Thanksgiving is a perfect time to remember that behind every project, deadline, and meeting is a team of people with stories, traditions, and personalities that make our company what it is.
So this year, we decided to have a little fun and ask our team some Thanksgiving-themed questions — from foods to family traditions and everything in between.
Travis Johnson
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? Gravy What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? Watching Christmas Vacation that night to kick off the holiday movie watching Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? All of my Seniors and fellow Specialists because of how willing they are to help with any given task.
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Stephanie Goetz
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? Turkey. Beef and chicken are much tastier. What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? Before eating, everyone gets a chance to name something they are grateful for; it can be multiple things, too. Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? I'm thankful for being part of the Bedel team. The clients and team are the best anyone could imagine.
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Jordan Rosiak
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? Green Bean Casserole… just eat some green beans (which are objectively good), just thinking about the heavy cream with the mushrooms and fried onions makes my stomach hurt. What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? Watching the Lions' Thanksgiving Day Game. We usually plan the start of dinner around the end of the game. Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? Family! They have been helping a ton getting our new house ready and meeting contractors if my wife and I can’t be there. Bedel Specialists, I feel like they don’t get enough thanks for all of the behind-the-scenes work they do to prepare for meetings and get reports ready for clients.
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Mark Lester
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? Anything that has cream of mushroom (or mushrooms in general)..why ruin a good thing with a fungus? What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? Turkey Day 5K Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? All my Seniors, they push me to be the best version of myself as a Specialist.
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Kenyatta Smith
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? Cranberry Sauce What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? Everyone writes down what they are thankful for, and we put them in a bowl and read them aloud. They can be written anonymously (for the “too cool” teens and preteens), and it’s just so sweet to hear all of the answers. Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? I’m thankful for mentors who see me so clearly and are so helpful and encouraging as I carve my own path with Bedel by my own rules and my own choices for the first time, professionally. It’s been scary at my age, and I can’t describe how it feels and what it means to me to be so supported.
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Hunter Thompson
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? Dry Turkey What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? My mom’s “ham rice”. Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? This year, I’m especially thankful for Errica. Her mentorship, encouragement, and confidence in me have significantly contributed to my professional development this year. I’m also grateful for my other team members at Bedel. It’s a privilege to work with people who not only excel at what they do but also inspire those around them to perform their best.
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Trisha Durkin
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? All of it! What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? Black Friday Shopping/Breakfast as a family. Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? Our clients! I am grateful for the partnership we get to build with each of them and their trust in Bedel Security.
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Errica Padgett
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? Cranberry sauce. Who even eats this?! What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? Eating the same dishes year over year, because we only make them for Thanksgiving. Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? Authors who created worlds for me to visit this year.
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Cade Williams
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? Turkey (dry meat) What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? I don’t think we have any other than eating Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? Trisha Durkin, she makes my life easier with her constant support, vulnerability, and empathy.
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John Freerksen
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? My unfavorable opinion is Pumpkin Pie. Not a fan at all, no matter how much whipped topping you put on it. What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? I love the day after Thanksgiving when we usually decorate for Christmas. Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? I’m thankful for so many people who are in my life and the light they bring to it, especially my wife and kids. I am thankful to work alongside such an exceptional team of professionals who demonstrate unwavering reliability and dedication, which pushes me to strive harder in my own development.
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Laura Zeck
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? Anything that's made out of obligation rather than being made intentionally. Thanksgiving food can be delicious, or it can be horribly bland. What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? We travel a lot for the holidays, but on Thanksgiving, we stay home in our pj's and watch the parade, football, and play games. It's such a cherished day for us. Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? I'm thankful for our team and all the ways we've grown and changed over the years—especially those I get to work with day-to-day. I feel so supported where I am, and I know how rare that is in a career.
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Brian Petzold
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? Green Beans. We have them throughout the year; why add something so common to a special feast? What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? Thanksgiving is when our family first serves stollen for the Christmas season. Our stollen is baked using a recipe handed down through the generations. Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? A certain guy who was brave enough to start a company that did exactly what I dreamed of doing. Not naming names, though!
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Josephine Bailey
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? Any type of green bean casserole. What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? Black Friday Shopping/Breakfast as a family - Cooking together. Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? Our entire Bedel team.
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Cory Poupore
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? Turkey - Too dry! What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? We all get together and watch the football game after Thanksgiving lunch Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? Thankful for the mentors who’ve shaped my journey and supported me on the path to my recent promotion.
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Cinda McGinnis
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? Cranberries What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? We make homemade dumplings. They are a little different every year, but they are very loved by the kids and taste like my childhood. Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? I’m thankful for a team member who consistently goes above and beyond. Their reliability and positive attitude make even the toughest weeks run more smoothly.
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Courtney Oldham
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? TURKEY! It's always so dry... What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? We watch Christmas movies the evening after dinner. Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? I am thankful for the entire Bedel Security team. The whole crew is helpful, knowledgeable, and lots of fun to work with. So thankful to be a part of this team!!
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Abbey Sweetman
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? I don’t think any Thanksgiving food is overrated! What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? My family plays bunco (a fun dice game) every year after Thanksgiving, and the winner of each round gets to wear a turkey hat until the next person rolls a bunco. Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? I am thankful for a team member who is always available to answer my questions and encourages me through positive feedback on my work.
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Chris Bedel
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What’s one Thanksgiving food that's overrated? Pumpkin pie - I know... But I like pecan pie much better What’s a Thanksgiving tradition your family has that you love? We all go as a family to get our Christmas tree on the day after Thanksgiving. We’re all together, and that’s what it’s all about. Who is someone or something, professionally, you're thankful for this Thanksgiving? I am thankful for our leadership team. They challenge and support me. They mentor and empower our team. I’m blessed to be on this journey with them. |
These answers reminded us of something simple: connection matters. Whether it’s swapping recipes, debating the best pie, or sharing memories, it’s the people around us who make the season meaningful. We’re grateful for every member of this team and the spirit they bring to our company, as well as the clients we get to work with on a daily basis.
Thanks for joining us for a little seasonal fun. We hope your holiday is filled with good food, great company, and plenty to be thankful for.