Sheila Wendelken is a dedicated Twin Valley and SKT team member who genuinely cares about our customers and consistently strives to provide the best service. And we are thrilled to share that she recently accepted a new position within the company as Technical Service Representative. In this new role, Sheila will focus on helping customers resolve internet and streaming service issues, assist technicians with service troubleshooting, monitor network operations and more.

“Sheila has a very fun personality, and she always makes me smile,” explains Jill McMillan, Customer Service Manager. “She is a quick learner, enjoys a challenge, and will take a task and run with it. She is patient and understanding with customers and already has great troubleshooting skills. Her attention to detail paired with her desire to have a deeper understanding of the technologies we offer will help her be successful in her new role.”

7 Questions with Sheila

How has your role changed since joining the company?
I am just beginning to transition into my new role as Technical Service Representative. I am excited to begin training and learning all the aspects of my new role. When I first started working at Twin Valley 16 years ago, we were primarily a phone company. A couple of years later, we started building out our fiber to the premises network, and now our focus is on broadband. It has been exciting to see all of the changes over the years, and I am excited about our future.

How does the hybrid-remote work model fit your lifestyle?
When COVID hit and the company switched to working remotely, the change was very abrupt, and, in such an uncertain time, it was a little unsettling at first. I adjusted, and now I am more productive and focused working at home. The shift to the remote work environment taught me I am more resilient than I realized.

What are the benefits of working at Twin Valley?
The family atmosphere makes it a pleasure to work for the company. We have fun at work, and there is always a challenge.

Our health insurance, 401k and vacation benefits are the most important to me, and we have the best in the marketplace. I have seen the vacation benefit improve and become more flexible. This flexibility frees up stress that you may have an unforeseen emergency or need for time out of the office.

What is something your co-workers don’t know about you?
I am pretty transparent. After working with the same group of people [for so many years], it would be hard to name anything they don’t know.

How are you involved in the community?
For years, I was a member of the Clay County Arts Council. I no longer volunteer for them but continue to support them with my donations and membership. In addition, I have also participated in the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure since 2016. My friends always join me at the event. However, just to be clear, I do not run in it…  I walk.

What is one of your hobbies?
I have been cooking since I was young. I think I learned my love of cooking from my grandmother who would share the stories behind her recipes with me when she let me help her cook. Most of her recipes were actually passed down to her from her mother and grandmother, so it felt like a very interesting history lesson. She made the best macaroni and cheese. I have tried many, many times to duplicate it to taste just the way hers did and I have yet to succeed. She did have all of her recipes in her head and to her – and me now too – measuring is not done with a spoon or a cup, its eyeballed.

I love to formulate new recipes in my head and then try executing them. Cooking is my de-stressor and the only creative thing I can do. I never write down a recipe or follow one. I am not afraid to try new things and food combinations. This has resulted in some great new dishes and some epic fails that the EPA probably should have disposed of. I share my creations with my family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.

When you’re not at work, what else do you like to do in your spare time?
Besides cooking, I am an avid KU Jayhawks and KC Chiefs fan. I am a history buff and enjoy historical nonfiction books and documentaries. I also love to travel to Wichita and Kansas City to see friends and check out new restaurants or go to outdoor festivals and concerts.