Each year, we ask locals to nominate Hunterdon County’s most influential people – men and women who are shaping the community, influencing their industries, and making a difference. Dozens of amazing stories were submitted about passionate and committed locals. At Hunterdon Happening, we salute all those who wake up every morning with the intention of leaving the world just a little bit better.
10 outstanding individuals have been named the Top 10 Movers & Shakers of the year, and we have the honor of sharing their stories on Hunterdon Happening. Meet Lambertville’s Kim Black, a Financial Adviser at Edward Jones as well as the Creative Director at Ja-Vie Shoes.
Hunterdon Happening: Where did you go to school?
Kim: I went to Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, PA where I majored in Fashion Design that lead me to a 25 year career in NYC.
Hunterdon Happening: What inspires you each morning?
Kim: I am motivated every morning by the gorgeous sunrises in Hunterdon County. I feel so blessed to be here. However, if my Bull dog Ruby and our two barn cats had anything to say about it, it would be getting them fed the minute I jump out of bed.
Hunterdon Happening: What is your idea of the perfect day?
Kim: My idea of a perfect day is breakfast with my husband Keith before we start our days, where we can really talk and our hectic day doesn’t dictate the conversation. Going to work in the town I love and seeing it thrive. Meeting with clients who share their concerns and trust me to partner with them to make informed decisions about there future, Giving someone options in their life and seeing that smile of relief is an awesome feeling. Ending my day with a call to my 94 year old mother who is sharp as anything and his still here on the earth with me would be the perfect conclusion of my day.
Hunterdon Happening: Who inspires you?
Kim: My inspiration is my Mother and my Best friend Lynne Inverso who I have know since I was 4.
My mother because she is still reinventing herself at 94.
Lynne because she is a teacher, Mother of two amazing kids, Hailey who is a Freshman in College and spent her high school years traveling to areas that were poverty stricken and in need of great assistance and CJ who lead my best friend in a very different direction in life. CJ has down syndrome. As a teacher and coach she has supported the Special Olympics and coaches his soccer and basketball team every year. Her day job as a teacher has the responsibility of 700 children.
Hunterdon Happening: How did you decide to go into Financial Advising?
Kim: I went into Financial advising after my 25 year career in Fashion Design. My father had passed away and I was working with my Mother’s advisor Karen Aversano to handle the estate. All I kept thinking when I worked with Karen was this is unlike any experience I had with my past two financial advisors. When Karen suggested the career change, I thought she was completely insane. Then I realized how my life experiences actually prepared me perfectly for this new career path. It was the best thing that could have happened to me and now I get to give people the help and support I wish I had.
Hunterdon Happening: Which achievement are you most proud of?
Kim: The achievement I am most proud was making my career change. I didn’t make the transition without a lot of pain and anxiety – perhaps I knew I was on the right track.
Hunterdon Happening: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Kim: The biggest challenge I had to overcome happened over 6 months in 2012. I lost my Father, our dog, my job, moved back to Hunterdon County to our first house (and first mortgage), closed my husband’s business in North Jersey. Then, my brother in law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and my sister in law was diagnosed with breast cancer. The stress of my Father passing led to over 5 visits to the emergency room with my mother.
The hits just kept coming those 6 months but you pull through.
Hunterdon Happening: How do you think your friends & coworkers would describe you?
Kim: My friends and Colleagues have described me as Empathetic, Good Listener, Versatile, Aware and Persistent ( I think the quote went something like if it doesn’t work the 1st, 2nd or 10th time I don’t give up) this may be a bad thing depending on the circumstance)
Hunterdon Happening: Where’s your favorite place to go in Hunterdon County?
Kim: Goat Hill Overlook
Hunterdon Happening: You can take a time machine back to visit yourself 10 years ago. What advice would you give?
Kim: Your plan is good but the one the universe has for you is so much better. Just go with it.
Hunterdon Happening: Same question 10 years in the future.
Kim: Do it all and have no fear. You have been preparing a lifetime for this.
You can take a look back at local winners from 2015 and 2014 and read about more outstanding individuals from across the region in Montgomery County, Northern Delaware, Bucks County, & Philadelphia.
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