- April 19, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
Growing up, Barbara Zdziarski visited her grandparents' men's clothing stores after school. It was there she discovered she wanted to pursue a career in customer service.
“I’ve always been a happy person,” Zdziarski said. “When you enjoy life, it rubs off on other people.”
Although she only worked in retail jobs for three years, she translated her positive attitude in other customer-oriented careers. She worked 30 years as a kindergarten teacher and most recently served as the membership and event coordinator for the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance — a position that relies heavily on making members feel welcome, Executive Director Heather Kasten said.
After three years in the role, Zdziarski is retiring, effective July 1.
Although she was never a computer whiz, she believes her friendliness and willingness to learn helped her secure and keep the job she described as “a treasure and a pleasure.”
To longtime alliance member Tommy Klauber, owner of Polo Grill and Bar, Zdziarski’s enthusiasm made her a beloved member of the Ranch group.
“Her quick smile makes you feel instantly at ease,” Klauber said. “She brought great energy.”
But Zdziarski isn’t going far.
She recently moved to the Esplanade community and plans to join a variety of community groups there. She'll also attend and volunteer at some alliance events, such as the July 1 networking social.
“(The alliance) can’t get rid of me, yet,” Zdziarski. “I’m just starting another chapter of my life. I’m excited to see what that chapter looks like.”
Contact Amanda Sebastiano at [email protected].
NEW FACE
A former teacher’s aid and a mother of five, Amy Gonzalez is most comfortable working in groups.
Now, Gonzalez is the new face of the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, as the membership and events coordinator.
Gonzalez started in the position June 22, just three months after moving to East County from Wisconsin.
“I plan to further create an atmosphere that makes our members feel welcome,” Gonzalez said. “The alliance is a people-focused group, and I already feel the positive energy here.”
