Employee Spotlight: Jill Zayas
Be Courageous and Try it! That’s the core value that comes to mind when John Danker, General Manager of our Alsip plant, thinks about Jill Zayas. “Jill demonstrates this Core Value from the first day she started working here. Her drive to learn and take on more work every day by asking questions to really learn our business is amazing. She walks the plant floor all of the time to see and talk with Lalo on a day-to-day basis on what is coming in and what we need to schedule to go back out. She has a can-do attitude and looks for reasons to say “yes”,” Danker said. It’s clear that Jill has a huge impact on our coworkers, and the culture at Quincy Recycle and we are thrilled to have our on our team.
When did you start with Quincy Recycle?
July 2019
What was your job title when you started?
Account Logistics Coordinator
What is your current title?
Account Logistics Coordinator
If you had to pick one, which Core Value is your favorite and why?
Listen up, be inquisitive, & keep an open mind! This is the core value I feel that I come across the most in my position. There’s been so many times when I didn’t realize there was a different, more efficient approach to entering data into our computer system until someone else showed me. Or, didn’t know why some materials took longer to bale or weighed more than others until I asked. Speaking up, asking questions about our process and being open to new ideas all leads to being more confident in my position. If I’m confident in what I do I can communicate with customers more effectively, assist drivers on where they need to go and work closer with the plant staff on what material we need to load. This all comes full circle so that our plant continues to stay consistent and successful.
What was the most challenging thing to learn in your roles?
When I was hired at QRP I didn’t have a background in logistics or recycling, so learning the fast pace at which we ship, the verbiage and the type of material we ship to each customer was a slow process. Taking all of that into account, I made a lot of mistakes. So learning how to stay humble when things don’t go a certain way and finding a different approach has helped me move forward.
What was the most surprising or fun thing to learn?
I really enjoy learning about where our material comes from and what our customers do with it once they receive it! As I mentioned before, I had zero experience in recycling when I was hired, so learning about different commodities and what happens to them after they leave our plant has been really interesting.
What’s your favorite part about working at Quincy Recycle?
Definitely the people I work with and the positive environment! Everyone from the folks working in the plant to the individuals in the office are so supportive and encouraging of each other. You really couldn’t find a better group of people to celebrate the highs and work through the lows with.
What would you like prospective employees to know about Quincy Recycle?
You matter here. If you’re struggling with something, ask questions. If you have an idea of how something can be changed or improved, your general manager or HR will want to hear about it. At QRP, everyone’s opinion is valued and real change has happened from individuals speaking up.
What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
When I’m not working I enjoy spending time with my husband, hanging out with friends and family, working out and reading (preferably on my patio when it’s not -2 degrees). And of course, playing with my dog Kairi!
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever read or received?
Read: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Received: Your future self is going to thank you for not giving up.
If you had to pick a song to portray the culture of Quincy Recycle, what would it be and why?
Whatever it takes- Imagine Dragons
Our entire team really has to be really creative and do whatever we can to stay competitive!