GREEN CAREER WEEK
OCTOBER 2-6, 2023
Green Career Week is a national initiative to increase awareness about green industry careers
We are profiling Justin Watanabe, Operations Manager at Watanabe Floral!
Tell us about your role in Watanabe Floral
I am the Operations Manager, and I oversee the team that is in charge of the care and handling of the flowers as well as order fulfillment. My job is to set up my team for success and to maximize the skills and potential of my team. I keep them organized and on task to complete our assignments as efficiently as possible.
What do you enjoy most about working at Watanabe Floral?
It’s all about the people. They are what makes working here so enjoyable. They are so much fun, caring, and really just great people to be around. I challenge myself to make my department the best for them. It can definitely be difficult at times, but I enjoy trying to make a difference for others.
What is your favorite flower or plant?
My favorite flower is eryngium. It’s such a strange and odd looking flower.
Share a favorite memory from your time working at Watanabe Floral
I grew up around the business, and I remember when I was a little kid, I use to kick a ball around in the hallway on the administrative side of the building. I remember, Leon, and some others would come around and kick the ball around with me occasionally and I would just have so much fun. Looking back on it, it’s kind of embarrassing for me because it must have been so irritating for them with all the noise I was making.
Why should someone consider a career with Watanabe Floral?
I think Watanabe Floral provides great work/life balance. There are definitely certain periods where we are so busy that we have to work long hours, but for majority of the year, it is not like that. At the managerial level, I am not expected to be here the full 8 hours per day. If something happens and I need to be away from work, they do everything in their power to work with us. Also, on the team level, while they may not have the same flexibility as managers, we do our absolute best in working with the team to satisfy their scheduling needs. Beyond just the scheduling, we really try out best to work with our team on anything they need.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy everything sports. I grew up playing sports all my life, so it has been a lifelong passion of mine. I still enjoy playing sports every now and then, although I am not nearly in the shape that I use to be, so it can be a little rough on the body now. Other than that, I just enjoy hanging out with friends and trying new restaurants.
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- WE'RE HIRING! -
For more information and to apply, please visit: https://watanabefloral.com/careers/
