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Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight: Q&A with Alison Brew, Account Manager at The Mailworks

Meet Alison Brew, an Account Manager who has been working here at The Mailworks for a year. Find out something surprising about her, her favorite place she’s ever traveled, and her favorite thing about herself.

What is something surprising about you that many people might not know? 

I am a huge fan of the Grateful Dead. I saw them 37 times along the East Coast and Midwest. I also love to travel so I got to see a lot of new cities when I followed them.

Alison Brew - The Mailworks Employee Spotlight

What is your best piece of career advice? 

Having been in sales and customer service for a majority of my working career, the best advice I can give is that if you make a mistake, own up to it.

Where is your favorite place you’ve ever traveled to? 

St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City for Palm Sunday mass.

Alison Brew - The Mailworks Employee Spotlight

How would you describe The Mailworks culture in 3 words? 

All hands on

What is your favorite thing about yourself? 

I love to travel and experience new adventures

Tell us about your previous professional experience. 

Growing up my parents owned a restaurant and after it closed I worked in many other ones so I have done everything from dishwashing, busing/waiting tables to working in the kitchen.  

Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight: Q&A with Production’s Jamal Miller

Meet Jamal Miller, a member of our production team who has been here at The Mailworks for nearly 20 years. Find out something surprising about him, his favorite place he’s ever traveled, and the person who has inspired him the most.

What is something surprising about you that many people might not know?

I do 500 push-ups daily. Fitness is really important to me. Doing 500 push-ups a day is something I started as a goal that I’ve wanted to reach and I’ve reached it. I space it out, so it’s not all at one time. I do sets of 50.

What is your favorite thing about working at The Mailworks?

The people. I’ve made a lot of friends from working here.

What is your best piece of career advice?

Save for your future.

Where is your favorite place you’ve ever traveled to?

California. I visited L.A. with my mother when I was younger. We went to Venice Beach. 

What person, fictional or real, has inspired you the most?

My mother. She raised me on her own. She also inspired me because of the morals that she instilled in me.

What is your favorite thing about yourself?

I’m a hard worker.

Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight: Q&A with Natalie Wonders, Account Manager at The Mailworks

Meet Natalie Wonders, an Account Manager who has been working here at The Mailworks for over 8 years. Find out her best piece of career advice, her favorite place she’s ever traveled, and the person who has inspired her the most.

What is your favorite thing about working at The Mailworks?  

The people. I often refer to my colleagues as my work family. If you ever happen to walk through our building or attend one of our work gatherings, you will feel the family vibe. This family vibe is what brings all of us together, uniting us as a hardworking & determined team!

What is your best piece of career advice? 

My father has been saying this phrase to me since I was a little girl and I stand by it 100%… “Don’t burn your bridges!”

Natalie Wonders - The Mailworks Employee Spotlight Q&A

Where is your favorite place you’ve ever traveled? 

Honduras. I went on an excursion there many years ago. The beach sand was white, water crystal blue, people so friendly, beers ice cold….take me back. 

How would you describe The Mailworks culture in 3 words? 

Focused, Evolving, Family

What person, fictional or real, has inspired you the most? 

Some may laugh, others won’t be surprised…but Prince. Growing up I always loved his music, energy & attitude. He always “marched to the beat of a different drummer” & I admired that about him. Truth is, life is too short to worry about what everyone else is doing, do whatever it is that makes you happy, don’t look back and follow your heart. I have been saying things like this for years and am pretty sure he inspired my outlooks on life, expression & happiness. 

Natalie Wonders - The Mailworks Employee Spotlight Q&A

Tell us about your previous professional experience. 

I was the midday on air personality at Jamz 96.3 from 1999-2005. I took a long break not realizing how much I would miss the microphone and eventually ended up back on Jamz 96.3 in 2010 and then moved on to Hot 99.1 for a short stint. Fast forward to the present and I have my very own show on local college radio station, 88.3 FM The Saint! You can check out my show Friday nights, 6-9pm. I produce the show and select the music, a radio dj’s dream. I just hit my 5 year anniversary in May. I am blessed to have & love my full time job at The Mailworks (almost 9 years!) & at the same time continue to have my radio show.

How would you describe yourself to someone who’s never met you?  

Easy to talk to, smiley, loud & always ready for a good laugh.  I would be lost without music… thanks to my musician father & always radio playing mama. Lover of animals… especially my boy Blu the Wonder Pug & all pugs!

Natalie Wonders - The Mailworks Employee Spotlight Q&A

 

Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight: Q&A with Tressa Monell, Vice President of HAM/FS Marketing

Meet Tressa Monell, our Vice President of HAM/FS Marketing who has been working here at The Mailworks for nearly 8 years. Find out what Tressa loves most about The Mailworks, what she does on a typical weekend, and her hidden talent.

What is something surprising about you that many people might not know?

I tap danced competitively from age 2-18, then returned for classes at the age of 31.  I no longer dance but when I did it took me all over the country, put me on television and instilled in me my competitive nature.  At about the age of 10 I remember performing impromptu to a live jazz band on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, while there for a national competition. Yes….I still have my tap shoes, and still to this day have dreams that I am on my way to a competition and have lost them.

What is your favorite thing about working at The Mailworks? 

Hands down the staff.  From upper management to new hires, the people are what makes this building what is it!  We work together and pitch in when it counts. We laugh and cry together, challenge each other, and are always more productive together.  It really is something to see! 

What do you do on a typical weekend?

Most weekends are for catching up on everything I let slide during the work week.  I enjoy my Sunday morning softball team, spending time with my boys and relaxing at home.  It feels good when weekends are productive, but let’s face it some Saturdays you just have to kick back with a glass of wine, some good music, and a little cornhole!   

Tressa Monell - The Mailworks Employee Spotlight

What is your best piece of career advice? 

Be confident, but never too confident that you forget to keep learning.  

Where is your favorite place you’ve ever traveled to?

Growing up we visited Ogunquit, Maine each year for 17 years.  Stayed at the same hotel, and frequented the same establishments.  My family developed friendships with the locals, and each year was a welcomed reunion.  Some of my most clearest memories come from the time spent there. It’s probably why I enjoy cracking a lobster as much as I do!

How would you describe The Mailworks culture in 3 words? 

Productive. Fun. Rewarding

What accomplishment from your time at The Mailworks are you most proud of?

I am certainly proud of my most recent promotion to Vice President.  When I started here, it was organizing zipcodes, ordering mailfiles and stuffing envelopes.  Becoming Vice President was more than a title addition after my name, it was the realization that I grew up here.  Being recognized by those I respect for both my professional and personal growth was an overwhelmingly proud moment.

What is your favorite thing about yourself? 

My well-rounded nature.  I’ve always liked that my personality and presence allows me to fit in nicely at a black tie event, then change in the car on the way to play 3rd base on the softball field.   

Tell us about your previous professional experience. 

I’ve been in this industry for 20 years! It was my first “real” job after college. I hoped would turn into a career – Thankfully it has.  Prior to my experience here, I worked as most do – Cashier, Waitress etc.  Oddly enough, I managed the Print Department at Office Max, and in college interned in the Audiology Department at St. Peter’s hospital – Now I help Audiologists grow their business with Print.  

How would you describe yourself to someone who’s never met you? 

Friendly, personable, probably a little odd, but good natured – with a little OCD sprinkled in for character.  Once you get to know me, it is not unusual for me to find comfort in being myself.  Myself – complete with random dance moves and singing a song that popped into my head because our conversation strung a few words together that put it there

Do you have any hidden talents? 

As a kid, my grandmother made certain I could knit, sew, and crochet.  So, yah – if you’re cold – I can whip you up a blanket or a scarf in a jiffy.  

Tressa Monell - The Mailworks Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight: Q&A with Production’s Michael Buckley

Meet Michael Buckley, a member of our production team who has been working here at The Mailworks since 2019. Find out Michael’s favorite place he’s ever traveled, his hidden talent, and his surprising hobby.

What is something surprising about you that many people might not know? 

Something I don’t think many of the people I work with know about me, is I am the founder and leader of a paranormal investigation team here in Albany called the Unknown Paranormal Society. I’ve been a ghost hunter for almost 19 years now.

Michael Buckley - The Mailworks Employee Spotlight

 What is your favorite thing about working at The Mailworks?

My favorite thing about working for The Mailworks is the hours. Getting out in the middle of the day gives time to get a lot done after work. It makes for a decent work/life balance. Also, while there is a need to get work done quickly, I never feel rushed by management to get stuff out, which removes that stress and actually helps get things done. 

What do you do on a typical weekend?

On the weekend you’ll generally find me in my workshop. My house has a big woodworking shop and I’m usually in there building some kind of furniture or something. 

What is your best piece of career advice?

No matter what position you hold within a company, do the best you can at it. And always be looking for ways to advance your position and learn more.

Michael Buckley - The Mailworks Employee Spotlight

Where is your favorite place you’ve ever travelled to?

I went to Ireland on my honeymoon in 2018.

Tell us about your previous professional experiences.

I’ve worked for 3 other print shops/book manufacturers over the last 18 years. Outside of factory work, I also have a degree in radio broadcasting and have worked for a few local stations. I got to see a lot of cool things interview some really cool people such as Rob Zombie and Billy Idol.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I am a master craftsman. I build authentic wood furniture from scratch and also restore antiques. I also am an experienced boxer and kickboxer. I’ve had a few fights with a 13-1-1 in boxing and 6-0 in kickboxing.

Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight: Q&A with Courtney La Mora, HIPAA Compliance/System Administrator

Meet Courtney La Mora, our HIPAA Compliance/System Administrator who has been working here at The Mailworks for a year and a half. Find out Courtney’s best piece of career advice, what she does on a typical weekend, and who inspires her the most.

What is your favorite thing about working at The Mailworks?

My favorite thing about working at The Mailworks would definitely be my co-workers. I have made so many friends and had so many good memories with them. 

The Mailworks - Employee Spotlight - Courtney La Mora

What do you do on a typical weekend?

I love to hike. I’m working on hiking all 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks. I try to camp and hike one every weekend in the summer.

The Mailworks - Employee Spotlight - Courtney La Mora

What is your best piece of career advice?

Believe in yourself and throw your ideas out there. The worst someone can say is no. 

Where is your favorite place you’ve ever traveled to?

Jamaica. The food and the beaches are fantastic!

What person, fictional or real, has inspired you the most?

The person who has inspired me the most is Marie Curie. She is a French and Polish physicist. The first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the first person to win two Nobel Prizes.

“Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas” – Marie Curie

Employee Spotlight

Employee Spotlight: Q&A with Mia Murphy, Production Designer

Meet Mia Murphy, a production designer who has been working here at The Mailworks for over two years. Find out more about how Mia’s personal and professional journey has shaped her, her best piece of career advice, and some surprising things about her.

What is something surprising about you that many people might not know?

I played competitive softball for 15 years. I played shortstop and was the leadoff switch hitter. I also have a really good memory.

The Mailworks Employee Spotlight - Mia Murphy

What is your favorite thing about working at The Mailworks?

There is always something new to learn or a new project going on. I really enjoy that there is always something different or new that allows you to expand your creativity or knowledge.

What do you do on a typical weekend?

We have 2 Pit Bulls so we always try to spend as much time with them as possible. We all really love being outdoors with them whether it be hiking, going to the lake, playing in our backyard, or swimming!

The Mailworks Employee Spotlight - Mia Murphy

What is your best piece of career advice?

This could apply to more than just your career but one of my favorite sayings is, “Say yes to the things that scare you.” It’s easy to get caught up in being too comfortable. Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones that scare you at first but the ones that flourish you the most. You will be surprised how much you could learn about yourself when you try new things and it’s always very rewarding.

What person, fictional or real, has inspired you the most?

My mom! My mom is a single mother who adopted both my sister and I all by herself. I’ve never seen someone so hardworking, patient, selfless, and caring as her. She has always made sure we were happy and had the best life possible. I would beyond lucky to grow up and be able to say I’m even a small percentage of the woman she is.

The Mailworks Employee Spotlight - Mia Murphy

What accomplishment from your time at The Mailworks are you most proud of?

I actually started working at Mailworks as an intern in college. I always looked forward to coming in and it was only a dream to be able to work there full time. I was lucky enough that I was offered to stay after my internship was over. I was really proud of myself for working hard to be able to stay somewhere I truly looked forward to coming to every day.

What is your favorite thing about yourself?

I’ve had to overcome a lot of difficult obstacles in my life, some when I was very young. It’s forced me to grow up quicker in a lot of ways. I don’t like to dwell on the past and I love to use negative experiences to fuel me. I am also very stubborn and I know what I want/deserve so I’m always looking for ways to succeed or do better beyond what I already have.

How would you describe yourself to someone who’s never met you?

I would say, “Let’s grab dinner and get to know each other, also do you have a dog!?” I think that says a lot about me already, I love food and dogs.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Ha this is boring but I can lick my elbow!