Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your work at CSS?
My name is Mackenzie Renskers. I graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh with a double major in Entrepreneurship and Marketing. Here at CSS, my role as Marketing Associate gives me a variety of responsibilities focused around the company’s growth and business development.
What are the duties of a Marketing Associate at CSS?
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Developing a lead at a trade show and working with our team to turn that lead into a happy, long-time customer.
What’s the most challenging? How do you overcome that?
Making sure projects get done on time. To do that, I have to work and communicate closely with everyone involved, from our marketing team to management and anyone else whose input or approval is required.
You previously worked in the marketing department at a ski lodge. What were your duties there? How does that work translate to CSS? What’s your level of expertise in skiing?
To clarify, I only assisted the marketing department when needed. My primary jobs were night shift manager and daytime instructor, so when I had free time, I helped in the marketing department. I really just contributed when extra labor was needed, like getting everything ready for the end of the season Spring Rally or making sure giveaway bags were stuffed – things like that.
I have been skiing since I was 2 years old. My parents put me on skis as soon as I could walk. They did that so we could ski as a family. So, to answer your question, I am an expert skier. Besides family ski trips every winter, I raced in high school, and became a certified ski instructor. I worked as a ski instructor for 6 years, teaching people of all skill levels from ages 3 to 60. That was a great job. Besides getting to ski a lot, I got to meet new people, teach (and learn) new things, and show them that they can do anything if they put their mind to it! Also, when was a night shift manager, I learned to deal with overreaching parents and 14-year-old kids who thought they knew better than everyone.
I definitely feel that my expertise from being a ski instructor translates well to my position at CSS because I am comfortable working even under occasionally demanding conditions (thankfully no frozen toes here – just deadlines!), work with people no matter the personality, and know how to look at a problem from all angles and tackle it the same way.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to be active, and enjoy many outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and skiing - just to name a few. But I also like those days when I can just stay inside and either curl up with my dog and a good book or binge-watch my favorite TV shows and movies.
What does customer service mean to you?
Customer service means doing anything and everything in your ability to ensure the customer is happy and completely satisfied.
What’s the environment like with your coworkers?
It is great! We are all hard workers, and we support each other in every possible way. We also work in a pleasant and friendly environment, where we always seem to have time to tell each other stories, confide, and have a good time.
How does management judge your performance?
Regularly and honestly. I like that I get feedback often, and whether its positive (thankfully, most of the time) or less than positive (rarely!), it’s always constructive and forward looking.
How does working at CSS compare to working at other firms?
Working at CSS is more rewarding than working at a large company because here I get to work and interact with just about everyone in the organization. And in this company, everyone has a unique personality – its pretty much a requirement! - and when something needs to get done, we all pull together to move mountains. Especially to please our customers.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I am just excited to see the fruits of my efforts and to continue to learn more and expand my role and responsibilities at CSS!
