Meet Missouri Star: Kelly & Kari

We’re back in the shipping department today to meet Kelly and Kari!

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Kelly

Kelly works in our warehouse and has been with us for a year and a half. 

Do you sew? No (Missouri Star side note: we’ll have to convert her!)

Any favorite fabrics? Denyse Schmidt’s Ansonia line (the greens and blues!)

What do you like best about your job? The people I work with are great!

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Kari

Kari is a manager in our shipping department and has been with Missouri Star for sixteen months. 

Do you sew? I have sewn buttons on shirts and one block! My goal is to get a sewing machine some day soon!! There are lots of lines of fabrics that I want to do a quilt with!!

Do you have a favorite fabric? Riley Blake fabrics!

What do you like best about your job? I love how MSQC is a loving and caring company.

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Join us next week when we head to the retreat center to meet the staff there!

 

Meet Missouri Star: Betty & Jamey

Today we’re headed back to the longarm quilting building to meet some more of the great people working here, finishing your quilts! Ready to meet Betty & Jamey?

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Betty

Betty has been with MSQC for about a year and a half and according to Betty, “They said they hired me because I laugh a lot, always smile and talk a lot. I know no strangers! LOL! They all have been friends of mine for several years and treat me like family. I love them very much and count them as God’s blessings to me.”

Do you have a special story about how you got the job? I was recovering from several chemo treatments and would visit with Jenny to get out of the house. She is always there for me and told Al and Sarah to hire me when I recovered. She called me one February day and told me to come in for an interview. LOL! Al said he was not sure how to interview me as he knew me too well! LOL! Because of this and because I “talk a lot and laugh a lot” and (they say) because they love me, I was hired! Boy, has God blessed me. I get to help set up a museum and do crafts which is a love of mine!

Do you sew? Yes I do sew. I have sewn my own clothes in the past and made gifts for others. I love to crochet, do counted cross-stitch and all other crafts. If you saw my “office” and sewing rooms, (yes, rooms!) one would know I love to do crafts and make projects to give to those I care about and love.

Any funny job-related stories? When my mother-in-law was alive, she gave me two car trunks full of yarn, which someone had given to her. She was so excited to do so as she knew I would use it and I have!! I have made crocheted slippers for several at MSQC and was asked to make some for Alan. I was told they would have to be extra large! He has them and they are; but, I got the best out of the deal as I got and still get hugs from him!!

Favorite fabric? Civil war and florals.

Anything else you want to share? My husband, Les, tells everyone that “you could not pry me away from my job with a crowbar” when they ask if I like my job. He tells them I love it and I do! I love it and the “family of MSQC!” I do laugh and smile and talk a lot because I am happy. I am ornery, too, as others can testify! LOL! All because I have not been this happy working for a very long time!

What do you like best about your job? The best thing about working at MSQC is the family atmosphere and love. They care about us and I am living proof of this as I am still recovering from breast cancer and chemo side effects, as I still get sick easily, yet I still have a job and they let me know I am loved! We are a family and we care about each other and help take care of one another. It is truly God’s gift and blessings to be a part of this!

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Jamey

Jamey, who manages the longarm quilting department, has been with MSQC for nearly two years. Jamey got to help develop the process that is used to check in the quilts that arrive in the mail.

How’d you land the job? I worked with Jenny and her family at the Hamilton Community Arts Theatre. So I started watching Jenny’s tutorials. I made a quilt for my mom for Christmas and turned it in at MSQC. Later, I was walking in front of the store one day and Natalie and Sarah came out. They said they thought I knew how to sew and asked if I was looking for a job. I accepted and started to learn to quilt the next week.

Do you sew? I do sew. I’ve made quilts, table runners, wall hangings and one sad pin cushion.

Any work-related stories you can share? I grew up in Hamilton. Every day, I am so proud to meet people from all over the world who come to our small town who are so excited to be here visiting.

Favorite fabric? Layer cakes.

Anything else you want to share about yourself? In my free time, besides quilting I like to cook, sing, direct plays in the local community art theatre. I enjoy movies, especially comedies. In addition, I am a huge fan of the Kansas City Royals, Kansas City Chiefs, Northwest Missouri State University Bearcats and Penney High School Hornets.

What do you like best about your job? The job is so enjoyable, and the feeling of family that we share with all our co-workers.

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Join us next Monday when we head back to shipping to meet two more people working amongst the fabric there! Catch up on all of the “Meet Missouri Star” posts here.

Meet Missouri Star: Ammon & Jarom

Today’s Meet Missouri Star post introduces you to Ammon (on the left) and Jarom. This pair of brothers can be found in the warehouse, hauling boxes, organizing arrivals and knowing exactly where things are on each shelf. They’re really pretty amazing. And like Ammon says in his interview, together they are “Jammon.” Ha! Want to meet them? Let’s go!

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Ammon

Ammon is our warehouse manager and has been with us for two years now. Sarah is his sister-in-law, so though he’s not a Doan, he’s definitely family! 

Any special experience that helps you with your position? I worked for 11 years for a company that merchandised in Walmarts, was in a lot of Walmart back rooms and delt with all different kinds of product. Stocked, did inventory counts, helped customers find what they wanted, and had to remember all the things we had avalable for sale. Turns out, all those things are very useful still!

How’d you land the job? My sister-in-law and friend,  Sarah, called me one day and asked if I would be interested in working for them. I said, “No.” I was happy with my job of 11 years. But something kept bugging me to check it out, so I did. Came in to check it out, met with Sarah, had decided to take a chance and take the job. Sarah spent the next 30 min or so trying to talk me out of taking the job because they couldn’t pay what I was currently making, but I am so glad she didn’t. It has been a crazy ride so far, but a worthwhile one. And it is great to be working with family and all the wonderful people at MSQC. What a story and what a ride. Thank you Sarah for the job, and for not talking me out of it. 😉

Do you sew? I can sew. Buttons on shirts, patches on pants and things like that. I have yet to attempt a quilt. That will be someday in the future for me! I do have a fabric line picked out for my first one!

Any crazy work stories to share? Everyday is a crazy work story for me! We receive thousands of pounds of fabric everyday, I did most of that all by myself for about a year. Just recruited my little brother Jarom, and we got twice as busy after he came, so thank goodness he came when he did. All alone I was just Ammon, you add Jarom to the mix, and now we are Jammon! Life is good. 😉

Favorite type of fabric? The fabric line called Gorjuss, and I am also a big fan of the socky line

What do you like best about your job? Working with my family. And being close to home. And meeting people from all over the world!

Anything else you want to share? I have a beautiful wife named Cyndi, five boys and one baby girl. I love movies ( big Tim Burton fan), books, frisbee, and basketball, love to bounce on the tramp with my kids and just hang with them. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and love Jesus 😉 am a bit of a goofball, and my wife says I’m a flirt. I also love skulls (very fond of my own), am a fan of the outdoors, love all the little plants and animals that you really have to search for, like blue tailed skinks, oreals, snakes, and spiders (especially jumping spiders). But even though I like the out of doors, I’m not a fan of camping!

Jarom

Jarom is Ammon’s warehouse assistant and has been with MSQC for three months now. 

Any past experience that helps you with your job? I delivered appliances and furniture for a company in Idaho for eleven years and then was a salesman for them for one year. So I have lots of lifting and product handling experience mixed with some people skills.

Do you sew? I’ve sewn some buttons back on shirts before. But no, not really.

Any funny work stories to share? I’m Ammon’s younger brother but I’m a bit bigger than him. It’s always funny when Ammon introduces me as his little brother. A few of the girls in the shipping department can’t remember my name, so they just call me Big Ammon.

Favorite MSQC product? We just got a new line in called Gorjuss. love it!

Anything else you want to share about yourself? I’m married to the most amazing woman in the whole world! We have six beautiful children. We love to spend time together reading books, watching movies, enjoying the outdoors, hanging out with grandma and grandpa and aunts and uncles and cousins.
I play the piano, love to ride my motorcycle and enjoy sports.

What do you like best about your job? Working with Ammon every day!

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How about those brothers?! Pretty awesome guys, right?! You can tell in the photo that they really enjoy being together and we love seeing family members side by side, creating such cool teams. If you enjoyed reading about Ammon and Jarom, check out the other posts in our Meet Missouri Star series. We’ll be back on Monday with more folks for you to meet! 

 

Meet Missouri Star: Kayla & Katie

We’re back in the Customer Service office today, meeting two more members of the helpful crew here! Ready to meet Kayla & Katie?

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Kayla

Kayla has been a customer service representative for ten months now. Have you had the chance to talk with her on the phone? Let’s learn more about her!

Do you sew? What do you make?  I have a five year old daughter that loves fabric just as much as I do. Anytime I find a new fabric that I think she might like I surprise her with it. I’ve made her skirts, dolls and pillows but my favorite projects are children’s quilts!

Favorite fabrics? Moda and Riley Blake fabrics.

Best thing about your job? I love everyone I work with!

 

Katie

 

Katie

Katie is our product photographer, whom you might remember from this recent “behind the scenes” post! She’s been with MSQC for two years now and her tale of getting the job is a fun one!

How’d you get the job? When I walked in the shop, I was only hoping to get a job for the summer. I had just graduated college and back at home until I found a “real job.” But then Sarah called me in and asked if I could take some pictures and design a few things!

 

Do you sew? Yes. I like quick and easy projects.

What’s your favorite customer story? I do the Precut Tuesday and Fabric Fridays, and some ladies came to the warehouse for a tour and Carol introduced me and what I do. As soon as she mentioned the blog they went crazy! Telling me how much they love it and how helpful it is! I didn’t even know people read them!

What are your favorite fabrics? Modern Fabric, like Tula Pink and Kate and Birdie

What do you love most about your job? The best thing about working at MSQC is meeting people from all over, seeing the new product and working for a family company.

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Come back next Monday when we meet more members of the growing shipping crew!

 

Meet Missouri Star: Anna & Becky

Today we’re stopping by to meet two fantastic ladies in the customer service department. The entire department truly prides itself on hunting down any information a customer might need… right down to the brand of shirt Jenny was wearing in a certain tutorial (True story! You think we’d make that up?!). Ready to meet Anna and Becky?

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Anna

Anna has been with MSQC for three months now and jokes that she landed the job by “begging Sarah! I just love her!” She doesn’t quilt yet, but- watch out, folks!- she’s purchased her first layer cake and is going to give it a try! She loves it when customers tell her the stories behind their quilts.

Favorite fabric? Civil War prints

What do you love most about your job at MSQC?  I have lived here for 40 years. This town looks awesome since MSQC has came to town. Everyone is just so nice and fun!

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Becky

Becky is quite the dynamo! She joined the MSQC family a year and a half ago and is now the Customer Service Manager. She loves to talk and visit with new people. “Talking is a skill that I have mastered through the years!! My husband says I could have a conversation with the wall!”, she jokes.

Do you sew? I do sew. I have made a couple of quilts. My 10 year old son has started to quilt, as well! He just got back his very first quilt from our quilting department and he takes it every where with him!

Any favorite fabrics? Minnik and Simpson jelly rolls!

Do you have a good work story to share? Oh my gosh…where do I start. I have had the chance to meet and talk to some of the best people from around the world! Recently, one of our frequent machine quilting customers from San Francisco came to visit. I went to lunch with her! She was a superstar in my eyes and it was so exciting. I have been on the phone with two ladies from Israel when they started fighting! This last Christmas I got to play Santa Claus for two wonderful husbands that gifted their wives a retreat for Christmas. I called the ladies during the time their families were opening presents and told them the exciting news. It was so fun and the ladies couldn’t believe it!!! These are just a few of the many memorable moments from my days here.

What would you share about your life outside of MSQC? I am married and have one son. We are very active in 4-H. I have lived in Hamilton since I was 3 years old and would never live anywhere else. We live on a 85 acre farm just outside of Hamilton. I love helping my husband farm and my son with his prize show pigs. We are a very typical Midwestern family wouldn’t trade it for anything! 

What do you love most about your job at MSQC? I love the family atmosphere. The Doan family is so caring and understanding! I couldn’t ask to work for a better family! I also love talking with quilters from around the world, listening to their stories and making new friends. I really do have the best job in the world!

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See? I told you they were awesome. We’ll return to Customer Service again next week to meet two more crew members! In the meantime, you can catch up on all of our Meet Missouri Star posts!