Spirit Magazine - August 2013 - (Page 16)

Star of the Month Wendy Smith C U S TO M ER S ER V I C E S U PER V I S O R , D E T RO I T POP STAR Wendy keeps her cool on warm days. 16 SPIRIT AUGUST 2013 A call to the Southwest Airlines reservation line changed Wendy Smith’s life. Yes, really. During her college years, Wendy would make the occasional weekend trip home to Detroit, taking advantage of Southwest’s great low-fare promotions. Before one of those trips, Wendy called 1-800-I-FLY-SWA to book her ticket. After an hourlong conversation with a Representative, Wendy was a changed woman. She knew that her Warrior Spirit, Servant’s Heart, and Fun-LUVing Attitude belonged at Southwest Airlines, and she was ready for the journey of a lifetime. The rest, as they say, is history. Wendy—a wife, mother, and jazz lover—celebrated her 16th anniversary with Southwest in June. She calls her fellow Employees her second Family. “Anytime we get a chance to goof off or to praise someone, we do,” she says. “We come together and help each other out.” Wendy and her Coworkers even have two “crazy cousins” (fellow Detroit Employees) who, she says, “make every day fun.” These jokesters have shown up to work in costumes and wigs and, on hot days, have served Popsicles on the ramp. Why? Because Southwest Employees work hard and take care of each other, but they don’t take themselves too seriously. All jokes aside, Wendy goes to work every day with a smile on her face. She has one goal: to make people happy. She says she knows that it’s hard to please everyone, but her job is to give each and every Customer, from seasoned road warriors to firsttime travelers, the best possible Southwest experience. Whether she’s singing and dancing through the airport or lending an ear when a Customer faces a long flight delay, Wendy is always up for the challenge of wowing Southwest Customers. So next time you call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA, pay close attention. You just might discover your calling. We’re sure glad that Wendy did! —Sarah Settele Blue Man Group is proud to give Wendy Smith two tickets to a Blue Man Group show as a token of appreciation for her work and dedication. Congratulations, Wendy! PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT STEWART

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spirit Magazine - August 2013

Spirit Magazine - August 2013
Contents
Gary’s Greeting
Gary’s Greeting en Español
Star of the Month
Freedom Story
From the Editor
Your Words
Your Pictures
Media Center
Eat Drink Sleep
The Numbers
Wise Guide
Business
The Greatest Show on Turf
Flipped Out
Your Adventure In Grand Rapids
Life Adventure In Grand Rapids
Calendar
Fun!
Spotlight
Community Outreach
Route Map
Rapid Rewards Partners
Flight Service
The “If” List

Spirit Magazine - August 2013