by Sheri Tkacz, Marketing Manager
I’ve never been what anyone would consider “outdoorsy”. I went camping once when I was about 14. Our camper slept 10 comfortably and had cable TV. I still consider that one of my least favorite vacations. Outside is messy and unpredictable. I like clean and orderly. I like central air and on-demand heat. Yeah, yeah, the words you are searching for are “high maintenance”. Fine.
While I’ve accepted who I am, these traits aren’t particularly helpful with respect to my career. As the Marketing Manager for a civil engineering consulting firm, most of our work is outside – and it’s my job to explain to others all the amazing work we do. But I cannot accurately do that simply by listening and admiring from afar. I need to leave the safety and sterility of four walls and indoor plumbing and really experience, firsthand, all the hard work that goes into project execution. Outside. So I’m trading in my open-toed stilettoes for steel-toed boots.
I’ve been with Fuss & O’Neill for two years. And while I no longer take for granted the systems, infrastructure, and natural beauty that make up the world around us, I have developed a deep appreciation for those that work so tirelessly, and without complaint, to better our communities. I’m very lucky that my role allows me to work with every department. I’ve met some truly inspiring people and have made some great friends. Friends who have given me glimpses into the world in which I can only write about. Until now.
My amazing colleagues have been gracious enough to grant me access to the work that happens outside of cubicle walls. Over the next several months I’ll be tagging along on what they consider “routine assignments” – which will be so far outside of what I consider “routine” that I’m not even sure a word exists to describe it. As an obviously untrained and unskilled employee (unless you consider being able to find the lone blue-piped white leather jacket discounted 75% off amidst an endless line of sales racks a skill…which I totally do…), I will simply be an observer on these days away from my desk. I will ask questions, take notes, and try not to get in the way. I look forward to peeking behind the curtain, to learning more about what we do, and reporting this all back to you.
So stay tuned and check back. I truly have no idea what to expect, but I can pretty much guarantee we’ll all learn a few things and we’ll definitely have a few laughs!
About the Author:
Sherilyn Tkacz is the Marketing Manager for Fuss & O’Neill. In her role, she finds creative ways to promote Fuss & O’Neill’s multitude of services and has made it her personal mission to make sure that every employee is recognized for their work. She is constantly amazed and impressed by her coworkers and cannot wait to share their stories with you!