As Operations Manager, Debbie has been with Ohlheiser for 20 years and is an integral part of their ongoing success.

What do you like best about working at Ohlheiser?  Definitely the people.  Everyone here is like family, and it's great to get to know the customers and feel like you are able to help when they need it.  Also, every day is different, you always have something new to learn.  I had the pleasure of starting my career at Ohlheiser when Bob Ohlheiser was still here, and treasure his guidance and insight from those days.  I've worked with Rob & Chuck for 30 years now, and I joke that we are like an old married couple - we have a lot of respect for each other.

Can you describe one of the most interesting projects/things that you've experienced at Ohlheiser?  There have been several over my 20+ years here.  Right now I am heavily involved in the implementation of a new computer system (Prophet 21) to replace our existing, out-dated system.  It's challenging, but we are excited about the capabilities it will allow us in the future.

What was your first job ever?  My first job was with Mulnite Tobacco Farm in East Windsor when I was 14.  The first year I worked to help pay for my first horse, the second year I worked to pay for a new saddle.

What do you like to do outside of work?  I breed, raise, train & show Arabian horses.  My goal this year is to make it to the U.S. Nationals in Oklahoma with my 3 year old filly that was born and raised on our farm.  Her mother, which I also own, was Top 10 at the U.S. Nationals in 2004 in the 3 year old Western Pleasure futurity.

How did you get started with horses?  I've loved horses since I can remember.  When I was about 7 yrs old, I used to bug my mom to take me to the "Pony Ring" down the street to let me ride there.  When I was 10, she decided to let me take riding lessons so I would see how much work it was and not want to do it anymore.  Didn't quite work out that way mom!  When I was 13, she gave me the choice of braces or a horse - guess what - I didn't get the braces !!

What are some key lessons you have taken from your career thus far?  Probably the most important lesson I can think of is to always keep a sense of humor.  Work hard, but have fun at it too.  If you do your best and keep a good attitude, the rest will fall into place.

Describe your typical day.  My typical day usually consists of a wide variety of things.  I start my day before 5 a.m. taking care of the (6) horses on our farm.  Once at the office, my duties consist of anything from general customer service, to supervising, to writing procedures, training & implementation of the new computer system, conference calls, decision making, etc.  There's never a dull moment.