Melissa Keen: Bringing Exceptional Service and Value Every Day
September 13, 2024
In the world of manufacturing, standing still is not an option. This sentiment rings especially true at Bazooka Farmstar, where one employee has recently been recognized for her outstanding commitment to delivering exceptional service and value. Meet Melissa Keen, the latest Bring It Gamechanger award recipient.
A Journey of Growth and Adaptation
Melissa joined Bazooka Farmstar two and a half years ago, and her most recent role is an Account Manager & AP/AR Specialist. Since joining, she has become an integral part of the team, continuously seeking out opportunities to help across the organization. Her journey is a testament to the power of adaptability and dedication.
Originally hired to focus on Accounts Payable, Melissa’s role has expanded significantly. She now wears multiple hats, including that of an account manager in sales, supporting both the Farmstar and Bazooka auger divisions. This seamless transition and support have not gone unnoticed by her colleagues.
Making Waves Across Departments
What sets Melissa apart is her proactive approach to improvement. In her relatively short tenure at Bazooka Farmstar, she has already made significant strides in enhancing processes and increasing efficiency across various roles. This drive for optimization has created opportunities for her to tackle diverse projects and even help backfill positions internally by taking on additional responsibilities.
Her nominators praise her ability to stay on top of issues and follow up promptly to ensure resolutions. It’s clear that for Melissa, standing still is indeed not an option. She embodies the “Bring It” value that Bazooka Farmstar holds dear.
A Humble Gamechanger
Despite her impressive accomplishments, Melissa remains remarkably humble. When asked about her feelings upon receiving the award, she expressed a sense of unworthiness, stating, “I think I am undeserving. I feel that I just do my best in what I am supposed to do.” She attributes her success to being adaptable and available to assist other departments outside her normal duties, always keeping the good of the entire team in mind.
Advice for Future Gamechangers
Melissa offers some sage advice for those aspiring to follow in her footsteps: “Look for what you would want to do if it were your own money or business to have for success. If you find something that can improve, step up and suggest where fixes can be made.”
This approach of treating the company’s success as her own has clearly paid dividends, both for Melissa and for Bazooka Farmstar as a whole.
More Than Just a Workplace
Melissa’s experience at Bazooka Farmstar goes beyond just professional growth. She praises the collaborative environment, noting, “Everyone steps up and picks up where help is needed. It’s not all on one person; everyone shares the responsibilities equally.”
This sense of shared responsibility and teamwork is what keeps Melissa at Bazooka Farmstar and makes it an attractive workplace for others.
Beyond the Workplace
Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren outside of her professional life. They often engage in crafts like sewing and paper crafts. Her diverse background, having lived in six different states due to her father’s military career, has likely contributed to her adaptability in the workplace.
Melissa’s commitment to her community is evident in her choice of the Wapello Rodeo, the only rodeo in the nation entirely operated by a high school organization, for her selected not-for-profit $100 donation. She selected them since she volunteered with this group in the past, from working at gates to selling merchandise and even participating on the committee.
Melissa Keen is someone who not only excels in her role but also inspires those around her to strive for excellence. Her story is a reminder that with the right attitude and dedication, we can all be game changers.