Susan

"The relationships that I've built with people are most important to me. I have developed so many great relationships both professionally and personally from the people that I've worked with. I truly believe that you gain something from everyone that you work with."

Why did you join Macy's Florida and why have you stayed?

I interviewed with Macy's Florida right out of college. It was a fast-paced, innovative company and it just felt like the right fit between me and what was important to the company. What really attracted me to Macy's Florida was the importance that they put on people. I felt that I would have the opportunity to grow into myself and develop with the company. I've stayed with Macy's Florida because I've continually been given the opportunity to grow and develop in various positions.

What do you enjoy most about what you do and what are your overall job responsibilities?

I work with the stores in helping them create and provide the best working environment for the associates. That ranges from recruiting the best people and filling the jobs on a timely basis to creating an environment where our associates feel empowered and creating programs that help retain the talent that we have within the organization. We also work with the stores to ensure that we are creating the best shopping experience for our customers.

What contribution do you make to your division and how do you feel you make a difference?

I support Macy's Florida efforts to provide a good work environment for employees and a good shopping experience for customers. I am there to support the stores in doing what they need to do, helping to develop programs, and ensuring that the decisions being made in the company can impact our efforts.

What has been your most memorable moment since joining the company?

The relationships that I've built with people are most important to me. I have developed so many great relationships both professionally and personally from the people that I've worked with. I truly believe that you gain something from everyone that you work with.

How has the training you've received since joining the company benefited you?

The formal training that I've gotten has been very beneficial. It is geared directly toward your job in helping you to be successful. The training is hands-on and interactive. I've also received informal training from others who have acted as mentors, from customers in the store and from the central organization, all of which have benefited and helped me along the way. This is a group of individuals that really care about others' development, growth and success.

Is community involvement important to you, have you been involved in any projects in your division and was this something you considered when joining the company?

I'm very active in different organizations both inside and outside of work. Through Macy's, Inc., I've had many opportunities to be involved in events for Partners in Time. The most memorable project that I participated in was helping to build homes with Habitat for Humanity after Hurricane Andrew. After the destruction from the hurricane, it was such a wonderful experience to be able to rebuild people's lives through giving them housing. When first joining the company, I was aiming to grow with the business but as I got more involved I realized how important community involvement is to an organization to be well rounded.

What personal interests/hobbies do you have?

I am very involved with leadership committees through my church and I'm also active in my sorority alumni group. Our philanthropy is to raise money for the prevention of child abuse. I also recently participated and completed the Avon 60-mile walk for breast cancer.

What advice would you give to a new associate joining the company? What helped you establish yourself and move ahead with your career goals?

Try to meet as many people as possible during the interviewing process. It's also important to think about long-term goals and what you are looking for in an organization to make sure it's a good fit. If you are looking for a fast-paced environment with challenging opportunities and diversity in the type of work that you'll be exposed to, then I think Macy's, Inc. is the place for you. Once I was exposed to all the different areas, within the organization, it really helped me get a feel for the entire organization. The company is very open to sharing different career paths and giving different opportunities. I've had terrific individuals throughout my career that have given me direction and the chance to get involved in projects that would let me learn new things.

What do you see in the future for Macy's, Inc.?

Macy's, Inc. has been and will continue to be a successful and viable retailer. We will continue to stay competitive in the marketplace with the talent that we have. As the market place changes and develops, Macy's, Inc. will stay ahead of the different things that need to be done to stay competitive. We will continue to connect and listen to our customers and will do whatever it takes to be the retailer of choice for our customers.