#Duckumentary - Adrienne Shaw

What did you do before your time at EDA?

Before joining the EDA team, I was a nanny and an Account Specialist for Shutterfly, Inc.

What brought you to the construction industry?

A wing and a prayer are what brought me to EDA. When my former workplace downsized, I lost my job. Thank goodness I had some savings to hold me over until I got another job, but that was quickly depleting.

Can you briefly explain what you do at EDA?

As the Receptionist, aside from doing typical clerical tasks, I help to organize Lunch N’ Learns, complete credit applications for vendors that we may want to do business with, and the ordering of office supplies and snacks to make sure we stay well stocked.

What are some things that most people don't know about you?

Some things that most people do not know about me are that I am secretly a superhero (well, at least that is what my niece and nephews think). I will also burst out into song whenever someone is talking to me, because I usually have a song to match every word they say.

If you weren’t in the construction industry, where would you be today?

If I was not currently working in the construction industry, I would be living in Atlanta, Georgia working as a kitchen manager in a restaurant. That was an option that I had, but I really did not want to take it. I went to school for Hospitality and Tourism Management, but after working in that industry for a while, I lost my passion for it.

If you could work in any other trade or department here at EDA, where would you be?

Since I've only been here at EDA for a little over a month, I am still learning. I’m still learning what my coworkers do, and what their jobs consist of. I would like to take some time to shadow a couple of them and learn more about what they do.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced in work? How did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge at work so far is having to create and maintain certain budgets. Completing some of the credit applications can be challenging as well, because I must be sure I read all the fine print.

What has been the best part about your experience working with EDA?

The real question is: what hasn't been the best part of my experience working with EDA? Seriously, it is hard for me to choose… I’d say pretty much everything about it has been great! From the genuine kindness of everyone, to the culture and core values that the company is based, and the opportunity to grow within the company. Honestly though, I think it’s the snacks. Yes, it’s definitely the snacks!

What is your favorite EDA value, and why?

My favorite EDA value is Live Proactively. It has always been something I lived by. One of my favorite sayings is: It's better to be proactive than reactive. If you stay ready you won't have to get ready.