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EXPLORE JONATHAN LOUIS PRODUCTS
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The Next Generation:
Elisa Jackson
Whether it's a new grad just starting out, a dedicated mid-career-er changing paths or leaders looking to advance, we are committed to helping the next generation of talent reach their goals. Many of our team members have created unique career paths at Jonathan Louis, and in this series, we celebrate their stories and growth. Interested in a similar opportunity? We always have our door open for future talent—check out our Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor for availabilities.
This week, we talk to Elisa Jackson who started working with us in February 2022. She came to us from a small manufacturing company. This is her experience so far:
If you were a sea animal, which one would you be and why?
Octopus. They have a lot of arms that have their own brain (so cool) and they can camouflage to hide from predators
If you had a time machine, which part of history would you revisit and why?
The early 90's- it just seems so cool & authentic.
What song can you listen to on repeat?
"Promise" by Maverick City Choir
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
Mac and cheese
Describe yourself in one word.
Ambitious
Who’s your role model?
My brother
What's your biggest pet peeve?
Watching people do the same thing over and over, getting the same result hoping it will change
3 things you can't live without.
My Daughter, dog and moisturizer
Favorite time of the year?
Fall
What did you want to do when you grew up?
When I was a little girl, I was intrigued by my pediatrician. She was a nice, sweet, and gentle young woman. I looked forward to my visits- not the shots of course- and loved visiting her. She inspired me to want to work in the field of medicine with young children. I wanted to be just as gentle and kind as she was and to make doctor visits less scary for children.
How did you come to work in JL?
Towards the end of the pandemic, I decided to part ways with a company who was facing of depletion from the world's global supply issue. I had taken a break from work to find the right place that would appreciate me for all the skills I came with. After my initial interview with James and my first visit here at HQ I knew I belonged.
What did you expect when you first came to work at JL in the first year? In 5 years?
I didn’t have many expectations. I came into JL 5 months pregnant, and I made a plan to showcase my skills and worth so I could move up in my department. During the few months before and after maternity leave, I was determined to move from an assistant title to a Specialist. At the time they were looking to fill a Purchasing Specialist, and my hard work proved I was more than capable in taking the job. In the next 5 years here at JL, I believe it's an open book of opportunity for growth. I am willing to groove with the moves JL is making and I believe it will be successful ones.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Let's take Monday for example:
I come in around 7am, open my emails to review any urgent requests. I request the status of deliveries from vendors to ensure they are on time, and I am prepared to update the warehouse leaders. Then I grab my first cup of coffee and prepare for an 8am meeting with my warehouse leaders Elvis and Carlos. I have meetings with Mexico to review all of the needs for Gardena and create reports to analyze needs for the weeks to come.
Around 11:30am I have lunch with my friend Auchet, where we catch up on our kids activities and social media. Toward the end of my day, I review requests from IT and Engineering. I also meet with vendors and with my Mexico purchasing team. Before I end the day around 3:30pm, I touch base with my purchasing team, warehouse leaders and supervisor.
So that's what she does all day!
Did you have a mentor (at JL or elsewhere)?
I don't know if he will allow me to call him a mentor, but Albaro Gracia who was appointed my supervisor has been the best support and guide I could ask for. He never lets my questions go unanswered, he gives me honesty, and has let me make my own path at JL. I have taken over some of Al’s duties to allow him to grow which in turn allows me to learn more of the JL ways. So, in written token, Thanks Al.
What have you accomplished here that you're most proud of?
I am really proud of my open communication. I know that's a short answer, but I've really worked to have the warehouse and purchasing team communicate on inventory levels, needs, and procedures here in our Gardena plant. I believe over the time; it has improved tremendously which allows for so many more improvements.
What are your next career steps—in the next year? Or in 3 years?
I don’t speak on what is not already done. I like to keep these things close to me while they are in progress. I will say that I expect a lot of growth from myself in the purchasing aspect and opening my mind to grow with endless potential.
What are you doing outside of JL to move forward on your career path?
Paying attention to what's going on in the world. There is so much happening and staying in the importance of now is key. America is forever changing; I began my work career in car sales. I made a keen transition to purchasing just as the world began to change its way of buying.