Meet Karen, MOD Pizza’s first hire seven years ago! We had a chance to sit down with Karen to learn more about her MOD journey and her fun-loving personality that made it all possible. Here’s what she had to say:
1) Which MOD did you start with?
I started as the first employee at store #1 in Downtown Seattle and November marked my seven year anniversary with the company. During that time, I also worked in the Bellevue and Maple Valley stores and now I am back in Bellevue at the Overlake store. Bellevue is definitely my place.
2) What has been the most surprising thing about working at MOD?
How much we are growing. I can see so much going on. There’s always something new. Also, we do things a little differently and look at people’s potential, not just their past. Everyone deserves a second chance. MOD is like home. It’s a good feeling.
3) What was your first job?
My very first job was working at the Boys and Girls Club summer programs in Ballard.
4) Who inspires you?
My mother is my greatest inspiration.
5) What are your aspirations at MOD?
I would love to be a General Manager for a store here in the Bellevue [WA] area. I used to steer clear of those roles, because I wanted to be out front with the customers – not stuck in the back doing office work. I know that even if I do become a GM I would never give up face time with the customers. It’s just my personality and I’ll always be me – I’ll never change.
6) What do you like to do in your free time?
One of my favorite things to do for fun is to take spontaneous road trips with my family. I also spend a lot of time sight-seeing, watching movies and spending time with my grand-daughters.
7) What do most people not know about you?
I am a lot more private than people expect since I am usually so outgoing. Unless people ask, I don’t volunteer a lot of personal information. Some of my co-workers and customers didn’t even know I have three kids for the longest time.
8) What is your best MOD memory?
I love talking with the moms who come in with kids and watching them interact. Being a mom myself, I can tell when they need a little extra help. I have watched a lot of kids grow up at MOD – coming in when they are little and all the way through high school. It’s like family.
9) Who is your favorite band? First concert?
My favorite band is E-40 and my first concert was Beyoncé at the Key Arena.
10) Describe you dream vacation?
I would love to go to Hawaii.
11) What do you think will ensure MOD’s success?
People. MOD has to make sure to keep hiring the right people. When I am interviewing, I look for a bubbly, people-person. Someone who enjoys teamwork and is good at problem-solving on the fly.
12) What’s something MOD does different that is special to you?
I love the Bridge Fund. When I first started, MOD didn’t have that and now there’s a place for the MOD Squad to turn for support during a crisis. We all need a little help in times of need. The Bridge Fund is there for us.
13) What is your spirit animal?
My spirit animal would be a centaur.
14) Is there anything else you want people to know about MOD?
MOD is a great place to work. I always tell people they should work where I work. It’s like family. There’s nobody here to judge. MOD has been such a wonderful opportunity for me and I love it. I hope I am here for another seven years.