Milestone Anniversary; Celebrating Heather Ward
At Royal American, we are fortunate to have employees with tenure extending 20 years and beyond. Their knowledge and expertise are pivotal in the success and growth of our company all the while staying tied to the deep roots it was founded on. It is our honor to interview these amazing employees and hear their stories.
Celebrating Your Milestones Questionnaire
What position did you start out in at Royal American?
I started as a GL Tech.
Tell us a little bit about your career journey with Royal American.
Began as GL Tech, then Admin Assistant, and now Senior GL Tech.
Share a favorite memory from your time with Royal American.
I have so many good memories from my years with Royal American. One memory that continues to stand out is Mr. Chapman always knowing my husband’s name, and who he was, even though he only saw my husband once a year at our Christmas party. Danny was always impressed that Mr. Chapman made the effort to know not only his employees, but their spouses, and about them. I am proud to be a part of this organization he built.
Share some of your interests and hobbies outside of Royal American.
We love to kayak. We have a double kayak and it is a great way to learn how to communicate effectively! I enjoy spending time with my family. Every Friday we have dinner with my parents. We have 3 furbabies who we love and spoil a LOT! I also love to read. I enjoy making jewelry, it keeps my hand dexterity up and gives me an outlet for my creative side.
What advice would you give to someone just getting started?
Be a sponge! Absorb everything anyone is willing to teach you. The more you know the more valuable you become.
Be patient, with your co-workers, and yourself. Everyone is different and that is what makes the world such a wonderful and diverse place. We each have our own stories and needs. You never know what someone else is living with or through. If someone is short with you, realize that maybe they are having a bad day and give them grace. Know that we will all make mistakes and that is o.k. I know I am my biggest critic. I need to remember to give myself grace.
Embrace change! Nothing stays the same. Be willing and eager to learn something new. When you are enthusiastic about taking on new goals, new tasks, you show yourself to be a good team player. Even after all these years, I still learn new things in my job. It keeps you a vital part of your team.
Finally, be willing to share your knowledge with others. Encourage the new generation and empower them to be the best they can be. They are the legacy you leave behind and will be the best of our tomorrows. Don’t hoard knowledge to yourself, when you share, you lessen the burden you carry and create a better team bond. Allow others to succeed as you have, it will be a blessing to you.
Thank you, Heather, for sharing your experience, and for your 25 years of excellence at Royal American. Help us congratulate Heather in the comments!
Thank you, everyone for you kind words. 25 years flew by rather quickly. Almost in the blink of an eye! I am very grateful to be a part of such a wonderful team, family of people.
Many congratulations Heather! Loved reading this! Wise words:)
Congratulations everyone!!
Nathalie and Rhonda – excellent job, way to go:)
Loved reading your story. congratulations on 25 years!
Congratulations! Your loyalty, wisdom, and hard work over 25 years have left an indelible mark on our team’s culture and success. Thank you for everything.
Thank you, Shannon. I am very proud of our team and glad to be a part of it. Attitude reflects leadership and we have a great leader!
Congratulations Heather!
Very well said Heather! Congrats on your 25 years with RA. Thank you for teaching me some things. You are a valuable asset here!!!
Thank you, Brit. Always happy to help!
Congratulations on your 25 year Anniversary! You are AMAZING!!!
Thank you, Julie. You have always been a pleasure to work with!