Get to Know ME with Claire Urness
Meet Claire Urness, from our Performance Management team! She hasn’t been with us a year quite yet, but she’s already found she feels right at home in our Schaumburg headquarters. A self-described “shy person,” we appreciate her willingness to sit down with us for this month’s Get to Know ME edition. Read on and watch our short video to learn more about Claire!
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
My current title is Program Manager, and I’ve been involved in the incentive industry for a few years now.
What do you like about your job?
I enjoy the fast-paced environment of my role as a Program Manager and the constant growth it brings.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
I would emphasize the genuine sense of value and appreciation I feel working with everyone at Motivation Excellence. Everyone is so willing to share knowledge and help in any way they can, so it is hard to not feel like you are a part of a team here.
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment, and why?
A pivotal moment in my life was when I moved to Tennessee a few years after college. At this point, my (now) husband and I were long-distance for two years while he finished graduate school, so taking the leap to move to a new state to close that distance was a very big step in our lives.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
I am always working on becoming a better version of myself both personally and professionally.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love spending time with my family and friends, as well as anything that gets me outdoors.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
My dog never fails to make me laugh with her goofy personality and constant need for attention.
What’s a bucket list item you can’t wait to cross off?
A bucket list item I’m eagerly anticipating crossing off is taking a cruise to Alaska to witness all the wildlife.
This month, our theme for social media is Carbon Footprint Awareness. Is there anything you do to be more eco-conscious?
We have recently started composting at our home and I’m excited to turn our food scraps into nourishment for our garden this year!
Get to Know ME with Brittany Cerillos
Brittany Cerillos joined our Travel Department in the last year and made an impression instantly. She’s got a happy, can-do attitude and if you pass a bar with karaoke, you know she’s going to duck inside for a moment (or two). When you read below and watch her short video, you’ll be able to see her spark too! Thanks Brittany, for being our Get to Know ME subject this month!
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
I am a Travel Program Coordinator. I have been in the Travel and Incentive industry since 2018.
What do you like about your job?
Everyday is different! I like a fast-paced environment that looks a bit different each day. I also have the opportunity to be creative in my role. I enjoy working with the attendees and making connections with our clients and supplier partners. Traveling, experiencing new cultures, and bringing once in a lifetime experience to our clients is extremely rewarding.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
I have been with Motivation Excellence for less than a year and it truly feels like a little family. Everyone is always laughing while working together and there is never a dull moment in the office. Whenever anyone is at their capacity there is always someone willing to help or lend a hand!
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
Amateur karaoke singer.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
We only have one life – I want to make the best of it! Plus, I have to pay for all my travel expenses. Lol.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love trying new restaurants, taking my dog Rio to patios in the summer / go on walks, hosting events for my friends and family, traveling and reading.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
My Corgi Rio!
What’s a bucket-list item you can’t wait to cross off?
I am really looking forward to taking a cooking class in Italy one day when I go there.
This month, our theme for social media is Celebrating Women. Is there a female role model you had or have that made an impact on you?
My mom is definitely the most resilient person I know. She often reminds me “that’s life” and not to sweat the little stuff.
Get to Know ME with Michelle Ebner
It’s always fun to introduce a NEW member of our team with our Get to Know ME segment. Michelle Ebner joined as VP of Finance toward the end of 2023 and was promoted to Co-CEO and Co-President in the summer of 2024. Read below, and watch her short video, to learn about her first career choice and why people like to open up to her. Thanks Michelle for letting us get to know you!
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
As of January 2025, I became the CFO. Before that I was VP of Finance, and brand new to the incentive industry when I took the job in 2023.
What do you like about your job?
I love working with numbers and putting processes and procedures in place to achieve financial success. Numbers don’t lie and as an auditor by trade, it’s my goal to make sure there is accuracy in the financial data for improved decision making.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
Everybody makes you feel so welcome as a newcomer and so far, people are very receptive to collaboration and new ideas. You can see and feel that people are genuinely happy to be here!
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment, and why?
The day I decided I would major in accounting was a pivotal moment. I was balancing a pre-med curriculum, with a business school courseload as my backup, freshman year and after almost losing my sanity, I found my passion in accounting. I ditched the science books, and the rest was history.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
I struggle with originating my own artistic ideas from imagination and wouldn’t consider myself “creative,” but I am artistic if given an example or model to follow. I enjoy the challenge of doing something myself and have dabbled in elaborate cake decorating and a variety of décor and customization crafts.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
I like to take on challenges because I see them as a puzzle with mis-matched pieces that I can mold anew, improve or fix to solve the problem at hand. I never run from a good challenge!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I don’t have that much excess time outside of school activities and sports for my kids, but I do enjoy family time with my siblings when we can all get together. When I am not managing the household and kids, I spend my time watching the hallmark channel or various tv series on Netflix and other networks to relax.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
Dry humor and sarcasm! My husband and kids are experts in this arena – they can really crack me up with their wit and quick comebacks.
What’s a bucket-list item you can’t wait to cross off?
I want to visit Australia and New Zealand!
This month, our theme for social media is Organization. What are your best organizational tips?
I am not an organized person by any means, in fact, I’m rather an expert at organized chaos. But, I do write notes in wire bound notebooks which also double as my doodle pad.
Get to Know ME with Bre Chambers
Bre Chambers is not a fan of being recorded, but she knocked our Get to Know ME recording out of the park this month! Be sure to watch her two-minute video and read below to get to know more about our spirited Travel Coordinator out of the Traverse City office. Thanks, Bre, for sharing how you ended up in the incentive travel industry and the brilliant photos of some recent hiking adventures (can only be seen in the video – what are you waiting for?)
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
I am a Travel Program Coordinator and have been in the incentive industry for 6 years in various positions.
What do you like about being a Travel Program Coordinator?
I like seeing the program through from start to finish and working out all the details to ensure everyone has a great experience.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
We have a great team built from years of experience with a vast array of skills.
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment, and why?
I’d have to say having the opportunity to experience an incentive program as a participant before I knew this industry existed. It brought me back to Traverse City and introduced me to my career.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to travel and tend to gravitate toward hiking destinations with beautiful views.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
Getting together with friends; we all share the same sarcastic humor.
What’s a bucket list item you can’t wait to cross off?
I’ll be crossing off Banff, Alberta, Canada next summer! This trip was originally planned for the summer of 2020 so I’m excited to finally get this one checked off the list.
This month, our theme for social media is Perception. How do you adjust perception either on how you think of someone or something, or how they perceive you? Is perception important?
Perception plays a huge role in how we interact with the world, on a large scale but also in every day-to-day interaction. I find talking through things helps me see situations from a different angle.
Get to Know ME with Carrie Fox
Carrie Fox is a repeat employee, and we’re sure happy to have her back as a coordinator in our travel department! She’s our focus for this month’s Get to Know ME segment. She’s crafty and grateful and full of good vibes! Thanks, Carrie, for sharing your thoughts on our monthly questions. 😊
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
I’m a Travel Program Coordinator. I started at Motivation Excellence in 2001 and worked until 2011, then took a break to become a full-time mom. I returned in November 2021 and am so happy to be back!
What do you like about being a Travel Program Coordinator?
Every day is a little different. I love the conversations I get to have with participants and hearing about how excited they are about their upcoming travel experiences! Most are super appreciative of the time I spend on the phone assisting them in any way I can. I also love that every program teaches me about different areas around the world; it’s always fun learning about new places I’ve never been to.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
Since I was here for ten years before this recent stint, it’s great to reconnect with the long-timers. It’s like we picked up right where we left off! I’m also getting to know some of the people who started while I was gone, and everyone is so welcoming and nice.
I was with Motivation Excellence through some pretty big events in my life; celebrating with my team when I turned 21, getting married and having a baby (all back in the 2001-2011 time). It’s like one big family and I’m so grateful to be around such a great group of co-workers and friends! So many inspiring people who make me want to be a better person and try harder to accomplish the most out of life.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
I make the BEST chocolate-covered treats—like chocolate-covered Oreos, pretzels, and Rice Krispies to name a few. I love making them for birthdays, graduations, weddings and everything in between!
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
Once I set my goals, the sky is the limit, and nothing gets in my way of accomplishing them. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who also want to achieve the most out of life is really important.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love making crafts: anything from wood signs to sewing projects, and of course making chocolate-dipped treats (see photos above). Also, I’m a Team mom for my son’s travel baseball team.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
Laughing is infectious, if you start laughing, I will start laughing.
What’s a bucket list item you can’t wait to cross off?
Going on a cruise.
This month, our theme for social media is dealing with difficult conversations. When you know you have to have one, how do you prepare?
I take a deep breath and choose to stay calm. I try to be open to hearing what the other person has to say, and I make sure I’m being very clear.
Get to Know ME with Patty Armstrong
Welcome to this month’s edition of Get to Know ME! We’re spotlighting Patty Armstrong, out of our Traverse City office. Patty is succinct, organized and always ready to be a team player. The cherry on top? She’s an easy smiler! Watch her short video (told you she’s succinct) and we bet you’ll smile along with her! Thanks, Patty for sharing a bit about your life with us this month (and the nautical trivia).
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
I’m a Travel Program Manager. I’ve been in the incentive industry for 25 years.
What do you like about being a Travel Program Manager?
I really enjoy meeting and working with people from different countries.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
Everyone is like family!
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment?
Moving to Northern Michigan from the city.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
Hard to say. I like to think I am diplomatic.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
Keeping both well organized.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy boating, gardening and reading.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
My dogs make me laugh!
This month, our theme for social media is Procrastination. What are your tricks to use when you need to make sure a task gets done on time?
Lists! I adore them and use them frequently.
Get to Know ME with Trisha Neff
This Get to Know ME segment features Trisha Neff from our Traverse City office. Once you read this blog you’ll know who to go to for 1. A scary movie, 2. A great book, and 3. A laugh! Thanks, Trisha, for sitting down for a recorded interview too! Between speaking Mandarin and performing in multiple choirs, it’s been really fun getting to know you!
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
My title is Tech Project Manager, and I’ve worked here for 25 years, starting in 1998 at VIKTOR when it was “Viktor Weyand Travel Service.” And now roughly 18 months as a Motivation Excellence employee when VIKTOR was purchased.
What do you like about being a Tech Project Manager?
I like the variety of things I get to work on, along with learning about our clients’ programs and the exciting destinations they’ve selected. Probably my favorite thing is when our programmers develop a new tech product (or enhance an existing one) that improves our internal efficiency and enhances the traveler experience in some way.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
I am lucky to work with this group of kind (and hilarious) people. They’re always ready to help out, hand out chocolate as needed, and pull together as a team during crunch times.
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment?
In 1987-88 I spent a year in Taipei, Taiwan between undergrad and graduate school. It was the first time I had traveled alone and had to rely on myself for everything, including communicating solely in Chinese! I learned I could handle anything, and it turned out to be one of the best years of my life.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
Well, I guess it’s speaking Mandarin, and the general ability to learn languages pretty easily. And is this a talent? (I’ll go with YES): I am a Halloween super fan and LOVE scary (not gory) movies. Ask me for movie recommendations anytime!
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
I like the feelings of accomplishment that come with doing a good and thorough job, no matter what I’m working on. While I may not be “the best” at something, I will work hard to understand it and master it to the best of my ability.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
During the short summer months in Northern MI: going to the beach, enjoying outdoor concerts, and reading a million novels on my screened-in porch – please ask me for book recommendations! In the fall/winter: singing in multiple choirs, knitting by the fire, binging the hot new streaming series, and game nights with friends. And now that I work part-time, I volunteer at a kitten rescue. (When I come home, my husband asks me to empty my pockets. 😊)
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
My friends! I’ve had the same two best friends since junior high school, and they can easily make me cry-laugh. Well, all my friends can do that, as can my husband.
This month, our theme for social media is Public Speaking. When you have to get in front of people to speak, are there any things you definitely do to prepare?
I have occasionally terrible stage fright, and that includes public speaking. So, for a choral performance or public speaking, for me, preparation is key. To have some kind of comfort level, I must have all the music practically memorized. For public speaking, if I’ve had time to rehearse what I’m going to say, I will be much calmer and do better. Also, I learned from the Brady Bunch to imagine the audience in their underwear…
Get to Know ME with Forey Erickson
Forey Erickson is a Travel Program Manager out of our Traverse City, Michigan office, and she definitely embodies the “Pure Michigan” vibe! Read more about her below and watch a short video to learn about her favorite travel destination and why she’s making a move in 2023. Thanks Forey for sharing your awesome work ethic and laid back attitude!
What’s your current title and how long have you been in the incentive industry?
I am a Travel Program Manager. I’ve been in the events world, starting in automotive PR events, for nearly 10 years, with the last 7 focused primarily on the incentive side of the industry.
What do you like about being a Travel Program Manager?
No two days are the same. This job is anything but boring and I love the collaborative nature of planning and operating these programs and putting together the logistical puzzle. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to some of the most incredible places on the globe with fantastic clients and colleagues and my world view is constantly expanding. And nothing beats seeing months of planning and hard work come together in a beautifully executed program for our participants.
What’s something you want to share about the people you work with at Motivation Excellence?
This type of work requires diligence, creativity, and dedication and there is no shortage of those qualities at Motivation Excellence. Everyone shows up for each other and our clients daily, even in the crazy of our busy season, to ensure that we are delivering the best for our clients and participants. I’ve never felt alone in any work endeavor—everyone is willing to jump in and help when a teammate needs an assist.
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment?
We took a group to Tuscany in the summer of 2022 and while the program was a raging success, we found ourselves in the midst of a global air crisis at the tail end of COVID-19 related international travel restrictions. On the final full day, half of our groups’ flights were canceled. In the span of just a few hours, three of us who were onsite, our air team back stateside, and our incredible DMC partners got everyone rebooked, everyone tested for COVID-19, and still pulled off a fabulous final event. Being recognized for our hard work by the clients during speeches on that final night was the cherry on top after an adrenaline-filled afternoon. It served as a great reminder of why we love what we do and who we are doing it for.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
I have an uncanny knack for retaining obscure information. I can name Michigan State basketball starting lineups going back decades, tell you the filmography of b-list actors, sing all of the lyrics to “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and recall all of the US presidents in chronological order. Basically, my secret talent is being an excellent trivia partner.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
I come from a family filled with incredibly hardworking and impressive women, I’m just trying to keep up😊. I also love being part of a team and knowing how hard my colleagues and partners work makes me want to ensure I’m keeping up my end of the bargain.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m lucky enough to spend the bulk of my free time between Detroit and Traverse City, MI and love watching Michigan State and Detroit sports (someday my Lions will win a Super Bowl) and spending my summers on the beach or boat with family and friends.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
My amazing nieces and nephew, Rory, Teagan, and Declan. No shortage of laughter in our family.
This month, our theme for social media is self-esteem. What’s something you do to boost your own self-esteem when you’re feeling a bit low?
Calling up my family or boyfriend—they always pick me up, make me laugh, and remind me exactly who I am and what I’m capable of.
Get to Know ME with Allison Stewart
It’s one of our favorite times of each month: our Get to Know ME segment! This time we’re highlighting a new member on the sales team, Allison Stewart. Anyone who has worked with her so far knows how positive and effervescent she is. You can see for yourself in her short video too. Thanks, Allison, for sharing special things about YOU!
What’s your current title and how long have you been at Motivation Excellence?
I’m the Sales Support Assistant and I started in February of 2023.
Since you came from outside the industry, what’s something you’ve learned and especially liked about our industry?
I like how detail-oriented the programs are and have noticed how much effort and time is put into each and every aspect of making sure all our programs run seamlessly, whether it’s an online merchandise program or in-person travel program. The effort and expertise behind every detail amazes me.
As a newbie to the team, what’s something you’ve noticed about the people at Motivation Excellence?
Everyone at Motivation Excellence is so nice!! Everyone is willing to help, is supportive and will jump in to assist if you need help or have a question.
What’s a specific moment in your history that always stands out as a defining moment?
I was able to go on a 5-month study abroad program to Newcastle, Australia in 2008. It was one of the best highlights of my life so far. I can’t wait to go back and didn’t think it would take me this long to get there again.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
I grew up taking dance and tumbling lessons. I can still whip out an aerial and back handspring!
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
I don’t like having a to-do list. I am very motivated by nature to cross off all my “to-dos” so that I can spend more time doing what I love most.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Traveling, spending time with friends, family and my two cats, exercising, trying new foods or restaurants, cooking or baking, reading or listening to audio books, doing yard work or being outside if possible, and I love hiking.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
My cats’ behavior – they are silly and have big personalities.
This month, our theme for social media is Time Management. Do you have any tried and true strategies to stay on time with your tasks?
I make myself reminders and put everything in my calendar, sometimes two calendars. If all else fails, I use sticky notes!
Get to Know ME with Lilly Jobes
Lilly Jobes started as a travel program coordinator in the late summer of 2022, and everyone who has worked with her has nothing but compliments to cast her way! She may be soft-spoken, but she’s not necessarily shy. She’s also up for trying new things, experiencing new cultures and rescuing animals! Read below and watch our one minute video interview to Get to Know Lilly this month. Thanks, Lilly, for sharing a little bit about you and your life!
What’s your title and how long have you been at Motivation Excellence?
My title is Travel Program Coordinator and I have been with Motivation Excellence since August of 2022 but completed an internship with MEI while in college.
What does your job entail?
My job entails working with the travel program manager and coordinators to get a travel experience completed with registration, participant communication, documentation, mailings, and our mobile app, Inspire.
What’s something special about the people you work with you’d like to share?
All of the people I work with have been so kind and helpful since I started back in August. They have taken a lot of time to answer all my questions and make sure I feel right at home. I always look forward to seeing them in the office in Schaumburg or when I head up to the Traverse City office.
What’s an unknown or odd talent you have?
I have no talents, but I am pretty good at doing cartwheels.
What motivates you to accomplish things in your life (work or personal)?
I would say my biggest motivators in my work life are not letting my team down and making sure the participants of a program have an amazing experience. Also, reminding myself of my goals and my dreams keeps me motivated to accomplish things in my personal life. At the beginning of the year, I like to create a yearly motivation board where I make a collage of all the things I wish to accomplish or work toward that year. I like to keep it somewhere I can easily look at it every day.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my dogs, Churro and Elvis, dancing ballet, stopping by my favorite thrift stores, and watching Cubs games during the summer.
One thing that always makes you laugh is?
Whenever I need a laugh, I turn on The Office. Or put my dog in his onesie pajamas.
What have you done that helped you get through the pandemic?
Graduating college at the start of the pandemic was very difficult for me so I tried to find some new hobbies and stay busy. One of my big projects I had for myself was completing my college scrapbook, which took a few months. I also enjoyed working on my garden and staying active.
What is the most unusual job you’ve ever had?
The most unusual job I have ever had would probably be when I ran activities at an assisted senior living facility. We played plenty of bingo, made lots of crafts, and had some fun parties. I got to know some amazing men and women and heard a lot of crazy stories.
This month, our theme for social media is conflict resolution. How do you best get through a sticky situation?
Whenever I am in a sticky situation, I try to remind myself that it’s only temporary and getting upset will do no good. Being calm through a tough situation can be challenging but it always results in a better outcome in the end. If it’s a conflict with another person, I try to keep an open mind and see their point of view. If it’s something else that I am stuck on, I will try and find the answer or reach out for help.
