The Blueprint of Highland's Culture: Michelle Khuu, Service Desk Manager

It takes teamwork and concerted efforts of countless Employee Owners to deliver the quality product and experience Highland Homes is known for providing to our customers. Each Employee Owner involved is important and deserves to be recognized, as they truly are what make Highland Homes’ culture thrive. So with this in mind, our Heart of Highland Homes series aims to provide a glimpse into the Employee Owner experience and what makes Highland Homes a Great Place to Work.?

MICHELLE KHUU

Title: Service Desk Manager

Years of Service with Highland Homes: 1 year

What is your role here at Highland and what do you enjoy most about your role?

Michelle: I am the Service Desk Manager here at Highland Homes and what I love the most about my role is that I am able to be part of an amazing team whose primary responsibility is helping others! So, whether it's troubleshooting, answering questions, or welcoming new Employee Owners on their first day at Highland, I get to be on the front lines, ensuring everyone has the equipment they need to be successful.

What does your “typical” day at Highland look like?

Michelle: A typical day is action-packed! I collaborate with my team to help answer questions, provide solutions, and identify opportunities to improve the service experience we deliver. In addition, as our business needs continue to evolve, I partner with our internal departments to ensure we're providing the equipment and support they need to be effective.

How have you seen Highland Homes’ Core Values & Guiding Principles impact others or you personally?

Michelle: Throughout my time with Highland, I have continually witnessed our Core Values of "Integrity and Professionalism" and "Treat People the Right Way" being lived out each day by our Employee Owners in how they treat others with integrity, humility, and respect.

Which Highland Homes Core Value resonates most with you and why?

Michelle: I have been in support and service roles for over 20 years, where I have always strived to operate with integrity, professionalism as well as treating people the right way. I'm privileged to be at a company that shares my core values.

Tell me about your favorite experience of having FUN while working at Highland.

Michelle: While we try to have fun every day, one of my favorite experiences was my ride-along with the Construction and Sales teams where I was able to see first-hand what it takes to build our beautiful homes! I returned from the ride-along completely blown away by our attention to detail and the quality of our homes which made me feel so proud to be working for Highland. The highlight was hearing long-time Employee Owners share their personal experiences of how the company has continually worked hard to improve each year. I can't wait to see where the future takes us!

What do you like to do outside of work?

Michelle: I recently started learning how to cook, although I'm not sure how successful that venture will be so, I'll keep my Doordash app handy. We are big Nintendo fans at home, so we'll spin up some Mario Kart or have the family over for a night of Wii Sports (bowling, anyone?). We also have a 65 lb pit mix at home so we like to explore the neighborhood and get our Pokémon and Pikmin steps in.

What makes Highland Homes different from other employers?

Michelle: At Highland Homes, I enjoy the opportunity to be part of an incredible team where I feel valued, appreciated, and recognized for my work and have opportunities to grow and make a difference. And everyone I meet is friendly!

What is one thing you would want others to know about being an Employee Owner at Highland Homes?

Michelle: Highland Homes is truly a great place to work, and not just because we won the Great Place To Work award; it's in our DNA to continually get better year after year. So, if you want to be part of an exciting place where you are valued, included, and appreciated, join the Highland Homes team!

What made you join the Highland Homes team?

Michelle: Highland truly stood out as exceptional throughout the interview process, beginning with my initial communication with Recruiting. Those I interviewed with communicated with passion and enthusiasm that I was immediately convinced this was the company I had to join! I'm continually thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the Highland Homes team and can't imagine being anywhere else!

Like learning more about our Employee Owners? We feature a different Employee Owner from a different department each month, so follow Highland Homes on LinkedIn to receive the latest in the Heart of Highland Homes series.

Interested in learning how you might join Highland Homes and be a part of an employee owned, award winning homebuilder? Check review and apply to our open opportunities visit the Highland Homes Career Site at?highlandhomes.com/contact/careers?or reach out to a Highland recruiter to find out more!?