Summer Break with BMSD

We’re switching things up from our normal portfolio piece this month—mainly because we‘re envious of everyone’s summer break and wanted to daydream about everything warm and sunny. Get to know a bit more about your BatesMeron team through this insightfully silly Q&A!

We asked everyone:

1. What’s something new you’re excited to try or learn this summer—just for fun or personal growth?
2. What are you most looking forward to this summer—travel plans, creative projects, the sunshine, etc.?
3. If your personal brand were a summer drink, what would it be and why?

Amy

Q: What’s something new you’re excited to try or learn this summer—just for fun or personal growth? 

A: I just had a brand-new left hip installed (fresh off the orthopedic assembly line!), so I’m looking forward to mastering the fine art of walking without a wobble, conquering stairs like a champ, and maybe even busting out a dance move or two. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to this summer—travel plans, creative projects, the sunshine, etc.? 

A: I’m most looking forward to moving through life a little easier, with my shiny new hip leading the way! Whether it’s a sunny walk along the lake or finally sitting comfortably through a patio brunch, I’m soaking up all the little joys. 

Q: If your personal brand were a summer drink, what would it be and why? 

A: Classic Arnold Palmer – Half sweet, half strong, and completely reliable. 

Ann

Q: What’s something new you’re excited to try or learn this summer—just for fun or personal growth? 

A: I’m always trying a new craft. So far this summer I’ve been dabbling in beadwork and have made a couple bracelets, just for fun. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to this summer—travel plans, creative projects, the sunshine, etc.? 

A: I’ve been painting up a storm this summer and am looking forward to participating in more art shows like In Praise of Color opening August 1st! 

Q: If your personal brand were a summer drink, what would it be and why? 

A: I would be a Poppi Soda, because of their bright colors and balance between fun and functional. 

Becka

Q: What’s something new you’re excited to try or learn this summer—just for fun or personal growth? 

A: I’ve been doing aqua aerobics outside this summer and let me tell you…it’s not just for ‘older’ people! If you put your all into it, you can get quite sore! 

Q: What are you most looking forward to this summer—travel plans, creative projects, the sunshine, etc.? 

A: I like to read outside in this weather. 

Q: If your personal brand were a summer drink, what would it be and why? 

A: An iced coffee with a hint of mocha. I’m sorta sharp, sorta sweet. 

Cam

Q: What’s something new you’re excited to try or learn this summer—just for fun or personal growth? 

A: I’ve been taking French classes this summer through the Alliance Française de Chicago, it’s been great to exercise my brain and immerse myself in their community events, you can check them out here!

Q: What are you most looking forward to this summer—travel plans, creative projects, the sunshine, etc.? 

A: I’ve been looking forward to hiking and exploring new state parks in Illinois. 

Q: If your personal brand were a summer drink, what would it be and why? 

A: I think I’d be something sweet and wild, like a milkweed flower cocktail, recipe here!

Esmeralda

Q: What’s something new you’re excited to try or learn this summer—just for fun or personal growth? 

A: I have been working on turning my yard into a native plant garden. I am one to speed through tasks but there is no such thing as rushing through weeding and seeding. This project has taken months and forced me to realize that everything worth waiting for takes time and hard work. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to this summer—travel plans, creative projects, the sunshine, etc.? 

A: I am installing a new mural in my son’s bedroom this summer. We’re looking at dinosaurs with a color scheme of pink and teal this year. 

Q: If your personal brand were a summer drink, what would it be and why? 

A: I would be cold brew, ready to get things done. 

Lili

Q: What’s something new you’re excited to try or learn this summer—just for fun or personal growth? 

A: I would love to master the craft of baking focaccia! I have been experimenting with different flavors—caramelized onion & feta, cheesy garlic, roasted tomato & mozzarella, etc.— and hope to become a true focaccia queen. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to this summer—travel plans, creative projects, the sunshine, etc.? 

A: I am working on a multidisciplinary project that encompasses music, film, and photography. The visuals are the focus of the summer, so I am excited to be working with my collaborators to bring our collective vision to life! We’re diving deep into black and white film. 

Q: If your personal brand were a summer drink, what would it be and why? 

A: Lemon Infused Sparkling Water. Refreshing, bold, zesty, and sparkly. 

Todd

Q: What’s something new you’re excited to try or learn this summer—just for fun or personal growth? 

A: This summer, my wife and I have been trying to disconnect from our phones and be more present in the moment with each other and our family. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to this summer—travel plans, creative projects, the sunshine, etc.? 

A: It might sound a bit cheesy, but this summer I’m really looking forward to spending more time outdoors with my kids. They’re growing up so fast and it’s exciting to see them do more and more together. 

Q: If your personal brand were a summer drink, what would it be and why? 

A: A lemonade, because I work well by myself but also can be paired up to make something great.