We’re back with our TGG Team Bios!
In the spirit of work anniversaries, we have Liz Gaines with us, who is on the cusp of her first anniversary with The Gartrell Group.
Hi Liz. Can you let us know what your role at The Gartrell Group is? And when was your first day of work at TGG?
Hi! I’m The Business Development Manager, and I started at The Gartrell Group on March 17th, 2022. My work is focused on connecting with folks who would benefit from the expertise and talent of our team. I look for specific people, mainly within the AEC and Utility industries, to learn about their GIS projects and initiatives and offer our solutions. In short, I'm a sales gal.
Congratulations on year one! What’s your favorite thing about your job?
The people. Geo folks are a different breed, and I appreciate the camaraderie and ease I've found within the community. I am always curious about where someone's love or interest in GIS began because many people I've met are adventurous and love the outdoors.
What got you into doing Business Development?
I used to sell suits at Hugo Boss. I got so tired of wearing HEELS on the concrete floors of our retail space, that I started looking for admin/secretary work so I could sit down for a while! I got an interview at a software company in San Jose - but somehow they got me mixed up for a sales role. I didn't realize what was happening until about halfway through the interview. The pay was about 25% higher + commission for the sales role. So I sold myself as a moldable newbie who could quickly learn on the job and implement their processes quickly. I got the job and did so well my first year, they cut my commission in half. I left shortly after. I spent about ten years doing inside sales and partner/channel management in Silicon Valley - mostly software and hardware. I sold real estate appraisal software, security software, and application delivery controllers/server load balancers.
Are you a remote worker? Office worker? Hybrid worker? We have so many options these days!
I’m more remote, with the occasional office appearance.
Is there anything that you think people need to know about you?
I live by my calendar(s). If it's not on there, it's not happening! I like to think I'm pretty relaxed, but I was recently told I have "inextinguishable enthusiasm." It made me realize that it's hard to dampen my energy and excitement when I enjoy what I do. I'm driven by connection and community and their importance in our personal and professional lives.
Let’s veer away from work stuff. How do you spend your time when not enthusiastically talking about GIS?
Outside of work, I'm wrangling kids, but I'm also an artist. I spent years freelancing, doing graphic design, and even sculpture. I'm a sign painter's daughter and will find various mediums to satisfy my need to create (including building cities, vending machines, and vehicles out of cardboard for my kids). I also like going to new restaurants with friends or on date nights.
Tell us about your family!
I have two daughters! Polar opposites who keep my husband and me on our toes. We have a cat who is a 100% stereotypical cat. I do have plants! Mostly snake plants and monsteras because they seem to be the most forgiving when you forget to water them for months at a time. My husband also works for TGG as the QA Director, and funny enough, seeing how happy he was at work, I rejected an offer from a giant cloud services company and shimmied my way here. 10/10 would do it again.
Do you like to travel?
I do! I was about six months pregnant with my first daughter when I traveled to Shanghai, China. I went all over the city; The Bund, Yu Garden, Tianzifang, etc. Everyone treated me like I was made of glass, but I felt great! Aside from the 12-hour flight, it was a memorable trip where I look fondly back on fresh dumplings and hot pot.
