Family Album

The Voices of McCarthy
By: Susan Garritano

Every morning they greet us when we come into the office. They welcome clients and even handle a phone call or two. They are the McCarthy receptionists! But who are these industrious people? Here is a little snippet on each of our receptionists… the first faces and voices of McCarthy.

Bren Green Corporate/St. Louis
Greeting visitors at McCarthy's corporate offices, Bren (short for “Brenda”) joined McCarthy four years ago from Ralston Purina. She describes her days as “very, very busy.” Along with the phone, Bren greets visitors, takes deliveries, monitors the news for severe weather alerts (only in the Midwest!) and even decorates the lobby for holidays. When asked what she likes most about her job, Bren answered, “The people, definitely. McCarthy has such a great spirit that it makes it fun to come to work.” Born and raised in St. Louis, Bren lives with her husband Lee and dog, London. In her free time, she loves to bowl and go out dancing.

Charlene Roth Midwest/St. Louis
Charlene has been with McCarthy for 13 years and is the friendly face that greets employees and visitors at the Midwest Division entrance. Unlike other receptionists, her main responsibilities do not include answering the phone since Bren handles the building's main switchboard. Rather, Charlene oversees the Division plan room, handles deliveries, backs up estimating during bids and helps with special projects. “McCarthy is a great place to work. The people are very easygoing and friendly.” Born in Oregon, Charlene has been involved in the construction industry since 1978. In her free time, she enjoys playing golf, shopping, and bowling (maybe she and Bren should start a McCarthy bowling league??!)

Barb Long Southwest/Phoenix
With McCarthy for 3.5 years, Barb enjoys her stunning view of Tempe Town Lake while answering the phone and greeting visitors. She explained, “I used to work with Shannon Gamble's cousin and when an opening at McCarthy became available, Shannon let me know. That is how I ended up here.” Other job responsibilities include handling the mail, scheduling conference rooms and invoicing. “I have been taking some additional software training classes,” Barb commented. “I just want to learn more so I can help out as much as I can with things that need to be done.” Outside of work Barb likes to shop, draw and do crafts with her mom who lives in Sun City. Born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Barb has lived in Arizona for more than 50 years.

Amanda Williams Southwest/Las Vegas
Amanda joined McCarthy Vegas in September. She explained, “So far, my experience at McCarthy has been fantastic. The camaraderie is bar none!” As Randy Highland settles into his new role as head of the office, Amanda often finds herself helping out in any way she can. “My responsibilities are VERY varied — everything from handling the phone and mail, helping with estimating, payroll, tracking company vehicles, planning the holiday party — basically whatever I can do.” Born and raised in Las Vegas, Amanda has been married to Mike for eight years and has two children (Kaylis — 4 years and Gage — 5 months). In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, painting and spending time with the kids.

Corina Feiker Southern California/Newport Beach
Born in Los Angeles, Corina has been juggling the comings and goings of the busy So. Cal staff for nearly two years. Along with handling the phone and deliveries, distributing the mail and welcoming visitors to the office, “I try my best to keep track of where everyone is at all times…and for those of you who like to sneak of through the side doors, don't think I don't know who you are!” warned Corina. As the oldest of four children, Corina enjoys working out and spending time with family and friends when she is not in the office.

Jacquelyn Herrera Northern California/Sacramento
A few years ago, the Northern California Division upgraded phone systems, and when this happened Jacquelyn began handling incoming phone calls for both the San Francisco and Sacramento offices. “I was a little frazzled at first,” commented Jacquelyn, but as anyone knows who calls the office today, she has it all under control. With McCarthy for four years, she is responsible for handling the phone, greeting visitors, shipping, answering the phone on bid day and assisting other support staff. Born in San Jose, Jacquelyn's mom, step dad and two sisters all live in Sacramento. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Alice Phifer Texas/Dallas
As a temporary addition, Dallas native Alice has been with McCarthy for just a few months. “The fact that McCarthy has been around such a long time really shows what a great foundation the company was built upon,” Alice noted. “It is very impressive.” When asked what she thinks about being a receptionist in the Dallas office, Alice said, “Receptionist is an old word for an old time. This job is much more than that. And, that is what I enjoy about it!” When not juggling her responsibilities in the office, Alice enjoys spending time with her son, writing and arranging flowers. She has a children's book entitled, “That's My Name” written and ready to publish and a romance novel in the works.