There’s a familiar refrain here in the Wilson offices whenever questions that need answers arise. It’s “Ask Karen,” also known as the “Answer Lady” and/or “Mother Superior.”
Her real name is Karen Wheeler, vice president, general manager, and secretary of Sarreid, and we’re all grateful for the knowledge she has amassed about the company throughout the past 43 years. And yes, you read that right. In fact, her most apt name might be “The Unicorn,” because Karen is such a rarity in today’s workplace. She has been an integral part of Sarreid for more than four decades now.
Hired directly out of school to run the warehouse computer system, Karen has steadily risen through the ranks to her present position which on an average day encompasses issues as varied as working with vendors in multiple countries, placing purchase orders (and then following up on why a certain container is being delayed), fielding customer service questions or working with sales reps or ensuring information on the website is accurate up-to-the-minute. Charlie Mauze looks back on hiring Karen and says, “The best decision I ever made in my career at Sarreid Ltd was the first person I ever hired- Karen Wheeler. She is the ultimate employee, a wonderful person, and a treasured friend to me for close to 50 years.”
Along with her extensive knowledge and experience, usually with this kind of longevity a sense of boredom might begin to creep in, but Karen Wheeler was typically the first one in the office at 7 a.m. and the last to leave. “I’ve always really loved being a part of the team here, which is really a family,” she relates. “Plus, this is a sexy industry, a fashion industry that changes all the time.”
Embracing change has been one of Karen’s strengths over the years, and now it is time for us to do the same. Karen is starting a new chapter beginning June 1st and will be retiring after forty-plus years of working at Sarreid. It is a bittersweet moment for us as we will miss her presence and guidance terribly but we are thrilled for her to take some well-deserved time for herself and her family. When we asked Charles Hoffman, who worked side by side with Karen for decades his thoughts on her retirement he promptly said, “Karen was Sarreid’s can do, never let you down, diligent, go to Manager! Karen has had an extraordinary career. Karen made and leaves Sarreid as a better company!”
In Karen’s words, “As the old saying goes, ‘It is not work when you love what you do!’, and I have loved my 43 years with Sarreid. Most of all I have loved having the opportunity to meet so many unique individuals, whether they be customers, designers, craftsmen, or vendors from various countries. I will especially miss our ‘Sarreid Team’, many of whom have shared the special experiences and opportunities that Sarred has provided over these years. Someone told me recently that I may be leaving Sarreid but Sarreid will never leave me, and they are right! Sarreid is being left in good hands and will continue to grow and prosper for many years to come.”
We are eternally grateful for you, Karen Wheeler. Now go enjoy retirement!
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