Welcome to Fairbanks - Genevieve Bell

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Scott: Thanks for taking the time today Genevieve. Let’s start with learning more about you. Where do you live and what do you do for living?

Genevieve: Fairbanks, AK. The population is about 100K in the Fairbanks North Star Borough and is the last “large” city before the Arctic.

I work in our Family Business my Dad started in 1982. We do corrosion coating, pipeline insulation and various forms of fabrications for the Oil Companies that work on Alaska’s North slope. Currently my brother is our President and I work in project management. Flowline Alaska, Inc.

What these companies (our clients) have been doing on the North Slope is phenomenal. We employee all local Fairbanksians thanks to the work they provide. Natural resource development provides a thriving economy that I am thankful for.

S: When you’re not occupied with the family business, what are some of your hobbies?

G: I like to get outdoors as much as I can. I like to ski and snow machine in our winters and lots of fun stuff in our great summers. I love to jet ski, swim, boat and sometimes catch fish. When I end up inside during the deep winter freeze I spend time with my family and read. Volunteering is also one of my hobbies.

S: I want to shift to your work with Fairbanks, but before I do so, why is giving back important to you?

G: I feel very blessed in the life I have, with a great job and family. I want to give back because it feels good and it is the right thing to do and I am able to.

S: What excites you to support Fairbanks Foodbank?

G: Hunger is real. Anything I can do to eradicate this problem is my goal. It is hard to imagine that people still go hungry, but it happens. Helping solve this is motivating. And watching firsthand the response and generosity of our community is heartwarming. We stick together here in Alaska.

S: That’s great to hear. For someone that might not know anything about Fairbanks, what would you want that individual to know about why it is so important to support this cause?

G: Fairbanks is COLD! (Surprise! Lol) When hunger hits, the cold can exacerbate the problem; one might have to choose between buying groceries or paying a heating fuel bill. I don’t want anyone in my area to go hungry which is why I walk for the Fairbanks Community Food Bank. Hearty, nutritious food for all is a must.

S: Do you support or volunteer your time with other non-profits? Which ones?

G: I’m recently retired from the board of Fairbanks Animal Shelter Fund, and still fundraise for them. I am on the board for the Fairbanks community food bank. I’ve walked and supported breast cancer organizations. I’m on the board for chamber and resource development organizations, and natural resource development industry alliances. I’ve also supported the local Fairbanks American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women by helping fundraise as a member of their executive committee.

S: Wow you keep busy!! That’s fantastic. Let’s shift to the fitness aspect of this campaign. What is your strategy for hitting your fitness challenge goal? What motivates you to go further?

G: I’m motivated because I committed to 466 miles in this timeframe! I like to workout and wanted to jog, run and walk more. When it’s warm (above 10 degrees Fahrenheit!), I like to walk the dogs. If I wasn’t doing this challenge, I wouldn’t be walking so much!!

S: That’s great to hear! It sounds like you’re going out of your routine to do more. How did you do it?

G: I’ve definitely been picking up my running, jogging and spinning early in the morning so that I can average 17 miles. I’m pushing myself to get there! I’m making an effort on the weekend to walk outside or on my treadmill more. Instead of taking a day off.

S: How do you recover? Do you have a go-to recovery drink?

G: No, not really. Water, water and more water!! You have more energy and feel better.

S: It sounds like you lead a healthy lifestyle.

G: I try, but like everyone else, I do get drinks on occasion and I love sweets. I make every effort to eat nutritiously most of the time with some splurges here and there. But my husband can eat a pizza and never gain a pound.

S: Now for a couple rapid fire questions. What book/movie/article/conversation has had the most profound impact on your life?

G: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.

S: If you were a brand, what would be your motto/mission?

G: Give it your all.

S: What are your favorite brands (shoes, apparel, etc) that you like to exercise in?

G: TIEMs shoes for spinning and Brooks for running.

S: Tell me a little bit about this dog in the picture!

G: Pictured with me is one of 2 dogs my husband and I have; Connor the year and a half old Boston Terrier. Connie (one of his nicknames) is the more rambunctious of our two pets. Connor gets to do the long walks with me as our older guy, Astro, is pushing 14 so we let him do what he wants!

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