Meet Erika Patterson, HR Manager at Tommy’s Express Car Wash (tommys-express.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – Tommy’s Express is more than just a car wash. We take pride in what we do each day, and that’s making sure our guests enjoy every experience. From the window; interacting with our team, through the tunnel; enjoying one of our four washes, exiting through the vacuum lot; receiving help from our Vacuum Concierge or free self service of vacuums, mat washers and air for your tires. In addition to this, the team. Like our guests, we are nothing without our team and their hard work. We have so many talented individuals that provide different skill sets to the table. It’s amazing to watch them grow as we grow more into Omaha.
How did you get started in the business? – I was approached with the opportunity of Assistant Manager when our first location opened in October 2018. I was Assistant Manager for another business at that time and I’ll be honest, I had no idea what I was getting myself into working at a car wash. Tommy’s Express provided me with the growth opportunities to get me where I am today, and I couldn’t be more thankful.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Being given this opportunity without experience. I received hands-on training and help with furthering my education in this profession. I didn’t realize how much I like being a part of building each site’s team, establish and maintain those relationships, watch the team grow and achieve success.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Oddly enough, cleaning my house and making sure it’s clean. There’s a Zen feeling to it in a sense, for me. I like to multitask on my days off to get as much done as possible – who doesn’t? Running errands, window shopping, sometimes actually shopping and enjoying a nice iced coffee.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Music is to the soul what words are to the mind.” I wholeheartedly believe music helps a lot with anxiety and depression, lifts mood, helps with relaxation and can help boost confidence.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – I want to be remembered as helpful. Providing help is what I love to do in general. Regardless of whether I’m working or not. Any way I can help, I will do my best to achieve success in any situation.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Roller skating. Although, it would be interesting to see team members on skates in the Vacuum lot, they would be able to roll through tasks quicker.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Archeology: I’ve found Egypt interesting since I was 12 years old. At one point my room was decorated with Egyptian décor. Just being apart of the finds of history and the stories behind them.
What is your favorite local Omaha restaurant? – Everette’s Restaurant off 88th and Maple. They have the best brussel sprout appetizer and wings in town. Their buffalo sauce has a good flavor and their staff provides great customer service.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – www.tommys-express.com