A Controller for a Controls Company
As MR Systems grew we realized that we needed someone that could fill the dual role of Financial Controller and Human Resources Manager- we found that person in Danielle. Born and raised in Iowa, Danielle comes to MR with an Accounting degree from the University of Iowa. Her husband, Rick, is a firefighter and a former professional hockey player. Married for twenty years, they have two sons- Payton, who will be attending Georgia Southern University in the fall pursuing a Mechanical Engineering degree, and Parker, a sophomore in high school. She has two rescue dogs- Boomer, who we have the delight to see from time to time, and Yogi, a 9-week-old puppy that spends his days at home playing and sleeping.
Danielle handles all aspects of the accounting department including financials, WIPs, sales taxes, state licensing, etc. Her role as Human Resources Manager involves many things from payroll benefits and onboarding, to (most importantly!) keeping the employees happy, informed, and engaged. It’s a no-brainer that an engaged, committed workforce is better for business performance!
MR Systems has experienced significant growth during the past year since Danielle has been here. Our team has grown by 25% but has really been able to keep the small company feel. “When I started with MR I thought I could hop on the train that was chugging along and have a little time to tackle the learning curve ahead of me, but in reality, I ran and jumped on the bullet train that hasn’t slowed down since! Each and every day is different with new challenges and I love it!” She said it’s definitely not what people think of a typical accounting job, but we aren’t your typical controls company either. Danielle has been able to tackle the accounting and human resources aspects as well as assist in expanding the department in other areas that need development.
Through our highly anticipated office expansion, Danielle was able to see the strong message MR is sending to the employees about their importance to us by reinvesting back into the company.
LIFE BALANCE
In order to keep her balance between her family life and her work life, it was important for her to find a company that understood the commitments and issues of families. Currently, her son Payton is an Intern at MR. He will be spending the summer with us before he heads off to GSU in the Fall. During his time here he is gaining valuable knowledge in the field and in the panel shop wiring panels and performing panel checkouts. It was important to her that the company she worked for could look at the workplace through a family lens. We know that if a mom or dad feels guilty working from home because their child is sick, then there’s a problem. Danielle said that she feels lucky in this respect with her career, including her time at MR.
WORTH REPEATING
With her husband’s former career being a professional hockey player for 10 years and still an active hockey coach, it’s fitting that her two favorite quotes are from the great Wayne Gretzsky:
- You miss 100% of the shots you never take!
- “I have taken a lot of chances in my career and I feel I have been rewarded every step of the way and have ended up here in such a great place.” -Danielle
- A good hockey player plays where the pucks is – A great hockey players plays where the puck is going to be.
- “In my role here I need to focus on where the company is going. And as we grow I need to make sure the employees stay engaged and are always looking ahead to help keep our company great.” -Danielle
FROM HER PEERS
In talking with others at MR, it was apparent that Danielle is not only hard working and a much needed asset at MR, but she is also well liked and admired by her peers.
“MR Systems has experienced a well deserved growth spurt over the past year which Danielle has handled with such grace. As we are all adjusting to this exciting next phase she finds positive ways for us all to connect and keep that MR Family feel. Danielle’s determination, hardworking spirit, and infectious laugh have been a welcome addition to MR Systems.”
“Danielle has been a great addition to the MR Team and has come in with such a positive attitude. She brings a lot of experience to the team and genuinely cares about each employee. She learns quick and knows how to adapt to connect with varying personalities which can often be difficult.”
Company Culture
If we were to write a book about MR, Danielle’s choice in a theme would be Teamwork. She says that we have so many moving parts within the company (sales/design/production/installation to implementation/service out in the field after the fact) and so much talent on our team that teamwork has to be a priority to make it all work and to uphold our stellar reputation of producing quality products and services. Danielle also said that her favorite thing about MR is easily the employees because, “when you spend so much time with coworkers it is extremely important that you love where you are and you care about those around you.”
WORDS OF WISDOM
“Know that at MR we work hard and are rewarded for our hard work. You will be surrounded by a great team and many talented individuals that you can learn so much from, so ask questions and listen and you will be amazed at what you get in return.” – Danielle
THE NEXT 10 YEARS
“I have definitely found my home away from home at MR. My goal over the next 5-10 years is to keep the comradery and small company culture while still continuing to grow. I would love to be part of the team that helps with the company’s future direction and strategies.” – Danielle
