Employee Spotlight: Customer Care Representative Darryl Smith
At Bluebird, our employees are the flesh, blood, and hollow bones (we have to be able to fly, right?) that make up this company. That’s why, every so often, we like to take the opportunity to sit down with one of our staff members and find out a little more about what makes them chirp. This week, we sat down with Darryl Smith, one of our Customer Care Representatives (CCR).
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Definitely the people. I love that we have such an open community [at Bluebird]. We’re very forward-thinking and we’re regular acting. It’s somewhere I can honestly be myself.
Why are you passionate about the hemp industry? What motivates you in your work?
I really want to learn more about the hemp industry. I used to work with adults with disabilities and first heard about CBD from some of those folks. I have seen the impact hemp products can have on our customers and my peers, and I want to see if these products are something that could help my parents and my family in the long run.
In my own work, I’m motivated by being successful and being successful means accountability. Setting goals and accomplishing them is really rewarding.
At Bluebird, my primary goal is always to be a team player. I like to say YES all the time. Even if it’s hard, it gives me the opportunity to learn. I like to radiate positivity. I’m motivated by trying to seek to understand.
Cool Facts About Darryl
Age: 29
Hometown: The Bronx
Hobbies: Professional dancer, cooking dinner because it makes me feel like I’m an artist, weight lifting, survival skill conditioning (if we’re running from zombies, when are you going to have time to stop and get water?).
Favorite musical artist: Right now: Beyonce, Megan Thee Stallion, Summer Walker.
Favorite local hang out spot: The dance studio! My apartment is also the hangout spot.
Surprising fact about you: I can do the splits!
Personal philosophy: We should be kind to others because we know how it feels when one isn’t kind to you.
What do you find most challenging about working in the cannabis/hemp industry?
The most challenging aspect of working in the hemp industry is probably not being able to give people more information [because of FDA regulations]. This limitation makes it more difficult to relate, and sometimes I feel a little guilty not being able to share more with our customers.
What’s your favorite story or memory from your time at Bluebird?
There was a woman on the phone asking about CBD. After speaking with her about our products, I asked if she was interested in placing an order and she said, “Uh uh hunny, my man’s getting it. I don’t know which one, but someone will call back to place an order for me!”
I feel like I have the opportunity to talk to some of the funniest people on the phone. It’s comforting to know that people out there who are going through really scary things are still able to find the light. It makes me think about the things in my day to day life I get so frustrated by, and reminds me to practice gratitude and keep a good humor.
What is a common misconception about the cannabis/hemp industry that you’ve come across in your work?
That CBD works the same way for everyone - that everyone will receive the same benefits. Everyone’s body is different - CBD might have helped your friend with something, but it might not work the same way for you.
Other than that, it’s that people don’t actually believe that the CCR team actually isn’t here on the weekends.
What does it mean to be a CCR at Bluebird?
To me, being a CCR means being someone who actually cares not just about the company, but our customers, our team, and what we stand for. Talking to customers is sometimes like therapy.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
Just remember to take care of each other, no matter what you look like, no matter where you are, and no matter how weird you are.
