At the JMX Brands’ annual awards celebration, the Rookie of the Year Award is always given to an employee who joined the company in the previous 16 months. The recipient must be a fast learner, a team player, an individual who embraces JMX Brands core values and company culture,  ambitious and hard-working. Past winners include Robert Ata, Amanda Stutzman, Brittany Batchelor, Seth Carter and Nancy Kirshe. 

This year Vice President and Executive Leadership Team member Linse Miller announced,

“The new employee who impressed me the most with all these qualities is Julianna Young.” 

Responsible for marketing the DutchCrafters showrooms in Sarasota, Fla. and Alpharetta, Ga., Marketing Specialist Julianna Young manages advertising and is responsible for sponsorships, promotions, events, and anything else that can help get the word out about shopping at DutchCrafters Amish Furniture. Her position is new, so it was necessary to work out the kinks that arise in any new position in a company.

“One of the first times I met Julianna and witnessed her positive energy and high standards was at one of the biggest events in JMX Brands’ 20-year history, the grand opening and ribbon cutting event at the new Alpharetta showroom,” said Linse Miller. “Julianna had been on the job for only one month, but presented herself like a long-time pro. She impressed us with her social skills, willingness to get in front of an audience, confidence in talking with guests, and with her eagerness to help in any way she could to get the store ready to open and receive guests. That meant getting her hands dirty and working late into the evening.  She did whatever was asked of her, with a smile and positive attitude. More than once I heard her ask, ‘What’s next?’  Her contributions were integral to the event’s success.”

Marketing Director Debra Gingerich said, “Julianna steps in wherever she is needed and always has energy and high standards in her work. She has a positive attitude and a very collaborative work style. She is here for the success of each of her teammates, the project, and the company.”

Director of Stores and Fulfillment Kari Jo Koshes added, “I appreciate Julianna’s fearlessness when it comes to marketing and networking at events. She enjoys speaking with community members to learn how to attract new customers.”

CEO Jim Miller spoke highly of Julianna’s “ambition, creativity, eagerness to learn and grow, and overall competence. She stood up in front of the Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce and spoke well about our company and the upcoming grand opening events.”

Julianna Young graduated from Westfield State University, Westfield, MA, in May, 2021, having earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in public relations. She was also a member of Lambda Pi Eta National Honor Society and competed in the university’s co-ed soccer club.  

Linse Miller concluded, “Julianna, you are a welcome addition to JMX Brands, and I am looking forward to seeing your contributions for years to come.  Congratulations on this well-deserved Rookie of the Year Award!”