ATR Employee Spotlight

Melissa Cruz our January 2025 Employee Spotlight Winner from Pontiac IL

At ATR’s Pontiac, Illinois location, Melissa has been an invaluable contributor to our HR department for the past decade. Her commitment to excellence and her tireless dedication to the well-being of employees have made her an indispensable part of our team. Melissa’s diverse role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, each vital to the smooth functioning of our operations.

Melissa’s Role at ATR

Melissa is the cornerstone of many HR functions, managing everything from employee benefits to compliance. Below is an overview of her key contributions:

Benefits Administration

Melissa helps to ensure employees have a seamless experience with benefits. From onboarding new hires with insurance enrollment meetings to handling FMLA paperwork, she works hard to ensure all processes are completed accurately and efficiently. Her work extends to maintaining critical documentation for both electronic and physical files.

Onboarding New Hires

Melissa’s involvement in onboarding ensures a smooth start for new hires. She oversees background checks, drug screens, and I-9 verifications while coordinating closely with managers to finalize start dates. She’s also the point person for distributing onboarding documents and tracking completion.

Driver Management and Safety

Managing a fleet of drivers is no small task, and Melissa’s help is invaluable. She ensures all drivers meet regulatory requirements by monitoring license renewals, medical certifications, and safety clearances. Melissa maintains driver qualification files and administers random drug and alcohol testing. Her attention to detail helps ATR maintain compliance and ensures our drivers are always prepared.

Reporting and Record Maintenance

Melissa is responsible for maintaining various logs and reports that are critical to ATR’s operations. From employee rosters to payroll changes, her organized approach keeps everything up to date. She also plays a key role in EEO-1 reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal guidelines.

Unemployment and Worker’s Compensation

Melissa also assists with unemployment claims, compiling necessary data and maintaining meticulous records. In workers’ compensation cases, she manages injury reports, monitors activities, and ensures compliance with OSHA requirements. Her dedication helps ATR navigate complex situations while supporting employees in their time of need.

Support for Payroll and Staffing

Melissa often serves as a backup for payroll tasks and handles logistics for contract associates. She tracks hours, ensures proper onboarding for temporary staff, and liaises with staffing agencies to meet departmental needs. Her ability to manage multiple priorities ensures no detail is overlooked.

Event Coordination and Employee Support

Melissa’s role extends beyond traditional HR tasks. She helps coordinate employee events, ensures the PON vending machines are stocked, and even manages flower orders for special occasions. These thoughtful touches highlight her commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all employees.

A Heart for Helping Others

When asked what she likes most about working at ATR, Melissa shared that she appreciates how the company steps up to help employees in need. She’s witnessed acts of kindness that often go unnoticed but make a significant impact. Her own dedication to kindness and support reflects ATR’s core values.
“Melissa’s positive energy and happiness are truly contagious. No matter how busy her schedule gets, she is always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it. Her trustworthiness and unwavering dedication to making the best decisions for ATR set a shining example for everyone.” – Barb Ehresman, CEO
“Melissa has a strong work ethic, and continuously tackles new challenges. She’s constantly demonstrating dedication and reliability. Melissa has recently taken on part of the DOT workload and is always willing to help with any projects that come up.”
Raquel Potts Human Resources Manager

A Commitment to Growth and Inspiration

Melissa’s personal philosophy is guided by a favorite quote from 1 Samuel 16:7: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” This advice serves as a reminder to look beyond appearances and appreciate the depth of people’s experiences. She also strives to learn something new each day and make a difference through random acts of kindness, demonstrating her commitment to continuous growth and positivity.

Outside of Work

When Melissa isn’t at ATR, she enjoys spending time with her family, working on home improvement projects, gardening, and crafting. She’s also a devoted pet owner to her corgis, Murphy and Tobiko, and loves visiting zoos and museums.

A Legacy of Dedication

Melissa’s 10 years at ATR reflect her unwavering commitment to supporting the company and its employees. Her work touches nearly every aspect of ATR’s HR operations, ensuring that employees have the resources they need to thrive. As we celebrate Melissa’s remarkable contributions, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to have her on our team. Thank you, Melissa, for a decade of excellence, compassion, and dedication!

December Employee Spotlight: Stacy Jackson-Marsh – Inside Sales Representative

As we close out 2024, it’s fitting to celebrate the remarkable journey and inspiring story of Stacy Jackson-Marsh, an Inside Sales Representative based at ATR’s corporate headquarters in Pensacola, FL. Stacy’s commitment, determination, and belief in herself embody the true spirit of the season—dedication, gratitude, and the power of possibility.

Stacy began her ATR journey in 2022 as a Compliance Administrator, a role where she spent over a year learning the intricate technical and regulatory details of our business. Her dedication to understanding essential compliance and operational protocols prepared her for a seamless transition to the Client Services team in early 2024.

Guided by her unwavering belief in her ability to overcome challenges and her trust in a greater plan, Stacy has quickly become a valued member of our team. She onboarded two large school districts in the region and is actively building relationships with Fortune 500 companies and several privately held organizations of equal size. Her efforts not only expand ATR’s footprint but also strengthen our reputation for delivering tailored, customer-focused solutions.

Ray Magee, ATR’s Director of Client Services, praised Stacy’s impact, saying:
“Stacy is an enthusiastic and driven member of our team, constantly rising to the challenge of managing a diverse portfolio of accounts with remarkable dedication.  Following the relocation of our corporate headquarters to Pensacola, Stacy has not only excelled in onboarding key clients locally but has also stepped up to support and grow our presence in multiple other regions, showcasing her unwavering commitment to ATR’s growth and success.”

In Stacy’s Words

When asked about her role, Stacy shared her perspective on what it takes to succeed as an Inside Sales Representative:
“My job involves assisting the company with onboarding new customers and providing tailored solutions to address their challenges. I maintain constant communication with clients, ensuring their satisfaction and coordinating logistics to guarantee smooth processes. It’s incredibly rewarding to collaborate with our Operations Support team and see everything come together for our clients.”

Reflecting on her journey, Stacy highlighted the challenges she faced and the courage it took to transition roles:
“When I first started at ATR, I was in a role that wasn’t the best fit for me. I came in every day and gave it my all, but I realized that I needed to speak up and advocate for a change. Transitioning to the sales team was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve been able to take what I learned in Compliance and apply it to my new role, and it’s been a tremendous asset. Through faith and prayer, I found the courage to trust God’s plan and take a leap of faith that has truly paid off.”

Stacy’s advice to her colleagues is equally inspiring:

“Never give up on yourself or lose sight of the power of faith. Life isn’t always easy, but don’t let a single moment define who you are. Always believe in God’s plan for you, invest in yourself, and appreciate those who pour into your life. Before a butterfly spreads its wings, it undergoes a remarkable transformation inside the cocoon. Prepare for your season, trust the process, and be ready to soar when the time comes!”

Looking Ahead

Stacy’s goals are rooted in her commitment to ATR’s mission:
“The foundation was already laid when I arrived, but I want to contribute to maintaining and building on it. I see myself playing a vital role in the sales team and, 20 years from now, looking back, knowing that my work inspired others to never stop chasing their dreams. I trust that through faith and perseverance, I’ll continue to make an impact.”

Life Beyond ATR

Outside of work, Stacy cherishes time with her family and friends, whether it’s shopping, dining out, or enjoying the beauty of the beach. She loves attending church, singing in the choir, bowling, and visiting amusement parks. Her strong faith in God is central to her life, and she finds joy in simple moments that bring peace and fulfillment.

As we celebrate Stacy’s achievements, we are reminded of ATR’s commitment to fostering growth and empowering employees to find roles where they can truly shine. Stacy’s story is a testament to the importance of perseverance, faith, and self-belief.

Favorite Quote:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

From everyone at ATR, congratulations, Stacy, on your incredible journey and for being a shining example of faith, perseverance, and excellence.

Happy Holidays to all, and here’s to a bright and successful 2025!

November 2024 Employee Spotlight: Jo Marie McCalla (Jewel)– The Shining Multifaceted Gem of ATR.

Location: ATR Corporate Headquarters, Pensacola, FL

At Advanced Technology Recycling (ATR), our strength is in our people, and very few exemplify this more than Jo Marie Linn “Jewel” S. McCalla, an exceptional Office Administrator at our corporate headquarters in Pensacola, FL. As Jewel approaches her one-year anniversary with ATR this December, we want to recognize her outstanding contributions, dedication, and inspiring presence that uplift our team daily.

A Day in the Life of Jewel at ATR

In her role, Jewel’s responsibilities span crucial administrative tasks, from providing high-level support to our CEO and COO to managing payroll, finance operations, billing, and HR. Her attention to detail and meticulous organizational skills makes her an indispensable part of our daily operations. Jewel emphasizes how essential confidentiality and interpersonal skills are in her role, and she approaches each day with both precision and empathy, always keeping her colleagues’ needs in mind.

Reflecting on Jewel’s work ethic, Brodie Ehresman, ATR’s Director of Marketing, shared, “I’m fortunate to share an office next to Jewel, and she’s a true professional. Each day I get to see her in action, and her work ethic is second to none. Jewel is no ‘Diamond in the rough’; she’s a multifaceted gem that sparkles each day as she cuts through her workload with precision and grace”.

ATR’s CEO, Barb Ehresman, adds, “Jewel is highly proficient and does an exceptional job helping me manage a wide range of duties. She’s truly amazing!”

Jewel’s Journey with ATR and Passion for Sustainability

Jewel was drawn to ATR by our commitment to environmental stewardship. “What really attracted me to work at ATR is the fact that the business helps take care of the environment by minimizing electronic waste,” she explains. ATR’s focus on sustainability and finding value in materials others would discard deeply resonates with her, especially amid the growing concerns of climate change.

Beyond the company’s mission, Jewel appreciates ATR’s dedication to fostering a strong sense of community. “I really like the events ATR holds for employees, like holiday parties, team buildings, and training sessions. These allow us to bond, grow our skills, and enjoy working together,” Jewel shares.

Jewel’s Approach to Overcoming Challenges and Her Greatest Accomplishments

Since joining ATR, Jewel has faced and overcome    numerous challenges, particularly in balancing a demanding workload with new, unexpected tasks. Rather than attempting to multitask, Jewel prioritizes time management and continually seeks ways to streamline her processes. “Continual improvement is my mantra,” she notes, “I aim to make my work more systematic and easier to do.” Her adaptability and perseverance ensure she meets her deadlines while maintaining high standards of excellence.

When asked about her proudest accomplishments, Jewel humbly acknowledges her focus on giving her best effort each day. “I’ve always considered everything I do as part of my job, whether big or small, because I know every task helps ATR grow. It may be a small ripple now, but eventually, it will positively resonate across the organization.” By remaining organized, timely, and consistent, Jewel facilitates smooth processes, minimizes financial waste, and eases administrative burdens for her colleagues. Her efforts ensure that everyone at ATR can focus on their roles without unnecessary stress.

Jewel’s Remarkable Background and Personal Inspirations

Jewel’s career journey has been impressive and varied. Before coming to the U.S., she worked under three presidents at the Office of the President of the Philippines, where she led her team in achieving Quality Management Standard (QMS) certifications and HR licenses. She also worked at the Philippine Space Agency as part of the founding team, and her professional background includes an internship that led to full-time work with the Bank of the Philippine Islands. Her wealth of experience, professionalism, and sense of purpose are clear in her daily contributions at ATR.

Jewel’s personal life is equally inspiring. She is deeply family-oriented, proudly declaring herself as the “Jo” of her family, reminiscent of the beloved character from Little Women. A devoted daughter and sister, Jewel took on the role of caring for her mother after her father’s passing. Together with her husband Alvin and their two dogs, Yoda and Ghost, she enjoys a fulfilling life in the U.S., connecting with her faith, exploring nature, and traveling to museums and aquariums whenever possible.

In her free time, Jewel also serves as a lector at her church, finding joy in reading scriptures during Mass. Her guiding motto, “Reach for the brightest star but always keep both feet on the ground,” reflects her lifelong commitment to dreaming big while staying humble and grateful.

Goals for the Future

Looking ahead, Jewel is eager to continue growing, both personally and professionally. She hopes to pursue a doctoral degree and, in her words, “help make the world a better place to live in.” Her passion for lifelong learning and service is a source of inspiration to us all.

A Gem in Every Sense

Jewel’s presence at ATR is a true gift. Her dedication to our company’s mission, her impeccable work ethic, and her supportive spirit makes her a treasured part of our team. As we celebrate her nearly one year of service, we are grateful for everything she brings to ATR, and we are excited to see the ripples of her positive impact continue to grow.

Thank you, Jewel, for your remarkable contributions and for being a shining example of dedication, resilience, and kindness at ATR!