Associate Spotlight: Jorge Gonzalez

Jorge Gonzalez

Assistant Manager

Born and Raised

Born in Puerto Rico and Raised in Orlando, FL

A little bit about Jorge

As a child, Jorge fell in love with with all things Orlando; the Space Center, Disney, and the Orlando Magic. His love of his home state grew into his teen years when he decided to stay at home in order to attend the University of Florida. There, he studied History and Political Science with the plan to become a teacher after college. Right after his college graduation, he married his high school sweetheart and they decided to move to Chicago to begin their careers. Jorge and his wife love living in Chicago, but they do intend to move back to Orlando one day, where they can watch their favorite basketball team, The Orlando Magic, court-side.

What do people not know about you?

“I am actually rather shy outside of work; which is kind of funny, because our business is very people based.”

Why SilverFern?

“The fact that this position, and the business itself, wasn’t the mundane office experience. I appreciate the fact that I get to speak to different people everyday and be a part of this awesome company culture.”

What is your Favorite Part of the Business?

“My favorite part is when we get together as a company outside of work hours and get a chance to learn more about one another and have fun while doing it. We’ve become more than just coworkers, we’ve become great friends and I would consider it my second family.”

Who is your idol?

“Wow, this is going to be kind of cliché, but I would have to say my momma; I witnessed her work extremely hard to provide for everyone else without even thinking about herself. She taught me how to be selfless and that’s something that I think is invaluable”

Associate Spotlight: Erica Arnold

 Erica Arnold

Customer Acquisition Manager

Born and Raised

LaPorte, IN

A little bit about Erica

Fearless, hilarious, free-spirited…those are just a few words to describe Erica Arnold. Growing up in a small town in Indiana, she had to create her own adventures with her sister. Her family always enjoyed going to Lake Michigan where they played games all day and used their imagination to be whoever and wherever they wanted to be. 

To this day, Erica still uses her imagination and her free-spirited attitude in every part of her life. On a daily basis, she comes into the office with a huge smile on her face and uses her infectious charisma to brighten everyone's day. 

What do people not know about you?

“I am an avid writer and painter. I believe that people need to have a creative outlet in life and mine helps me keep my focus as well as my energy in my personal and professional life"

Why SilverFern?

“Working in the service industry for several years, I've noticed just how much I enjoyed the being around people; unfortunately, the service industry doesn't have the growth that I was looking for my future. That's why I took this opportunity to do something I enjoy doing, while also being able to advance with the company."

What character traits do you admire?

“Passion. I was always told whatever you do, make sure you do it with passion. I think that seeing someone passionate about anything that they do is inspiring and it's something I've always admired in other people.

The Boulder in the Road

There once was a king that wasn’t sure as to why his kingdom was failing, his people were unhappy and the conditions were worsening. He tried everything that his court had suggested, but nothing was helping. One afternoon, he decided to create a problem and see how the people around him attempt to resolve it. He placed a boulder in the middle of the road and hid himself in the nearby shrubbery to watch what happens.

Within hours, he saw many of the people from his court come through the road and pass right by the boulder. Several of them even made commentary about how the king is at fault for not keeping all the roads clear, but none of the people did anything to fix the problem. Shortly after the wealthier courtiers passed by the boulder, a peasant came upon the boulder with a cart of vegetables from his garden. Without hesitation he placed his cart on the side of the road and toiled for an hour to move the rock out of the road until he finally succeeded.

Next to the place where the boulder had been, the peasant found a sack of gold coins and a note that read

“To the person who moves the boulder from the road: Thank you for your hard work, the kingdom appreciates your help and as a token of gratitude, this bag of coins belongs to you”

The peasant learned something that many people don’t always take the time to understand; every obstacle that presents itself is an opportunity to improve our current condition.

Associate Spotlight: Chris Karl Strautman

Chris Karl Strautman

Customer Acquisition Specialist

Born and Raised

Lafayette, IN

A little bit about Chris Karl

It was one day when the whole office decided to have a little fun and create a dance video to Pharrell’s Happy, that Chris Karl surprised the whole room. The usually rather quiet, Chris Karl, decided to get in the middle of the what became the dance floor and do the worm. Everyone in the room clapped in surprise and was excited to see a whole different side of the guy who we saw as ‘The quiet hard-worker’.

Perhaps he gets that from his German grandmother, who he considers his idol. “My Oma is 85 years old and still goes biking and swimming. She’s pretty incredible and doesn’t let anything stop her from enjoying her life.”

Needless to say, Chris Karl continues to surprise people with his infectiously fun personality hidden behind that quiet exterior. What’s next for him, you ask?

He’s looking to scuba dive the Great-Barrier Reef!

What do people not know about you?

“I used to host/DJ a radio show called Zee Germans.”

Why SilverFern?

“I was really looking for a new adventure and opportunity. Here, I get to be challenged on a daily basis not only to perform better, but to be a better person.”

What character traits do you admire?

“I’m a firm believer in what goes around comes around, that being said, I admire those who are passionate, diligent, honest, and overall caring to the people around them.”

The Grasshopper and the Ant

One morning, an ant came out of his home and was excited to see that springtime had finally arrived. His neighbor, the grasshopper, being excited as well decided to celebrate the warm weather by dancing in sun all day. The ant, however, only took a little bit of time in the sunlight and then began to work by collecting grains and storing them in his home. Days went quickly and the grasshopper played and danced in the sun while the ant continued to collect grains and only take one break throughout the day. 

Exasperated, the grasshopper asked the ant "Why don't you play outside with me all day? The weather is wonderful and you work too much!" 

The ant replied, "I cannot play all day, I am storing food for the winter when there won't be anything to eat."

The grasshopper laughed and said, "Winter is a long time from now, enjoy this weather now! It's beautiful out and we can worry about preparing for the winter later!" he continued to play and dance while the ant worked dutifully everyday. 

When colder weather came around, the grasshopper didn't find a single grain of food to eat and realized his mistake. The ant, who worked all summer decided to take the grasshopper in for the winter and share his food. The grasshopper, indebted to the ant, finally saw his foolishness and knew that when springtime came again he would work and play. 

Sometimes, we look at the short-term future and we forget that what we do now is what effects us in the long-term. Having a balance of enjoying the short-term, while also taking into account the work that we have to put in for our long-term is what makes for a healthy combination. We have to work hard now, so we can have the ability to play later. 

Associate Spotlight: Michael Edelen

Michael Edelen

Customer Acquisition Manager

Born and Raised

Chicago, IL

A little bit about me

“When I tell people that I am the oldest of 10 children, they’re shocked. I’m definitely used to that reaction, it’s very common.” He says with a laugh

“But the way I grew up, I was always busy with something to do. Besides having a rather large family, I was a national contender in wrestling for 17 years. When I wasn’t wrestling, I was always involved with other extracurricular activities. I now realize that I will always crave that kind of schedule, something that will keep me busy and allow me to be competitive in order to really achieve my goals and dreams. My grandfather was a businessman, and given the fact that I am driven as well as competitive, I hope to reach the same success he did, if not better!”

What do people not know about you?

“ I am very passionate about food. I am always willing to try something new and I absolutely love to cook.”

Why SilverFern?

“I realized that when I interviewed with the company that I have the opportunity to grow professionally and learn valuable skills that ultimately will help me achieve my goals. Not to mention the positive work environment, it’s a great combination.”

What character trait do you admire?

“Focus. A person who is focused will achieve their desires…it’s just a matter of when.”