A Journey of Dedication and Growth at itel

Karen Boatwright's career at itel began in 2007 with a temporary position in the HR department.?This initial experience allowed her to witness the authentic work environment and the genuine commitment of the leadership teams to both employees and the business.?Recognizing itel as a great company, Karen pursued a Customer Service position. Although there was a better fit than this role, Karen's determination to return to itel paid off when she was hired as a part-time associate in the Accounts Receivables department. This led to a full-time position, and she quickly advanced to a supervisory role and then to a manager overseeing six employees.?

Karen's journey didn't stop there. She advanced to Order Entry and Receiving Manager, where her responsibilities grew as she became Operations Manager, overseeing seven departments and over thirty employees. This position deepened her understanding of sample analysis and daily report delivery, as she collaborated with diverse and fantastic personalities.?

Eventually, Karen transitioned to Operations Process Manager, focusing on problem-solving, process improvement, and supporting team members. Then, earlier this year, she was promoted again to the Product Team as a Product Manager for Internal Systems. In this role, Karen leverages her extensive knowledge to work with our operational and engineering teams, enhancing processes so team members can focus on delivering exceptional service on every report while maintaining a better work-life balance.?

She expects team members to provide the best service possible, balancing short-term support and long-term sustainability. Her work is driven by a natural curiosity, talent, and problem-solving skills nurtured in an environment that values these traits. Karen's passion for advocating for others is evident in her belief that well-designed software and systems allow team members to focus on value-added activities rather than tedious tasks. This dedication to itel is also reflected in her commitment to creating a supportive work environment, where she emphasizes the importance of curiosity and understanding, encouraging employees to ask questions and seek clarity. Karen believes that for itel to be successful, everyone must be committed to being their best and must feel safe and invested in delivering quality products to each of our customers.?

“She provides guidance to all her fellow co-workers, myself included, with her wealth of experience in the property claims industry and ensures every question finds its answer," mentions Chester Miltenberger, a Product Engineering Quality Engineer at itel.?

To illustrate Karen's advocacy for others, she encourages her colleagues to demand access to opportunities as if they were advocating on behalf of their best friends. She understands how often we fight harder for those we care about than we do for ourselves. This is a tactic she embodies every day in her role, and it shows.?

Born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, Karen has a large family with eight nieces and nephews, along with another eight she claims as her own. She's a reluctant cat owner (the Universal Cat Distribution System, am I right?), and she enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with close friends. Her travels have taken her to Puerto Rico, Iceland, Alaska, Thailand, New York, and Washington D.C. She enjoys a wide range of music, having attended concerts by artists like Prince, Tina Turner, Billie Eilish, Beyoncé, Bon Iver, Hozier, and Taylor Swift.?

While Karen finds it challenging to recall specific achievements, she is most proud of the trust she has earned from her colleagues. Being a trusted source of information, advice, and support is a humbling experience that she values greatly.?

"Karen is the 'Break Glass' in case of emergency kind of person. No matter what the question or the issue, Karen will drop what she is doing to help or get the answer you need. She is a lifesaver," says Christopher Bernacki, the Analysts Team Lead, when asked about his experience working with Karen.?

Karen Boatwright's loyalty to itel is driven by her belief in the company's commitment to customer service and employee well-being. Her journey at itel showcases her dedication, passion, and commitment to supporting colleagues and improving processes, inspiring others to pursue their career goals with curiosity, resilience, and a focus on creating a positive work environment.?