Glaze and Grit
Glaze and Grit
Laken Samis: Operations Director for You Betcha (Episode 09)
Laken Samis was so much fun to connect with. Her smile, laugh, and kind demeanor immediately puts you at ease and makes you want to get to know her more. She is mom to Greyson, a real estate agent, and the Operations Director for You Betcha, a Midwest entertainment channel media company taking the internet by storm with their hilarious videos, media content, and You Betcha Radio of what it’s like living in the Midwest.
We connected on personal and professional pivots, who she finds her inspiration in, how she works through her anxiety being in a very public position, and words of advice for someone who is thinking about trying something new.
In typical You Betcha fashion, you’re going to laugh at how our conversation starts (hint: it involves donuts) and leave inspired by this incredible and authentic woman.
"Be you, don't worry about other people's perception of you." - Laken Samis
To connect with Laken:
Instagram: @lakenoperationsgal
Website: www.ohhyoubetcha.com
Something that I think that everyone should take a chance on is if there is something that you have been wanting to do, do it. Like if you want to start your own YouTube channel or podcasts, do it, don't let other, people's going back to perceptions, scare you away from doing that
Jessi Woinarowicz:Glaze and Grit is a podcast where honest and real conversations are front and center. A conversation we're Fargo, Moorhead, area, business owners, thought leaders, advocates, and visionaries share their lessons learned and provide a fresh perspective to better inform and support you in your journey. It's about sharing the real story to inspire lead and encourage. All right here in my backyard of Fargo, North Dakota, it all starts with a conversation and honest one. I'm Jessi Woinarowicz, and this is Glaze and Grit. I had so much fun connecting with Lake Samis. Laken is the operations director for You Betcha, the Midwest entertainment channel media company, taking the internet by storm with their hilarious videos, blogs, and p odcast of what it's like living in the Midwest. What you'll hear in this episode is Laken sharing her personal and professional pivots, who she finds her inspiration in and how she works through her anxiety. Being in a very public position. We talk about what it's like working on the you betcha team and words of advice for someone thinking about trying something new, be sure to check out Lincoln's Instagram at Laken o peration scout and all the awesome new b etcha merchandise for sale. Here's Laken S amis. How are you?
Laken Samis:Good. How are you? I'm doing good. Thank you so much for coming on. Thank you for having me. Sorry. I don't know how to turn this off. I'm sorry to interrupt you. So I muted this conversation and we have a group chat going and miles just asked if we wanted donuts. And so everyone's like, yes, donut, shut up. Sorry that won't happen again. Mild never offers to bring us anything. So I think everyone was like, what's going on yet?
Jessi Woinarowicz:Let's start at the beginning. You grew up in Fargo. So tell me a little bit about yourself.
Laken Samis:Yes. I was born and raised in Fargo. Um, I went to West Fargo high school and then I feel like anyone in Fargo really, they try to get out for a little bit. So after high school I moved to Minneapolis and then I got there and I was like, Nope, I want to go home. Like, uh, so it was like typical Fargo syndrome. So I ended up moving back, all my family lives here. So it's just, it's not that far away, but you know, being a kid fresh out of high school, like it was pretty scary, but I'm glad that I did it definitely like learned something along the way I was in property management for a very long time before you betcha. And I'm actually still a part-time real estate agent. So that's something I also do with taking care of the guys that You Betcha. I am married and I have a little boy he's two and a half. Um, my husband is currently in grad school right now for athletic training. Um, and then after this, he is going on to physical therapy. So we're very busy,
Jessi Woinarowicz:Very, very busy. Cause that's coming to you. What made you decide to move to Minneapolis after high school? You mentioned you wanted a different scenery from Fargo. What was it about Minneapolis that drew you there?
Laken Samis:I always had this aspiration of living somewhere in a big city where I could walk places and experience different things and different cultures. And I got there and I got to do all those things, but I was going to school at the time to be a vet tech and I was working part-time at a restaurant and it's just the whole money factor. I was like, this is insane. I don't know how people do it. I'm trying to work. Full-time I'm in full-time school. Mom. I need help. I want to come home. I'm scared. So that was the main factors just getting out and getting different scenery. Um, it was almost a year cause I remember we signed a nine month lease and towards the end of the lease, it was like the winter time. I'm like, I gotta go home. And it was like Christmas time and I wasn't by my family. It just didn't feel right. And it wasn't something I was ready for. Definitely made me very homesick. And my mom was like, I want you back home too.
Jessi Woinarowicz:Was that tough? Moving back home. And
Laken Samis:Not that it would be hard to like leave my Minneapolis friends and whatever, but my mom is my world. So like knowing that I got to like go back and be close to her and I have a very small family. My grandparents were here, my brother was here and I, you know, I'm around them. Mostly like every day I miss my mom dinners and my grandparents stepping over and saying hi, I knew that my grandpa didn't have that long left. So like that was also like a factor too in, it was, I just need to be around family. Like glad I got to experience this. But life is too short. You have to be around your family. When you, when you're called to do it.
Jessi Woinarowicz:Who do you move back to Fargo and you stepped into real estate. What made you decide on real estate?
Laken Samis:I was in property management for four years and experiencing the things and being a part of that world. I was a leasing agent and then I was a property manager and I enjoyed the leasing agent part more so than the property management part. I enjoyed helping people find something that they were going to live in and they're comfortable with. And I'm a very personal person. So when I got to know them and be friends with them as well, like not on a property manager aspect of it, it was great. I mean, I have so many experiences with that. And then I just knew that I wanted to be in real estate and sell homes. So that started to spark my interest. And I just wanted a tool on my belt per se, for when I got into real estate. So I was a little bit more prepared than just being like thrown to the wolves with the terminology, everything behind that. So I got my real estate license a year ago. I was actually on a real estate team. So I quit my property management job. And it is a grind when you're trying to be a full-time agent, it is hard to get your feet up and going and being on the team, I was going to get a little more help with that than I actually did, unfortunately. So I started to look for jobs, but I knew I still wanted to be a real estate agent, but I don't think I was in it full time. It started to become not fun for me. And that was when it's, something's not fun. It's hard for you to do it and do it well. So I started to look for jobs and then I stumbled upon an operations director for you betcha. And I was like, what? Like, I didn't even know that this was a company necessarily. So I applied for it and I was very honest with miles. I was like, Hey, I still have a real estate license. I want to continue practicing. And I want to do this, but I am committed to getting a full-time job. And he was totally understanding of it. And we had a couple of phone calls and I met with him in person. And now I'm the operations gal for you and a part-time real estate agent. Real estate is mostly on the weekends and at night. And then You Betcha is all the time.
Jessi Woinarowicz:So going back to your real estate and you're starting to look for something different, it feels like maybe operations director is a little bit different than real estate, but probably a lot of similar responsibilities and traits that you brought to the table where you nervous about what is this, or if I can stop this or were you like, yes, I'm going to do it.
Laken Samis:You know, I wasn't nervous just because when I worked for property management for those four years, I was managing a leasing team as well. I took the traits from that and the things that I've learned from that and how to manage people. And I knew that I could apply it obviously very different worlds, but the mindset is the same where it's like, Hey, we have stuff to do. Like we need to get it done. Quit messing around. This is how it's going to work. I wasn't nervous about it. The only thing I was nervous about is obviously there's a lot of eyeballs on the things that you do and people are going to notice if something is messed up with having a 2 million audience. So that part is still nerve wracking. And the fact that I manage all men, uh, that, that part is kind of nerve wracking as well. Because prior to that, I was working with all females, very different worlds. Let me tell you that. That's the other thing that I was a little bit nervous about was like, okay, I know I'm going to be the only girl here. Like, okay, we gotta make it work. Like it's going to be an adjustment, but I think I can do it. So I think it was all just like a mindset. Yes, this is going to be different. But also like my managing skills can be the same, if not better, because I might have people who are more open to listening to me.
Jessi Woinarowicz:What was it that drew you to You Betcha and Miles?
Laken Samis:Yeah. So miles and I had a conversation on the phone. I first applied and right away our chemistry were just hitting it off immediately. It was very like casual, but still business professional at the same time. And then I met with him and Ryan for like the face-to-face interview. And he's like, do you want a beer or something? I'm like, wow, I can't turn down like a beer from the You Betcha guy. Like that would be weird. That'd be like grounds for not getting the job. I feel like. And so we had a really good laugh and we just hit it off. So every day, um, I get to work and I clean up Miles' mess. No, just kidding. But, um, I tidy up around our office. We were very small. It's five people right now in the same space. You see the warehouse behind me. This is one of our warehouses, but our main one is where like our offices are. I am such like a clean freak. If I'm going to work, I need a clear head space, organized everything. So I do that. And then I answer a lot of our customer service emails. So I do a lot on the merchandise side. People need help with their sizes or exchanges or returns. I take care of all those people. First, our customer service is something that I pride myself on because have you ever ordered something online and you need to return it? And you're like, how, who do I talk to? Like, what do I do? Do I send an email? Like that kind of thing. We make it very easy on our customers. And so that's my top priority in the morning. Um, and then we do a lot of team meetings just going over and making sure everyone's on the same schedule and making sure if the video is being edited and done, who is streaming tonight? What time is the podcast being filmed? All of that kind of thing. Just checking in on everyone, making sure everyone has the tools they need to get their day going then afternoon times kind of the same, sending out any products that were returned, sending out the exchanges, that kind of thing every day is different.
Jessi Woinarowicz:A misconception that you feel people may have about you betcha.
Laken Samis:I think people think that we just sit around and like we're all friends and we just goof around all day 90% of the day our headphones are in and we don't even talk to each other because we're so focused. We have so much stuff to do. We're growing so fast and we're proud of the products that we've put out, whether it be the podcast or the stream or merchandise on my end of things. Yeah. So I think people think that we just sit around and goof off. Like, don't get me wrong. Like we do. Like, we all have like a ton of fun, but yeah, we definitely work very hard. I mean, I have a little one I have to go pick up and I know that the guys are here sometimes until eight o'clock at night still working. So, I mean, we're all very committed and excited to do our work.
Jessi Woinarowicz:So with you betcha being a national sensation over 1.7 million followers on Facebook alone, millions of views, likes and shares sometimes just on one video, a weekly podcast now gaming on Twitch.
Laken Samis:Yeah. Oh my gosh. You know, our merchandise is really off as well. Our numbers for our merchandise are just crazy. We just released our new haunt collection and we knew it would do well, but we had like a record day and we're like, dang, we're all really happy and excited about that to grow our merchandise. And we have a couple other things like up our sleeve, but we got to move first. So we are getting a new office. So that's very exciting, but we, we just need more room. Like we're just outgrowing. So I think when we get more room and when we start to do the other things that we're looking forward to do, like it's just going to be amazing. It's going to be so great. Incredible. Yeah.
Jessi Woinarowicz:I think for so many, it can be challenging building a brand on just one social media platform. And I find it shows all the hard work and the skillsets and talents that you and the team have. Can you share a piece of advice you've learned thus far in your journey of working with you? Betcha.
Laken Samis:Yeah. Miles says it all the time. Just don't overthink it and be yourself. Honestly, people can see right through if you're trying too hard to do something or take something or another good piece of advice, he always says, it's just throw all your darts at the board, try everything and then see what sticks and go with it. And if you like it, and if you feel comfortable doing it, go with it.
Jessi Woinarowicz:That's really great advice. So speaking of branding, you know, when you're stepping into maybe something new, it can be a little nerve wracking putting something out there, you know, you share with me, you know, you struggle with anxiety and I think anxiety come into that aspect of putting yourself out there. What are your thoughts on being an organized, structured person, struggling with anxiety and putting yourself out there?
Laken Samis:Yeah. So I, I do suffer with, from really bad anxiety and it was before, like I had the postpartum anxiety. I had all of that, but like personally, I've always struggled with anxiety and it wasn't until like I actually sat down and talked to my therapist about it and like being in the job that I have, obviously you have not, I don't have a lot of eyeballs on me necessarily, and that's fine. I have my Instagram page. And like, I have fun with that. But he was talking about how anxiety stems from you think that someone is perceiving you a certain way. Why do you care? And I'm like, I don't know. Why do I care? And she's like, well, someone could be already having a bad morning. They, you know, got stuck at a red light too long and now they're late and they see your picture and they judge you for it. They're already just having a bad day. So that shouldn't matter to you. It's nothing should matter to you as long as you're happy about it. And you're proud of yourself, your anxiety should just melt away knowing that I can't change someone's perception of me. And that piece of advice has stuck with me so hard, hard. I was like, you know what, you're right. Like, I've definitely had my fair share of bad days where like someone does something I'm like, I just don't like them. Why? Because I'm having a bad day. Like I'm perceiving my emotions and like my bad day onto them and how I've used them. I know that that's not right. So I can only imagine that other people are doing the same thing and feeling the same way, but I can't change it. And I can't control it. That little piece of advice has helped so much with my anxiety. And then just when I get to work, making sure that my, my workspace is clear and I'm ready to go. And I do my, like, you know, going to the gym helps a lot with my anxiety, like a ton and just making sure everything is how I want it to be set up. So I can work in a free head space and clear and keeping in mind that some people just talk differently and communicate differently than I would like them to, especially we're working with all guys. Right. Cause sometimes guys aren't the best texting back right away. And you're like, Oh my God, did I say something that like makes them mad? No, no, no. It's just people communicate differently again. Like it'll be okay.
Jessi Woinarowicz:Thank you for sharing. Um, you know, I think it is important for people to hear, especially because an anxiety does affect one in 13 people globally and being honest with our struggles or things that we do to help manage and, and, um, techniques to work through that is really, really important. So thank you for sharing.
Laken Samis:Absolutely. All right.
Jessi Woinarowicz:Well, let's move on. Laken. Who is someone that inspires you?
Laken Samis:I know that this is pretty cliche, but my mom absolutely has been my inspiration. She raised two little kids on her own from the get go. I mean, I have, I have a two and a half year old son and I like think all the time, like how did my mom do this? Plus another one all on her own like absolutely crazy. Right. And that just the fact that you worked so hard to, like, we never felt like we were lacking anything when she definitely like made a lot of sacrifices on her end being as an adult, I can definitely see that she made sacrifices and places. So her kids wouldn't have to grow up with anything. So that is my biggest motivation and my who I look up to the most is my mom. She's amazing.
Jessi Woinarowicz:No, what is something you think everyone should do at least once in their life?
Laken Samis:Okay. So something that I think that everyone should take a chance on is if there is something that you have been wanting to do this, do it, like if you want to start your own YouTube channel or podcast, do it. If it's something that you really feel like, Oh gosh, like I feel like I could be really good at this. Try it out and do it. Just don't let other, people's going back to perceptions, scare you away from doing that. I love that.
Jessi Woinarowicz:That is such great advice. Do you have anything else to add?
Laken Samis:I'm really happy that you're doing this and you're speaking to women who can help other women. I think that now more than ever in our world, like we need to come together as women and become this strong force that don't take from anyone. And if you're happy, like continue to be happy. And do you do whatever makes you happy and care about what any other person says? Don't take shit from anyone.
Jessi Woinarowicz:I love it. Well, let's end our time with a little lightning round of questions. If you're cool with that,
Laken Samis:let's do it.
Jessi Woinarowicz:What makes you laugh? No matter what?
Laken Samis:cat videos on Tik Tok.
:what is your must have purse item per item? Probably ibuprofen. brownies or cookies. Oh, Oh, they're both. So good cookies. Say a word in Spanish. Is that bathroom? I think so. Texting or talking. Oh, I am a talker. I will call if I'm driving in my car, like I have to call someone like, of course, like I'm Bluetooth.
Jessi Woinarowicz:pizza or pasta.
Laken Samis:pizza.
Jessi Woinarowicz:climb a mountain or jump from a plane.
:I have crippling anxiety. So both sound awful climb. A mountain.
Jessi Woinarowicz:sour patch kids or Swedish fish,
Laken Samis:sour patch kids all the way.
Jessi Woinarowicz:All right. Last one. Bush light or IPA. Ha, Busch light. you're off the hot seat. Laken, you have been such an inspiration through this whole conversation.
Laken Samis:Thank you. I have goosebumps.
:Hey, thanks so much for listening in today. If you would like to learn more about glazing grant and the incredible community leaders highlighted on the show, check out glazeandgritpodcast.com. Also, if you enjoyed this episode, please let us know by subscribing rating and sharing. Thanks again for listening. Talk to you soon.