Each month we shine the light on one of our spectacular employees and give you a behind the scenes look in to who they are outside of the office. Here at Go Local, we know her for her contagious laughter, great hair and sparkling personality: Lead Content Specialist Ashley Blonquist.
What’s your alma mater? Mizzou! I started at K-State and then transferred to MU. Interesting enough, the one thing they have in common is they hate KU.
How did you find your way to Go Local? I heard about GLI through Courtney Holle, a fellow co-worker. We grew up 20 minutes from each other; we are both from very small towns in northeast Kansas. I applied for an HR/Recruiter position (which I had no experience for), but Go Local happened to have a content specialist position open. Chriss Thompson, our COO, sent me the details because he thought that would be a better fit. And everything took off from there!
What do you love most about your job here? I know this is cliché, but I love my coworkers. No matter how stressed I am or how much I have to do, I never hate coming in because I love who I work with.
What do you love most about working with your product/ department? I like that my product is an underdog. I like that I get to showcase its value and show clients the effort, strategy and tactics that go into it. As I previously mentioned, I also love my team. They are extremely funny and we have a good, weird group thing going.
What is your favorite Go Local memory? One day in the old office I was bending down to pick something up and my jeans ripped. We’re talking a gaping hole. What’s worse, my entire team actually heard the ripping noise! We laughed for quite a while and they made fun of me the rest of the day.
When you’re not at work, what do you do for fun? Traveling. Growing up I never really traveled, and I quickly learned that I would rather spend my money on experiences and traveling than material things. Or I am the complete opposite and am at home under a blanket watching movies.
OK, pretend you have the day off. What would we find you doing? Probably be at home Netflixing. I would be drinking good coffee while watching a show, movie or documentary.
Do you have any office nicknames? Blon Qui Qui. I got it at my old job in Columbia, MO because my last name is Blonquist and it sort of followed me here. It, of course, originated from the Bon Qui Qui skit. You know…
What’s your favorite KC restaurant? Dos Reales. It’s a hidden gem. The queso is delicious and the food is even better. There are two locations, one in Overland Park and the other is in Shawnee. Both are great. Also, queso is life.
What is something that no one would know about you by looking at you? I used to play the trombone, all the way from elementary school through high school. I even considered playing in college!
Alright, here is where you get to brag about your pet’s plant:
Name: I don’t have a name for it yet; I’m taking suggestions!
Age: Only a few weeks old
I went out of town and came back to find the plant in my apartment. My mom bought it for me. I am not fully confident that I will be able to keep it alive.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? I would go to Thailand. I think it is one of those places people don’t think about going to. I want to help elephants, eat tons of Pad Thai and just immerse myself in their culture.
Any pet peeves?
- When people use the wrong your and you’re.
- When people sing in the car and try too hard… you’re not fooling anyone. You are not Mariah Carey.
- When people don’t pronounce chipotle correctly (sorry, mom).
Describe yourself in 3 words: Sarcastic, empathetic, gregarious
Any other fun facts about you?
- I sneezed with my eyes open once (I looked it up and it’s a real thing).
- I was born in Utah and lived there until I was 6.
- I eat Doritos with my Top Ramen.
- My high school graduating class had only 11 people.
- I used to be a news producer.
- I’m addicted to ChapStick.
- I can find a 30 Rock reference for just about anything.
