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Client Testimonials
From time to time we interview a client or former client about his or her career transition and their experience with Kelleher Associates.
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January 2003
Judi Ivens spent over 16 years working for a single employer, Wawa, Inc. In October 2002, Judi decided it was time to leave the only employer she had ever been with, and worked with the team at Kelleher Associates to gain some perspectives on her career transition. In December 2002, Judi began working with ARAMARK, Inc. as Retail Brand Manager for Campus Services in the New England, Midwest and Tennessee Regions. We caught up with Judi while she was on a business trip to learn more about her recent experiences.
KAI: Sometimes it seems unusual to spend a large part of your career in one position. Can you share with us some details of your career at Wawa -- how long were you with them, what were some of your responsibilities?
Judi: I started working with Wawa in 1986, starting as an assistant store manager. For the past 10 years, I was an Area Supervisor, and supervised operations at their convenience stores in six different areas within the company, including Center City Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, West Chester and the Main Line. I had success in a number of disciplines, including multi-unit management, team building, P&L management, project management, and change management.
KAI: How and why did you start working with Kelleher Associates?
Judi: Kelleher Associates had been recommended to me, because of their one-on-one service. The experience with them seemed more personal, not group training, though they also offered weekly group networking sessions so it seemed the best of both worlds. It was also important to me to find the right combination, as this was my first experience working in an outplacement situation -- I had had only one employer in my career prior to this experience.
KAI: Can you describe some of the things Kelleher Associates worked on with you?
Judi: Actually my situation was a little different. I had already made contact with ARAMARK (through a friend) prior to going to Kelleher Associates. Mitch Wienick at Kelleher Associates helped me vastly improve my resume so that it really told my story, about what I had done and what I could offer an organization. In addition, I had the chance to go through some practice interviews and received other useful advice on how to answer key interview questions. I ended up working with Kelleher Associates for a very short time -- I left Wawa at the beginning of October 2002, and was employed by ARAMARK in early December. The biggest thing that Kelleher Associates did for me was to make me feel confident. I had worked for Wawa for 16 years, the only "real" job I ever had. The team at Kelleher Associates gave me the confidence to believe that I was marketable, knowledgeable, and talented, and that I had endless opportunity.
KAI: Tell us a little more about how you gained your new position at ARAMARK, and what your responsibilities are with your new employer?
Judi: I found my new job with ARAMARK because the gentleman in charge of their convenience stores division got a hold of my resume and interviewed me a few times. When I originally applied for a position with ARAMARK, I did not even realize they operated convenience stores. I was hoping for a District Manager position in food service, but found a greater opportunity in the position I am in now. I am a Retail Brand Manager for Campus Services in the New England, Midwest and Tennessee Regions. In this position, I support existing locations, open new locations and remodel existing locations, and train personnel in retail sales. I also help sell new accounts, and support the convenience stores for Campus Services.
KAI: Do you have any advice for others that might be in a similar situation?
Judi: I met quite a few people at Kelleher Associates, and it helped me personally as I dealt with losing a job I had for 16 years. Though ultimately the decision to leave Wawa was mine, it was still a huge blow to my ego, my sense of self and my confidence. The biggest advice I could give anyone (and I'd like to note that I am still healing) is that the company they work for or the job they currently hold does NOT DEFINE THEM. Whether or not you are laid off, fired or quit you still have the talent you have and sometimes it is necessary to rely on someone else to help you define that or just confirm it. Kelleher Associates made me feel it was possible to work for someone else; they gave me hope that there was life after Wawa. The end result was that I started my new job feeling like an asset instead of a burden.
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