Written by Buckner Marketing
Celebrating Women’s History Month at Buckner
March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, influence, and achievements of women across industries and communities. At Buckner, we are proud to highlight the voices of women within our own organization and the individuals who have shaped their journeys.
We asked a simple question to women across our offices:
Who is one woman, personal or historical, who has inspired you or influenced your life or career, and why?
Their responses reflect the power of mentorship, resilience, kindness, and leadership, and serve as a reminder of the lasting impact women have on both personal growth and professional development.
Merrilee Robbins, Ogden, UT
With a career spanning nearly four decades, Merrilee entered the insurance industry in 1985 when an independent agent took a chance on her as a new producer. Although she had never envisioned a career in sales, she quickly discovered how much she valued building relationships, understanding client needs, and helping people find the right insurance solutions.
Over the years, she learned that sales was less about transactions and more about creating meaningful, lasting connections, many of which have grown into lifelong friendships.
A pivotal moment in her career came when she transitioned from personal lines to transportation insurance. Joining a startup agency with a unique platform for truck insurance challenged her to master an entirely new specialty. Learning the complexities of the trucking industry, along with state and federal regulations, was one of the most demanding yet rewarding experiences of her professional life.
Nearly 30 years later, Merrilee remains grateful for that opportunity. Working with clients across the country has deepened her appreciation for the hardworking individuals who keep the transportation industry moving, and it has reinforced her belief that this business is one of continuous learning and evolution.
Throughout her journey, Merrilee has been shaped and supported by many remarkable women. At various stages of her life and career, their examples of integrity, professionalism, and resilience have guided her. One colleague in particular, known for her honesty and trustworthiness, became a model for the reputation Merrilee aspired to build. Though she is no longer with us, her influence remains central to how Merrilee conducts herself today.
Merrilee strives to ensure that clients, underwriters, and colleagues know her as someone who is honest, hardworking, and fair. She is grateful to work at Buckner, where she has the resources and support to continue growing her book of business and contributing to a culture that values integrity, service, and professional excellence.
Kara Grimmett, Denver, CO
One of the most influential women in Kara’s life has been Oprah Winfrey. From a young age, Kara was inspired by Oprah’s story of overcoming poverty, abuse, and barriers related to race and gender.
As a pioneer in media, Oprah demonstrated what it means to defy expectations and create space for women to have a voice. Kara recalls being especially inspired not only by Oprah herself, but also by the many women she interviewed and uplifted through her platform.
Oprah’s journey served as a powerful example of resilience, determination, and influence. Her ability to rise above challenges and build a meaningful platform that amplifies others continues to resonate with Kara and shape her perspective.
For Kara, Oprah represents more than just a public figure. She is a symbol of perseverance and the impact one woman can have in inspiring others to pursue their potential and challenge what is possible.
Natalie Bell, Idaho Falls, ID
Natalie shared that one of the most influential women in her life was her grandmother, Beatrice Stone, who co-founded Stone’s Auto Group in 1958 alongside her husband. At the time, she was raising a family while also providing steady, unwavering support behind the scenes.
Once her children were grown, she stepped into the business herself, taking on responsibilities that included managing books, contracts, titles, payroll, HR, and the overall operations of the office. She carried out these responsibilities with remarkable competence and grace.
Customers and friends alike admired her quiet strength and genuine kindness. Natalie affectionately refers to her as “Grandma Snazzy,” a reflection of the way she approached life with both dignity and warmth.
After retiring, Natalie’s grandmother shared a story at a family reunion that left a lasting impression. She recalled a simple, unexpected act of kindness she had received forty years earlier. Though small in nature, the gesture stayed with her all those years because of how it made her feel seen and cared for. She used this moment to encourage Natalie to always remember others and to extend kindness whenever possible.
This lesson aligns closely with a well-known quote by Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
Natalie carries this message into her own life and career.
Honoring the Impact of Women
Together, these stories highlight the many ways women inspire those around them through leadership, perseverance, mentorship, and everyday acts of kindness. Whether it’s building a career from the ground up, breaking barriers and creating platforms for others, or leaving a lasting impression through compassion and integrity, each of these women demonstrates the profound and lasting influence one individual can have.
At Buckner, we are grateful for the women who contribute to our organization every day and for the many women past and present who continue to shape our industry, our communities, and our lives. Their stories remind us that influence is not always measured by scale or visibility, but by character, relationships, and the impact we have on others.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor these voices and remain committed to supporting, uplifting, and empowering women in every stage of their personal and professional journeys.