Monthly Coach Highlight – Kim Batham, Connections Coach

This month, we were able to catch one of our amazing (and very busy!) Connections Coaches, Kim Batham for a quick conversation! Keep reading to learn more about what brought Kim to Nexstar, what her average day looks like, and what she’s passionate about!

Q: When and where did you get your start in the trades?

A: In 2001, I started working at HARDI – the HVACR distributors association in Columbus, Ohio. My title was “Projects Director,” which meant I initiated and managed a lot of things in the nine years I was there. That included marketing, website design and management, meeting and event management, being a liaison to and writing for our magazine, member email communications, committee and council management, and a ton of other fun stuff!

Q: What brought you to Nexstar?

A: I was excited to learn about Nexstar – an organization that’s right in my “backyard,” so to speak. I found a job posting online for another position at Nexstar. When I interviewed, they thought that my current role of Connections Coach was a better fit for my skills and experience!

Q: Is there someone who inspired your journey into the trades?

A: YES! So many, actually! If I had to narrow it down to one, I’d have to say Ruth Ann Davis from Williams Furnace. She was one of my members at HARDI and has become a dear personal friend. She is such an inspiration, and has been a mentor and role model to me!

Q: What are some of the career milestones that have been important in guiding you to your role as a coach?

A: I came to Nexstar with career experience in both the distribution and manufacturing sides of the HVAC industry. That experience helped me bring a unique perspective of the industry as a whole, and how that translates for our members. Additionally, I have been involved with Women in HVACR since they started. I worked in various aspects on their board until I became their president in 2010. That honor has helped drive me in developing and growing the Women of Nexstar team and offerings.

Q: What does your typical day look like as a coach?

A: One of the best parts of my job is that there is no “typical” day! I start the day by checking my emails and responding to anything that needs to be addressed from them. I keep a running “to-do” list in a notebook that I restart weekly, so I’ll start working through my tasks on that list – all projects and plans for ways to connect our members!

Q: What’s the best part of your job and why?

A: When members connect and learn from each other – that is the magic! If I can help foster business relationships, that’s so rewarding to me! I love hearing after-the-fact about something that a member learned, put in place or changed because of a connection I helped initiate through a Regional Meeting, Women of Nexstar, or even one-on-one introductions!

Q: What’s one of your greatest superpowers?

A: Giving blood – LOL!

Seriously though, I’m committed to it, and I donate it as much as I can – every 56 days, six times a year. It only takes an hour, but it’s relatively painless, very easy, and it saves lives!

Kim outside of her local blood bank.

Q: What do you do to relax when you’re not at work?

A: I like to connect with my friends and family. Usually this is by phone since most of them are out of state. I also like to read, knit, and sous-chef my husband when he cooks!

Kim and her husband Prashubh at an Indian wedding in October 2024

Kim and her family on a family vacation in Destin, FL

Q: What are some of your passions?

A: I love to travel! My husband and I have the goal to hit all continents, we’re hoping to knock out the final two this year! I also love to shop – especially when we travel! Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you rich.

Q: Anything else you’d like to share?

A: Think about this in regard to connecting: Zero is less than nothing by itself. Add any number to it, and its value grows exponentially!

Interested in learning more about connections opportunities at Nexstar? Please reach out to Kim at [email protected].

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