How did you find your way to Fíonta? (This is cheating because a certain editor already knows the answer ;))
After 14 years at my previous employment, the company shut their doors in June 2014, at which time, I found myself standing in the middle of Dupont Circle, eating an ice cream cone, asking myself “What do I do now?” A consultant, whom I had gotten to know during those years, reached out to let me know that her company had an opening for which she thought I would be an ideal fit. Thus, on September 8, 2014, I joined the team of Fíonta Incorporated (formerly Confluence Corporation). Thank you, Karin Tracy! (Editor’s note: Thank YOU, Peggy Trant!)
You’ve worn a number of hats over the course of your career! Tell us about the path you took.
This is true! My career began in the medical arena as an X-ray and Orthopedics technician working in Sports Medicine for 13 years. I then went on to own my medical transcription business, Trantscribe, for 10 years, which enabled me to be at home with my four (4) little ones. As technology took over the transcription world, I went back to a corporate setting in September 2001 with a Washington DC design firm where my sister-in-law worked. I knew nothing about design as I draw stick figures; however, she said they needed a person to fill in for everything else – a jack of all trades, so to speak. I did go on to learn a lot about design work, though, and this is where I stayed until June 2014. I have worn numerous hats, several of which I wear today at Fíonta – Office Manager, Bookkeeper, Human Resources – to name a few. In addition, while my husband was on his 3-year, Navy sea duty, I was the Ombudsman to his ship, the USS Inchon; home to 500 Navy sailors when home-ported in Norfolk, VA and when deployed to sea, an additional 1,200 Marines from Cherry Point, NC.
What are some of your favorite activities to work on at Fíonta?
I love them all! No, really, I do. I enjoy my work!
Which Fíonta core value(s) strike home for you and why?
Assume positive intent. No matter what a person says or does, rather than immediately judge them, I believe they meant well or was doing their best. I try to be mindful that people are wrestling with their own issues, too. I am not one to think the worst of anyone and always strive to treat a person with respect, fairness, congeniality, compassion, etc. We are all in this world together, trying to figure it out.
Do what’s right, even when hard – Things do crop up whether in life or in the work environment, especially with all the changes due to the Covid Pandemic, and it can be challenging at times to get one’s ducks in a row, but you persevere through difficult things, never give up and most of the time your ducks will be there after all.
If we ever lose you to retirement, what’s your legacy at Fíonta?
I would probably be remembered as the Account Receivables Guru, the eternal optimist and, oh, by the way, my favorite, the first Fíontan Grandmom! (Editor’s note: Yes to all!)
When you aren’t working, what do you like to do?
Read. Crossword puzzles. Love the music and art scenes, as I feel this is truly the universal language for all. Focus on supporting Old Town Manassas, VA restaurants, and small businesses, especially during this COVID-19 Pandemic. Always dreaming about my annual Sea Isle, NJ shore vacation. I am always up to something besides working every day.
Coffee or tea?
Neither. Diet Pepsi/Coca-Cola, which gives me my caffeine fix.
Beach or mountains?
Beach! True Jersey Shore gal; to clarify, South Jersey, that’s important. I do love the mountains, just love the ocean more.
Cake or pie?
Cake, although only on birthdays; never pie. I am not a pastry person; however, I really enjoy Hershey bars!
Preferred nut butter?
I love creamy peanut butter.