By Stephanie Kohl
Customer Experience Manager

It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is already here. I have so much to be thankful for.

Thinking back over the past year, the thing I find myself most grateful for is that I am still here on this Earth to be grateful. Right after Thanksgiving 2022, I had a major health scare that could have killed me. Passing out at work and having quick thinking co-workers who got an ambulance on site in minutes probably saved my life. And while my life is mostly back to normal now, I will never forget how close I came to not being here.

And thank God for being here, because my greatest blessing of all and the biggest source of joy in my life, my son, needs me. Just shy of six-years-old, being his mom is both the most rewarding and most exhausting job I’ve ever had. I wouldn’t have it any other way. He is the kindest, sweetest, smartest, funniest, most handsome little boy I know, and he brings me endless happiness. He started kindergarten in the fall and nothing makes me laugh harder than hearing about his day, which usually starts with a “SO,” a couple “literally”s and at least one “O - M - G.” And I’m never more proud than when he speaks with authority about the things he has learned, and asks me “did you know that?”

I am grateful for the health and happiness of my family - my mother and father who offer endless support and help at the drop of a hat; my three brothers, their two wives and one fiancé, my three nephews, and one niece and the fun and laughter we share when we are together; an aunt who is a second mother and friend to me; my 93-year-old grandpa who still mows his own lawn and does his own yardwork; a cousin and her little ones who I don’t see nearly often enough, but fall back into our close childhood bond whenever we are together; and an amazing partner and his four kids, and his extended family, that have welcomed me and my son with open arms to be part of their family.

No list of blessings would be complete without bringing up my best girlfriends, their husbands and children, who add to my life in the best ways. Even though it is nearly impossible for all of us to get together at one time, it is like no time has passed when we do get together. And our phone calls are fantastic. That’s right, phone calls NOT just text messages.

With more than seven years behind me at Mid-States Concrete Industries, I’m grateful for a company that allows me to provide the things my son and I need, as well as opportunities to make fantastic memories. I’m thankful for team members who work hard and genuinely care about each other and our customers. We are lucky enough to get to build some really cool buildings that make a difference in the community. I am grateful for our customers who trust Mid-States to serve as partners on their projects. It is a blessing we don’t take lightly. A BIG THANK YOU to all of our customers - past, present, and future. We can’t wait to see what is up next!