Meet Caitlin Henry - Optoro's Software Development Lead
How would you describe yourself in 10 keywords or fewer?
Go big or go home.
What is your role at Optoro, and what do you do?
I'm the software development lead for the Return to Vendor team. We make a product that helps our client manage a workflow to return items to their original manufacturers for credit, based on agreements that retailers have with their vendors. I work with the other developers on my team, as well as design, product management, and quality engineering to develop and deliver new features to the Return to Vendor product.
What did you do before Optoro, and why did you choose to work at Optoro?
Before Optoro, I worked as a software developer at another DC startup. I chose to come to Optoro to get a new experience with a different technology and a larger team. I was attracted to the mission, product, and vision at Optoro, and knew that this was a place where I could grow my career. The company is in a really exciting place right now, and I thought it was a great time to join the team.
What is the most important thing you have learned since starting at Optoro?
If you're afraid to do something, you should do it more often.
What is the best part of working at Optoro?
I think Optoro is especially unique in the way that everyone truly cares about each other. People say that a lot, but it does really feel different to me here. Everyone I work with is constantly seeking out ways to collaborate to get to a team goal. People are open and honest about what they feel is working and what isn't, and everyone is always trying to make Optoro a better place for all employees to work.
What would you most likely be doing on a normal Saturday afternoon in your free time?
Most weekends you'll find me exploring DC and all it has to offer! I sold my car about a year and a half ago and I'm loving my car-free life. My fiance and I are usually going for a run in Rock Creek Park, working on projects in our new condo, trying out new restaurants with friends, or kicking back with our cat and watching some terrible reality television.
Meet Kimberlee Sheldon - Optoro's Director Of Solutions
How would you describe yourself in 10 keywords or fewer?
Tenacious, optimistic, adventurous, fearless, intellectually curious, fun, outgoing, British!
What is your role at Optoro, and what do you do?
I am a Director of Solutions at Optoro. In my role, I focus on partnering with retail clients to determine how our solution could be deployed to drive maximum value for them. Essentially, this means I spend time visiting clients' facilities to hear exactly what their pain points are and to understand how their reverse logistics systems work. Once I've done this, I develop a potential solution for that client through a business case that outlines the key areas of value. In any given week, I spend a good amount of time interacting with clients, talking them through our findings, and refining our perspective jointly to find the best solution for them. It's the perfect mix of rigorous quantitative analysis with heavy client interaction.
What did you do before Optoro, and why did you choose to work at Optoro?
Prior to joining Optoro I was a Case Team Leader at Bain & Co. based in Boston. I decided to join Optoro as I wanted the opportunity to work in a high growth company that was looking to solve a clear market need. I received my MBA from MIT Sloan and one of the reasons I decided to study there was due to the school's mission 'to develop principled, innovative leaders who improve the world and generate ideas that advance management practice.' At Optoro, I found a company where I could work in an exciting, dynamic company and help tackle a serious environmental issue. Often times a tremendous amount of returns end up in landfill, and our solution helps reduce that environmental waste.
What is the most important thing you have learned since starting at Optoro?
Remain flexible! We're a fast growing company with ~200 employees. Optoro is the market leader in our industry and is constantly innovating to push the boundaries in this space. As such, I am frequently learning new skills, shifting priorities, and stepping up to tackle new challenges. Every day is different and exciting!
What is the best part of working at Optoro?
One of the best parts of Optoro is the people. My team is incredibly collaborative, intelligent, and motivated. The people push me to think differently, to find unique solutions to problems, and to have fun all at the same time. Additionally, I think one of the universal qualities that Optoro employees share is an 'at cause' approach. If one of us sees a problem we'll take it upon ourselves to fix it no matter how trivial.
What would you most likely be doing on a normal Saturday afternoon in your free time?
That's a tough question! I enjoy traveling so I'm frequently taking weekend trips. However, as I just moved to DC, I'll likely be exploring the city trying to find a good, new foodie spot with friends. I also enjoy events such as The Phillips Collection jazz night so you might find me there.
Meet Marenna Montague - Optoro's Sales Operations Coordinator, Direct Sales
How would you describe yourself in 10 keywords or fewer?
Creative, Aesthete, Positive, Strategic, Realist, Dreamer, Driven, Adaptable
What is your role at Optoro, and what do you do?
I am the Sales Operations Coordinator for Direct Sales at Optoro. I am responsible for seeing our Direct Sales orders from Pre-Sale through Post-Sale. This includes everything from sending out inventory bids to our buyers, to building orders, to coordinating shipments, to handling post-sale issues that may pop up after delivery.
What did you do before Optoro, and why did you choose to work at Optoro?
Before Optoro, I worked in Association Management. Minimalism and appreciation for the Earth were principles that my mother and father instilled in my brothers and I growing up. So I was drawn to Optoro because our mission revolves around sustainability.
What is the most important thing you have learned since starting at Optoro?
Flexibility is key. Our priorities shift all the time. You have to be able to go with the flow and adapt to the ever changing needs and goals of the company, your team and the reverse logistics industry.
What is the best part of working at Optoro?
I love working on a small team. We only have four people. While it can have its challenges at times, it's been fun being able to create our own culture and team dynamic. We each bring our own unique experiences and skills to the table. We get to interact with each other one on one; something you don't always get on larger teams or teams that have been established for a while. I've also been able to take on more responsibility and grow my skill set. Eventually our team will get bigger as we scale, so I am enjoying this time while it lasts.
What would you most likely be doing on a normal Saturday afternoon in your free time?
Marenna on a day trip with her friends.
On Saturdays, I usually wake up early, grab a tea and make some jewelry. I love checking out new restaurants with friends, going to pop-up events, taking mini road trips, reading about the latest skincare + curly hair care tips, and catching up on new movies and/or documentaries on Netflix.
Meet Breonna Bowen - Optoro's Senior Associate, Customer Care
How would you describe yourself in 10 keywords or fewer?
Thoughtful, flexible, reliable, go-getter, and silly.
What is your role at Optoro, and what do you do?
As a Customer Care Senior Associate, I provide customers with comprehensive customer service via email, phone and chat for two of our brands, BLINQ and BULQ. Outside of our customer-facing efforts I work behind the scenes creating training to help our Customer Care team to help stay at the top of their game, track and report business-impacting issues, develop Customer Care and cross-departmental SOPs, monitor and troubleshoot Customer Care software issues, and work on any projects related to customer experience/satisfaction.
What did you do before Optoro, and why did you choose to work at Optoro?
I've been in the customer service industry for the past four years. I've always believed that customer service skills are skills that you carry with you no matter what career you choose. You develop and master skills such as problem-solving, tone matching, keeping your cool in difficult situations and more. While Optoro is primarily a tech company, I love how much they value the customer experience. Additionally, I saw room not only for myself to grow, but a seat at the table where I can help the company grow.
What is the most important thing you have learned since starting at Optoro?
Change can happen organically or with effort and it's important to learn to identify which is necessary.
What is the best part of working at Optoro?
Over the past two years, I've had the opportunity to work with Optoro's Diversity and Inclusion Committee. I'm so thankful to be apart of a company that is invested in their employee's morale and having more balanced representation in every department.
What would you most likely be doing on a normal Saturday afternoon in your free time?
I'm usually binge-watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine with my husband or having a fun girls day out with a few of my close friends.
