 Sometimes, feeling small can be a good thing. Sometimes, it simply means you are part of something bigger than yourself. When our team connected with the Roanoke Rescue Mission to create commemorative car magnets for this year's Drumstick DASH, that's the feeling we got — and we are humbled by it. For those unfamiliar with the annual 5K, the Drumstick DASH raises close to $250,000 for the Rescue Mission, a comprehensive homeless shelter serving the Roanoke Valley. These funds cover the shelter's kitchen budget for an entire year, the kitchen staff's salaries and necessary cooking equipment. More than 13,000 runners and walkers from around the country took part in the Thanksgiving Day race. As participants filed in and out of the Mission during registration week to pick up their race packets, members from our Magnets USA team were there selling magnets. All the proceeds — which rang in at $2,000 — were donated to the Rescue Mission. Today, we had the great honor of presenting that money to DASH organizer Uneita Matthews and Rescue Mission CEO Joy Sylvester-Johnson. We can't thank them enough for making us a first-time sponsor of this worthwhile community tradition. If you are lucky enough to be a part of the miracle that is the Rescue Mission, then you are lucky enough.  Drumstick DASH organizer Uneita Matthews and Joy Sylvester-Johnson, Rescue Mission CEO, with their commemorative magnets.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we'd like to say how grateful we are for marketing consultant Jennifer Carter. Take a moment to get to know her! Jennifer Carter How long have you been with Magnets USA? Four years, three months.
What does a typical day look like? From start to finish, my day is about our clients — learning about them, recommending the best products and services and seeing that their needs are met. What’s the most rewarding part of the job? Getting to know people. Some of our clients feel like friends. Once the relationship has been established, our clients come to trust us. They rely on us to be helpful and honest. They expect that we will do our best to help in any situation. What’s one of your proudest accomplishments? I am, and have almost always been, a very active part of our community. From performing arts to community outreach, I enjoy contributing. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten? "Work hard now, and one day you'll be able to do what you want without answering to everyone else." -Elsie P. Williams What’s something you’re really passionate about? Travel. I want to see as much of this planet as possible. I'm not in any way limiting myself, but I would like to visit at least 50 countries. So far I'm at 11. Success stories like this one from customer David R. make our day! Thanks to the Rittenhouse team for sharing.
 Will you help Jayson and Alan raise money for men's health research? Love it or hate it, facial hair is running wild this month. Some do it just for fun, a challenge among male friends and family. Many, however, are using their more rugged appearance to raise both awareness and funds for men's health issues. From the Movember Foundation: The Movember community has raised $559 million to date and funded over 800 programs in 21 countries. This work is saving and improving the lives of men affected by prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health problems. The Movember Foundation challenges men to grow mustaches during Movember (formerly known as November), to spark conversation and raise vital funds for its men’s health programs. To date, 4 million mustaches have been grown worldwide, but we won't stop growing as long as serious men’s health issues exist. So here's why marketing consultants Jayson McCoy and Alan Dever are forgoing a clean shave this November:  Jayson: I did Movember for awareness as much as I did for camaraderie. Alan and I discussed what we learned on us.movember.com at the beginning of the month and decided to make the commitment. It has allowed me to answer the "Why did you do that?" questions, which is the whole point. I have also had as many, if not more, good laughs about it. Let's be honest, not many men can pull off the mustache look. It's an acquired taste/look. I challenge every man and woman to check out the website and read the startling facts. My uncle is my only close family member I know of to have had prostate cancer, and luckily, they caught it early. The website says something to the tune of "Together, we can change the face of men's health," and if that means being poked fun at and getting some weird looks while shopping, then it is definitely worth it. I know Alan and I hope that more of our "Mo-Bro's" will join in this with us next year. You can also be a "Mo-Sis" and support our cause.  Alan: I signed up for Movember after becoming more educated about what it actually is. I had heard of "No-Shave November" before, but after checking out the Movember website, I found out that Movember is actually a movement to change the "face" of men's health worldwide, and to bring awareness and create conversation about prostate cancer and other men's health issues.
So my co-worker and I sort of dared each other and came back into work the next day with clean-shaven faces. Plus it was a good reason to grow a "stache" for the month of November, which I have never done before. It's fun, something different and it IS creating some conversations (and laughs)! Maybe we'll even raise a few bucks to contribute to the funded programs, but for now it's fun — not so much for my wife though. She hates it and calls me names. It's hard to believe that our Meet the Team series is already in its 20th week! Time must fly when you're surrounded by awesome co-workers. This week, meet marketing consultant Wanda Ayala. Wanda Ayala  How long have you been with Magnets USA? A little over five months.
What does a typical day at work look like? Answering the phones, emails and going though a list of call-backs. What's the most rewarding part of the job? Serving customers. I really love people and helping them as much as I can. Occasionally, you have someone who is very thankful — that makes the hard work so worth it. What's the best gift you've ever received? I think two thoughts instantly: First, life is a gift and I do not want to take it for granted. Second, my husband. He has been my soul mate for 22 years. Who in your life most inspires you? Jesus Christ, my personal Savior. He delivered me from suicide back in 1995, and I have been inspired by Him ever since. What's one of your proudest accomplishments? My website, RawMentalJourney.com, that just went live in September. I am amazed at how many people are downloading my podcast from around the world. Pretty cool. |
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