My Great Day Story

My Great Day Story Sharing my Q&A session I had with the Great Day team in efforts to share MY career path here at Great Day!

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Could you tell us about your background and how you joined the company?

After serving in the Navy as an Air Traffic Controller for six years, I spent eight years in the Automotive Industry, gradually rising to the position of General Manager. While I enjoyed the fast-paced environment and working with clients, I wanted to make a bigger impact. With the birth of my son, I sought a career offering schedule flexibility and stability. In 2019, I came across a job ad for a Design Consultant at Patio Enclosures’ new branch in Erie, PA. Arnold Imes, the recruiting manager, called me soon after, and our conversation convinced me that this was the opportunity I was looking for. The following week, I began training at the Macedonia office.

What motivated you to pursue a career within the company?

From the outset, I was drawn to the company’s values, which resonated with my own. The emphasis on integrity, collaboration, and prioritizing people created a positive work environment that I knew I wanted to be a part of long-term.

Can you share a pivotal moment or project that significantly impacted your early career development?

Transitioning from focusing solely on my personal success to training and mentoring other Design Consultants was a turning point for me. Helping others succeed and realizing their potential became more fulfilling than individual achievements. This shift in focus allowed me to grow personally and professionally.

How did you navigate challenges during your early career, and what strategies did you employ to overcome them?

One of my early challenges was running effective sales meetings, especially when some team members attended virtually. To address this, I began jotting down common questions from the team during the week and turned them into meeting topics. Sharing the agenda beforehand encouraged participation, and I focused on improving my public speaking skills by listening to others and refining my pitch, pace, and tonality.

As you progressed in your career, were there specific skills that you focused on to enhance your professional profile?

I dedicated time to developing leadership and motivational skills, often investing in certificate programs, reading books, and attending summits. I learned from both formal training and the experiences of those I led, fostering a culture of continuous learning and flexibility within the team.

Tell us about transitioning to your new role in a different department. How did you identify this opportunity, and what steps did you take to make the move successfully?

Transitioning from a Design Consultant to a Regional Manager for the South Atlantic and Southeast regions involved recognizing gaps in support and seizing the opportunity to fill them. With support from my GM, I focused on providing valuable assistance to my team and collaborating closely with other departments. This experience prepared me to manage both sales and operations in my current role. Were there mentors or role models who significantly influenced your career advancement? Numerous individuals within the company have been instrumental in my growth, including Jim, Jason Snyder, Vic and Joe Perri, Rachel Pugh, Ken Mika, Mike Christian, Mike Moore, Ron DeGraw, Drew Weinfurtner, Ed Weinfurtner, and Michael Hoy. Each provided valuable guidance and contributed to my development in various ways.

Looking ahead, what are your future career goals, and how do you plan to continue your professional development within the company?

I aim to continue impacting teams and individuals positively, focusing on enhancing efficiency within my current regions. Eventually, I hope to transition into a role where I can develop leaders and share my knowledge. Mastering my current position remains my priority as I prepare for future opportunities.

Any advice for colleagues or individuals aspiring to advance their careers within the organization?

Focus on mastering your current role, as every position within the company is crucial. Seek opportunities for growth and express interest in other departments through shadowing and volunteering. Invest in your development and remain persistent; internal promotion is common within the organization, so seize opportunities when they arise.