From Debbie Freeman, BDI Contributing Writer
Read Time: 5 minutes
In the suburban town of Shawnee, Kansas, Mindy Sherfy spends her days working from her blue-walled home office, answering calls from BDI clients. She’s accompanied by her ‘coworker,’ Millie, a black and white mini Australian Shepherd.
There’s a sticky note in her desk that reads, ‘TTSP.’ A phrase shared by a previous employer reminding Mindy that when life gets difficult, This Too Shall Pass.
“Whether it be at work or in our personal lives, we all face challenges. That’s when it’s important to come back to the idea that whatever you’re facing, it will pass,” she said. “And try to enjoy the blessings along the way.”
As BDI’s Director of Client Support, Mindy brings her positivity and ‘TTSP’ attitude to everyday tasks. If she isn’t working with BDI clients on their fundraising campaigns, she’s helping BDI’s internal e-tools. In this role, she helps equip BDI’s Client Service team with the tools, training, and the guidelines they need to accomplish client goals.
“I’m a workaholic by nature and I’m a perfectionist. I work a lot…” she laughed. “Having the opportunity to work with BDI’s clients, I get to see the impact of people’s generosity. There are so many miraculous stories I could tell because every gift really does make a difference. It’s cliché, but it’s true!”
But Mindy didn’t always think she would go into the field of nonprofit fundraising. After graduating college with a degree in journalism and mass communication, she had her heart set on being a hard-hitting news reporter.
“My dreams quickly changed when I realized, ‘Oh my gosh, I need to get a job that pays money to actually support myself!” she said with a laugh. “I got a job as a copywriter for a small agency that did something called, ‘fundraising.’ That was not only my first introduction to direct marketing, but to Rescue Missions as well.’”
As Mindy grew in her career, she worked for several different organizations and had the opportunity to learn data analytics, database management, print production, and account management.
“I so appreciate having the experience that I do because I’ve worked in almost every area of direct response marketing! It has helped me understand the industry and I hope it makes me better at my job today.” she said.
In Mindy’s time outside of work, she enjoys scrapbooking, hiking, going to parks with her husband, Mark… and cheering on the Kansas sports teams. “(Go Chiefs!)”
“Now that both of my sons are in college, I’m in a transitional period of my life where I’m trying to re-learn what I like to do in my spare time,” she said. “I’m a HUGE fan of HGTV shows, and love to dream about what new projects I can do in my house.” According to Mindy, she and her husband can often be found working together on home projects.
“I enjoy my free time but I actually love working,” she said. “I love our clients. I love what they do, I love their hearts, and I think that’s what makes the days that are hard, better.”
When Mindy’s workday is finally over, she watches the colorful sunset (one of her favorite parts about Kansas), takes Millie for a walk, and reminds herself of the TTPS sticky note sitting in her desk drawer.
“It’s always interesting to see where the Lord leads you,” she said. “I am blessed. He led me to this place where I get to serve alongside so many great organizations who are positively impacting their communities!”
