Celebrating Joe's First Anniversary at Wayne!

At Wayne, we believe in recognizing and celebrating our employees' hard work and dedication. Today, we’re excited to highlight Joe’s journey as he marks his one-year anniversary with us! We sat down with Joe to reflect on his experiences, growth, and what makes working at Wayne special.

Getting Started at Wayne

What made you decide to join Wayne?
During the interview process, I really got a feel for how supportive and collaborative the company culture is. I was excited about taking on a new challenge and being part of a team that values both personal growth and working together to succeed.

What were your first impressions of the company and team when you started?
My first impressions were great – the team was fun and supportive and made me feel welcome right away. I quickly realized how much I enjoy coming to work alongside such a great group of people who push me to be my best every day.

How did your onboarding experience help you settle into your role?
My onboarding was super smooth. Haley and the rest of the team made sure I had everything I needed and helped me get up to speed. Everyone was always willing to help out with anything I needed, which made settling into my role a lot easier and helped me feel comfortable right from the start.

Challenges & Growth

What was the biggest challenge you faced in your first year?
My biggest challenge in my first year was adjusting to the fast pace and balancing multiple projects at once, especially since this was all new to me when I started. It took some time to get the hang of it, but I learned how to manage my time and prioritize better. The support from my team really helped me through the learning curve!

How have you grown professionally since joining Wayne?
Since joining Wayne, I've become more confident in my role and have taken on more responsibility. I feel like I'm constantly evolving and improving in my work.

What new skills or knowledge have you gained over the past year?
Over the past year, I’ve broadened my knowledge in areas I hadn’t worked with before, specifically QSR technology. I’ve also become more comfortable taking on new challenges and handling situations I hadn’t encountered. It’s been a lot of hands-on learning, and I feel like I’ve grown in my problem-solving skills and overall approach to work.

Company Culture & Team

How would you describe Wayne’s company culture in three words?
Collaborative, Supportive, Growth-Oriented.

What’s something unique about the team that stood out to you?
Something unique about the team that stood out to me is how genuinely supportive everyone is, professionally and personally. There’s a real sense of camaraderie, and people are always willing to help each other out, whether it’s with a work challenge or just offering advice.

Have there been any fun or memorable team events or experiences that you’ve enjoyed?
There have been so many fun and memorable team events that it's hard to pick just one! From team-building activities like hatchet throwing to birthday and anniversary celebrations, each experience has been special. My favorite, though, has been traveling with my coworkers to visit the stores in person and seeing the impact of our hard work firsthand.

Is there a colleague or mentor who has greatly impacted your first year?
My boss and project manager, Haley Castenada, has greatly impacted my first year. Her guidance, support, and leadership have helped me grow and made the whole experience super enjoyable. Honestly, she’s the best to ever do her job—her knowledge, dedication, and drive to be the best for our clients really set her apart.

Day-to-Day Experience

What does a typical workday look like for you?
A typical workday for me revolves around working with franchises to order equipment and coordinate various projects they’re working on. I handle a lot of scheduling and planning, ensuring everything stays on track. I also follow up with the technicians to check their progress and ensure everything is running smoothly. Something new always comes up, and it keeps the workday busy and engaging.

What’s your favorite part of your role?
I love seeing projects go from just an idea to something complete. Watching everything come together after all the hard work is rewarding. I also enjoy working with all the talented technicians we use at Wayne – they bring so much expertise.

What’s one thing you didn’t expect about working here but now appreciate?
One thing I didn’t expect about working here, but now really appreciate, is the office environment. It’s my first time working in an office, and I didn’t realize how much fun it could be. Having quick conversations, sharing ideas, and collaborating in person has made work more enjoyable and has brought a whole new energy to my day.

Looking Forward

What are you most excited about for your second year at Wayne?
I'm really excited about my second year at Wayne because it’s an opportunity to continue growing and learning. I’m looking forward to building on what I've already learned, refining my skills, and improving the quality of my work. It’s a chance to keep evolving and take on new challenges.

What advice would you give to a new hire starting at Wayne?
If you're just starting at Wayne, I would advise diving into the culture and getting to know the people around you. Take the time to connect with your coworkers and build friendships—it makes a huge difference. The more you get to know others, the more you’ll feel at home and find ways to grow together. It’s all about the connections you make for work and just for having fun along the way.

If you could sum up your first year in one sentence, what would it be?
My first year has been a great mix of learning, growing, embracing new experiences, and building meaningful connections along the way.

Congratulations, Joe, on an amazing first year at Wayne! We’re so grateful for your hard work, dedication, and positive impact on the team. Here’s to many more years of success and growth ahead!