Here’s our next Talking Shop entry, an opportunity for you to get to know our team members. This month we’re introducing Tara Romney, Administrative Receptionist.
Q: What’s the strangest job you’ve ever had?
A: Working in a golf shop when I was 16 because I knew nothing about it and didn’t play. It was fun.
Q: What is your favorite on-the-job technology or gadget?
A: I saw this hammock for your feet that goes under your desk.
Q: What was you favorite work site?
A: Being a barista. It was fun to interact with people, and I liked the art of it and helping people start their day. Often, you were the first person people would see in the morning.
Q: How do you take your coffee?
A: Before noon, black and highly caffeinated. After noon: decaffeinated, maybe with cream and sugar.
Q: What’s the biggest on-the-job challenge you’ve had to face?
A: I worked for (an upscale retailer’s) restaurant when I was younger, and some of the clientele were difficult. It could be challenging to stay pleasant.
Q: What’s the most unusual solution to an on-the-job problem you’ve come up with that actually worked?
A: At my last job, everyone wanted stands for their computer monitors, and my boss didn’t want buy them. We had extra catalogs, so I passed them out to everyone to use.
Q: What’s your biggest on-the-job pet peeve?
A: Any time before 11 a.m., if someone asks, “Is the day over yet?” You can’t stay stuff like that until 3.
Q: What on-the-job accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: During my last job I dealt with a lot of students. They were frustrated by the time they came to me. I’m proud of making them feel important and heard, of comforting them.
Q: What would your coworkers be most surprised to learn about you?
A: I’ve gone deep woods backpacking for three to four days at a time. I did it a lot when I lived in Washington State. It was a good learning experience and scary, too, seeing bear paw prints in the mud.
Q: What hidden talent do you possess that you’d like to have more time to develop?
A: Playing the piano. I did it when I was younger and haven’t touched one since. That would be nice. The 16th Street Mall in Denver has pianos placed there randomly. It would be funny to go up to one and start playing.
Q: If you could create a job title for yourself, what would it be?
A: The Smile Maker.
