Amy Bonnette’s job as an Administrative Services Supervisor is to meet the needs of Haskell team members – and it’s a job that she loves.
“I come to work excited, especially on Monday, because that’s when I meet with our new team members,” Bonnette said. “I tell them that this is going to be the best job of your life.”
Internal customer service takes many forms, including expense accounts, corporate travel, service awards, office supplies and building maintenance.
“I really love customer service. I love to provide team member support,” Bonnette said. “I love putting people first.”
Working at Haskell is a family tradition.
The company has been a part of her life since the fifth grade, when her mother, Sara Guthrie, joined Haskell’s Corporate Resource Center. Her sister, Kim Pugh, also works there and is an Administrative Assistant. Bonnette joined the team upon graduation from Forrest High School, now Westside High, in 1990, starting at the reception desk.
“She knew everyone’s phone numbers by heart,” said Janet Ahr, Director of Administrative Services. “I don’t know how she did that.”
Over the years, she has risen through the administrative ranks. In the fourth quarter of 2012, she received the Living the Values Award for exemplifying Haskell’s Core Values of Team Excellence, Service and Trust. In 2021, she took the Enhance Potential Through Intentional Coaching (EPIC) development course, which she called a turning point that helped her grow as a supervisor.
“It took us outside our comfort zone, and you need that sometimes,” she said. “For example, I love talking to people, but public speaking makes me nervous.”
If you wonder where Bonnette gets all her energy and enthusiasm, running has a lot to do with it.
“My parents got me into running,” she said. “I’ve met so many people through running. I met my husband running.”
Bonnette averages 30 miles a week. She and her husband, David, get up at 4 a.m. most days to hit the road.
“It’s fun to know your workout is done for the day,” she said.
The Bonnettes often plan their vacations around races. Last year they went to Chicago and Philadelphia. She’s a regular at the Gate River Run, where she finishes in the top 10% of her age group. And she’s on the First Place Sports Team.
“There’s something about crossing the starting line,” she said. “It’s your race. I love giving it all I have. And when you cross that finish line, you know you gave it your best.”
As you might expect, anyone who burns that many calories can indulge in a great wardrobe.
“I love shopping for clothes, especially shoes,” she said. “I love stilettos. If I’m not in running shoes, I’m in stilettos.”
Each Monday, she’s at Haskell’s Jacksonville headquarters, welcoming new team members and exemplifying the Core Values as she has done now for 32 years.
“My mom retired after 32½ years, so I’m going to beat her,” she said. “For 32 years, I’ve given my heart to Haskell because of the people. I’ve made it the best job of my life. I’m really thankful for my career path. I’m proud to say I work here.
“I was talking to a team member about retirement. And I thought, ‘I turn 50 this year, I could work for Haskell for 50 years.’”
Haskell is hiring! Find the opportunity that’s right for you and join an organization where team members like Amy Bonnette will help you build the BEST job of your life.
5 Questions with Amy Bonnette
What drew you to your career?
I was only supposed to be at Haskell for three weeks, but a position came available that provided me different paths and steps to grow at Haskell. I have had many great mentors along the way with my current mentor being Janet Ahr. She allows me opportunities to communicate my goals and presents me with even bigger challenges.
What is your favorite travel destination, and why?
I really do not have a favorite, because David and I look forward to destination runs. In October, we are doing a half-marathon in the Everglades, so I am sure we will end up in the Keys. We do enjoy Key Largo.
Complete this sentence: I couldn’t make it through the week without …
Running and working out with my husband David and running buddies (I love working out first thing in the morning), playing with my three dogs Charlie (Havanese), Bogey (Pom-a-Poo), and George (Mini Golden-Doodle), working with my team. I get excited coming in the office.
Who is your role model and how have they influenced you?
My mom. She raised three girls on her own until she met our dad (stepdad, but he is my dad). She is a strong woman with a great work ethic and really faced and faces any challenges in life.
What does being a Haskell team member mean to you?
Your identity is tied to whatever you give your heart to, and I am excited to say The Haskell Company has my heart. Haskell motivates me to be happy at my job and to be able to love what I do.
