Janie Hedglin: Consultant with character

<p>Janie Hedglin</p>

Janie Hedglin

Dignity, courtesy, kindness and respect are life's foundation for Janie Hedglin, the California Democrat's new marketing consultant.

"If you treat people with these four characteristics, you're going to be able to make it with people," said Hedglin, who joined the office earlier this month.

Most recently, she worked for KOPI out of Jefferson City. So, many local businesses and churches may recognize her name and face, she said.

Some may also remember her from her more than 20 years in area banking.

One of her greatest achievements was creating and growing an educational and social network for one bank's clients age 50 and older. Within five years, she grew the new service from 500 accounts after the first year to more than 5,000.

Through the PALS (privilege, adventure, leisure, service) program, Hedglin said she treated her customers' money as thoughtfully as if it were her own.

In the same way, she hopes to help Democrat customers.

"I'm not just out to sell an ad; I want to help you grow your business in this community," she said.

Early in her career, Hedglin spent more than a decade in youth ministry with the Kansas City Youth for Christ oganization and its affiliate in Joplin.

Having reliable role models in her own life, growing up a farm girl and 4-H member in Sedalia, Hedglin said she became that for teenagers having tough times.

"They needed to feel accepted, to have a leader and someone to show them the way," she said.

She is pleased to see those once-youth who now be successful and have families of their own, she said.

"Wherever I go, I want to leave a path, to make a difference," Hedglin said.

In her spare time, she enjoys time with her husband, Max, who delivers the mail to and from California, and using acrylics on canvas to create whimsical paintings.

As the Democrat's marketing consultant, Hedglin said she plans to draw from her people skills and her project development experience.

She would like her future customers to know "I'm genuine and truly care about people."

Hedglin said she looks forward to learning more about the community, particularly its history and events, and getting involved in local organizations.

"Newspapers bring us together as a community," she said. "We're a growing little town with big ideas and I like being part of that."