Q: How long have you been working for SAM?
A: I started with SAM June 6, 2019. Just a little over five years now.
Q: How did you come to be part of the team at SAM? What attracted you to this role and our company?
A: I worked for the prior company (I started October 2013) before SAM took over. It was very ironic because just a couple months prior I was not sure if I was going to continue my position with that company. It was becoming very difficult to work with my manager at the time. Then I received the news that a new company was taking over. Part of me was nervous, as I did not know if I was going to have a job with the new company. So at that point, all I could think of was if I was going to have a job, even though in the back of my head I was anticipating changing jobs prior to the transition. But then I just thought this was God giving me the opportunity to continue working in storage and to meet and work with new people. Jesse Livingston was my district manager when I started. He was awesome and made the transition as seamless as possible. I have enjoyed my time with SAM and all the great people that I have worked with and been introduced to. Everyone seems so well connected. I am glad that I stuck around. 😊
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at SAM? Is there a specific aspect of your job or the company culture that you find particularly rewarding?
A: I absolutely enjoy helping people. There are so many people that use storage for different reasons. I get to be that person that makes their move just a tad bit easier for them. It is one thing that they can check off their list of to-dos. I like to think of us as their One Stop Shop! We have the units they need, either drive-up or temperature-controlled, we have packing and storing supplies, and we are an authorized U-Haul dealer. Also, I strive to give the best customer service out there.
Q: Is there a memorable life lesson or piece of advice that has shaped your outlook or approach to life and work?
A: I live by the saying, “Everything happens for a reason.” And this is so true in all aspects of life/work/school, wherever. You can never get caught up in the “why” something happens or didn’t happen because you better believe something better is coming along the way!
A little bit of background, around 2012 I lost everything! I was a single parent with two children. I was in a relationship 10 years too long and I finally was able to get away. I had to figure it all out and start completely over. We lived in the shelter for three months until I could get housing, and we just rebuilt our life together. I had to be strong for them each and every day even though it was the toughest time of my life. I have to always remember to remain humble and count my blessings.
Q: Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests that you enjoy pursuing in your free time?
A: I enjoy spending time with family and friends, having BBQs, going to the beach, and going camping. I am a July baby, so I enjoy the summertime and being outside when I can. I am not a fan of winter. Lol
Q: Can you share a fun fact about yourself?
A: I used to do speed jump rope, double jump criss cross, and Double Dutch. The hidden word… used to. 😊
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
A: I am a single parent. I have two kids, a 25-year-old daughter, a 20-year-old son, and I have a nephew, 11, that I have had guardianship of since right before he turned one. My kids are my everything! I have a second job as well, it is part-time M-F. I work cleaning a couple commercial buildings. Cleaning doesn’t seem like work, it’s like therapy.
Q: What is your go-to Sunday cleaning/organizing song?
A: I enjoy some old school R&B, some Mary J Blige (Real Love), Jill Scott (Golden), Tevin Campbell (Can We Talk), Aretha Franklin (Respect), just to name a few. I clean daily, as I mentioned, so I always have my ear buds in listening to music and cleaning away!
Check out our SAM Team Member Favorites playlist on Spotify!