E M P LOY E E S P O T L I G H T
MARTHA
WINEGARD
This month we’re spotlighting a helpful genius behind the scenes here
at Anita Goodesign - if you’ve ever had a technical question or needed
help with a project, then she’s your gal!
E ver been in the middle of a project, had an “uh-oh” moment,
and found yourself with questions? Our seasoned customers
are already saying to themselves: “Better contact Martha!”
Martha Winegard is the support person for Anita Goodesign, and
she works tirelessly out of her home office to answer and assist
with any questions that customers may come across. In fact,
Martha is so lightning fast with her responses to customers - and
fellow employees - that many people think she is an automated
response! We asked a few questions to help give a glimpse into
this lovely lady’s life.
What career did you envision for yourself when you were
growing up? I wanted to try out for the United States Equestrian
Team and possibly even the Olympics. I also wanted to become
an equine veterinarian, as there was no one practicing in New
England at the time. I ended up being a histotechnologist
(which requires a great level of attention to detail), and also
managed a pathology department for over thirty years. I also
bred and showed American Quarter horses for many years,
where my horses and I won many national and regional
championships - we even had a few world show qualifiers!
How did you get into embroidery? My grandmother taught me
hand embroidery. I also had a friend who owned a commercial
embroidery business where I learned the process of how to hoop
hats and jackets. One day, I went into a store to have a vacuum
repaired, and I came home with a home embroidery machine.
The rest is just history, and no, the vacuum did not get repaired!
I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn embroidery
from some of the greatest in the industry. Coming to work for
Anita Goodesign was truly a dream come true for me!
What does a typical work day look like for you? There is never
a dull moment - one minute I can be helping a customer with
downloading their purchase, and the next minute I might be
helping with a project or design. Nothing is ever set in stone, but
each day is always sure to be fun and interesting.
What is your favorite aspect of your job? I love the one-onone
relationship I get to have when working with our customers.
I try to turn each encounter into a mini-lesson to share as much
education as possible, as well as to learn from the situation.
I am always looking for and learning better ways to help our
customers. I gain personal satisfaction in knowing that I was able
to help a customer with an issue they were having.
What would you say is your favorite Anita Goodesign
collection? Actually I have four favorites - Santa’s Ride, Golden
Tapestry, Old Time Christmas Quilt, and the realistic version of
Noah’s Ark.
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