New Office Manager fills big shoes with a big heart
Filling the role of a predecessor who held the position for 25 years can be quite daunting. That’s what Jennifer Erickson, new office manager at Columbine Label, was facing when she was hired in January of this year to replace long-time employee Alissa Evans who left to relocate with her husband to Australia.
But Jennifer isn’t one to shy away from new challenges and experiences. “Before I applied to the job posting at Columbine Label, I looked at the company’s website and was impressed with what I saw – their values, mission, and overall feel of the company as a whole,” she explained. “I knew I wanted to work here. My background includes 28 years in the construction industry as an office manager/bookkeeper and most recently as a human resources generalist. I just knew it would be a good fit for both of us.”
Jennifer came to this position with plenty of experience but says she looks forward to learning more about the label business and understanding everyone’s role at the company. “I think it is important to know how each person’s input affects the output.”
Becoming label-aware
Working at Columbine Label has certainly raised Jennifer’s awareness of the labels, even outside of the office. “Seeing all the different kinds of labels that come across my desk, I am much more in tune with my ‘label’ surroundings. I’m always looking at products in the store to see if I recognize any that we’ve printed,” she laughs.
Numbers nerd, people person
A self-proclaimed numbers nerd, Jennifer says she “enjoys the puzzles and all that comes with accounting.” But she’s also a people person. “In the short time I have been here at Columbine Label, everyone has made me feel very welcome,” she says. “I have been included on several social outings, including a ladies’ night dinner and an evening at a comedy club. I like interacting with others and being able to listen or give advice and have fun. But I also know when to be serious and get the job done!”
When crisis calls
Jennifer’s start at Columbine Label was baptism by fire, or virus to be more accurate. The government-mandated COVID-19 shutdown took place just as she was getting settled into the job. She was touched by the company’s response to the crisis among employees and customers. “I saw people support one another in very sincere and genuine ways,” Jennifer noted. “Everyone banded together to talk about our concerns and what we could do to help and accommodate fellow employees to make them feel safe and comfortable – and still get labels out to our customers, sometimes even ahead of schedule.”
Embracing life
When Jennifer isn’t immersed in the business of labels, she and her husband Bret enjoy camping and exploring all that Colorado has to offer, including the arts, music, and historic sites. Jennifer also loves cooking, wine, reading, and loving on her fur baby Reagan, an adorable Yorkshire Terrier.
Jennifer brings a big heart, positive attitude, and willingness to learn, grow and do to her new role at Columbine Label and it certainly shows. “I know I have big shoes to fill,“ Jennifer admits. “But I will do my best because this group is worth it!”
Welcome to the Columbine Label team, Jennifer!