A Short-Term Plan Leads to a Fulfilling Career
When Nereida Barbosa started with UG2 as an overnight janitorial supervisor in April 2017, she initially saw the role as a short-term position that would allow her and her husband to juggle childcare. Having been a cleaner for UNICCO Service Company in the past, she knew the work would be hard — but she had proven to herself and her past managers that she has a work ethic that is unmatched. With two children under age two and a nine-year-old at home, she was ready to make every necessary sacrifice to support her family.
“It wasn’t easy transitioning to becoming a night owl working overnights and then coming home to deal with the kids,” says Nereida. “It was very tough, but it was a sacrifice that I decided to take on for two years. I never expected this would be something permanent or that I would find my niche. But I do remember my interview with Greg Lanzillo, UG2 director of operations, who said, ‘This is a growing company. We are always promoting people. Just keep working hard.'”
Thanks to Nereida’s hard work, dedication and natural talent with people, and the company’s commitment to promoting from within, joining UG2 proved to be a step on the ladder to a whole new career. After witnessing Nereida’s skills and commitment to the work, Greg soon came to her with an opportunity: an assistant account manager position, a demanding role that required working closely with Greg, the customer, and account manager Jaime Flores.
“I was happy when I got the opportunity for the company to promote me and train me to become a manager,” says Nereida. “We have our little hiccups here and there, but they always guide me on how to handle situations. I saw how the account manager would manage and I got the chance to meet other managers. Seeing them in the field, running the cleaning business, working closely with our customers, I knew this is where I wanted to be. Greg saw my work ethic, my hunger, and my motivation, and after a year, an account opened up and they ended up promoting me again to account manager.”
Nereida credits Greg for the guidance and support that allowed her to grow into the role, and she has an extra shoutout for Karinelis Ayala-Gonzalez, UG2’s manager of operations support. “She helped me in so many situations I wasn’t sure about, handling scenarios with employees,” says Nereida. “She was always there to guide me. I never felt like I was alone.”
As a manager, Nereida looks forward to sharing the insights that have been passed on to her, and she has advice for those looking to advance and take on greater responsibilities.
“You have to have the customer service skills to talk to a lot of people, and you have to learn how to balance your emotions,” she says. “You are dealing with so many different personalities. It’s not easy, but it’s doable. And UG2 will guide you with everything that you need. You’re never alone. They are not like coworkers. They make you feel like you are part of a family.”