Each month we visit with one of Royal Cup's stellar personnel! This month we talk with Gena!
We love to feature the different faces around Royal Cup in our monthly employee spotlight, which we call The Sum of Us. This month we talk with Gena, who is our new Employee Relations manager based out of Birmingham, Alabama. Gena has been around Royal Cup for nearly a decade and has entered into a new role helping shape company culture. Everyone welcome Gena!
Meet Gena:
Gena Hyatt-Birmingham (HQ), 9 years in November. I began as a temp working for Hatton then transitioned into a Collector for our Credit Department for close to 3 years. For the next 5 years, I worked alongside Lamar Bagby as his Administrative Assistant. Immediately after accepting that position, we were lucky enough to gain the Hardee’s business. I learned so much in a very short amount of time and knew then that I could tackle any project thrown my way. Along with the daily Accounting responsibilities, I helped to organize parties and events and loved that I could actually call that my job!
Tell us a little more in depth about your new Employee Relations position. What will you be doing at Royal Cup?
I am so excited about the potential of this position that will benefit all employees throughout Royal Cup. We are working on a Wellness Plan, a Recognition Program, volunteer opportunities and SO much more! We will continue to build the Emergency Employee Fund so that in an unfortunate crisis we can aspire be a “hand up” to those in our Royal Cup family. Recently, we held our first ever Brunch with Bill, which is a short breakfast with a small group of employees, giving them (and Bill) the opportunity to get to know one another and share ideas and visions for their respective departments and the company overall. We are working towards making this a monthly event in order to give employees the chance to get to know Bill and so that everyone’s voice can be heard.
Birmingham is best known for its FOOD! If I’m someone visiting the city from out of town what is your 1 “can’t miss” place to grab food?
I LOVE to eat! I’d have to say either Taziki’s or Surin would be at the top of my list.
If you could only drink one Royal Cup coffee (or tea) for the rest of your life what would it be?
COFFEE – no question! With Splenda and a splash of French Vanilla creamer unless Hatton or Bill are reading this then, of course, I drink it black!
What is your proudest accomplishment since being at Royal Cup?
Aside from winning Administrative Employee of the Year in 2012, I would have to say serving as the United Way Loaned Executive last Fall. I was originally very reluctant to step outside of my comfort zone yet so grateful for the opportunity. I am so proud to be able to bring back the knowledge and experiences about the many ways that Royal Cup gives back to our community and institute new programs over time that will benefit all of our employees.
What does Royal Cup represent to you?
Great coffee is a no-brainer. That is only one of the many perks! We spend more time with our co-workers than we do our family and I want to make the best of that time. Royal Cup has truly become an extension of my family and is no doubt a Great Place to Work.
