Debby has grown into the role of trainer. In 2002, she was asked to bring a Word of Mouth Marketing Course to Northwest Ohio. She thought it would be a nice addition to her sales training business but did not know the complexity of the subject and how it would take over her life. By the end of 2010, over 550 people had taken the course.
Taking the knowledge and expertise she gained from Word of Mouth Marketing she produced an updated course and wrote a new manual. Connext Nation was born and Debby became a trainer, demanding excellence from her students. While she is reluctant to admit it, she does have a soft side and cares very deeply for her students and their professional success.
Debby is married to Steve Cotner, a private investigator, and enjoys having their home be the center for family celebrations.
Where do you call home? I’ve have lived in Perrysburg more years than any other place — so Perrysburg is considered home.
What was your first job? If you mean, a job where I got a paycheck that would have been a swimming teacher in my senior year of high school. Otherwise, I started mowing lawns for 35 cents per lawn when I was about 8 or 9.
What lifestyle tips do you favor? I like to stay active and keep my brain engaged by reading voraciously. I love to eat lots of veggies and don’t eat red meat or most pork. If I could eat fish everyday, that would be OK with me.
My biggest self-indulgence? I love dark chocolate and can eat it in moderation. So having a piece of dark chocolate melting in my mouth while reading a book on the front porch would be my favorite of all indulgences.
I have always wanted to…? I have wanted to experience mountain climbing but probably have come to the realization that it’s not going to happen at this point in my life.
What trait do you admire in others? I am wowed by people who can come up with creative idea after creative idea. That ability is precious and I don’t seem to have that gene!
Something most people don’t know about me? I kind of have an alter ego from my business professional image — that of being a little bit of a Betty Crocker! When my kids and grandkids are in town to visit, it gives me huge pleasure to cook and bake up a storm. I’m also a major risk-taker. I love the thrill of being just a little scared!
Words I live by? “Fake it till you make it, make time for others and do the right thing” has been my mantra for ever.
My proudest accomplishment? Several years ago I wrote the course that currently is the centerpiece of my training company. Personally, I am quite proud that I managed to find the perfect wife for my older son, Greg. They have been happily married for over a decade. Obviously, there’s more to this story!
Person I most respect? I respect my best friend, Jenn Wenzke, for her creative mind, her positive ways and the way she just keeps pushing ahead, no matter what!