Michele Fournier, manager of AlphaGraphics in Providence, has been named 2005 AlphaGraphics Manager of the Year. Manager of the year is awarded annually to the top manager in the AlphaGraphics international network of business centers. Fournier has worked for the company for 15 years. During her tenure, she has implemented procedures that ensure customers receive high-quality products. Fournier’s work ethic assures jobs are produced “on time and as promised.”
PBN: What is the best part of your day?
FOURNIER: The best part of my day occurs during the morning WIP (work in progress) meeting. It’s my opportunity to interface with the entire staff. Individual departments discuss issues before the usually hectic day begins. Often I’ll find departments have searched for a solution to a problem that is easily resolved when we act toward resolution as a group.
PBN: What drives you, personally?
FOURNIER: In short, customer service drives me. I set high standards for myself, and work toward achieving them. Of course, having a great staff shouldn’t go without mention.
PBN: What is the key to success at your job?
FOURNIER: My capacity as a facilitator with our staff to be certain that our customers are getting the kind of service we’re known for.
PBN: What advice would you give to someone looking to break into your field?
FOURNIER: Teach yourself to become aware of detail. Develop your organizational skills – everything we do in this business requires teamwork. Don’t let hard work scare you away. Helping customers achieve the “look” they desire to represent their business is difficult, but very rewarding.
PBN: What do you like to do when you aren’t at work?
FOURNIER: I enjoy fine dining, good wine, and entertaining. Being detail oriented, I derive satisfaction from a perfect table setting when we entertain, for example. My friends know me as an exercise/workout fanatic, which helps when you really enjoy cooking and fine cuisine.
PBN: What’s the last book you read?
FOURNIER: “The DaVinci Code” and “Angels and Demons” by Dan Brown.
