit can seem intimidating and overwhelming. Up…
Simple and Inexpensive Ways to Recognize Employees
What if you held the power to increase your company's productivity without spending a dime? Pish posh! That seems impossible. Actually, it's far from impossible, and it's quite simple. We…
Here at Pearl Insurance, we pride ourselves on thinking outside the box. The ability to examine problems and processes through an unconventional lens has been central to our philosophy ever…
Hang on. I'll give you five minutes to tidy up! It's only fair since that's exactly what I did prior to writing this post. I already knew my desk needed…
It's no secret that our modern society runs on coffee. In your average city, you'll find a coffee shop on just about every corner. From big-chain coffee shops to mom-and-pop…
You'd be hard-pressed to find someone at Pearl Insurance who doesn't know Chelsie Phillips. She's known for her larger than life personality, great sense of humor, and infectious energy. Those…
It's 8 a.m. You've made your coffee, settled into your workspace, fired up your computer, and begin checking things off your to-do list. Before you know it, it's lunchtime and…
For many of us (myself included), coffee is one of life's greatest pleasures. Washing the dust from my mind with a torrent of sizzling bean brew is often the secret…
Have high heels become an integral accessory in the "boss lady" style in today's workplace or are they still a symbol of a culture that objectifies women and defines standards…
Psst... got a minute? There's someone I'd like you to meet... but she's got so many facets that I’ll start with a riddle of sorts. What's a smile, laughter, and…
In 2018, there were nearly 4 billion Internet users. That's half of the world's population of 7.7 billion. With the Internet growing at an alarming pace, businesses are having a…
Have you ever wished for a rewind button when you miss an event? Just like rewinding your favorite show, you could simply replay what was missed. How about a pause…
Why is it so difficult to overcome negative feelings? From the dawn of history—when man hunted mammoth and shelter was made under a rock—the need to escape danger has been…
In your years as an accountant, you’ve likely come across tax laws that have left you furrowing your brow and shaking your head. It’s easy to get frustrated by our…
April was National Lawn Care Month. And though the event is now over, recent research shows that yards are too important for real estate professionals to ignore: 79% of Americans…
