Sandy's Soapbox

July 2009          

It’s with a great sense of disappointment that I announce the departure of NAA’s Customer Service Manager, Jennifer Plante.  Jennifer has been given a wonderful opportunity to move closer to her family and complete her college education.  While I’ m delighted for her this very positive transition in her life, I feel a great sense of loss for my NAA team.

Jennifer arrived at NAA a little more than five years ago to become our receptionist, filling a spot left vacant by Heidi McKnight, the then CSM.  After a couple of years gaining product familiarity and becoming attuned to our company culture, Jennifer replaced Heidi when Heidi departed for greener pastures.  Those who remember Heidi may recall the enormous (figuratively) pair of shoes Heidi left for her successor to fill.  I’ll admit I was apprehensive.

Jennifer lived the NAA goal of not only meeting but exceeding expectations.  Jennifer has always shown herself to be a quick learner, a self-motivated individual who made contributions to the growth of our company that far exceeded her official role, an effective administrator of her CS and accessory sales fiefdom, a sympathetic listener and an eager problem solver.  Like Heidi before her, I wonder how NAA will fill the void.

Enter Jessica Boyd, who is leading a remarkably similar career path to Jennifer.  Jessica, too, arrived to fill the role of receptionist and was soon afterwards added to the Customer Service Team.  In addition to her frequent, daily contacts with many of you over the phone as well as offering daily support to Jennifer, Jessica has attended several SHOT and NRA Shows and has gracefully and successfully survived those trials by fire, having made the transition from “raw” to “medium-rare” on the experience continuum.  Jessica can continue to count of the support of the remainder of the NAA CS team, including Sales Manager Kenny Barlow, General Manager Ken Friel and myself.

While Jessica has enormous shoes to fill, I have every confidence in her capability and training.  After all, she learned from the best.  We’ll miss you, Jennifer.