Change often starts small in Mahomet, Illinois, where cornfields stretch as far as the eye can see. For Kerry Gifford, it began with a box of books. While cleaning out his garage one afternoon, Kerry found old business and self-help books gathering dust. Instead of tossing them, he donated them to a local prison. The feedback was immediate. Inmates wrote letters of thanks. Some talked about how the books gave them hope. For Kerry, it was a defining moment.
“Knowledge is a second chance,” Kerry says. “It doesn’t matter where you’re starting from—growth is always possible.”
This belief drives his life and career. Kerry is a Senior Data Analyst with over a decade of experience. He works behind the scenes, crunching numbers and analyzing trends to drive business success. But his story is about much more than spreadsheets.
A Unique Approach to Mentorship
Kerry’s professional journey began humbly. He started as a field service technician at Culligan of Mahomet. Over time, he earned his plumbing license from the Illinois Department of Public Health and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Millikin University. By 2016, he had climbed the ranks to Senior Analyst.
Despite his success, Kerry remembers the struggle of starting out. That’s why he mentors young entrepreneurs through SCORE Decatur. He meets them over coffee, reviewing business plans or offering advice on marketing strategies.
“Most people don’t fail because they lack talent,” Kerry says. “They fail because they don’t ask for help.”
According to SCORE, 70% of mentored small businesses survive the past five years, compared to just 50% of those without guidance. Kerry’s involvement plays a part in that success.
Data and Decision-Making
As a Senior Analyst, Kerry Gifford excels at turning raw numbers into actionable insights. For him, data is more than just statistics on a screen—it’s a narrative waiting to be uncovered.
“Data is like a compass,” he explains. “It doesn’t give you the whole map but points you in the right direction.”
Kerry’s ability to connect the dots between customer behavior, sales trends, and operational challenges has transformed processes at Culligan. One of his proudest achievements was helping reduce service wait times by an impressive 25%. This wasn’t the result of expensive technology upgrades or drastic overhauls. Instead, Kerry meticulously analyzed patterns in service requests, identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the scheduling system.
He noticed that technicians were often dispatched unevenly across service areas, leading to delays in high-demand zones. By redistributing workloads and implementing more competent scheduling practices, Kerry created a smoother workflow that benefited both the company and its customers.
“Sometimes, the simplest changes make the biggest impact,” Kerry says. “It’s about asking the right questions and looking for the root cause.”
The Human Side of Numbers
Kerry doesn’t let data overshadow the human element despite his passion for analytics. He frequently reminds his colleagues that behind every chart or graph are real people—customers with needs, employees with challenges, and teams striving to deliver their best.
“Don’t forget the people behind the data,” he often says. “It’s easy to get lost in spreadsheets, but the numbers represent lives and experiences.”
This philosophy shapes his approach to decision-making. For instance, when analyzing customer churn rates, Kerry goes beyond the numbers to understand the “why.” He encourages his team to conduct surveys, read customer feedback, and even shadow technicians to gain firsthand insights. By combining quantitative data with qualitative observations, Kerry ensures that solutions are effective and empathetic.
Giving Back Through Small Acts
Kerry’s commitment to giving back goes beyond mentoring young entrepreneurs. One of his most impactful efforts is his ongoing book donation program, which has grown into a deeply personal mission. Each month, he carefully selects and sends a batch of inspiring and educational titles to prisons across the state. His collection includes classics like Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey—books he believes have the power to transform lives.
Kerry doesn’t just donate books; he curates tools for growth. He chooses titles that emphasize resilience, personal responsibility, and self-improvement, concepts he knows are vital for anyone trying to rebuild their life.
Why prisons? For Kerry, the answer is simple: everyone deserves a second chance. “Education is the foundation of freedom,” he explains. “Even if you’re behind bars, you can free your mind and start preparing for a better future.”
His belief is backed by research. According to a study by the RAND Corporation, inmates who participate in educational programs are 43% less likely to return to prison compared to those who don’t. Education reduces recidivism, improves job prospects post-incarceration, and fosters a sense of purpose. Kerry’s small but consistent contributions play a role in this larger movement toward rehabilitation.
The feedback Kerry receives underscores the value of his efforts. Inmates often write thank-you letters, sharing how the books have sparked new ambitions or changed their perspective. One letter, in particular, stands out to him. It came from a man who said that reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People inspired him to start a prison book club. The group now discusses self-help books weekly, creating a ripple effect of growth and learning.
Kerry sees this as proof that small acts can lead to big change. “When you give someone the tools to improve, you’re not just helping one person,” he says. “You’re creating a network of positive impact.”
This initiative also ties into Kerry’s broader philosophy about life and leadership. He believes that small, consistent efforts often have the most lasting effects. Just as data analysis helps him find patterns to solve business problems, his book donations address the root issues that lead many individuals to prison in the first place—a lack of guidance, education, and opportunity.
Kerry hopes to expand his program, potentially collaborating with local libraries, schools, or nonprofit organizations to provide even more resources. His ultimate vision is to create a system where every inmate can access tools for self-improvement, fostering rehabilitation and real transformation.
For Kerry, the reward isn’t in recognition or accolades. It’s in knowing that his small acts of kindness are helping to plant seeds of hope and growth in some of the most challenging environments. “You don’t have to solve every problem,” he says. “You just have to show people that a better path exists.”
Balancing Work and Family
Kerry is more than a data analyst and mentor—he’s a devoted family man. His professional success may shine on paper, but he believes his real legacy lies at home. Kerry’s weekends are sacred. Whether he’s hiking along Mahomet’s scenic trails or perfecting his swing on the golf course with his two teenage sons, these moments are intentional. They aren’t just hobbies but opportunities to connect, recharge, and create lasting memories.
“Work is important,” Kerry says, “but family is everything. If you don’t make time for them, you’ll regret it later.”
It’s a lesson he learned early in his career. Kerry was caught up in the grind during his first years as a data analyst. Late nights and weekend work started to creep in, leaving little room for his wife and kids. A heart-to-heart conversation with his wife became a turning point.
“She told me, ‘You’re working so hard for us, but we miss you.’ That hit me hard,” Kerry recalls. “From that day forward, I promised myself that family time would never come second.”
Now, his evenings are reserved for family dinners, a tradition that keeps the entire household connected. Phones are off, the table is set, and conversations flow. It’s not uncommon for Kerry to swap work stories with his sons, weaving lessons about hard work, integrity, and balance into their discussions.
“I want them to see that success isn’t just about what you do in the office,” Kerry explains. “It’s about the kind of person you are at home.”
Hiking and golfing with his sons also serve a dual purpose. Not only do these activities strengthen their bond, but they also give Kerry a chance to unwind and reflect. The fresh air, laughter, and competition on the course are a welcome reprieve from spreadsheets and analytics.
“Those walks through the woods or drives down the fairway are where the best conversations happen,” he says. “It’s where I really get to know what’s on their minds.”
Kerry’s commitment to his family isn’t just about carving out time—it’s about being fully present. That’s why he often sets strict boundaries around work emails and phone calls in the evenings. He believes you’re missing the point if you’re physically there but mentally checked out.
“You can always send that email later,” Kerry says. “But you’ll never get back the chance to hear about your kid’s big test or their latest idea.”
This balance between work and family keeps Kerry grounded and fuels his success. Time with his family recharges him, giving him the energy and focus he needs to excel professionally.
“Family isn’t just a break from work,” Kerry reflects. “It’s the reason I work.”
His philosophy serves as a powerful reminder: success is fleeting, but relationships endure.
Contrarian Views on Success
Kerry Gifford’s perspective on success challenges the conventional wisdom of climbing the corporate ladder or chasing titles. For him, success isn’t measured by the size of a paycheck or the number of accolades but by the quality of relationships and the positive impact on others.
“Titles don’t matter,” Kerry often says. “What matters is how you treat people.”
This belief influences everything he does, from how he interacts with colleagues to how he approaches mentorship and gives back to the community. Kerry’s approach is rooted in the idea that true leadership isn’t about exerting authority but about serving others and lifting them up.
“Leadership should feel like a collaboration, not a dictatorship,” he explains. “Your job as a leader is to create an environment where people feel supported and heard.”
Colleagues describe Kerry as approachable and empathetic—a rare combination in the fast-paced corporate world. His open-door policy, both literally and figuratively, means that people feel comfortable coming to him with questions, concerns, or ideas.
Kerry also emphasizes the importance of active listening, a skill that he believes is undervalued but critical for any leader.
“Listen more than you talk,” he advises aspiring leaders. “People will tell you everything you need to know if you just pay attention.”
This philosophy has earned him a reputation as a problem-solver. When a colleague or mentee shares a challenge, Kerry listens intently, asking thoughtful questions rather than rushing to offer solutions. This approach fosters trust and empowers others to think critically and develop their problem-solving skills.
Kerry’s contrarian view on success extends to his personal life. He believes balance is key and refuses to let work dominate his identity. For him, success is about being present—for his family, his community, and himself.
“Too many people burn out chasing the wrong kind of success,” he says. “You can have all the awards in the world, but if you’re not happy and your relationships are suffering, is it really worth it?”
Kerry’s philosophy resonates with those he mentors and works alongside. It reminds him that while ambition has its place, it’s the human connections and the legacy of kindness that leave a lasting impression.
Building a Legacy
For Kerry Gifford, the ultimate goal isn’t personal achievement or accolades—it’s about creating a lasting legacy rooted in kindness and empowerment. He approaches this mission with quiet determination, finding fulfillment in the positive changes he helps inspire in others. Whether he’s guiding young entrepreneurs toward success or giving hope to inmates through his book donations, Kerry’s actions are driven by a desire to leave the world better than he found it.
His efforts may not grab headlines, but they resonate deeply with the people he touches. For instance, one young entrepreneur Kerry mentored through SCORE Decatur had an idea for a landscaping business but lacked the confidence to take the plunge. Kerry provided practical advice on structuring the business, finding clients, and managing costs. Today, that business is thriving, employing several workers and serving dozens of clients in the local community.
Another testament to Kerry’s impact comes from his work with incarcerated individuals. One inmate who received a donation of Kerry’s books wrote to thank him, sharing how the materials helped him shift his mindset. Inspired by titles like Think and Grow Rich and Atomic Habits, the inmate enrolled in a GED program. He’s now working toward his high school diploma and dreams of becoming a mentor to others.
“Small acts add up,” Kerry often says. “You never know how far your ripple will travel.” This philosophy underpins everything he does. He believes that every effort—no matter how small—can create opportunities for growth and change.
Kerry’s impact extends beyond these individual stories. His consistent acts of service inspire others in his network to follow suit. Colleagues have been inspired to start their own community outreach projects, from organizing food drives to offering free educational workshops. One coworker noted, “Kerry’s generosity is contagious. He doesn’t just talk about making a difference; he shows us how to do it.”
Kerry views his legacy not as something defined by wealth or fame, but as a collection of small, meaningful moments that inspire others to do good. Whether it’s a struggling entrepreneur finding their footing, a family gaining access to clean water thanks to his operational insights, or an inmate unlocking their potential through education, Kerry knows his actions have far-reaching effects.
“Legacy isn’t about leaving behind something big,” Kerry says. “It’s about leaving behind something good. If I can empower people to help themselves and others, that’s a life well-lived.”
Kerry Gifford has built a legacy that goes far beyond spreadsheets and business metrics through his mentoring, community involvement, and personal values. His work is a testament to the idea that real success is measured not by what you achieve for yourself, but by what you help others achieve.
A Lasting Impression
Kerry Gifford reminds us that success isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder—it’s about lifting others as you rise. While many professionals focus on personal accolades or financial gains, Kerry takes a different approach. He measures success by the number of lives he positively influences. Whether it’s mentoring a budding entrepreneur, helping a colleague understand complex data, or inspiring an inmate through the gift of a book, Kerry believes every small action can lead to meaningful change.
His commitment to mentorship is particularly impactful. Through SCORE Decatur, Kerry dedicates hours to guiding small business owners and first-time entrepreneurs. For many, these sessions become the turning point in their journey. “He doesn’t just give advice—he listens,” one mentee shared. “Kerry has this way of making you feel like your success matters as much to him as it does to you.”
Kerry’s focus on small, consistent actions is key to his philosophy. He often says, “You don’t have to change the whole world. Just start with one person.” This approach has a ripple effect. The entrepreneur he helps today might create jobs for others tomorrow. The inmate who reads his donated books might inspire a fellow prisoner to pursue education. Kerry doesn’t aim for grandeur—he aims for impact.
Even in his professional role, Kerry’s work as a data analyst serves a larger purpose. He doesn’t see numbers as cold facts; he sees them as tools to improve lives. By streamlining operations and identifying trends, he helps businesses operate more efficiently, creating better outcomes for employees and customers alike. It’s not just about meeting targets—it’s about fostering a culture of improvement and care.
Kerry’s efforts in Mahomet, a small town of just over 8,000 people, highlight the power of community-driven leadership. His story proves that you don’t need to be in a big city or hold a high-profile position to make a significant impact. As one community member noted, “Kerry is proof that big changes can come from small towns and even smaller actions.”
His vision for the future extends beyond immediate results. Kerry is building a legacy—a network of empowered individuals who will carry forward his values of kindness, service, and continuous learning. Whether it’s a mentee’s thriving business, a colleague’s professional growth, or an inmate’s newfound hope, Kerry’s influence resonates far beyond Mahomet’s borders.
In a world often driven by competition and self-interest, Kerry’s story is a reminder of what truly matters: helping others, creating opportunities, and leaving the world better than you found it. He may be one man in a small town, but his impact is anything but small. His legacy is a testament to the power of compassion, proving that real success is about the lives you touch along the way.