I had just graduated high school when my cousin told me about a job opportunity at Del Papa Distributing. He was working here and told me it was a great company to work for, so I applied and got a job as a Delivery Assistant. During my first month on the job, I was able to get my CDL! Over the last 16 years in my career at Del Papa, I have worked as an Order Builder in the Warehouse, an 8-Bay Driver, a Delivery Trainee, a Delivery Driver, a Retail Service Specialist, Delivery Coordinator and now Warehouse Manager.
I have spent most of my career in delivery and felt like I really mastered it. Now, managing a warehouse is a new challenge that I am excited for – I am learning new things every day. You might think that being in the warehouse all day would have me working with fewer people; but I work with more departments now that I had in my previous roles. I like getting to be hands on with different departments.
In the warehouse, I strive for it to be a collaborative environment so we can be the best we can be. I tell my team, “No idea is too small!” If you see an area we can improve, bring it forward. Working together is how we’re going to get where we want to go!
I worked my way from the bottom up. It is easy to say you want something, but you have to show that you want it. I think that has helped me be successful – I always wanted to be the best and that motivates me to give my all in everything I do.
My career here helped me grow as a person! While I was training for different jobs, I was actually learning skills that would help me through life. I have learned to take my time and be observant when making decisions. I have learned the right way to handle a lot of different situations. My former supervisor, Robert, has known me since I first started and has helped me a lot throughout my career. It is great to hear him talk about how I have grown as an employee but also as a person over the last 17 years.
