Each year, Bobbi Difronzo, merchandise distribution manager at Inver Hills Community College Bookstore, looks forward to the summer months for one reason in particular: vacation! A welcome tradition for her and her two children, she enjoys the chance to get away, to explore new places, or to visit old friends. This summer, however, Bobbi combined all three during a trip to the MBS Headquarters!
Stopping at a few other destinations along the way, Bobbi and her children arrived at MBS’ Columbia, Missouri headquarters in the last week of July, just in time to say her goodbyes to long-time colleague and friend, Alan Leach, MBS marketing support representative.
“Every summer, the kids and I look forward to taking road trips to someplace new,” she explained. “I had spoken to my territory manager, Kris Geister, during the week that I was planning this year’s trip and she mentioned Alan’s upcoming retirement, which put the idea in my head. I asked the kids if they wanted to visit a place that was related to my work, this year, and they were very excited; so that’s what we did!”
Throughout her store’s partnership with MBS, Bobbi came to know Alan well.
“He used to do buyback at my store way back when so I’ve known him for about 23 years,” she said. “Whenever we needed anything, Alan was always the guy to call. We’d receive whatever it was right away and end up with a box full of goodies when it came, too!”
During their visit, Bobbi was not only able to wish Alan well during his retirement but also experience his infamous tour throughout the building.
“The kids thought that was just the coolest thing! They were amazed at the size of the warehouse and couldn’t stop talking about the giant fans that were in back,” she said. “They even pointed to a pallet of MBS boxes and said ‘Look mom, those are your work boxes!’ They really enjoyed it.”
It was during that tour that Bobbi took note of a special aspect of MBS.
“I’ve always had great customer service from everyone there over the phone, but it’s another thing to see it in action,” she added. “You can just tell by walking down the hall that it’s a great place to work. Everyone seems genuinely happy, like they really enjoy what they’re doing. It’s a super friendly atmosphere.”
As yet another testament to MBS’ continued customer service, Bobbi had the chance to visit with her TA2Online representative, Kathy Davis, while in the building.
“Kathy is so helpful,” she said. “When I call in with an issue, I know she’s always going to be on the other end to pick up. She knows me and she knows my store so, no matter what the situation may be, I don’t have to worry because she’ll be able to help me resolve it quickly.”
Overall, both Bobbi and her family found the experience to be a fun and interesting one.
“It was nice to get a glimpse of what it’s like to work at MBS and catch up with all of the people I talk with over the phone,” she said. “We all had a good time!”
