You may have seen her around the office, at a trade show or in a photo on Segpay’s social media but who is Caroline Karolinko and what does she do at Segpay? Caroline is on the marketing team and helps in all departments from sales to tech. She assists on many projects including marketing, managing teams for trade shows and handling the company’s social media. Caroline has been working at Segpay since July 2018 and we thought it was a good time for merchants and fellow Segpay employees to get to know her better.
We’re so glad you’re on the team Caroline! So, where were you working before Segpay?
Thank you! Before working at Segpay, I was a speech language pathologist for the Palm Beach County School District where I specialized in working with children with autism and behavior disorders.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in New Jersey, but my parents moved to South Florida when I was four. I grew up in Boynton Beach.
Was there a dream career when you were a kid?
At one point I wanted to be an orthodontist. I think that was because I had braces and when I got them off, I received lots of compliments on my smile.
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I studied speech pathology at the University of Florida – Go Gators! I went on to complete my master’s at Florida Atlantic University.
Any Hobbies?
I enjoy cooking, traveling and a good Orange Theory workout. I also am involved in synchronized swimming.
Wait— (record scratch) Synchronized Swimming? What do you do?
After hours at Segpay, I’m the head coach of the Palm Beach Synchronized Swimming Team. It’s a group of 45 girls ages 4 to 18 who compete and travel across the United States. I see some familiar faces there too. Both Cathy Beardsley and Teresa Van Eps’ daughters are on the team.
How did you get involved in synchronized swimming?
My Mom’s best friends’ daughter was on a team and my mom was a single parent. She was looking for something that two sisters would enjoy. The team sport aspect got me hooked and I am happy to provide this fun sport to the community now.
How long can you hold your breath underwater?
Great question, in synchronized swimming you don’t have to hold your breath that long. We never sit under water and do nothing in synchronized swimming, we are always moving. Routines are about three minutes total and there is never a dull moment. When it comes down to it, only half of that time is spent underwater.
What is your favorite place you traveled to?
One of my best trips was to Oregon in 2014 where I traveled down the coast of Northern California and ended up in Napa Valley. We hiked in Crater Lake, swam in hot springs, played in the snow, stayed at a hotel that overlooked the Goonies Rock and had lots of delicious Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley. I’ve been lucky enough to take some amazing trips with the Segpay team for trade shows too. One of my favorites was going to Amsterdam. The locals were so friendly, the food was delicious, the city was filled with lots of history, and the city was gorgeous. My mom joined me after the show, and we visited the Anne Frank House and Museum. We also toured the Van Gogh Museum.
You said you like to cook; do you have a specialty?
My great aunt is from Spain and at age 85 she taught me how to make flan. It is now my most requested dish for any family event or party.
Any other unique fun facts about you?
I am an ordained minister and have married two of my friends, one in Italy and one in Islamorada, Florida.
