Meet Our General Manager: Stephanie Clark's Full Q&A
Q: What is your name & title?
A: My name is Stephanie Clark! I’m the General Manager.
Q: How long have you worked here?
A: I’ve worked here for 7 months.
Q: Was there anyone who inspired you to work in first aid?
A: My start in first aid was unplanned. I became an administrative assistant at a healthcare manufacturing distributor. I was able to work my way up from there. I found some passion in helping others out. I’m not a doctor, nurse, or EMT but my need and want to service people was met by offering first aid, CPR, & AED training. Just being able to have that conversation on a daily basis is everything to me.
Q: Has there been a memory here that really resonated with you?
A: Everyday at Lechner is fun! Anytime we can talk CPR, AEDs, and band-aids is my jam! It makes my day! I was allowed one time to suit up in a full fire suit! I got to train and see what our first responders go through and that was very memorable. I learned how to use the hose, and to apply certain first aid techniques. Even being CPR trained fit well with all the other training that I’ve had. It’s really wonderful! When I do come back in my next life, I will either be a firefighter, an ENT, or someone else in a medical profession.
Q: What are the most vital takeaways that enlightened your first aid experience?
A: First aid is dependent upon how you want to use and apply it everyday. First aid is your insurance policy! I’m a firm believer that either you or I are the responders! We’re the first people on site. It’s important for everyone to be trained, or to at least have the confidence! If you’re scared of blood or don’t know what to do if someone has a sudden cardiac arrest, you’re still capable of calling 911 or getting the AED. Someone can be a hero by even knowing where the first aid kit is and bringing it back. You are then a part of that rescue solution. If you stand by and don’t assist, that won’t do anything. I've always been about helping others and making sure people are safe.
Q: What makes you a unique team member?
A: I have a ton of energy everyday! I’ll do a dance or song, rally the troops. I love good puns and jokes. I’m just here to bring laughter and lightness to the team and to make sure people are safe!
Q: What do you enjoy about your job?
A: I love everything about my job! I truly believe this job is allowing me to do what I love! I believe in service over self and this is my way of contributing. I tell my kids it’s important to be safe and to have first aid. We have to take care of our people.
Q: What are some achievements that made you feel rewarded?
A: Some of my proudest accomplishments are being able to engage with the community. Being able to go into different types of businesses, and organizations to inspire and influence them to care about first aid. I am able to make them aware of what they can do or how they can train people.
Q: What makes the Lechner company standout?
A: Lechner is family-owned and it's been around for over 50 years. The Lechner First Aid and Supply is a fairly new division and is making an impact! I can’t wait to see where we’ll be in 3-5 years! I know Lechner is going to be big!
Q: How would you describe your first aid colleagues?
A: My colleagues are awesome! My first aid team is the best team you could possibly want as a manager! We have gentlemen on the team who are ready to serve! They believe in it! They get excited about band-aids, cold packs, and AEDs just as much as I do! Servicing others is what they DO! I think as a team, we all live by that methodology! It’s awesome to share my days with them!
Q: What does your work day typically look like?
A: As the general manager, I do quite a bit! I get to talk to customers, train employees, do inventory, I get to view products, help with the marketing, and make sure the customers are taken care of. I do a little bit of everything and that really helps me have an exciting day!
Q: What are your favorite first aid products & why?
A: My favorite AED is the Zoll Plus. The Zoll 3. It’s an AED that will automatically switch to help an infant or a child without changing much! It helps the user do less! I love the trauma kit with hemostatic gauze and band-aids are very important! I like it all!
Q: What are some hobbies you enjoy in your freetime?
A: My kids allow me to be ‘Safety Steph’ when they play baseball, football, volleyball, and lacrosse. I’m their fan! And when I do get the chance to go out with my husband, I try to enjoy every second of that.
Q: What are some guidance pointers you have for your fellow colleagues?
A: Don’t be afraid to help others. You will be empowered to use your voice and skills whether you know how to do CPR or apply a band-aid. You are the chain in the survival link. We have to help each other.
Q: How do you uplift other employees at Lechner?
A: With one of my colleagues, Julie, we always keep it airy and fun!
Q: Tell us about a situation when a customer was delighted with your service?
A: Recently we were able to assist the customer and point out that their AEDs were quite old! While they were being serviced and kept up to date, they weren’t properly warranted or up to the fullest standards! We were able to educate them on the new AEDs that they are leasing. They are now rescue ready, compliant, and ready to go!
Q: How do you overcome challenges at work?
A: I hardly encounter challenges because in the service industry, everyone helps out each other. There really isn’t an obstacle and if there is, we work together as a team to get a solution and it happens!
Q: What would you like customers to know about the Lechner First Aid Supply service?
A: We’re a small but mighty company! I want the customer to know we are a custom tailor service. I want them to know they can call us at any time! If there is a challenge they need to overcome, we are incredibly versatile to address many different things that big box companies don’t have the ability to do! We’re the company to get your services and needs checked!
Q: Can you revisit a time when Lechner displayed your skills or expertise?
A: Lechner gave me the opportunity to be here. Timing is everything. When I met Brian Lechner the owner, it was a time in my life where I really wanted to evaluate where I wanted to be. How can I still be in this industry and make an impact? He and the company have given me the chance to do what I love. I’m forever grateful! This is the place where we make our mark and were people will get their first aid and be safe.
