Staff

Marisa Brown

Client Account Representative

Portland, OR

What is your job title, and what does that position entail?

I am the Client Account Representative for the Oregon and Washington Territory, based in our Northwest Office in Oregon. My role as CAR includes everything from order processing; to invoicing; and everything that happens in-between – anything that will help to maintain and enhance the Olympus-Client relationship and experience.

What do you like best about working at Olympus?

I enjoy the camaraderie, willingness to help each other, and the encouragement to do better for yourself and the company is, for lack of a better word, refreshing. Everyone at Olympus is so willing to answer ridiculous questions and go the extra mile to make sure a concept or process is fully understood.

Describe a little of your past history.

For the last five and a half years, I was the Quality Assurance Administrator for a CNC machine shop, focusing mainly on inspection documentation and getting a new ERP system up and running. Before that, I had odd food service industry jobs and a short stint at a small local furniture store. Being the youngest member of the CAR team, most of my experience comes from a quality assurance background, which drives my desire to ensure as few mistakes are made and that things are done efficiently to best serve our clients.

Describe some of your hobbies – what do you like to do outside of work?

Every time I get asked this question, I like to say that I describe myself as an 80-something-year-old in a 20-something-year-old’s body because I’ve got an “old lady” hobby – I knit. I’ve been knitting and doing variations of yarn crafts since I was ten years old – though it has dramatically ramped up in the last eight years. I’m also a total homebody; I love sitting on the sofa watching tv with my husband and our dogs (knitting while doing it, of course). But I also love to bake, though I rarely eat my finished bakes – unless it’s a cookie, brownie, or fresh loaf of bread.

What are some key lessons you have taken from your career thus far?

Ask the question(s). No matter how ridiculous you think it sounds. And ask for help instead of struggling for far too long – if you can’t figure it out after really trying your hardest, then utilize the resources/people around you who will potentially know the answer. And if you’re frustrated or stuck – leave your desk. Walk away to get a clear head so you can come back and tackle the issue again.

What is one thing your customers might find surprising about you?

I can’t do just one! I haven’t done it in years, but I love yoga and would love to try out “Goat Yoga” someday, just for the fun of saying I did it. I’m also a pattern tester for knitwear designers – I get the raw version of a pattern and help the designer to perfect it so it’s ready for the public. I’m a huge Star Wars fan – if I can’t find something to watch I always default to starting the movies over in storyline chronological order.

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