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Talk about making a great first impression and being able to back it up. Two days into a job that was meant to be temporary, Julee Warner was offered a full-time gig and, 26 years later, she is still working at The Computer Manager (TCM). Perhaps it’s her refusal to be afraid (thanks, mom!) or her ability to walk away to help ideas and solutions percolate. Read on to learn more about Julee, how she stays connected to her college-aged kids, and what she’s found to help fill her evenings as an almost empty-nester.
Name: Julee Warner
Job Title: VP Business Development
Company: The Computer Manager. – developers of Debt$Net Collection Software
Length of time at current company: 26 years
Length of time in industry: 26 years
How did you get your start in the industry?
Like many others, it happened by luck. My husband and I had just moved to the area after graduating from college, and we both went to an employment agency for temp jobs until we found what we wanted. I was placed at TCM as a receptionist while someone was out on maternity leave. After a couple of days, I had found a permanent position elsewhere. I let the owners know I wouldn’t be back the next day. An hour or two later, they offered me a permanent position as a software trainer for Debt$Net. As they say, the rest is history.
What is your career highlight so far?
I have really enjoyed releasing new products and versions. Product releases are the culmination of a lot of hard work from a team of hard workers, and it’s exciting to present customers with a product you know will make their business better.
When or how are you most productive?
When I can gather the most information possible and then let it percolate. Whether I’m solving a problem or writing an article, I like to outline an approach, then walk away for a bit (even just an hour) and do something else unrelated. When I come back, I can fine-tune my approach much better and clear out the clutter.
Which industry professional do you admire most?
This is hard – I’ve been impacted by so many wonderful industry professionals over the years. I have turned to one person for his input quite a few times over the years. Harry Strausser has always been willing to take my call, and his experience as an agency owner and now as a fellow industry partner has been greatly appreciated.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else?
Project management is my wheelhouse. Particularly, projects or roadblocks that require coordination between different teams and companies. I’ve never been afraid to roll up my sleeves, jump in to work with a group to put a plan in place, follow through, and modify and adjust to reach a resolution.
What do you like most about this industry?
I love getting to know each agency/business and learning their approach, big or small. Each one has a unique take and provides an integral service to our economy as a whole.
What is one thing you wish you could change about this industry?
I’ve read most of these articles, so I know the typical answer, but it is true. I wish the rest of the business community and population better understood the importance of this industry.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
Likely something in education or social services – on the legislative side. I hold a degree in education, and although being a classroom teacher was the original plan, I see other areas where developing education and knowledge can be supported.
Describe a typical work day.
Being on the West Coast, my workdays start early. Jumping in and starting at 7:00 am (or earlier) is par for the course. Phone calls and connections happen early. Product development and project meetings are usually next. By the time my afternoon rolls around, the majority of everyone else is done for the day, so that is when I tackle items that require more concentration or longer projects.
What is your guilty pleasure?
After many years of watching my sons play tennis, I’ve decided to start playing. It’s been great tackling a new skill for both mind and body. It is also a little addictive. LOL. We are nearly empty nesters now and have more time in the evenings to get onto the court.
Also, ALL the New York Times word games. Wordle, Connections, Strands, et al. I started playing them daily when my oldest went off to college three years ago. We send our scores to each other as a competition. It has been a great way to stay in touch with him, rather than the typical “mom texts”.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Don’t ever be afraid to try or ask. Growing up, my mom not only told me that, but she still lives by that mantra. She would always tell me, “What’s the worst they can do? Say no?”
What are you currently reading?
I like to have one fiction and one non-fiction going at a time.
Fiction – “Lucky” by Marissa Stapley (Shout out to book club!!)
Non-Fiction – “We the People” by Jill Lepore
What is one fact you’d like everyone in the industry to know about you?
I will never stop learning and asking questions.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Aaron Newell with AR Solutions, Jon Daane with TEC Services.
