Working Mom Spotlight: Erika Ressler

Meet Erika! A wife, specialty pharmaceutical sales rep - and Restored mom.

Number of kids: 4

Favorite candy bar: Snickers

Restored: Tell us about your family and your childcare solution.

Erika: I am married to my wonderful husband, Ken, and we have four beautiful children. Olivia (12), Caroline (11), Molly (9) and Kenny (6). Both my husband and I have always worked, so childcare is important. We started our children in local five-star commercial childcare. However, as each child started elementary school, we began to focus on after-care solutions, such as our local YMCA. We eventually were blessed to have a couple of amazing after-school nannies over the years.

Restored: Where do you work, and what is a typical workday for you?

Erika: I work in the pharmaceutical industry, in specialty sales. I have a large territory that spans half of N.C. and do 99 percent of my work away from home. My days begin early with helping children get ready for school, and I usually do school drop-off. Then, I drive into my territory, which can be as close as five minutes down the road or two hours away at the coast. I am usually in and out of my car several times a day calling on physician offices and return home in the evening, although I do have one or two overnight trips per month. My days are intense with a focus on doing what is right for patients, and I love knowing that I am impacting patient lives every day.

Restored: What are some of your goals – personal or professional?

Erika: Some of my personal goals, this year specifically, were to be more intentional about the time I spend with my family, my friends and even myself. I committed to taking more time for myself to grow in my faith and share those experiences with my family. Surprisingly, I found a new love for exercise through Pilates, and my Pilates time is a priority for me . Professionally, I want to move into a leadership role with a team. I enjoy helping others with their professional development and inspiring others to do their best work, everyday.

Restored: What motivates you to work?

Erika: I believe my motivation is tied to my desire to constantly learn and use that knowledge, contributing to society through my passion for interacting with and inspiring others. I enjoy reading, learning new things, then setting goals to achieve success. I also enjoy being someone that my children can look to for advice on different experiences. I always looked to my parents for advice and want the same for my children.

Restored: How do you like to relax?

Erika: Work hard, play hard. I love spending time with my family. We like to attend sporting events, whether it is our own children’s team sports or going to professional sporting events. We love being in our backyard pool or sitting around the fire and traveling to the beach or mountains. We also like to do crafts, play games and cook together.

Restored: What is your favorite part of motherhood? How has it impacted you personally?

Erika: My favorite part of motherhood is seeing my children learn, show compassion, caring and successful.  When I see show compassion… whether it is a love for learning, our family or strangers… it is touching to see them start to understand what will motivate them in life. Leading with their heart will help them be successful and passionate.  

Restored: What is one of your favorite Restored events to date? Why is it your favorite? 

Erika: Ironically, one of my personal goals to be more intentional with “me time” was a commitment I made to myself to attend a Restored event once a month. I didn’t know much about Restored, but it looked like a group that I could learn from and enjoy spending time with. Little did I know what was ahead of me. I attended the January event and knew right away, these were my people! I love meeting other moms and learning from them. We all support each other, and that is special.

Restored: What is one of your favorite Restored events to date? Why is it your favorite?

Erika: One of my favorite Restored events so far was ‘Priorities with Kelly Shiley.’ Kelly spoke as a mother, both personally and professionally. I could relate to her busy lifestyle, as I think we all can, and she was so open and real about it! She shared her struggles, but also her achievements, and I think that is important. Through her faith, she stays focused on the good and her strength pulls her through challenges.

Restored: Can you share how you overcome challenges related to the “mom chaos” that settles in when you feel pulled in 100 directions?

Erika: This may sound crazy to some, but I love to say NO. If you can look at your life, decide who/what your priorities are, saying “no” is so much easier - and it feels amazing. A few years ago, I found myself overcommitting - at work, at home, volunteering…you name it, I accepted the challenge. I realized that these “things” would get done, whether I did them or someone else. Now, I focus on my priorities and am more intentional about what I choose to spend my time doing.

Restored: Besides your faith and family, what are you passionate about?

Erika: I think I get an adrenaline rush from learning than accomplishing something new. I am an achiever personality type, so there must be something to that.