Available Stops:
“When I started working in benefits, I had no idea that I was actually on the path of discovering a rewarding career. However, that’s exactly what happened. And I’ve made many life-long friends on this journey.”
Practice Area: Employee Benefits
Life is full of accidents. Some are happy, others are not. The accident that landed Stephanie in the world of Employee Benefits was a happy one. Twenty years later, she’s still excited about her work, perhaps even more than when we started.
Now entering her third decade in the profession, Stephanie is adept at navigating Oregon’s vast sea of business types—including startups, family-ownership, mid-sized growth companies, and Fortune 500s. Having grown up in an entrepreneurial family—her parents ran a successful bed and breakfast, and her grandparents were also business owners—she knows what it means to fight on behalf of her clients.
“Small businesses especially can get overlooked where benefits are concerned. They don’t always get the best support, especially when lots of vendors just want lucrative opportunities. Before Durham & Bates, I owned my own small business, and I know what this feels like. It means a great deal to be able to provide all businesses with the type of support they might not experience elsewhere.”
With clients and colleagues, Stephanie values directness and transparency. She’s open to pointing out what is or isn’t working, and wants those around her to do the same.
“We’re committed to excellence here. That’s one of the things that truly sets us apart. We don’t cut corners, and we strive to be responsive at all times.”
When she’s not tracking down solutions for her clients, Stephanie likes to explore the world, and soak in other cultures via international travel. Closer to home, she’s happy to kick around Northwest Portland, and find an outdoor table where she can enjoy a few rays of sunshine.
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