Last month Kendra Kuhlman joined the KPR staff as our newest Corporate Underwriting Sales Representative. Kendra comes to KPR with a wide variety of skills. Most recently, she managed a running store in downtown Lawrence where she gained valuable experience in sales, marketing and event coordination. Kendra is a big fan of public radio and enjoys volunteering in the community. In her short time here, she has hit the ground running, connecting with existing KPR clients and reaching out to her many contacts in the Lawrence community.
KPR: Kendra, welcome to Kansas Public Radio! Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a Kansas native and my husband and I, along with our two children, have lived in Lawrence almost 10 years. Before KPR, I was a classroom teacher before taking time off to stay home with my young children, Keira (9) and Quinn (8). During this time, I volunteered at several local organizations and worked at the Lawrence Arts Center. In addition, I coach running and managed a local running store here in Lawrence. I’m still an avid runner and coach adults and children in my spare time. I enjoy adventures with my family, cooking, reading and being involved in Lawrence community.
KPR: What interested you about the Underwriting Sales Position at KPR?
I’ve listened to KPR for many years. This is a station that I believe in and support. It’s a pleasure to share this passion and connect with businesses and organizations in our listening area. Believing strongly in the mission and message of KPR, and being someone who strives to connect and communicate with others to accomplish a goal, this position seems to truly be a perfect fit for me.
KPR: Your first day was on July 5. Tell us about your first couple of weeks on the job.
The first couple of weeks have been a lightning storm of learning, connecting and growing. Through each experience and interaction I have been developing and getting more and more comfortable with the new processes here at KPR. I’ve already felt the strong connections and potential for continued growth. Everyone here is truly passionate about what they do and it’s a supportive environment to work in.
KPR: What are your goals for your job at KPR?
I hope to serve KPR by working toward continued growth and support of our underwriting efforts. It’s my goal to work hard and maintain current support while also growing and reaching out to new businesses to make new connections.
KPR: What other jobs have you held prior to coming to KPR? Which was your favorite?
Before KPR, I worked as a teacher for several years; grades 4, 5 and 6. While my children were very small, I taught at the Lawrence Arts Center and started my own running and nutrition coaching/counseling business. I also managed a local running store with focused efforts on event promotion, growth of sales, inventory and customer needs, coaching and clinics, and connecting with the community. My favorite job so far was teaching at the Lawrence Arts Center.
KPR: What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy having time to be silly and play with my two children. I also practice yoga, run, coach, cook, read, and I produce a podcast. We enjoy traveling, hiking and road trips during vacation times.
KPR: What’s your favorite show on KPR?
I’ve listened to A Prairie Home Companion and Car Talk for years! My other favorites include All Things Considered, This American Life and KPR Presents.