A Family Snapshot
We want you to be part of the Webstop family. Over time, we hope to introduce you to each one of our incredible family members that are always working toward your success. Here’s a glimpse into our family.
Janet Graden | Client Services Specialist
Everyone loves Janet! She has been an enthusiastic and loyal part of the Webstop family for 12 years and is the ever-pleasant voice on the other end of many client phone calls. Recently, Janet was featured in our new Webstop video for her outstanding personal attention and service she brings to our customers.
Here’s a little bit about Janet, in her own words.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I guess you could say, I always wanted to be part of the grocery industry. As a girl growing up in Ohio, my family shopped at Harts (which later became Big Bear) and I always thought one day I would be a cashier there. But, I also wanted to be a nurse and take care of people. I’d say I landed in the perfect place. I am taking care of grocers, which combines both of my childhood dreams.
Think back to your first day at Webstop. What stands out in your mind about that day?
I walked into Webstop on my first day at probably the lowest point in my whole life. I thought I was just starting a job in the Data Entry Department, but it actually was far more than a job. The Webstop team brought me into their family, encouraged me, believed in me and gave me a renewed sense of purpose. Their love for me made me work hard to be the best that I could be. Over the years, I have moved into different positions within the company, and every day I realize how incredibly blessed I am to have the opportunity to work here.
How has Webstop challenged and encouraged you to do your best work?
Webstop has a high standard of excellence in every aspect of the business. I get great support from all my coworkers and know that if I need help or have problems with anything I can count on the Webstop team to be there for me. When I feel like maybe I’m not up to a certain task, I always receive the help and encouragement I need to get things done.
What do you love most about your job?
I love working with our clients to understand their vision for their company and seeing how the whole Webstop team works together to bring that vision into a reality. When I see the final projects and hear the results from clients–well, that is a great reward.
What do you wish other people knew about Webstop?
I wish everyone could know what a great family Webstop is. I’m sure it helps to know that it’s a family-owned and operated business that has actual relatives working together, but everyone that works for Webstop becomes part of the family. It’s not “us working for them,” it’s all of us working together and caring about each other. If one of us has a difficult situation at work or in our personal lives, everyone is right there to offer support.
I also hope our clients know that we value them and consider them part of our extended family. Everyone at Webstop works very hard to solve any problems they may have as quickly as possible. We always have their success in mind as we try to shed light on different ways of accomplishing their goals. We offer suggestions they may have never considered because we want them to meet their goals and succeed.
Who has influenced you most in your career?
I am fortunate to have had many people that played a critical role in my life. If I had to choose just one person, though, it would be my dad. By living out these principles, he taught me to:
- Take pride in everything I do and do it to the best of my ability.
- Focus on building positive relationships in both my personal and professional life.
- Slow down and listen to what people are really saying
- Say “please” and “thank you” because they go a long way
- Treat people the way I would want to be treated
- Invest time and energy into making sure things are done correctly–the first time, if possible.
- Ask questions, because they provide an opportunity to learn.
- Prioritize what’s important
- Live knowing that everyone is watching how you conduct yourself.
Those life lessons have carried me through my life.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to do the same type of work you do?
If you have a desire to work in Client Services, I can think of three things that will lead to your success.
- You need to be willing to be available at any and all times if a problem arises for one of your clients. Client Services isn’t always convenient, but the best person for this job is willing to go above-and-beyond in any way possible.
- You must see yourself as your client’s advocate. It’s up to you to make sure projects are getting done to the highest possible level and on the agreed-upon deadline. Keep the lines of communication open, and whatever you can do to make life simpler for your client–do it!
- Build strong relationships with your clients and talk to them about things other than just business, because everyone wants to be seen as a PERSON and not as a job. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to make a positive impact in people’s lives through Client Services.