The Skylight Showcase: New Hires of August/September 2022

Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the Skylight team: Harrison, Tara, Rachel, Sarah, Gabe and Annie. Read more about our new hires below!

Harrison Schoettley, Financial Professional, Toledo

Where are you from? Sylvania, Ohio

Why did you choose to work at Skylight? From the very beginning it felt like everyone at Skylight was there to assist and help in any way possible, it never felt like just another employee entering the company. I also like how Skylight emphasizes on the importance of community outreach.

What causes or community services do you have a passion for? Helping veterans and first responders within our community, H.O.O.V.E.S. a local organization that rescues horses who in turn rescue veterans with PTSD and assisting in transitioning back to civilian life is an organization I have been helping in different ways to include fundraisers and being a donor

What life achievement are you most proud of? Joining the United States Marine Corps and being on active duty for 10 years. While in the Marines I worked on the oldest helicopters until they retired from service and then transitioned to the newest fighter jet. I had the opportunity to live in Okinawa, Japan for a couple of years and was able to tour many Asian countries.

Outside of the office, what do you enjoy doing? Tinkering with about anything around the house, remodeling our current home, building a play set for my son, working on cars, fixing about anything I can get my hands on. I will be restoring a classic truck in the near future that will take up some time after work.

What was your first job ever? What did you like/dislike about it? Mountain Man Sports, selling skis and snowboards. I enjoyed talking to customers and listening to their experiences on the mountains, whether it was somewhere local or a trip out west.

Tara Bluhm, Floating Administrator, Cleveland

Where are you from? I was born in Cleveland and grew up in Lakewood. By the time I was in high school, I was living in Amherst. I currently live in Lakewood with my husband, our dog and four cats.

Why did you choose to work at Skylight? The people. Meeting with Crystal Leach, Trisha Rutherford and Liz McKeegan really solidified the culture behind the company. I wanted a place I could be myself, utilize my knowledge and skills, and proudly retire from.

What causes or community services do you have a passion for? Improving the environment. Educating others on the importance of disposing of trash properly in public places and leading by example are two components of my contribution. I also support community services for homelessness, food shelters and education.

What life achievement are you most proud of? Making the decision to go back to college for an additional degree. When I had started to gather the information to apply to Cleveland State University, I was nervous about getting accepted. I was able enter into a business program, and then I changed my major to economics my second year. Spring break 2020 was the beginning timeframe of the pandemic quarantine. I was able to maintain focus and persistence and received honors for my performance.

Which celebrity would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Alexis Bledel. She is most recently playing the role of Emily Malek in The Handmaid’s Tale. We are approximately the same age and have similar features and I think she would be able to portray me very easily. 

I also enjoy being active in my spare time outside of work. I like to work out, golf, play softball, play basketball, etc. I also enjoy spending time visiting my family, hanging out with friends on the weekend, and watching whatever sports events that are on TV at the time.

Where is one of your favorite places to travel and why? Masai Mara in Kenya, Africa. I travelled there recently this past February with my husband and father-in-law. We went on a safari into the Masai Mara reservation and were able to get very close to the animals and their habitats. We were able to learn about the details of preservation, conservation and culture from the locals and experts. The people, the Maasai tribe, were very welcoming and generous to our visit. I would return someday. (Masai Mara is the place, Maasai are the people)

Rachel Smylie, Sales Operation Coordinator, Cleveland

Where are you from? I’m from Cleveland, currently living in Solon with my husband, Jordan, and our two children, Lizzie and Kyrian.

Why did you choose to work at Skylight? Everyone I had a chance to meet and speak with throughout my application process was so friendly and approachable, and everyone had such lovely things to say about how supportive the team was, so I knew this was a company that I wanted to be a part of.

Outside of the office, what do you enjoy doing? I love reading, and chasing after my kids.

What is the funniest "dad joke" you know? I love “dad jokes” and terrible puns, so I can never pick one favorite. Here are two that made me smile recently, I hope they brighten your day too!

What does a nosey pepper do? It gets jalapeño business.

Why did the scarecrow win an award? He was outstanding in his field

If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be? Either Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, or 10 Things I Hate About You.

Where is one of your favorite places to travel and why? Our family is definitely a Disney family! We love taking our kids, but my husband and I also enjoy being Disney adults. We actually went to Walt Disney World for the first part of our honeymoon! Hopefully we’ll be able to visit again soon.

Sarah Mazur, Operations Assistant, Cleveland

Where are you from? Cleveland

Why did you choose to work at Skylight? I chose Skylight because I was looking for a new opportunity and skylight seemed like a great place to work.

Outside of the office what do you enjoy doing? Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family, trying new restaurants, and going to baseball games.

Any big plans coming up? I have plans to go to England to visit my sister and to meet my niece.

Where is one of your favorite places to travel to and why? My favorite place to travel is to Quebec, where we have a family cabin. The scenery is beautiful and it’s the perfect place to relax and recharge.

Gabriel Sauvinsky, Financial Services Professional, Cleveland

Where are you from? Rootstown, Ohio

Why did you choose to work at Skylight? An opportunity for a career change and to help people live more fulfilling lives through financial literacy and empowerment.

What causes or community services do you have a passion for? For 4 years in college, I was a part of the University of Toledo Relay for Life Committee and help multiple different positions within the organization. Our task was to put on a fundraising event each fall to raise money for the American Cancer Society. I also have a passion for sustainable living and investing.

Outside of the office, what do you enjoy doing? Outside of the office I like to stay active by running and strength training, I also enjoy cooking for my wonderful girlfriend as well.

What was your first job ever? What did you like/dislike about it? My first job ever was as a dishwasher at a fast casual barbeque restaurant. I liked the people I worked with but disliked everything else.

If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be? If I could snap my fingers and become an expert at something it would be to become an expert at guitar playing.

Annie Schwarz, Director of Operations, Cleveland

Where are you from? I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, but currently reside in Solon.

Why did you choose to work at Skylight? Skylight's positive reputation throughout the community, as well as its distinctive team-based, supportive culture are what drew me to SFG.

What causes or community services do you have a passion for? My family and I are very involved in our church, through which we volunteer for various causes related to serving the poor, elderly, or sick. I am also active in the Solon District School system.

What life achievement are you most proud of? The life achievement of which I am most proud is becoming a mom. Not only am I proud of the little people they've become (my son, Jack is 8 and my daughter, Sydney is 6), but also of literally giving birth. To carry, nurture, and deliver a baby is such an

 extraordinary part of human existence. I'm in actual awe of my own mom who accomp

lished this feat five times!

If you absolutely had to sing karaoke, what song would you pick? Unfortunately for audiences, no one has to twist my arm to get me to sing karaoke. I love so many different types of music, so to pick just one song is nearly impossible (again...unfortunately for the audience)! Since I'm aware that my performance may cause pain in the ears of those forced to listen, I do my best to ease their suffering by picking songs that people like to sing along to. Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" is usually a hit, as is "500 Miles" by The Proclaimers. Depending on how far into the evening I'd sing my karaoke song, I might even pull out Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive."

If you could snap your fingers and become an expert at something, what would it be? I would become an expert handyman. Knowing how often my family, friends, and I have a need for such a person, I've always wished I knew more about the trades.

Thanks for sharing, everyone, and welcome to Skylight Financial Group!

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