Name: Mary
1. How long have you been here:
28 years
2. What is your role at Rhoads:
Floral Designer and Senior Gift Shop Buyer.
3. Before working here, what was an interesting job you had:
When my husband was in grad school we lived in Denver. While I was there I had many interesting temporary jobs. Firstly, I was paid to sit on a bus and count how many people rode on it. I had great fun talking to the different bus drivers and commuters! After that I was a dishwasher for a large company. My responsibility there was to load dirty dishes onto a conveyor belt into the washer before the dishes created a pile up-it was right out of that famous "I Love Lucy" episode! I also had my first flower job in Denver working at a garden center and florist. After moving back to the east coast I found myself driving a "showroom on wheels" where I visited many different flower shops to sell silk flowers, baskets and other assorted floral supplies.
4. How did you first learn about the company:
The Rhoads Garden was one of my customers when I was driving the big display truck. They had an opening and I started working here as the floral manager 28 short years ago!
5. How has the company changed since you've been here:
It has grown in size quite a bit. It has also diversified greatly with the addition of our boutique, baby and women's departments. We carry a much larger variety of items now.
6. What has been your favorite part of working here:
I love my work in the floral design world and getting to experience a variety of creative outlets in that realm. Also, as the buyer, it is a thrill to follow different trends. I get just as excited about the new merchandise as our customers do! I am very lucky to work for people that allow me the creative freedom to try new things in both the floral and buying worlds!
7. If you could do any other job here what would it be:
I love my job just the way it is.
8. Do people have a nickname for you at work:
Mar
9. What hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
Reading, gardening, cooking, and traveling.
10. What is your hidden talent?
At work I seem to be called upon often to proofread many documents written by co-workers. So I guess you could say that editing is one of my hidden talents. At home, I enjoy creating new and exciting cocktails to share with friends.
