Employee Spotlight: Holly Smith
Customer Focused, that’s a phrase that often comes up when talking to and about Holly Smith. Through her roles as a Customer Service Representative and now a Financial Accountant, Holly has helped strengthen relationships with countless vendors. Her enthusiasm for Quincy Recycle is infectious and we are thrilled to have her on our team.
When did you start with Quincy Recycle?
September 2011
What was your job title when you started?
Customer Service Representative (what we now call Account & Logistics Coordinator)
What is your current title?
Financial Accountant
If you had to pick one, which Core Value is your favorite and why?
One Team, One Dream, One Family. This mantra has been around since I started, long before we had formal Core Values. Our company is working on providing waste stream solutions to businesses. We are all working together to make that happen from sales to logistics to the forklift operator and even accounting.
What was the most challenging thing to learn in your roles?
When I first started at Quincy Recycle, learning about all the commodities and logistics was challenging. Most people who start here have no experience with either of those topics, and it seems overwhelming. I always remind new employees that it takes time, but you will be surprised by how fluent you will be in recycling language if you give it 6 months. As I moved to accounting, my understanding of the ALC role helps me every day. I see transactions from a different perspective as a result of that previous experience.
What was the most surprising or fun thing to learn?
Learning about what our end users are manufacturing from the recycled material is interesting. We sell products to companies that make anything from cereal boxes to carpet to paper lining on dry wall. And we have many non-traditional recycling opportunities involving food waste, grease, and textiles.
What’s your favorite part about working at Quincy Recycle?
Everyone here truly works together toward a common goal. There is no “us vs them” across departments or plant locations. I feel like we all want each other to be successful.
What would you like prospective employees to know about Quincy Recycle?
I am trying not to say “we work hard and we play hard”, but I can’t think of another way to describe it. The work is challenging but rewarding. The team is always available to answer questions and offer support. Ask lots of questions, ask to job shadow, and learn as much as you can about all aspects of the business.
What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. My husband bought me a Cricut fairly recently, so I like making shirts and signs. We also have 2 dogs, 1 cat, 2 bunnies, and 7 chickens, so there is no shortage of activity at our house!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever read or received?
The best advice I received from my Dad is “If someone offers to give you something, just take it, even if you have to get rid of it yourself. You might get some cool stuff”. It’s how I ended up with some nice dressers, chairs and book shelves, but also the reason why I have a Christmas CD featuring the vocal talents of some of the cast of Days of our Lives. They can’t all be a win!
If you had to pick a song to portray the culture of Quincy Recycle, what would it be and why?
Magical Mystery Tour by The Beatles, because every day is different and I never know what new thing will pop up.