True confession? These superhero posts are a bit selfish on my part—reading through them and getting to know colleagues I wouldn’t otherwise get to talk to is one of the greatest joys of my job. Destinee Appleman of our Wharncliffe Road South location in London, Ontario was nominated as a superhero by her regional manager because she’s always on top of everything and handles every situation thrown at her with ease. He had great things to say about her hard work, perseverance, and willingness to keep things moving even when times were hard.
But as I read her responses to the interview, I was once again impressed by the fact that the people at the heart of StorageMart are truly what sets us apart.
SM: How long have you been at StorageMart?
Destinee: I’ve been working in storage since 2012 but StorageMart bought out the previous company on February 22, 2017.
SM: Have you always worked at this location?
Destinee: I started out working at the Wonderland Rd N location here in London for the first few years before being moved to this location.
SM: Tell us about a typical day for you.
Destinee: My typical day consists of waking up to one of my four animals slowly making their way into my room and into my face to annoyingly/lovingly make it known that they would like to get the day started! On the rare occasions where my animals sleep in, my daughter chooses not too, so 6:30 is our usual start time! My daughter Taylor has a rare non-inherited genetic postnatal neurological developmental disorder called Rett Syndrome, so she requires more guidance than your typical 8 ½ -year-old, so our mornings consist of getting her fed and prepared for school. During the workday, myself and the assistant work hard at maintaining the facility to keep the facility in top notch and keep to the brand of Easy, Clean, Service. After work we generally get dinner going before we hang out on the couch watching Taylor’s favorite shows. After my daughter goes to bed, I enjoy sitting in my backyard chatting or reading!
SM: Tell us about a time you were able to help a customer that you felt went above and beyond.
Destinee: I know there have been times in my career that I have went above and beyond for a specific customer as the customer’s happiness is key. However, I have been sitting here for weeks trying to think of one shining example and have been unable to. We see people from all walks of life, in all stages of life, from the excitement of going home after their fist year of college right through to the sadness of a death or selling of a family home. For some odd reason we can be sounding boards to some of these people, specially the ones that are going through a rough patch. The stories that I hear, both happy and sad are quite something and I know that I am just a small part of their day but at that time when they are venting or letting off steam or just talking for the sake of getting it all out, I like to think that maybe it made them feel a little better or relieved even for a small moment. But there was that one time where I….no just kidding.
SM: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your life? How did you deal/How are you dealing with it?
Destinee: My daughter’s disability is the biggest challenge I’ve had to face, and it isn’t even my challenge in some ways. Life has turned out different than I expected and seeing your child struggle is a hard thing to witness. The determination she shows every day to make it through the day is inspiring. Although my daughter’s disability does not define her, it is certainly an aspect of her life that is notable. We have not had to go through the medical issues that are generally associated with Rett Syndrome but she fights every day with a body that doesn’t work the way she wants or needs it to and yet she finds a way to make it through. Together her and I continue to fight and find a way to overcome the hurdles that are thrown at us. For now, communication is our biggest challenge however the technology that exists is opening up a whole new world for us in that sense. The support that I have received from my family and friends is something that I will never forget. I would not be where I am without them.
SM: What’s something you couldn’t live without?
Destinee: Can I be sentimental and say my daughter, my family and my animals?
SM: Cake or pie?
Destinee: Cake
SM: What’s something you’d like to learn or take on as a hobby?
Destinee: Surfing. I have wanted to surf since the first time I saw someone on a surfboard.
SM: If you could move somewhere for a year just to see what it’s like to live there, where would you go?
Destinee: Costa Rica – touring through the jungle!
SM: What’s that one treasure you’re always hoping you’ll stumble up on at a thrift store or garage sale?
Destinee: Ahh teacups and vintage outdoor potting planters. They are my vice, I love them! I unfortunately made the mistake of leaving my potting planters out for the winter so garage sales and thrift stores are a place you will see me often, until I have my backyard oasis back!
SM: Do you like sports? Which are your favorites? Do you play any?
Destinee: I love sports, I enjoy watching sports and I enjoy playing them. Hockey and baseball are my favourite to watch. I’ve played baseball every year since I was very young. I’m pretty competitive so I like any type of event or game.
SM: Are you happiest on country roads or living the big city life?
Destinee: Country roads for sure.
SM: I can’t say enough how much I enjoyed getting to know Destinee. I think her customers would agree that we’re lucky to have her on board!