You probably won’t run into many people from North Loup, Nebraska (population: 254—yes, everyone really does know everyone else). Unless you’re at Haberfeld, that is, in which case you may have the good fortune of running into Senior Solutions Rep Kayla Jerkovich.
For Kayla, being involved has always been second nature. Not too long ago, North Loup-Scotia High School (now called Central Valley High School) had a graduating class boasting a grand total of 14 students, which meant you could join any club and play any sport or instrument you wanted. In a place that size, it was just a matter of putting yourself out there.
Outside of school, North Loup is famous for one major thing: Popcorn Days, the longest continuously running festival in Nebraska. It’s been popping since 1901. And if you ever need popcorn? Kayla can hook you up.
After high school, Kayla attended UNL, where she somehow balanced wearing the Lil’ Red mascot suit at numerous events and graduating with a 4.0. Yes—straight As and stuffed into a giant inflatable suit at the same time.
That’s versatility.
Fast-forward a bit. Imagine you’re out of college, in medical sales, scrolling through job postings, and thinking about new possibilities. That’s exactly where Kayla found herself one day—until a listing for a Solutions Representative at Haberfeld caught her eye. She was excited, even if she wasn’t entirely sure what the role involved.
“The job met many of my skills and interests, and my medical background was a perfect fit for [what would become] HabWell,” Kayla said.
Switching from selling placenta-derived products to working with community financial institutions might sound like a dramatic plot twist, but Kayla slid into her new role seamlessly. Today, she’s an integral part of the Haberfeld/HabWell Sales Team—and she loves it.
“I love attending conferences,” she shared. “I get to make real connections, and I get to see parts of the country I normally wouldn’t.” A standout memory: staying at a boutique hotel in Washington, D.C. while—entirely by chance—the National Cherry Blossom Festival was going on. Perfect timing.
Along with the travel and relationship-building, Kayla loves the people she works with.
“I love celebrating other people,” she said enthusiastically. “There’s so much positivity on the team. And because we’re an ESOP, every win is good for the whole company.”
Outside of work, Kayla’s world revolves around her daughters Jenna (5) and Josie (20 months). Her eyes lit up as she talked about their holiday traditions. “We got our first real Christmas tree this year. We love decorating, baking cookies, and going to the zoo. Anything that makes Christmas memories. I try to soak up as much time with them as I can.”
And while her present is full, she’s dreaming about the future too. One goal? Learning to play the guitar—which she has already purchased, but (in her words) “is mostly serving as home décor for now.” She also hopes to visit Italy, sip wine on the Amalfi Coast, and take a pasta-making class.
And who knows? Someday, Kayla might just find herself on a little acreage with the girls running free, a few chickens scratching in the dirt, a thriving garden, and maybe even a little Highland cow to keep things interesting.
From small-town roots and popcorn festivals to mascot suits and a thriving career that takes her across the country, Kayla’s story is one of versatility, curiosity, and joy in the journey. She balances work, family, and dreams with a sense of humor and a full heart, proving that no matter where you start, there’s always room to grow, explore, and savor the moments that make life truly pop.
