Finding the Good Even in Bad Times

Have you ever felt undermined, underestimated, or laughed at?  Women all over the world are very familiar with this feeling. Some of us get a chance to prove ourselves, some don’t. Kari Rihm was one who did get a chance and she took it without any hesitation.

Trucking is generally viewed as “a man’s job.” In 2010 it was extremely rare for anyone to take women seriously as owners in this industry. That was until Kari Rihm. In 2010 after the tragic passing of John Rihm, Kari's husband, she had the opportunity to step up and take over the company. Ever since she took over the company, it has grown exponentially. Her whole life shifted at the age of 53 when she had absolutely no idea how to run a truck dealership. Between losing her husband and having to develop a business plan that would put the franchise agreement in her name, she still had to grieve and make sure her children were okay at the same time. When she first began to fight for franchise agreement, many doubters would bring up the fact that she was not “fit” for the job because she was a woman. Some saw it as a weakness, but she saw it as a strength. When I met with Kari, she talked about many strategies she would use during these difficult times. The one that really stuck with me was completely thinking things through. When Kari would make an important decision, she would go through every outcome she could think of and make sure she did what she thought was best. 

Although this was one the hardest times in her life, Kari still made sure she took the time to be intellectual and smart about every one of her moves. This shows just how much Rihm Kenworth meant to her and her family, and why she was the right person for this job. When others try bringing you down, it’s because some people hate it when they see something good and valuable in you that they wish they had. Some people get intimidated by greatness and this makes them want to bring you down. One thing that Kari said to me that really inspired me and what’s helped me with my personal problems is that no one can take what’s yours, unless you let them. This can go for anything: your love, your kindness, your light. Kari did not let the situation that she was going through take any of these from her, including her company. Your values are what make you, you. Your determination to be better every day, in every possible way. The way you’re able to turn negative feedback into positive feedback. Even your ability to turn such a heartbreaking experience into what may be something life changing.

When John Rihm died, instead of shutting down and reacting negatively, which would have been completely acceptable in this situation, Kari instead saw this as a growing opportunity. She did this by not letting the pain eat at her, but instead using that pain to push through everything that was going on. Pain can be a very strong and difficult emotion to control but that’s just it, it’s not about controlling it’s about sometimes accepting that pain, embracing it and turning it into something beautiful. That beautiful thing that arose from her pain was the Rihm Family Companies we know today. That pain she used to push through made the company grow more than ever. In conclusion, if you ever find yourself in a tough spot that you can’t seem to get through, use that. If you’re mad, sad, or stressed use that and find a way to express it. You’ll be able to do great things if you embrace every part of yourself. Just how Kari did.

Grief is a natural part of life, and everyone finds their own path through it. It impacts everyone differently. If you’re a current Rihm Family Companies team member experiencing grief due to a loss, you are encouraged to take advantage of the mental health services provided by the company through the employee assistance program benefit. Others reading this article should check their own company benefits to see if they have a similar program. In all cases, seek help if grief, or another mental illness, is overwhelming your life. 

Local Mental Health Crisis Lines that can help:
Minnesota: mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/adults/health-care/mental-health/resources/crisis-contacts.jsp Wisconsin: dhs.wisconsin.gov/crisis/talk.htm
South Dakota: dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealth/services.aspx.