If you know anything about Home-Tech, you know that we’re not only fully committed to our customers; we celebrate the commitment of our family of employees as well. Southwest Florida tends to be a community that’s often in transition due to the nature of seasonal business. As a result, it’s normal to see folks regularly changing careers, places of work, or moving to different areas. That’s why Home-Tech is extra proud to have so many team members that have been with us for 10, 20, and even 30+ years – we think that’s a big plus, not just for us and our team, but for you, the customer – because that’s how businesses create great relationships with the communities they serve. Take Jacky Maxwell who sells Service Agreements. She started answering phones for Home-Tech over 25 years ago.
Table of Contents
From Dispatch to Customer Service to Service Agreement Sales
Steve Marino, Jacky Maxwell and Sharon Marino
“I had been in banking as a lead teller before Home-Tech, but when my position was eliminated, I did temp work around town,” says Jacky. She was working as a temporary admin at a construction supply company when one of her bosses noticed what a pro she was. “He walked over to my desk, turned off my typewriter as I was typing up an order and told me, ‘you need to go talk to the people at Home-Tech’. He thought it would be the perfect full-time job for me – he even drove me there,” she says.
Jacky found herself at the former Home-Tech offices on 41 in Fort Myers and applied. She was hired almost immediately as a Customer Service Rep. With encouragement and training, Jacky moved up in the ranks every few years. She learned how to do dispatch, worked in the Air Conditioning Department scheduling installations, transferred to Home-Tech’s Venice showroom for a spell, and came back to the Fort Myers location to take a position in Service Agreement Sales in 2003.
She still can’t believe it’s been 25 years. “It’s gone so fast,” she says.
What Has Changed in 25 Years, Jacky Maxwell?
“I’d have to say the biggest change for all of the Departments would be not hand writing call tickets. I remember walking in the door to the Dispatch Department, pouring 3 cups of coffee and Ron and the manager at that time and I would start calling the service calls for the day and then I’d go work in Customer Service. Computers have made a huge difference. Even five years ago I’d ask an elderly customer if they had a computer and they’d say no, they didn’t know how to use one. But today even the 85 year olds are looking things up on their I-Phones. It’s great!”
“I just love working at Home-Tech so much. Especially with what I do now – I get to work really closely with our customers, helping them with Service Agreement purchases and develop working relationships with them. It’s really gratifying. There are so many relationships with customers that stand out, but the one person that does the most is our friend Bob, who’s been a customer for at least 15 years. He’s referred so many customers from Lely Beach Resort to us. I would say he’s referred at least 50 to 60 customers! Makes me feel good. I always look forward to him calling.”
“There was another customer named Harriet who lived in Park Meadows. I had only been with Home-Tech for 2 years and she found out I was pregnant with my daughter. She would knit little booties or hats for my daughter and give them to the technicians to give to me. And then I passed them down to my daughter when she was pregnant with twins. I’m still friends with her daughter and her son is our customer.
Employee Ownership Brings Peace of Mind
Jacky also owns stock in Home-Tech. “That gives me real motivation to succeed; I’m a part of this company in more ways than one. I’m an employee owner. Home-Tech has made it possible for me to support my two children and make sure that they have everything. Peace of mind – job security is rare in today’s world. My Dad worked at GM and taught us ‘You have a job, you might not like it or the people there but you go and do it.’ There have been a few days in 25 years when I’ve had to go in dreading a tough customer situation, but overall I can say I love my job.”
As Home-Tech celebrates 35 years in business, we celebrate our longtime employees – our amazing Home-Tech family. Congratulations, Jacky!
