Feeling Like Family: Q&A with Project Coordinator Dawnelle Renfro
Joining a new company and starting a new job, especially in a new industry, is never easy. Compound that with the added difficulty of being right in the middle of a pandemic and things can get stressful, quickly. We recently spoke with Dawnelle Renfro, project coordinator in Gray’s Northwest Office, about her onboarding experience in the middle of COVID-19 and how Gray made the transition into her new family as smooth as possible.
Can you tell us what your normal workday or “day in the life” is like?
“My days always start out the same. I walk into the office at 6:30 a.m. and we all greet each other cheerfully, even if it is rainy and dreary out, which is most days when you are near Seattle.
Once I get my computer booted-up and running is when the fun starts: emails, phone calls, and Excel sheets. My daily focus is to assist in the organization and maintenance of job files, enter submittals, RFIs, invoices, and change orders. As the project ends, I help with final pay apps and close out items.
My days are forever changing.”
What do you enjoy most about your work?
“The thing I enjoy most about my work is that my days are never the same. There is always something new to learn, a new person to meet, and it never gets boring.”
What do you like most about the Northwest Office?
“The people. Everyone in the Northwest Office is extremely nice. We all get along and can laugh and have fun while working.”
What has been the most memorable experience with Gray since you started?
“Being a part of the first GrayFusion onboarding. Starting a new job, in a new industry, 2,403 miles from the main office, during a global pandemic, left me disconnected from training and resources being readily available. GrayFusion helped fill in all the gaps and helped give me a better understanding of Gray and what is expected of me in my position. Getting the chance to meet the people, in person, I email daily and being able to put a face to the name made me feel like I am officially part of the Gray family.”
In one word or phrase, how would you describe Gray?
“Family.”
If someone was visiting the Issaquah area, what would you recommend to them as a “must-do?”
“If you are visiting in the fall, watching the salmon spawn in our local creeks is a must. Issaquah has a whole festival celebrating the salmon during the first weekend in October. Hiking is also great here. We have so many fun and beautiful places to hike like Poo-Poo Point to watch the paragliders and Rattlesnake Ledge Trail.”
If you would like insight into life at Gray and opportunities to join the team, please visit gray.com/careers/.
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