#WomenCrushingWednesday: Kate Schmitz

This week, the #WomenCrushingWednesday series features a conversation with Kate Schmitz, Chief Marketing Officer of Pinnacol Assurance. Thanks to MSUDenver for sponsoring this inspirational series!

We’re pretty excited about featuring Kate this week as she was nominated by her coworker, Edie Sonn, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs for Pinnacol Assurance. It’s always so refreshing to see women singing the praises of their colleagues, friends, and partners. Enjoy getting to know Kate and be sure to reach out if you know someone who is crushing it!

Kate Schmitz, CMO of Pinnacol Assurance

The Why: why do you do what you do? Why are you passionate about your work and/or community contributions?

I love that I get to be part of a company that values giving back to the community. As part of my role, I get to spend time with the good folks of The Denver Zoo as they find ways to protect the animals in our community and around the world. I also love to volunteer at The Food Bank of the Rockies, helping to give back in the form of nourishment. Ultimately, it all goes back to giving back to the community that has provided so much to me (I’m a native Coloradoan).

What is one of the biggest challenges that you have overcome, and how did you overcome it?

The sale of two restaurants that my husband and I owned for a few years. I learned so much from the experience of running these restaurants, and from the experience of operating them all the way into a sale. This in the midst of being a new mom to two boys (the third kiddo came later). I’ll always be thankful for the lessons learned through this experience, and have immense respect for anyone out there operating a restaurant, it’s a challenging space.

What is your personal motto or favorite quotation?

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent van Gogh

Advice for others in business based on what you have learned on your journey?

There’s always another solution. Sometimes things seem impossible, they aren’t, look for another option.

What are you most proud of from the last year?

Being part of an organization that donated nearly $2.5 million to community funds that support businesses and workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. And…surviving remote school for three kids!