Natalie Schmidt is the Business Development Director at Harris Insurance, where she spends her days managing e-mails, training, writing policies, and keeping customer needs on track.

• Her mornings begin with the balancing act of three kids, three different school drop-offs, and a quick Peloton ride squeezed in before heading to the office. 

We caught up with Natalie to learn about her favorite local spots, the career advice she lives by, and how she blends family, faith, and community into her workday.

What’s your current job title and where do you work?

Business Development Director at Harris Insurance

What’s your morning routine?

Try to hit snooze not more than twice, fit in a quick Peloton workout, get three kids ready for three different school drop offs/carpools, and try to get to work as close to on-time as possible.

Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.

I can walk into work with a full to-do list and somehow the day will get hijacked by things that weren’t even on my radar. I try to jump around to keep training, emails, returned phone calls, and writing insurance policies all under control.

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work (or start your workday)?

Check that inbox.

What tools, apps, or gadgets can’t you live without?

My team, my cell, and I’m loving how smart my AI email plug-in is becoming. I still carry around an emotional-support paper planner.

Apple or Android?

Do not text me if it’s going to be green.

What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?

It’s almost time for cold brew with pumpkin cold foam on top!

What’s your go-to lunch spot or work snack?

I love walking to Burrito del Sol, Boardroom, or Cowhead for lunch meetings. The new Beach Weekend Coffee Shop is dangerous being across the street from the office!

What’s one local business you love supporting?

I also love Ali’s Bistro downtown. Their food is the best and I love popping in for happy hour while my oldest has dance at Northwest Florida Ballet Academie.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Eat the frog. (Google it)

If you could give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Every thing you choose to do will benefit you where you end up. I majored in English and secondary education, was an educator (Go Vikes) and worked in Property Management. I never knew I’d land in the family business but I’m so glad I did (and my brother did too)!

How do you unwind after a long day?

Unwind? lol. I work with my carpools, family and amazing husband (it takes a village) to pick up everyone from ballet, baseball, football, cheer practices, get home for dinner, homework & bed.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I’m (I think what they call) an extroverted introvert. If I’m comfortable with you I won’t shut up but it takes me a minute to get there. We can’t go anywhere without my councilman husband knowing someone so I just smile and wave.

What’s your favorite local event or tradition?

Northwest Florida Ballet’s The Nutcracker. I’ve attended every year since I was 3 with my mom.

What’s inspiring you right now (book, podcast, person, hobby)?

I’m really into Charlie Kirk at the moment. I’ve been listening to his podcast.

Early bird or night owl?

If I catch a second wind I’m a night owl. I want to be a morning person so badly!

Most used emoji?

🫶

Music while working — yes or no?

Alexa, play Today’s Country.

Favorite motivational quote?

Proverbs 12:25

Standing desk or sitting? Mix?

Both + a walking pad

If you could give any advice for someone getting into the same field as you, what would you give?

Be open to change. The industry is fluid and the only thing constant is change.