Our People Our Purpose

Julius Mickle: EP. 35 - Embracing Responsibility

Kathy and Julius share a profound conversation about building a supportive environment, personal development, and more. Julius, who has been with CNG’s Blythewood facility for over five years, reflects on his commitment to acting and thinking like an owner every day. He discusses how the company has been a blessing to his family, his hobbies like his plastic car collection, and the path his children are on. Julius also shares his journey of reconnecting with his high school sweetheart, becoming a dad, and his close relationship with his father. 
 
Tune in to hear how Julius’ experiences have shaped his outlook on work and life, and how he’s made a positive impact at CNG and beyond. Don’t miss Episode 35 to discover how Julius lives our purpose of enhancing lives each day!

Chris Jessop: EP. 34 - Choices

Kathy and Chris sit down for a moving discussion about transformation and resilience. Chris opens up about his journey including the adversity he has faced, what it took to turn his life around, fatherhood, and more. From spending his free-time at home listening to podcasts and audiobooks to a deeper conversation about nine years of incarceration and a life-changing moment that left him determined to reclaim his future, Chris’s personal growth is quite inspirational. 
 
Tune into Episode 34 to discover how Chris lives our purpose of enhancing lives each day!

Brenda Davis: EP. 33 - That Giving Spirit

Kathy and Brenda dive into a heartfelt conversation this week on Our People Our Purpose. Brenda shares how her mother’s influence on celebrating and spreading joy has shaped her, her career and colleagues at CNG, including a plant birthday club tradition that keeps the team connected, and more. Brenda reflects on what ownership means to her, and how it goes beyond just a job, empowering her to foster a sense of pride and responsibility. She also discusses the importance of family, gratitude, and her passions outside of work. 
 
Join us for Episode 33 to discover how Brenda lives our purpose of enhancing lives each day!

Travis Maloney: EP. 32 - It’s All About Mindset

Kathy and Travis sit down for a meaningful conversation about his life outside of CNG, growing up in a small town, losing his father young, and more. From being raised with strong principles such as the power of a positive mindset to Travis’s passion for lifting weights for mental and physical health, his insight is motivating. The pair go on to discuss his drive for being present for his young son, Star Wars and Taylor Swift, and Kathy even shares an inside look into her work ethic which shaped her career. 
 
Tune in to Episode 32 to learn more about how Travis lives our purpose of Enhancing Lives every day!

Xavier Wilson: EP. 31 - What Goes Around, Comes Around

Kathy and Xavier share an insightful conversation discussing Xavier’s childhood, his goals and future plans, and the philosophical approach he takes on life. He goes on to express the importance of practicing a positive mindset and learning about his ego, also sharing a bit about his personal life, like his recent journey to becoming a foodie!  
 
Don’t miss Episode 31 to learn more about how Xavier lives our purpose of Enhancing Lives every day!

Brian Cody: EP. 30 - Sweet Escape

Kathy sits down with Brian Cody as the pair discuss growing up in Wisconsin, life outside of CNG, employee ownership, and much more! From rescuing dogs and ice fishing to dabbling in watercolor painting, Brian’s journey is captivating. As the episode continues, he details some of his poignant moments, Kathy and Brian connect through art, and more. Don’t miss Episode 30 to learn more about how Brian lives our purpose of Enhancing Lives every day!

Toni Toninelli: EP. 29 – Ciao, Blythewood

Kathy sits down with Toni Toninelli for a fascinating conversation about moving to Blythewood after meeting the love of his life, working at CNG’s Blythewood facility since 2019, raising his two sons, and more! From his Italian roots and life in his hometown to practicing Karate to master respect and discipline to moving to America on his third visit, Toni’s journey is filled with adventure and inspirational moments. Tune into Episode 29 to learn more about how Toni lives our purpose of Enhancing Lives every day!

Brandon Dues: EP. 28 – A Family Man

Kathy and Brandon share a lighthearted conversation about his childhood, his hobbies, working the night shift, being a father, and more! Growing up as a ‘military brat’ left Brandon moving all over the world before setting down in South Carolina after graduation. From being a process technician at CNG to a dedicated father at home, Brandon’s journey exemplifies resilience, love, and a steadfast commitment to both his career and his family. 
 
Don’t miss Episode 28 to learn more about how Brandon lives our purpose of enhancing lives every day!

Connie Jenkins: EP. 27 – Perspectives

Kathy and Connie dive into a conversation about growing up (almost) off the grid, her seven-year journey at CNG, her life outside of work and hobbies, and her resilience as a leading woman in manufacturing. 
 
Tune in to hear more about her palpable love for her team, learning to fly a plane at age 12, and some of her current aspirations. 
 
Get ready for Episode 27 to learn more about how Connie passionately pursues her purpose each day!

Shane Kauzlaric: EP. 26 – Push Yourself

Kathy and Shane sit down for a fascinating conversation about Shane’s transition from a science teacher in a juvenile corrections center to a training instructor at CNG, his life outside of work, and what he envisions for his life ahead. From his passion for the environment to providing for his family, Shane’s strong moral compass has kept him grounded and motivated throughout every stage of his life. 
 
Join us for Episode 26 to learn more about how Shane passionately pursues his purpose each day!