Grizzly Sales Force is celebrating the three-month anniversary of one of our incredible team members! Theresa Salas joined the team as a Human Resources and Recruiting Manager in August and has already created a strong record of success. We sat down with her this month to discuss exactly what it is that makes her such an amazing leader. We could tell you her story, but instead, we’ll let her take this one.
“I was born in Sacramento California and grew up in different parts of the state. Some of the most influential childhood experiences for me include learning how to save and invest, always being encouraged to try everything at least once, and never giving up on what I wanted to accomplish. Some of my fondest memories of my childhood include raising my first dog and training her to her full potential. I had a German Shepherd and she was the smartest dog I have ever come across. She knew all kinds of tricks from sit to play dead. I also always recall my father encouraging me to try new things at least once because you cannot say you don’t like something if you’ve never tried it. These new activities with my dad included mountain biking, learning how to ride a motorcycle, learning how to ride a jet ski and of course, skiing in the snow! I was never too involved with sports at school, however, I did play tennis, volleyball, and kickball. I have always been a competitive person, but group sports definitely helped build the foundation for healthy competition, how to be a team player, and how to enjoy the wins big to small.”
Did you see yourself in this industry?
“I had no idea I would be in this field, but I ended up loving it! I have always had a strong background in customer service and the ambition to try something new, so it was all about finding a rhythm. My childhood dream job, because of my love for animals, was to be a veterinarian or to major in equine science, which deals with horses. My father was a police officer, so I always imagined combining our two careers and becoming an animal safety police officer. Now just having a dog is enough for me.”
Tell us about your college experience.
“I absolutely loved college! Human Anatomy and Math were my two favorite subjects, and I loved how the environment was independent and challenging. I always made it a goal to finish top in my class and help others understand concepts that might have not been clear. I plan on finishing my Bachelor’s in business within the next year or so.”
Where did you work before joining the Grizzly team?
“Before joining Grizzly Sales Force, I worked as an Inbound Sales and Relationship Manager at a Credit Union called First Tech in California. I absolutely loved this job because I got to solve Credit Union members’ problems and give helpful financial tips on a daily basis.”
What is one life experience you feel has shaped you?
“One life experience that has helped shape me into the person I am today is having the privilege to travel to third world countries. Traveling to third world countries has made me a more humble and appreciative human being. I love being immersed in different lifestyles and cultures and wish everyone had this opportunity.”
What is something we might not know just by looking at you?
“Something you may not know just by looking at me is that I have a three-year-old daughter and I have traveled to more than seven countries.”
What do you consider to be your greatest skill?
“One of my greatest skills would have to be my ability to adapt and grow in any situation, I love figuring things out and being able to master anything new until the point where I can teach and influence others.”
What is the first thing you noticed about your company?
“The first thing I noticed at my office was the family office environment. I can honestly say we all treat each other with kindness and respect, but we are also about having fun and motivating one another.”
What are some of your best memories in the company?
“Recently, I was given an opportunity to join a leaders conference in Chicago. This was both empowering and inspirational because I got to see what growth and success look like in the office.”
What are the greatest challenges that you’ve dealt with in your work?
“The most challenging part of my workload is finding a good rhythm and balance. I have made a schedule that I still adjust now and then that designates times for making calls and scheduling potential new starts with the company. I have gained plenty of new experience in my role as a recruiter, and have learned how to better manage my time so that each minute at work is productive. Having the opportunity to meet so many new people has been my favorite aspect of the job.”
What are some of your proudest memories?
“One of the proudest moments in my life, besides watching my mini-me grow and learn every day, was graduating top of my class and delivering my graduation speech. At work, I have had the pleasure of receiving praise and acknowledgment for the hard work I do to help our company grow.”
What would you do if you won the lottery?
“If I won the lottery, I would probably buy my mother a brand-new house and help my family in any way possible. I would also travel to the rest of the places on my bucket list!”
When would you say you became an adult?
“I tell myself that I became an adult at the age of 15 because I moved out of my parents’ house and went to a different state to start a new life. If I could tell myself something at age 13, I would tell myself to enjoy being a kid and let adulthood run its course because it’s inevitable. I would also encourage myself to be happy and enjoy the smallest pleasures in life.”
How do you define success?
“I define success as something that is achievable but is also revolving. You can be successful at many things, but life keeps going, so pocket that success and move towards greater successes.”
What are you passionate about?
“I am passionate about people, learning and teaching others. I love being able to explain how things work and I love helping others in any way that I can.”
What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
“I have done a lot of crazy things in my life, but the craziest thing so far would have to be learning how to ride a motorcycle in one day and then travel more than 600 miles on a road trip.”
What makes her work harder each day to achieve her goals? What keeps her moving during the slow days of life? For Theresa, it’s simple. “The main thing that motivates me each day to get out of bed and be the best human I can possibly be is not a thing but a person,” says Salas, “My sweet daughter, Persephonie Amia, is the best gift that I have ever received, and I am so blessed to be able to watch her learn and grow.”