CHG is sometimes referred to as a "big, happy family." For some employees, however, that phrase rings very true -- they work each day with their family, whether it be a spouse, sibling, son, daughter, mother or father. Get to know our real-life CHG families in this series of weekly stories, We Are Family!
We Are Family: Two by Two
Cameron and Shari Hoffman enjoy driving together almost every morning to the Weatherby Healthcare office in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where they both work.
"I have to admit I was very nervous about working with my husband. I didn't want to lose my independence," Shari, a sales consultant for the OB/GYN team, expresses. "But I really enjoy it. The drive gives us time to actually talk to each other. With two kids, alone time is a luxury!"
Cameron, director of finance, has worked at CHG for more than nine years and is excited that he finally convinced his wife to join the company two years ago.
"At the time, Shari was working for the local newspaper and was very successful as a prepress operations manager. Unfortunately, the newspaper industry was weakening and she wasn’t very happy having to lay off good people," Cameron recalls. "I always thought Shari had the skills to do well in sales, but before Weatherby Healthcare, she had no prior sales experience. She is currently tracking for President’s Club, and I’ve never been to President's Club, so of course I’m her number one fan!"
Cameron, who remembers working in an airplane hangar before the office moved to a "deluxe apartment in the sky," says he likes the pride that comes with being part of an impressive company and a great place to work.
"I have been very fortunate to be a part of amazing growth year after year. Even a couple of years ago when the economy was so bad and everybody was feeling its negative effects, I felt like we were protected by a bubble and were safe," Cameron shares. "I also love that CHG is always trying to improve the company for its employees. Whether it’s holding the line on healthcare costs, giving us more days off to spend with the family or coming up with new and exciting events so that all employees feel like they are truly part of the family, they are constantly Putting People First."
Shari and Cameron both note that they have made lots of close friends at Weatherby Healthcare and enjoy celebrating their children's birthdays together and going on kid-friendly trips with other Weatherby Healthcare families. And, of course, it's nice to have family at work to make sure you don't skip lunch, Cameron says.
"While I may still work through lunch from time to time, my wife is always making sure I eat, just like at home," Cameron jokes. "I think it’s great that we know what each other experiences on a daily basis. I always knew what a consultant did in general, but now I have a much deeper understanding of what it takes to be successful on a desk and hopefully she has a better understanding of the forecasting, budgeting and financial side of the business. I love to celebrate her successes, knowing how they contribute to the company as a whole!"
Shari says it's nice having her husband close by at work -- even when he does something crazy and unexpected.
"When Cameron speaks at the town hall meetings, he always seems to do or say something off-the-wall, which I am used to. But when he does it in the meetings, everyone in the room seems to turn and look at me," Shari says. "It cracks me up!"