Libbie S., Report Solutions Specialist, recently celebrated her fifth Reynolds anniversary. We asked her to detail her experience through five questions, reflecting on her early days, what keeps her motivated, and offering advice to newcomers.
How did your journey with Reynolds start?
I joined Reynolds in Dayton’s Technical Assistance Center on the Report Solutions team in 2020. I come from a background in education, but I’d never been in an office environment before, so I was terrified. My manager helped me settle into the role, and then I immediately began training. I went through five weeks of in-class training before transitioning onto monitored customer support phone calls for four weeks. I spent most of those early days with my trainer, talking about all the material I needed to know.
What is your motivation to keep doing your best?
I’m motivated by the “puzzles” and challenges that I encounter every day. We frequently work with coding on the Reporting team, and I determine how to make a report work for the customer and deliver exactly what they want every single time. There are times when it is an undertaking, but I thoroughly enjoy trying to figure out how to make the pieces fit.
The challenges have gotten more complex over the years. I transitioned from frontline to backline about two years ago, meaning I handle the puzzles that our frontliners can’t. If a report doesn't work and won't pull what our customers expect, and the frontline associate can’t figure it out, it comes to me. I don’t know what’s going to cross my desk or what’s going to pop up, which makes coming to work every day exciting. It’s fun to switch up my work duties – whether it's preparing presentations on reporting and products or training my colleagues.
What’s one accomplishment, project, or moment during your five years at Reynolds that stands out to you?
My most memorable achievement was earning a Meritorious Performance Award (MPA) within my first year of employment here (MPAs are awarded to associates who demonstrate exemplary performance). Overall, during my five years at Reynolds, I’ve earned two MPAs, my department’s Consistency Award, and my team's Associate of the Year award in 2024. I was also nominated for company-wide Associate of the Year.
What is the most important lesson or the biggest takeaway you’ve had?
The best piece of advice that I ever received was from my first supervisor. He told me that the work will remain when you get in the next day. It doesn’t matter what you’re working on; you can pause it and pick it up in the morning. Focus on your family when you’re at home – that helps to maintain a perfect work-life balance. Of course, if the nature of your job means you need to be available after hours, that’s understandable, but that mindset has helped me significantly. Having that piece of advice allowed me to continue and have a productive work environment.
Where do you see yourself in five years, and what advice would you give someone starting at Reynolds?
I’m happy at Reynolds, so I expect I’ll still be here, continuing to solve puzzles!
My advice: give yourself a break and be patient – both with yourself and others. This company and our community thrive because we work together to bring the best for our customers. Wherever you end up, remember that you have a much bigger role than you might think, and your strengths and skills are why you were hired. Take pride in your work and do your best. Don’t compare your expectations to others. It’s great to want to achieve all those awards, but know that what you’re doing is helping regardless.
Ready to start your first five years at Reynolds? Browse current opportunities here.