We call her the brains of the operation. The brains, the beauty, the goodness that is Ms. RuthE Potter, Operations Coordinator.
RuthE manages to single-handedly orchestrate our schedules and to-do lists every week and that’s why I figured she’d be a viable candidate to showcase in this installment of “Exploring the Abraham Work Culture!” (I never thought of a catchier name, but please envision this in a theatrically booming voice).
She’s modest as well, and points out that the collaborative nature of Abraham Harrison is one of her favorite parts of work. Working closely with Sara (Wilson, COO) and others on the management team helps streamline and create aspects of the workplace that we all have a vested interest in. The goal is always “to make things better.”
“When we are able to improve our process, it benefits our clients. The more that happens, the more we can grow our business… Balancing the quirks and schedules of 36 employees is on some days like herding cats, but most days it is a really enjoyable part of my job. I love having the chance to develop relationships with people all over the country and all over the world. I am reminded daily how similar we all are, regardless of where we may be living.”
RuthE began her Abraham Harrison journey in December of 2010, at which point her role wasn’t clearly defined. At Abraham Harrison, we tend not to pigeon hole; Job titles and duties change and expand as time goes on. We see what each team member can bring to the table and allow them to capitalize on their areas of talent.
It’s a learning process and we all tend to take advantage of each other’s expertise. In RuthE’s case, her passion is making order from chaos. She admits this sounds odd. “It’s like putting together a puzzle, one piece at a time. There’s a lot of trial and error.”
The one aspect of the AH work culture that everyone can agree on, is that there is no typical schedule. RuthE sets “office hours” each day. During this time she manages staffing, processes improvements, develops the internship program that continues to grow and turn out accomplished bloggers like Julianne Rowe and Matt Carroll, and work on various aspects of operations planning.
RuthE reiterates how important it is for her to maintain consistency with those hours as a direct line of communication with team members. As with any AH tech junkie, RuthE is never without email or phone, in case anyone feels the need to brainstorm the next big idea. RuthE is both curious and excited about the future of virtual agencies, particularly Abraham Harrison.
“There is a HUGE opportunity for companies to consider a virtual environment. AH has, in many way, pioneered this concept. I, for one, am grateful beyond measure to be a part of it. In order for companies to be truly successful, they need to look outside the realm of what has been done, and look toward what can be done.“
There’s an untapped work force out there who have the capabilities of balancing family and being involved in a work environment like Abraham Harrison’s. It’s not for everyone. It requires discipline and motivation.
RuthE points out that even after kids start school full-time, there still isn’t a copious amount of time to invest in your typical 9-5 job. It’s a tough balancing act, but if anyone can executive impress circus acts on the thin rope that is life, it’s Ms. Potter.
“Time is most precious commodity that we can spend on our kids, and working virtually allows me to do that. I can get them on and off the bus each day. If they are sick and need to be home, no ‘alternative’ arrangements need to be made. I can them to their practices and lessons, I am here to help with homework. All this, and I have a career that I enjoy and an obligation and an outlet that challenges me each day. It’s a win win.”
Well put. When asked about greatest lesson learned here at AH, RuthE is quick to point out that it is possible to make a living and orchestrate your life as you please.
That was Mark and Chris’ priority in founding Abraham Harrison, to enrich the lives of their employees by making travel possible. They remain committed to their business model, based on the most critical of premisses- that everyone’s time is important.
Oh…and you really can’t beat the commute.
