Meet Jenda Gebhardt, the dispatcher at Big Birge Plumbing.

Tell us a little about your business. – Big Birge Plumbing (www.bigbirgeplumbing.com) wants to provide their customers with a down to earth experience and be honest about what the customer truly needs done. The plumbers we have at Big Birge make this even more possible by leaving our customers homes as clean as they found them. Truly, this company works as a team, and it makes coming to work enjoyable. Brad and Lallenia have always been welcoming to me and making me feel like part of this team.

How did you get started in the business? – In my previous years, I have done many different things than I am currently doing in my position at Big Birge Plumbing. I worked in two different local barns in Omaha, occupying my  days working with horses and tending to their daily needs. Also, during this time, I volunteered at our church in Fort Calhoun in the office during our religious education classes, this is where I developed many technology skills while managing the children.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Now a days, many dispatcher positions have requirements that I would have not been able to fulfill due to my working history. The biggest challenge that I have faced would be finding my way into my current position. I am very appreciative of Big Birge to give me the opportunity and chance to work here, coming from a background of working with animals and horses.

Tell us a little about your family. – In my family, I have my parents, Tony and Theresa, and three older brothers: Theodore (36), John (32), Jaris (22), and then me (20). I have always been known as the “little sister” who tells my older brothers what to do! We also have a bit of a zoo at my parents’ house, there is anything from my horse to birds.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – There are many things that I would pick to do on my day off, some of my favorites would be going trail riding on my horse named Reuben, organizing my apartment with my roommate Christine, reading a good book, or spending time with my friends and family.

Who inspires you? – My parents. My mom and dad have been working hard since before I was born. When I was growing up, they taught me to “work for what I want, and then you will appreciate what you have more than things being handed to you.” I have lived by this for my whole life.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come. Remember everything you have faced, all the battles you have won, and all the fears you have overcome.” – Unknown

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – A professional equestrian rider. Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved horses and the impact they have implanted on my life, spending everyday working on my passion will be a lifelong goal.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The Falling Kingdoms Series. My brother Jaris and I have both been reading them since the first book came out in 2012. They are the reason I now enjoy reading fantasy fiction.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 575-0102; bigbirgeplumbing@gmail.com; www.bigbirgeplumbing.com.