Meet the Riveter: Maureen K
Name: Maureen K
Year Started at R. Riveter: 2016
Position: Canvas Riveter
Military Affiliation: Spouse of an Army National Guard soldier (Active Duty)
Current Base: Ft Rucker, Alabama
1. First, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Ohio. I met my husband shortly after I graduated from college and was working as a kindergarten teacher. My husband was a member of the Ohio National Guard when we met, so I married into the military life. He ended up getting an active duty job with the National Guard and we began the life of moving every few years. We are now in our fifth state in twelve years and have two wonderful children. Our son is 7 years old and our daughter is almost 5!
2. Why did you join R.Riveter?
I joined R. Riveter, because I was ready to ease back into the working world after being a stay-at-home mom for several years. With my kids in school part of the day, I was looking for the opportunity to earn a little extra income and have something purposeful to do with my time.
3. How has being a military spouse affected your journey and your career?
Being a military spouse did not make it easy to continue my career in teaching. With each move, it meant that I needed to obtain a new teaching license in a new state. Not only can that be costly, but also time consuming. Many states require additional college classes to be completed to grant an incoming teacher a license. Even though I was fortunate to teach the same grade in two different states, it was still a big transition switching to a new district with different materials, requirements and expectations. After we moved to our third state, I decided to leave teaching and focus on my family while my kids were still little.
4. How has R.Riveter affected your life?
With all of the stresses of moving with the military, R. Riveter gives my family the peace of mind knowing that I have employment regardless of where we end up next. Not only is the mobile income a huge perk, but I feel so fortunate to have a job that I can work around my family’s schedule. I don’t have to worry about scheduling off for doctor’s appointments, sports or sick kids. I can get my work done around my family’s needs.
5. What do you love most about what you do?
Working as a Riveter is very rewarding. Seeing the product start from rolls of fabric or military materials and take shape into beautiful handbags gives me pride. I love knowing that our products are made in America and have a story to tell.
6. What is one of your most proud moments at R.Riveter?
One of my most proud moments working as a Riveter is when I took my family to the R. Riveter store in Southern Pines and found a bag stamped with my Riveter number. My kids get to see the canvas parts I work on at home, but this gave them the chance to see a completed handbag that started in our home.
7. Favorite part about working at R.Riveter?
My favorite part of working for R. Riveter is knowing that I am part of a company which has a mission to empower others.
8. Favorite R.Riveter handbag?
My favorite R. Riveter handbag is the Otto.
9. Fun Fact about yourself?
In my 20’s, my sisters, mom and I completed a 500 mile walk across Spain. This walk, known as the Camino to Santiago, took us five weeks to complete
