Today, for Meet Us Monday, we are highlighting Lindsay Kuzmitz! Lindsey works as a buyer for Paddington Station, and you’ve likely seen her cheerful smile upstairs in the kitchen section!
- Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the East Bay area of California, in Walnut Creek. In 2006, I was trying to decide where to go to school and happened to meet Paul French as I was wandering around the halls of SOU in the middle of the summer. He was the chair of the department at that time and, without an appointment, he sat down and talked to my dad and I for over an hour. I decided to move to Ashland to study with him right then and there! - What is something about you that would surprise people?
A lot of people don’t know that I’m a classically trained singer! I sang opera in school and have a passion for choral music. But there’s also this other side of me that really loves German industrial heavy metal. My favorite band is Rammstein- they were a nineties grunge band but are still touring, and my husband and I went to LA to see them last September! - What is the best meal you’ve ever had?
There was this fabulous meal we had for a wedding reception in Guatemala. It was this tortilla soup that haunts me in my dreams because I know I’ll probably never find it again. I also really like the bucatini with tomato sauce and sausage at La Briccola Osteria here in Ashland. - What is your favorite time of year?
I love the Fall here. Everything gets so cozy and the light changes, more so than any other time of year. You also get to bust out your boots, which you’ve been dying to wear all summer! - Where is your favorite spot in Ashland?
Lithia Park is really special and I just recently visited the Japanese gardens for the first time to see the new blooms. It’s kinda lame to say, but also hanging out at home on our ranch is really sweet! We have sheep, alpacas, llamas, and chickens, and just sitting outside on a nice day with them feels so serene and peaceful. - What are some of your hobbies?
I like doing things outdoors- gardening, hiking, and camping in the summertime. I also really enjoy any kind of musical projects I get to do. - Tell me about your favorite pet you’ve ever had.
Our current dogs are amazing! Lucy is a Red Heeler/Pointer mix and she is our first child. She’s an old girl but she’s still so sweet and loves everybody! Nala is our Covid baby and she’s a Boxer/German Shepherd mix. The two of them together are besties and quite the comedic duo! - Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My parents are pretty awesome people, both separately and together. They’ve been married a very long time and have gone through difficult things together, and really have taught my brother and I what healthy relationships and a healthy family looks like. My mom has taught me how to show love by taking care of others and my dad taught me how to work hard and think critically about things. Besides them, the Frenches have been a huge influence on my life. I would be living a totally different life if I had never met Paul! - What is a mantra you like to live by?
My husband, Ivan, is so smart and every once in a while he vocalizes these little pearls of wisdom. A few years ago, he said, “There are no steep hills, only hills you are walking up too fast.” I really like to apply that to a lot of things in life. No matter what you’re trying to accomplish or if there’s an obstacle- if it seems difficult, I just slow down and take it at a pace that is better for me. - What is your favorite thing about working at Paddington Station?
The room that it gives you to grow. If you want to apply yourself and use your talents with the company, the sky’s the limit. I started as a sales associate and, through Pam’s guidance, have come to where I am today. I love that she nurtures her employees to be able to make a difference for the company! Everybody brings something to the table that is really special.
