Where did you grow up?
I was born in Newport, AR. I grew up in Harrisburg, and now I reside here in Jonesboro.
Where did you go to school?
I went to Harrisburg School District from Pre-K through grade 12.
Brag about your family.
PHEW! I have a very rambunctious, blended family. Chad and I keep our hands full between all four kids. Between choir, ballet, soccer, football practices, and working 40 hours a week, we stay exhausted but keep going because making them happy makes us happy. Chloey, Ceilya, Rydyr, and Tristan are my whole world, and I would be lost without them.
What do you do for fun?
What is fun with four kids?!
Just kidding! Honestly, when I think, “I want to have a good time,” my mind goes to either back roadin’ with the windows down and the music up or just playing pool in the garage with some good music going.
What was your first job?
My first job was actually through the Workforce Program when I was 15. During that summer, I worked at the DHS office in Poinsett County. From there, I went to work at Food Giant, which was almost everyone’s first job in the tiny town of Harrisburg.
What is your dream job?
I used to want to run a daycare. Then I had kids of my own and thought better about that. (I was younger when this was my dream.) I wanted to join the Marine Corps when I turned 18, but my life took a different turn, and now that I have kids, I can’t bring myself to leave them right now. They’ll be grown before I know it! At that point, I have every intention of trying to join the military once they’re grown.
What is something very few people know about you?
I’m an open book. Something that a lot of people here at Optus don’t know is that I have webbed toes. Odd, yes. But hey! Ashton Kutcher has toes just like mine! ????
What quote/motto do you live by?
I have so many!
“If you’re even thinking about it, do it!”
“If you’re early, you’re on time.”
“If you can quit for a day, you can quit for a lifetime.”
Tell us your Optus story. When did you start, and what position? Have you moved positions/jobs?
I started at Optus as a Distribution Clerk on July 12th, 2021. While I have not moved positions, I have learned a lot of other positions and job duties that keep the boxes going out of the back door! I have a great team and am happy to be with them.
What is your official job title?
Distribution Clerk
What SHOULD your job title be?
I’m right where I need to be. ????
Describe your day-to-day job.
I come in every morning and hope to see some orders on the board for me to pull and either get ready to ship them or send them up for refurb. I help unload the trucks when they arrive and receive the equipment. Sometimes I help box up phones for stock. I’m everywhere. Or I try to be. I’m always willing to help with any task that needs to be completed.
What is one thing Optus does better than any other employer you have had in the past?
There isn’t just one thing. Optus has been -BY FAR- the best company I have ever worked for. Benefits, PTO, and management are just a few of the blessings that Optus has given me.
Tell us about one learning or growth opportunity you have had while working at Optus.
Before coming here, I had yet to learn there were this many different phones in the world!
All jokes aside, I’m embarrassed that I’ve never been technologically savvy. And today and I can proudly say that I can send an email with attachments!
Kidding again…sort of. I wasn’t very tech savvy, but my skills on the computer have grown. Don’t ask Optus’ IT department about my printer problems; this will seem like an accomplishment. ????
What do you like most about working at Optus?
EVERYTHING! But mostly, I can dress comfortably and listen to my music while I work. Also, my boss is incredibly understanding. He is always there to listen and work with me if I have a family emergency or health issue. He is probably the most “human” manager I’ve ever worked for, and I can’t thank him enough for everything he has done.
Have you received recognition from Optus on a job well done? If so, what was the recognition?
I won Operations MVP! I NEVER WIN ANYTHING!!
(A/N: After answering this questionnaire, Andrea won Operations MVP for a second time)
What is your favorite part of the community Optus has cultivated?
Everyone here at Optus seems like family. They’re always willing to help, and they always care. Not just about work but outside of work as well. It’s refreshing to have upper management come through the back once a day and ask how my kids are doing or how my weekend or holiday was. In most places, coworkers don’t care, but not at Optus. These people are genuine, and I appreciate that more than they probably know.