One Year at Wayne: Santi’s Story of Growth, Teamwork, and Drive

This month, we're proud to celebrate a major milestone for one of our team members — Santi has officially completed one year at Wayne! Over the past 12 months, Santi has become a vital part of our service coordination team, helping us deliver exceptional support to our clients and constantly pushing forward with a spirit of growth, collaboration, and curiosity. We caught up with Santi to reflect on the first year — the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the highlights that made it all worthwhile.

Why Wayne? A Perfect Fit from Day One

When Santi first came across the job opportunity at Wayne, it immediately stood out.

“I was drawn to Wayne because the job description was such a great match for my existing skill set. It felt like the kind of opportunity where I could walk in with a solid foundation and still have plenty of room to grow.”

But it wasn’t just about the job — it was the culture and values that made it clear this was the right fit.

“The way the company communicated its values — honesty, support, teamwork — those all really resonated with me. I didn’t feel like I was just applying for a job. I felt like I was applying to be part of something meaningful.”

A Warm Welcome

Santi remembers walking into the office on that first day with a familiar blend of anticipation and nerves.

“It was definitely a mix of excitement and uncertainty. You never really know what to expect. But I was so relieved at how welcoming everyone was. From day one, people were friendly, open, and honest. That transparency helped me feel comfortable and supported right away.”

It’s this environment of openness and teamwork that helped turn those early jitters into early wins.

Learning the Ropes — Fast

Jumping into the role of Service Coordinator, Santi quickly realized just how important communication and organization are to keeping things running smoothly.

“One of the first things I learned was just how critical it is to communicate clearly and consistently. You’re working between clients, service providers, and different departments — everyone needs to be on the same page.”

Alongside that came the challenge of understanding the equipment and systems Wayne supports.

“There’s a surprising amount of technical detail in this work — especially in QSR environments. From timers to speakers to sensors, there’s so much that goes into making the drive-thru experience seamless. It was eye-opening to see just how many moving parts there are behind the scenes.”

Day-to-Day: A Balancing Act

No two days are the same in Santi’s world — and that’s exactly what makes the role so engaging.

“Every day starts with checking in on appointments, reviewing priorities, and coordinating logistics between clients and service teams. But from there, it’s all about being flexible. Things change quickly, and service coordination means staying ahead of the curve, solving problems on the fly, and making sure the client experience is smooth no matter what’s happening behind the scenes.”

That proactive mindset is key to delivering great service coordination, something Santi defines as a blend of clear communication, careful planning, and creative problem-solving.

Overcoming Challenges

Of course, learning the ropes didn’t come without obstacles — especially when it came to understanding the more technical side of the role.

“Learning how all the equipment works — individually and together — was probably the biggest challenge. Each piece functions differently, and troubleshooting isn’t always straightforward. But Wayne has been amazing about supporting that learning curve.”

With access to on-site training, mentorship, and real-world experience, Santi was able to build confidence and tackle even the most complex service challenges. One proud moment involved solving a tricky issue with a loop timer that wasn’t picking up car movement in the drive-thru.

“We discovered that customers were actually driving outside the intended path, which meant the loop wasn’t detecting them properly. Once we adjusted the loop’s placement to match real-world usage, it worked perfectly. It was a simple change, but it made a huge difference — and it reminded me how important it is to look beyond the technical specs and understand how people actually interact with the system.”

A Year of Personal and Professional Growth

Santi’s first year at Wayne has been filled with growth — not just in technical knowledge, but in mindset and habits as well.

“I’ve become more confident in my decision-making, more effective in how I communicate, and much better at managing my time. Before Wayne, I sometimes struggled with prioritizing tasks or meeting deadlines. But now, I’ve developed systems and habits that help me stay organized and productive without burning out.”

Wayne’s environment encourages continuous learning, and Santi embraced that fully — soaking up knowledge from experienced technicians and building a professional network built on trust and collaboration.

The People Make the Place

Santi is quick to credit the Wayne team as one of the biggest reasons the year has been such a rewarding experience.

“The team environment is amazing — genuinely supportive, open, and collaborative. Everyone is eager to help each other succeed. It’s the kind of place where your ideas matter and your contributions are recognized.”

One person who’s made a lasting impact is Anthony.

“He has this rare ability to make people feel seen and heard. Whether it’s offering guidance, sharing wisdom, or just being a positive presence, Anthony’s been a real mentor to me.”

From work wins to celebration lunches and game days, Santi says the bonds formed with the team are what truly elevate the experience.

Looking Ahead

As year two begins, Santi’s goals are all about deepening relationships, expanding expertise, and continuing to grow — both personally and professionally.

“I’m excited to keep learning more about the equipment we work with, and I’m really looking forward to building stronger connections with our clients — especially those who are reaching out more frequently now. It’s incredibly rewarding to be someone they trust.”

Santi’s also passionate about giving back and staying engaged in the broader community.

“I want to find more ways to get involved — like when we volunteered for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. That experience showed me how meaningful it can be to contribute outside the workplace.”

And if there’s one message Santi would pass along to someone just starting at Wayne?

“Don’t worry about knowing everything from the start. Focus on learning, building relationships, and asking questions. Trust the process — and don’t forget to enjoy it.”

Final Thoughts

Wayne has always been about more than just the work — it's about people, potential, and passion. And Santi’s journey is a perfect example of what happens when those things come together.

“Wayne is a place where you’re encouraged to grow, where your work has purpose, and where your team has your back. I couldn’t ask for a better place to build a career.”

Congratulations, Santi, on an amazing first year! We’re so proud of everything you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve in year two and beyond.