Today, we shift our spotlight from the stories of adorable companions and pet professionals that enrich our lives to a different kind of hero ? Gary Munson, the unwavering pillar of our customer service team. For years, Gary has been the cornerstone of our store, providing a wealth of knowledge, a heart full of compassion, and a genuine passion for ensuring every customer's experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey and invaluable contributions of the store's longest-standing employee, whose dedication has truly set the gold standard in the world of pet retail.
How I began working at Ryan?s:
I moved to Phoenix on June 1st, 2007. I knew that I had to start looking for work as soon as possible. So with my background in working for catalog call centers in Dallas, I immediately turned to Craigslist and saw an ad (don?t remember exactly what the ad said), so I followed the directions, sent in my resume, and applied. This probably took about a month. I received a telephone call asking me to come in for an interview. The place was hard to find because the sign for the business is on the building and no signs on the street. I came in and was interviewed by Nancy Schepis, and then by Brenda Brown. I was given the job and started, I think a week or two later.
How things have been over the years:
On my part, it was a definite struggle for me because I was thrust into a world of pet grooming that I had never in my life had an inclination of the knowledge it would take to help customers with grooming issues. Fortunately, there were some employees that did have the experience that I could go to for help/advice (Phyliss Sunkees). I have gained quite a bit of knowledge to help customers with any questions and if I didn?t know the answers, I could always find someone that could help me. There have been a lot of challenges with me and my health since I have been here. The main thing is Diabetes. I have been able to keep it under control until unfortunately, I ended up losing my right leg. But that didn?t stop me. I didn?t work for about 4 months due to my healing and rehabilitation, but Ryan?s had my back the whole time and welcomed me back to work with open arms.
What I enjoy the most about work:
What I enjoy most about working at Ryan?s is the interactions with my co-workers and other staff members. Working with the customers and learning about new items we are carrying. But mostly working with our customers.
What has kept me here so long:
I feel that I attribute my longevity at Ryan?s Pet Supplies mainly due to the fact that I love helping customers. I have gained a following of customers that do not want to speak with other reps due to various reasons that I will not divulge. I love the comradery that I have with my fellow co-workers in every department, and with our management team. Am I perfect in what I do? Certainly not. Will I ever be perfect, certainly not.
My favorite memory in all the years:
I think my most favorite memory is remembering and knowing that the entire time I was dealing with my hospitalization and rehabilitation due to my amputation, both Nexus and Ryan?s Pet Supplies had my back (as stated before), by guaranteeing that my job was not in jeopardy and keeping in touch with me by either a phone call (almost every day) or by employees coming to visit during my hospital stay. Those things meant a lot to me back then and still do to this day.