Our Employee Spotlight for June is Paula Walker, our Accounts Receivable Specialist. Paula lives in Hughestown, a small borough within Pittston, which is quiet but conveniently close to everything. She has three grown children: twin daughters who are 38 and a 21-year-old son. Paula has three beautiful granddaughters, Ellie, Emma, and Kaitlyn. And her very best buddy, her love, Rip, is a Shepard/Husky mix. Let’s get to know more about Paula.
AL: What is your favorite hobby? What do you enjoy about it?
I love to travel, but not to big fancy places. I love going to quaint little out-of-the-way places, little towns. I enjoy them because they are not crowded with tourists, and they usually have the best breweries, wineries, and restaurants. Chatting with the locals is also a great experience.
AL: How long have you been with Action Lift?
It will be a year on July 1st
AL: Describe what your job entails.
I’m Accounts Receivable. I collect money from customers once they are invoiced; I set up new accounts and approve or, unfortunately, sometimes decline credit applications.
AL: Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today? My Uncle Bob. He encouraged me, after a rough time in my life, to go back to school and earn my degree in accounting.
AL: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’m not sure; I hope to be here, as I’m quite happy here at Action Lift.
AL: What is the best advice you can give someone who has just started their career?
It’s never too late to learn new things – keep an open mind and be willing to adapt, grow, and change your way of thinking.
AL: What are the most demanding challenges you’ve had at work? How did you overcome them?
I have been in the accounting field for over 25 years, holding several positions, including Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR). The most challenging aspect is learning and adapting to the way a new or different company operates – but I kept myself open to learning how Action Lift does things, and it’s all good.
AL: What’s your secret talent no one knows about?
I love to sing karaoke. I sing in the shower and in my car; I’m not sure it’s talent, but I love doing it, LOL.
AL: When you are at work, how do you motivate yourself?
My family motivates me. I’ve always tried to teach my children the importance of a good work ethic; they are my motivation and inspiration.
AL: Regarding successes, which accomplishments are you most proud of?
Getting my degree. I’m not going to lie; going back to school full-time while working a full-time job and raising a 3-year-old was hard, but what I got out of it was so worth it, and I don’t just mean the bachelor’s degree. It also opened my eyes to a whole new way of looking at life in a more positive light.
AL: Tell me something about you that most people don’t know.
I enjoy singing karaoke.
AL: What’s your favorite movie or book, and why?
Forrest Gump – for as many challenges Forrest had, he never let himself have a victim mentality, and he never allowed himself to be made to feel like he couldn’t do something if he put his mind to it. He never gave up trying to do his very best. I find the movie very inspiring.
AL: Which of our 30 Fundamentals is your personal favorite, and why?
#29 – Be a Lifelong learner – I love this; it is never too late to learn new things. It keeps you young, sharpens your mind, and motivates you.
Thanks for the great Spotlight, Paula!