| The Washington Workplace Team...the people that make a difference |
| |
|
|
 |
Cheryl Buckler
Accounts Receivable Manager, Accounting
Cheryl experienced a conversion (of sorts) upon coming to Washington Workplace after 10 years of working for the federal government. "My husband's cousin, who already worked at Washington Workplace, told me about the company," she recalls. "I interviewed, loved the small, family-like business atmosphere and said 'yes!' when the job was offered." After more than 10 years here, Cheryl says she's never looked back and never doubted her decision to leave the government.
During her free time, Cheryl creates scrap books, hunts for fossils (mostly shark's teeth) and takes part in Cub Scouts events with one of her two sons. They, Cheryl and her husband live in St. Leonard, Maryland. Their family also includes four grown step-children.
|
|
 |
Kelly Carrino
Consultant, Sales
Kelly has been with Washington Workplace for six years. "I work on many projects," Kelly says, "and I enjoy meeting all the new people. And in this field you really get to know them. Some projects can take months from first meeting the client to the completion of construction and the final phase of the furniture installation. It is such a rewarding experience to see a satisfied client at the end of a project!"
Like her sister Christine, who also works at the company, Kelly enjoys anything involving the water — boating, waterskiing, fishing. She dutifully and enthusiastically watches all of her children's soccer games and, for the past 14 years, has volunteered for her local fire department.
Kelly and her husband live with their two daughters in Benedict, Maryland.
|
|
 |
Sarah Casey
Sarah joined Washington Workplace at the beginning of 2010. She assists Christine Miller-Langemak with project management and primarily works with Sherry Faulkner on the national account, DaVita Dialysis. Sarah recently graduated from Dickinson College where she majored in International Business & Management and French. Although new to the furniture world, she admits, “I’m really looking forward to putting my business knowledge to use and learning as much as I can about the industry”.
Sarah, a former college soccer player, assistant coached at her old high school this past fall and hopes to remain involved with the game. She recently moved to the area from Severna Park, Maryland where her parents and younger siblings still live. She lives with two of her teammates from college in Arlington, Virginia. “I can’t wait to explore the city with them and find out about all that Washington, DC has to offer!
|
|
|
Clifton Cheatham
Director, Design
Clifton, with more than 20 years in the industry, worked as an independent contractor with founder John Murphy in 1993 and joined the company in 1997. "I studied and worked in engineering before going into interior design," he says. "That knowledge has served me very well in broadening the scope of design services that we can offer. I enjoy merging visual imagery with the technical application of our projects."
Clifton is an NCIDQ certified interior designer and interfaces with architecture and design firms on behalf of Washington Workplace clients.
A former personal trainer, he is a sports and fitness enthusiast. He enjoys any art- or design-related pursuits and travel. He, his wife and three daughters live in Baltimore, Maryland.
|
|
|
Ron Diehl
Project Manager
Ron is Washington Workplace's only resident golf pro—miniature golf, that is. Prior to working in the office furniture industry, he ran a miniature golf course in Rockville, Maryland. "I enjoy meeting and working with all kinds of people from all walks of life," Ron says. "I really enjoy the mix of working in the office and being out in the field. You learn more about your own job and you learn more from others as you go along."
Ron joined Washington Workplace in August 2007, and is most proud so far of the work with colleague Sarah Gabriel on a job for Agilex Technologies, which involved furnishing two entire floors. "I've never done anything to that scope," Ron recalls. "The fact that it went very smoothly with only a few items that needed special attention told me that I have a pretty good grasp on what I need to do. And that Sarah and I work well together as a team."
Ron, a huge Washington Capitals fan, sells T-shirts and other apparel part-time with a friend from a shop in Silver Spring, Maryland. He's played hockey since he was four years old. He and his wife, who is a graduate gemologist with her own jewelry line, live with their two girls and two Yorkshire terriers in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
|
|
|
Sherry Faulkner
Interior Designer, Contract Sales
Of her almost 30 years in the industry, Sherry has spent 12 with Washington Workplace and nine of those working from her home office in Richardson, Texas. "My first design job was as a store planner for the Zale Corporation jewelry store headquarters in Dallas," she says. "Since then, I’ve worked for several architectural/design firms and contract furniture dealers."
For those nine years Sherry has been project manager for a national healthcare account, DaVita, Inc. DaVita provides kidney dialysis services at clinics throughout the country. "It has been very rewarding over the years to work with DaVita because they provide much needed services for the health and well-being of patients and their families,"” she says.
When not overseeing the creation of healing environments for DaVita or enjoying her extended family, which includes three granddaughters, Sherry enjoys gardening, antiquing and remodeling projects.
|
|
|
Sarah Gabriel
Consultant, Sales
After 14 years in the industry, Sarah understands the benefit of a good reputation. "I owned my own business for more than 10 years," she says. "That experience taught me that we are only as good as our reputation, which makes me work harder to earn the trust of my customers." She believes the approach that her Washington Workplace team takes to customer service continues that philosophy.
Sarah's interests include playing golf, when she can find time to play. She enjoys movies, when she can find time to go. And she enjoys spending time with her family (for that, she makes time).
Sarah, her husband and their triplets live in Fairfax, Virginia.
|
|
|
Robin Gordon
Principal, Accounting
Robin started working in the office workplace industry during high school with her mother and states with some surprise, "And, before you know it, 27 years later, here I am!"
Robin has been at Washington Workplace since its founding 15 years ago. She was looking for a work philosophy that would recognize her desire to be with her family. "I needed a place where I could work but also be with my kids when I need to," she says.
Robin enjoys reading, hanging out with her kids and going to the beach. She, her husband and their son and daughter live in Alexandria, Virginia.
|
|
 |
Katie Grier
Project Manager, Sales
Katie has been with Washington Workplace for seven years as a project manager. Her favorite part of the job is collaborating with the contractor, client, architect and property management to get the customer into their new space. She works hard to keep a smile on the customer's face throughout the entire process -- nothing is more rewarding than to see the finished product and have a happy client.
Katie and her husband Ray welcomed Sophia Kay Grier to their family in April 2009 and they are loving their initiation into parenthood. She also enjoys swimming, antiquing and reading.
|
|
|
Kathy Johnson
Project Manager, Sales Support
Kathy, another 11-year Washington Workplace veteran, likes to view her work from the client's perspective. "I've always been involved in either Inside Sales or Customer Service, so I tend to think of the project from their perspective first," she says.
Kathy enjoys soccer, boating and socializing in her free time. She lives with her husband, two sons and a daughter in Springfield, Virginia.
|
|
|
Christine Miller-Langemak
Principal, Sales
After more than 15 years in the industry, Christine has never considered what she does as "work". "I do my best to listen to my clients and then to strategically show them the best manufacturers to meet their needs in design, budget and timeline," she says. "I want to have my projects turn into long term relationships and the best way to do that is to exceed your clients expectations."
Her experience at Washington Workplace includes some interesting and eclectic jobs, including work on sets for the films GI Jane, and Contact, design work for the National Air & Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center, and the Marine Corp Museum. She counts among other proud career moments her work with 11600 Sunrise, FBR, Kettler, DaVita, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
Several of her projects have been published, most recently, The Arlington Free Clinic -- Interior Design's March 2010 issue.
Because "salt water runs in my veins," Christine spends as much time as possible in or on the water. One of her favorite things to do is spend a Saturday with her four boys, husband and friends rafted up at Dobbins Island, near her home in Pasadena, Maryland.
She volunteers as a commissioner for soccer and basketball at her boys' school and was one of the founding members of International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Annapolis City Center.
|
|
|
Cesar Montelongo
Vice President, Sales
A native Washingtonian, Cesar joined the Washington Workplace team in 2010. Cesar brings over 16 years experience providing the very best in client service and satisfaction in both the office furniture and information technology industries. “My mission is to help our customers, no matter what the challenges,” Cesar says. “Even though unprecedented obstacles present difficulty, in the end, they can make a most rewarding outcome.” The most important aspect of Cesar’s life is family. His wife (a Preschool Teacher in Shepherdstown, WV), two children (6 year old daughter in the 1st Grade and 5 year old son in Kindergarten), a dog, a cat, a hamster, and two goldfish reside in Harpers Ferry, WV.
Cesar enjoys many outdoor activities such as golfing, biking, hiking, running, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and snow skiing. From age 6, through high school, Cesar was a multi-sport athlete in football, baseball, wrestling, and boxing.
|
|
|
John Murphy
President
John is the founder and president of the award-winning, Arlington-based Washington Workplace. A 1979 graduate of Fordham University, he founded the company in 1991.
As the oldest of 11 children, John says that the skill set he developed as a "classic first born" translates directly into those abilities needed to run a business and nurture employees. Almost all of Washington Workplace's employees have been with the company for 10 years or longer and thrive in its family-friendly culture.
John attributes the success of Washington Workplace to three key philosophies: turning business relationships into real personal friendships, being prepared for business opportunities when they arise and, most importantly, being committed to serve others (clients, employees, the community) without regard to any personal benefit or return.
A 1999 alumnus of Leadership Arlington, he served as chairman of the organization in 2001. He has served as chairman of the board of the Arlington Free Clinic, and currently serves on the boards of directors of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, The Arlington Free Clinic, Leadership Arlington, and the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization. He also enjoys volunteering for ASPAN, the Arlington Community Foundation, NOVAM, Arlington County, AFAC, and numerous other community organizations.
John and his son live in Arlington, Virginia. They enjoy travel, fishing, scuba diving, skiing and a shared pursuit of fine dining.
|
|
 |
Jo Ann Scholar
Sales
Jo Ann has worked on all types of office projects during her 25-year-plus career. Before joining Washington Workplace, her clients included everyone from the Woodward & Lothrop department store to Georgia-Pacific manufacturing. Today, she focuses on the more customized projects that are helpful for a work/life environment that demands flexibility.
"Reception areas, conference rooms, home offices, children's home study areas," she says. "I work with interior designers, giving them the information they need to present to their clients."
A dedicated supporter of the arts—theatre, opera—she lives in North Potomac, Maryland, and also spends time with her three daughters and one grand-daughter.
|
|
|
Brad Taylor
Support, Sales
Brad started working part-time at Washington Workplace while he finished high school and then during college. In 2003, he started working full-time at the company, supporting sales staff through orders and installations, space planning and quote preparation. "I enjoy the people I work with," he says. "And I get the most satisfaction from working on a project beginning to end—floor plan, fabrics/finishes/carpet, quotes, installation. Everything."
Brad enjoys the classic car hobby—especially hot rods—and plans on owning many in the future. He and his father are restoring a 50-year-old mahogany powerboat. Brad also makes art from found objects including a chaise lounge (pictured left) made from 40,000 aluminum can tops that’s been shown in area galleries. Brad and his two pet chinchillas, Spike and Tyke, will enjoy a new member to their Fairfax, Virginia household when Brad gets hitched November 20th, 2010.
|
|
 |
Karen Taylor
Vice President, Sales
A fortune cookie became Karen's surprising career validation when, a few years ago, she opened one to read: "You use your creative talent to transform a business environment."
"Yes, that was a real message in a real fortune cookie! Can you believe it?" she says. Karen has been with Washington Workplace for more than 10 years after nearly twice that in the industry. She has a bachelor's degree in interior design and, after many years within local contract dealerships, made a natural transition into sales. "I especially enjoy working with clients on overall layout as well as the furniture planning, and am always pleased when they tell me how happy they are," she says. A member of the American Society of Interior Designers, Karen believes that image and function have to be considered together when planning an office environment. "All the pretty in the world won't help you if the office layout and furniture are not functional for those who work there," she adds.
When not working (or cracking open fortune cookies), Karen enjoys reading, dancing, designing jewelry and playing with her dogs. She was born in the District, grew up in Maryland and now lives in Herndon, Virginia with her husband and two dogs—Doozie and Dilly.
|
|
 |
Jim Walker
Vice President, Sales
Jim has worked with Washington Workplace for more than 14 years, building successful relationships with clients including law firms, associations, non-profits, high tech companies, consulting firms and medical practices. "I really enjoy the entire consultative process of a furniture sale, from the introduction with the architecture/design firm and the client, through project development to the order and installation phase," he says. "At the end of every project," he adds, "our goal is to have a happy client and a happy architecture and design firm."
Jim attended Villanova for his undergraduate degree and then obtained his master's in business administration from the University of Maryland. He maintains contacts with friends and associates from both universities.
Jim enjoys golfing, fishing, skiing, kayaking, reading, and most of all spending time with his family. He, his wife and two girls live in La Plata, Maryland.
|
|
 |
Amy Zampese
Accounting Assistant, Accounting
Amy has worked with Washington Workplace for more than ten years. During that time she's enjoyed working with colleagues and, as so many others, the family-like atmosphere. "And, believe it or not, working in accounting calls for a variety of responsibilities that are never boring," she insists. "The variety and the atmosphere keep everything very interesting."
When not crunching numbers or coordinating company functions, Amy swims, camps and takes part in as many outdoor activities as possible. She lives with her daughter in Alexandria, Virginia.
|
| Click here to contact Washington Workplace for a free project consultation or price quote. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
