Best Practices, V10I3

Personal Growth in the Shed Industry

(Image courtesy of Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay)

Starting a new job with little knowledge of the industry can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting opportunity for growth and learning. With the right approach and mindset, it can be a rewarding experience that leads to personal and professional development. 

You must be willing to approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn. 

I have been working for JMAG for a little over four years now. When I first started, I was hired as a customer service representative. In this role, I was responsible for providing assistance and support to customers.

Customer service isn’t just about addressing problems, it’s about empathizing with individuals, understanding their needs, and going above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction. By understanding each customer’s unique needs and concerns, trust is built. 

Timely responses, consistent reliability, and going the extra mile all contribute to fostering loyalty. Providing proactive support, anticipating needs, and maintaining open communication channels further solidify these relationships. Building rapport through friendly interactions and remembering details about customers adds a personal touch. 

I quickly moved into contract input and then moved into a bookkeeper role, both of which helped me establish a better understanding of the back-end mechanics that keep the industry moving. 

Approximately two years ago, an opportunity arose for me to step into the role of finance manager, a role that presented new challenges and opportunities for growth. Shoutout to Joe Kuhlmann for always patiently explaining tasks and offering constructive feedback. His guidance has been instrumental. 

Despite my initial lack of familiarity with sheds and the shed industry, I embraced the challenge, eager to expand and contribute to the success of JMAG. Being in a managerial position has allowed me to lead and guide a team toward common goals. This sense of responsibility and authority can be rewarding as you see your team grow and achieve success under your guidance.

After working with JMAG for about a year and a half, I attended my first Shed Builder Expo. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived and boy, was I surprised. 

As I navigated through the aisles, I had the opportunity to engage with industry professionals, creating meaningful connections and gaining valuable insights into the industry. 

What struck me most was the genuine friendship and enthusiasm that flooded the shed community. It’s rare to find an industry where everyone’s genuinely rooting for each other’s success in their business. But when you see it, it’s something truly special and unique. 

Never did I think I would know the difference between a lofted garage, a utility shed, or a lofted barn, but here we are.

Reflecting on my experiences within the shed industry, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and appreciation. The opportunity to work alongside some of the most genuine and passionate individuals in the industry has been truly humbling, and I am honored to be a part of such a vital and dynamic community. 

My journey within the shed industry has been marked by growth, learning, and invaluable experiences. With each passing day, I am inspired to continue contributing to the success and growth of JMAG and the shed industry as a whole. 

Together, we can achieve great things, and I excitedly anticipate the journey ahead. From my beginning as a customer service representative to my current role as finance manager, I have embraced each opportunity with enthusiasm and determination. 

I am grateful for the friendships gained, the lessons learned, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. I cannot thank JMAG enough for the opportunity I have been given.

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October/November 2024