January, 2011

Congratulations to Giovanni!

Congratulations to Giovanni Osorio for being Walker Furniture’s first Employee Spotlight for 2011! For the past year and a half, Giovanni has worked in the Walker’s front office and customer service. He first began with us through a temporary service and has been with us now for 1-½ years.  During this short amount of time, his company knowledge is extensive. He has a knack for diffusing escalating situations, and in customer service, that is a necessary skill that requires a very special person. Latrice Walker, manager of the front office, said, “He is dependable, reliable, knowledgeable and is already training new hires!”

Giovanni moved to Las Vegas in May 2008 from Van Nuys, California. He was born and raised close by there in Granada Hills.  He moved to Vegas three years after his parents moved to Vegas. He wanted a change from California and to get a fresh start in a new place. Currently, he is working toward an Associates degree in pre-engineering analysis at CSN, taking 2-3 classes per semester along with his full time position at Walker Furniture. He said it gets a little hectic during midterms and finals, but education is important to him.

For a young man just starting his career, he seems to have his priorities pretty well figured out. He is a daddy to his 2-year old son, Raymond. Giovanni emphasized “Raymond is my priority now. Family always come first with me.”   He added, “I like to teach him sports, go to the park, and be outdoors with him because he’s a real active kid.”

Soccer used to be one of his major interests, but he stated that there’s just not enough time. For now, it’s time with his family, Walker Furniture and continuing his education.  Someday, Giovanni plans to continue his education to get a bachelor’s degree, maybe at Cal State Northridge, back in his home state of California.  He said, “I miss the California weather, the beach, and my friends, but I’ve made some good friends here at Walker Furniture. I’m just going to take it one day at a time for now. I’m grateful for the opportunity for being part of Walker Furniture. Everyone has been great to me here, especially my supervisor, Latrice.”

Someday Giovanni hopes to travel to South America, perhaps Brazil. He’d like to see the Amazon and experience the tropical weather and do some hiking around the area.

Good luck in your in everything you do! And thanks for being part of our Walker Furniture family!

 

 

December, 2010

Congratulations Donavon!

Donavon Simon has been part of the Walker Furniture sales force for 8 years. Doug Parr, the Walker Furniture Sale Manager,  said that “Donavon’s dedication to providing Walker customers with excellent service is second to none. Donavon is always willing to assist his fellow salespeople as well as their customers. We can always count on Donavon to solve any issue that comes his way.”  

Donavon was born and raised in Sedalia, Missouri. He received a full scholarship to State Fair Community College. He was quite the athlete and played center forward for his college soccer team.  One year, he was the school’s mascot- The Roadrunner! When I asked him about his experience as being a roadrunner, he said…“We didn’t have fancy costumes back then that you could just purchase from the store. We had to make the mask from paper mache…and I had to wear these tights!” He laughed, “But I really enjoyed being the mascot. I could travel everywhere with the basketball team and it was a great time!”

Before moving to Las Vegas, Donavon was no stranger to the furniture business. For 18 years, Donavon owned a retail business called 40 Winks Sleep Shop . He converted a bowling alley into a retail store where he sold waterbeds, spas and billiards. In the same building, he also managed a retail furniture operation with his business partner. In 2001, he and Peggy decided to sell the business and move west to Las Vegas.  They have two boys, Todd and Ryan, and more family back on the other side of the country. I asked him “Why did you move to Vegas?” He said that he and Peggy had visited often during the years and not only did they like the town and the weather, he saw potential for growth in the area. In the early 90’s he was right on about that!

Donavon enjoys playing golf and travel. When I asked him where he wanted to travel, he couldn’t really pin down a specific place. “There’s just so much to see, I want to travel everywhere! We’re hoping to visit Yellowstone soon… haven’t seen that yet.”

Thank you, Donavon, for everything you do and especially for being part of our Walker Furniture family!

 

 

November, 2010

Congratulations to Randall!

Randall Kincaid has been working for Walker Furniture since 2005. His first job responsibility was a warehouse stager. Then he worked his way to being a fork lift driver and driver helper.  Today, he fills a multitude of responsibilities. Being thoroughly cross-trained and proving to be very versatile in every undertaking, Randall now fills the position where he is most needed. Wayne King, Walker Furniture warehouse manager, only has praises to say about Randall.  Wayne said “He is one of the most dedicated employees I have ever worked with. He is self motivated and versatile. He will do anything the company requests of him without hesitation. He has two of the most demanding jobs as a lift driver and driver helper. He is very dependable and always willing to alter his schedule to accommodate company needs.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Randall graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and moved to Las Vegas when he was 18 years old. He enjoys practicing Taekwondo on his spare time. He also enjoys going to the mall with friends, playing video games and watching TV…having some down time on his days off.  When asked if he liked living in Los Angeles or Las Vegas better, he said “…Los Angeles was all right, but I like Vegas better overall. But the weather in Las Vegas, it’s just too hot or too cold. It’s not like that in LA.” I guess the weather would matter quite a bit to Randall since he rides his bike to work 7 miles each way on a daily basis, then puts in a full day of work!  Randall stated “…I like the physical part of my job.  I like to always be moving, and I’m always willing to help out where I’m needed. And I get to meet a lot of people at work which is nice and cool.”

One of Randall’s goals is to position himself financially so that he can live a comfortable life, which includes owning a nice home and traveling. “I’d like to see Egypt, the temples and pyramids. I mean, New York and Paris are kind of OK, but we have that here!  But the pyramids…I’d like to see them in person.” Another goal is skydiving, but his mother once warned him against it by saying “Why would you want to jump OUT of a perfect good plane with strings and a sheet?”  He hasn’t jump yet, so maybe he is still listening to his mother’s advice.

Thank you, Randall for the years you have dedicated to Walker Furniture. We are proud and lucky to have you as part of our Walker Family!

 

 

 

 

 

October, 2010

Congratulations Charlotte!

Congratulations to Charlotte Wharton, Walker Furniture October Employee Spotlight!

Charlotte was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In family order, she is number seven out of nine siblings. She and her husband, Pete, are proud parents of 2 boys, 2 girls, and 5 grandchildren.  Before being part of our Walker Furniture family, she and Pete opened their own business called “Donuts & Dogs” in Downingtown, PA. A few year later, Charlotte, in addition to raising her four children, worked as the assistant manager at a craft and nursery store in Downingtown. Charlotte and Pete moved to Las Vegas 14 years ago because they have always liked the idea of living in the West. Yet, before they made the move to Las Vegas, Charlotte admits that she was hesitant to be so far from her family.

Yet Charlotte soon became part of another family here in Las Vegas. You guessed it, The Walker Furniture Family! She started working at Walker in 1996 as temporary employee, and wow have things changed since then! Her first position began in the accounting department, invoicing sale tickets and auditing. After a few years, she began helping part time in the accessory department, in addition to her other responsibilities. She quickly climbed the ladder and is currently department supervisor for the Accessory Department. Her responsibilities include overseeing accessory floor display, accessory receiving, creating  purchase orders,  auditing inventory, handling damages and credits, and all the many other details that hold the department together.

Charlotte’s outstanding characteristics include her integrity, accuracy, perseverance and never ending sense of humor! She commented on her responsibilities here at Walker “I’m company oriented…I am always watching out for the business, it’s just how I am. But…” she laughed, “ that kind of makes me sound like a safety at school. You know, the kids that go around and make sure everything  is in order!”

I asked Charlotte if the move West agrees with her today. She replied “Well, I’ve made lots of friends here at work, and some really good friends too. I’m not too successful in the gambling arena, haven’t made the big hit yet, but I’m a nickel player, so what are you gonna do!” She continued “ I still miss my family and would like to visit back home more often, but the good thing is that my family likes to come to Las Vegas and visit us. We go on a lot of trips.” She laughed “We’ve been to the grand canyon 12 times now! But on the positive side of things, I really like seeing their faces as they see the sites of Las Vegas for the first time.”

Thank you to Charlotte for your 14 wonderful years and here’s to another 14!

 

 

September, 2010

Congratulations Bill!

Congratulations to Bill Fieldhouse, our September “Employee Spotlight!” Bill moved from his hometown  in Northeast Ohio near Youngstown in 1998. Shortly after relocating to Las Vegas, he became part of our Walker Furniture family. Bill added “February 11th, 1998 to be exact.” He is currently the Night Lead and is responsible for all customer pick-ups.  To Bill, working at Walker Furniture is not just a job; he takes pride in what he does and takes his responsibilities very seriously. Warehouse Supervisor Antonio Lipparelli added “He  is very meticulous and always gets his job done with accuracy.”  

When I asked Bill what he liked about his job, he said “It’s a good job. I’m trusted to work with independence and I like that. I’m able to really focus on what needs to be done.” He laughed, then chose his words carefully… “…maybe too much that people may think I am somewhat less than gregarious.” I laughed at that too.  When Bill has a job to do, he is extremely focused!

Yet, when talking with Bill, he really is quite a talented and unique individual. Many people may be unaware that Bill Fieldhouse, yes, our Bill, is a writer of mystery and suspence novels. I asked him how many books he has written. “Well, my friend googled it and he says the number is 56.” I asked him how many books he remembers writing, and he answered “Not really sure. I don’t remember all of the titles.” If this has peaked your curiosity, try googling Bill Fieldhouse and check out his published books.

He also has written a series of mystery short stories for the “Mike Shane Mystery Magazine” and in 1980 he was nominated for the 10 best detective stories. I asked Bill which one was his favorite book. “It’s the one I’m trying to get published now, “Devil in a Cage.” Bill finds it challenging to find enough time to write these days, especially when he is rewriting twice and putting effort also on finding a publisher.
Thank you, Bill, for sharing with us your talents and hard work! Good luck with your newest novel!

 

 

 

 

August, 2010

Congratulations Jodi!

 

Congratulations to Jodi Lescrinier, Walker Furniture’s “Employee Spotlight” for August, 2010! She has been an extremely valuable member of our Walker team for over 10 years, and during that time has mastered many skills that others have truly come to rely upon.

Born in Upland, California, Jodi moved to Las Vegas when she was 4 years old, and has been a native ever since. She went to K.O. Knudsen Middle School and graduated from Chaparral High School.  She is raising 2 children, whom she calls “the best kids ever. I also have a kitten named “Sophie”, she’s only 6 months old.” She went on to say…“I’m kind of boring. It’s just me and my kids… no hobbies, no crafts. You’re not going to have much to write about!”

 

Well, I didn’t believe one word of that! When talking to Jodi, it’s hard to realize the depth of her responsibility and knowledge because of her unpretentious nature. She started working at Walker Furniture in June, 1999. Her position is officially entitled Dispatch Lead, but she has extensive knowledge in many other facets of the business, including customer service and office and warehouse operations. Because of her vast knowledge and experience, Jack Campbell, Chief Operating Officer, refers to her as “a great go-to person.” Wayne King, Warehouse Manager, describes Jodi as “the most dependable employee. I rely on Jodi more than anyone else.”

 

In addition to her responsibilities at work, she has her priorities set pretty well. She may not be involved with any particular  team sports, or have a hobby to speak of,  but she is a proud, devoted mother, who in her spare time enjoys connecting with the outdoor by hiking with her kids and friends on a regular basis. She hikes at Redrock Canyon, and every month she and her kids visit her aunt in St. George and get in some hiking at Zion National Park. She admits that she doesn’t really like the desert all too much, nor the summer heat. But she also places a nice perspective on that as well. “…I’ve been here for most of my life.  That says something. I think though,  if I were to ever leave Las Vegas,  I’d probably miss the things I don’t even think about.” Congratulations again to Jodi and thanks for being part of our Walker Family!

 

 

 

 

 

July, 2010

Congratulations Belinda!

 

Congratulations to Belinda Lakes for being chosen Walker Furniture’s  “Employee Spotlight!”

Belinda, commonly known as “Miss B” by her fellow co-workers, has been part of our Walker Furniture Family for 5 years.  Her manager, Cathy Daniell, couldn’t stop praising Belinda. “She is always prepared. No matter what, she is able to cover whatever the situation calls for.  She helps carry the load, so if I’m not here, there’s always Miss B to go to!”  Jack Campbell, Chief Operating Officer, said that what stands out in his mind about Belinda is her dedication and her smile. “When she smiles, you just have to smile with her! She’s that kind of person!”

Belinda is a true native to our city. Born and raised in Las Vegas, she attended Jo Mackey Elementary School and Rancho High School. Belinda’s smile brightened even more when she spoke about her two daughters, four stepchildren, and eleven grandchildren.

Yet Belinda is not only dedicated to her job and her fellow co-workers (including the entire Walker Furniture family), she has a very special calling in life, the ministry. She has been serving a congregation of over one hundred people for the past 13 years. Belinda said “People…that’s what life’s all about…grasping, helping, serving.  It’s also about balance in life. It took me a minute, but god helped me get through it.” 

Thank you Belinda, for being not only a valuable team player for everyone here at Walker Furniture, but also for everything you do for people!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June, 2010

Congratulations to Donna!

 

Congratulations to Donna Grossinger for receiving the award of Walker Furniture’s June “Employee Spotlight!” Amy Mansueto, Chief Financial Officer of Walker Furniture, said that “Donna is a conscientious employee who goes beyond the call of duty on a daily basis. She is a valuable asset to the accounting department and the company.” Jack Campbell, Chief Operating Officer of Walker Furniture, added that “Because of her attention to detail, her innovative and take control approach, Donna has played an instrumental part in improving controls over charge backs from our warehouse operation.  I’m so glad that she has been chosen for “Employee Spotlight” because she is well deserving of the honor.”
Donna has lived in Las Vegas since 1997. She and her husband Arnie, moved from Long Island, NY where she was born and raised.  She commented on her move west that “I don’t miss the humidity or the weather for that matter.”
This month, Donna will celebrate her third anniversary of being part of the “Walker Furniture Family.”   Yet before she switched gears and followed a successful career in business and accounting, Donna worked in the medical field as a registered nurse. For over 10 years, she was the assistant head nurse for the Neonatology department within a hospital in Long Island.  “Helping babies to survive was so very rewarding “she said about her previous career. 
Donna lives with her husband and their seven dogs, 2 purebred shiatsus and 5 mixed breeds. She enjoys crochet, needlepoint and gardening, which includes a Kio pond with large fish. Their future plans include building and spending time at a vacation cabin near Bryce Canyon, Utah.