The many sides of Kristan

Hi.  I'm Kristan.  I didn't expect a temp job during winter break of my freshmen hear of college to turn into a 28-year career, but that's what happened. I credit communication skills, relationships, hard work, and the confidence to speak up for myself for taking me along a successful path through multiple mergers and acquisitions. Many internal moves may seem like a squiggly line to promotions, but it's a journey that taught me to embrace change, be open to learning, and to respect the past while looking to the future.  The wide variety of skills I learned wile wearing many hats teed me up to tackle any challenge with the knowledge that the only thing you need to get ahead is to take one step at a time. And now I truly enjoy helping others outline those steps for themselves.  

My path:

Account Research/Customer Service Rep --> Payment Processing Coordinator --> Supervisor of Seasonal Cust Serv --> Business Unit Trainer --> Human Resources Trainer --> Seasoned Corporate Facilitator --> Human Resources Generalist --> Business Relationship Compliance Officer -->.AVP, Senior Manager, Marketing Project Management --> VP, Operations --> SVP, Runoff Operations --> Consultant!

Kristan joined the Rotary Club of Denville in early 2024 and characteristically jumped in with both feet.  That July she was appointed to a vacated officer position and named liaison for the Rotary-sponsored high school club, Interact. Since July 2025 she has been President-Elect, a role that gives her the opportunity to shape partnerships and community education as she coordinates guest speakers at the club meetings. She will be the presumptive Club President beginning July 2027.  She participates on many committees and service projects, leading to earning the 2026 annual recognition of the club's Claude Dickerson Award for exceptional contributions in the first five years as a Rotarian.  You're likely to find her on the first Sunday of every June at the Denville Rotary Street Festival either by the bandstand or in the beer garden embracing her "work hard, play hard" philosophy. 

What does bartending have in common with Kristan's career goals and values?  At 19-years old Kristan was still anticipating becoming a high school English teacher. Then she started tending bar. By age 21 she was an instructor - and Vice President - at the Eastcoast School of Bartending. She documented the curriculum, standardized the tests, and assisted with the state application for recognition as a vocational training program. And when a training position opened up at her day-time office temp job, she confidently applied as someone with experience, launching a career as a corporate trainer. 

Years later, in 2013 Kristan moved to a new neighborhood that boasted a community clubhouse with a bar. Kristan has enjoyed countless days and evenings volunteering to open the bar for happy hours, holidays, and community events. She prides herself on making a good drink, making it fast, and serving it with a smile. 

With her entrepreneurial spirit kicked into high gear, Kristan recently launched The Connected Cocktail, a mobile bartending service available in your home or rented space. Yet, it's never been about the alcohol. It's always been about bringing people together in positivity and joyful celebration - whether celebrating a birthday or just another day ending in y. 

* psst -- always consume alcohol responsibly. And if you struggle to do that, ask a friend or professional for help :-) 

When Kristan wanted to combine her love of hiking and camping into backpacking, she knew she needed additional skills snd knowledge to be safe. She found all the support she needed and more with Trailbound Project. A new company themselves at the time, they quickly grew a community that demanded more services than they had manpower to provide. Kristan was more than happy to start helping on guided hikes in 2025 and now regularly leads hikes, helps the team with their admin, and provided communication skills training during their first full-day instructor training.  She is in the process of completing her Wilderness First Aid certification to be able to help in unforeseen emergencies. The commitment of Trailbound Project to making all challenges achievable through eduction and support is an easy fit with Kristan's outlook on life. 

Kristan's newest venture is as a founding member of the non-profit Growth Collective of New Jersey.  Working with partners who collective have TONS of experience starting businesses, she looks forward to supporting small businesses and ultimately being able to provide them with funding to develop and grow their companies and their dreams.