Join us each month for a series highlighting the unique career journey of employees.
This month, we talk to Charlotte Senior Manager and chaos organizer, Roz Bremser.
1. When did you start with Centric? Tell me about your career path.
My career has been a journey through IT, starting as an Assembler Programmer with USLife in Arlington Heights, IL while completing my Computer Science Associates Degree. I refer to those days as the 1st generation of SaaS.
Years and two children later, I was the trailing spouse as my husband accepted an opportunity in Overland Park, KS. Imagine moving into your recently retired father-in-law’s house with an 18-month old and a 4-year-old.
I quickly found a programming job with the Federal Reserve Bank (KCMO) in the ACH Division. Picture this: being “on call” – no remote access – having to drive to the office at zero dark thirty – hoping that the security guard(s) watched that no one followed you into the parking deck.
One year later, I joined USAAdminServices (a privately held interest-sensitive and reinsurance software company). This was the time in my career every opportunity was at my disposal and I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Management & Human Relations. In 1995, TransAmerica acquired USAAdmin and I was promoted to an Officer of the Company. But this time, my husband was the trailing spouse. We were relocated to Charlotte, NC where I was the CIO of the Life and Annuity Division. (Fun Fact: 1995/1996 is when I first met TJ Felice, Centric Charlotte’s Practice Lead).
I should have been nominated for “Super Mom,” honestly, I don’t know how I did it – business travel, parenting, school, Windows 95 – it’s all a blur.
Have you ever been to Charlotte, NC? Warning: Once you’ve made the trip, you won’t want to leave.
Eventually, Transamerica moved the Charlotte Life and Annuity Operation to Cedar Rapids, IA. I commuted to Iowa for 18 months. Once the systems and back-office operations were relocated, I remained in Charlotte so I could complete my MS, IT degree at UNCC and joined Duke Energy Enterprise IT Team.
I later joined Center on September 23, 2015, where I was first staffed at Axcess Financial until May of 2016.
I’ve been blessed with a loving family and an abundance of opportunities in Charlotte. Here’s a summary of the past two decades of my career:
- Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Consolidated (SAP, SOX, PMO, COE)
- SGL Carbon (SAP, North America Head of IT)
- Independent Consulting (Wachovia/Wells Fargo, UNCC)
- Currently: Centric Consulting – Charlotte Team
Over the years, TJ and I have stayed in touch – many moves later for TJ and his family, also. I am proud to be a member of the Charlotte team!
2. How did you end up in consulting?
Honestly, I thrive on getting the job done and not having to deal with distractions, such as political issues, staffing, etc. Consulting is the best place for me to be at this point in my career.
I’ve been in the client’s shoes before, I can empathize with them and help them navigate the chaos.
3. If you had to pinpoint a definitive moment in your career, what would that be?
There are two that come to mind:
- My experience at Transamerica was proof to me that you can do anything when you put your mind to.
- Aerospace & Defense (SGL Carbon) intellectual property is much more complex, regulated and sought after than I ever imagined.
4. How does your current role fit into your career path?
I thoroughly enjoy helping our clients get things done. I am learning to nurture relationships and realizing that it takes time to establish their trust and respect. If I find myself in a role or position when I am not learning, it’s time for me to move on.
5. What are some unique, funny or interesting stories you can share about your career journey?
Have you ever heard Bingo being played over the loudspeaker when you called your broker? Yep, it really happened at the Wealth Management Call Center.
6. What motivates your career and drives you to keep going?
The core values of the organization and working with exceptional people. Also, having a personal relationship with colleagues and helping our clients.
7. Please describe consulting at Centric. What is this job like?
Days often look like the following (not a full “day-in-the-life” but a partial list):
- Herding cats with a water gun
- Game of 1,000 questions (referred to as requirements gathering)
- Timesheets and expense reports that require separate pages and receipts for EVERYTHING
- Facilitating or leading spectacular client/steering committee meetings
- Business development networking
- Responding to client and prospects inquiries
- Emails, project/engagement materials
- Helping a Colleague solve a problem
These things could happen simultaneously or maybe one-at-a-time, it depends on the day.
8. What did your recruiting process look like?
Like I mentioned before, TJ Felice and I have known each other for many years and always cherished the relationship. For me, joining Centric was a natural fit
9. Is your practice currently hiring? Or, is the company currently hiring for roles like yours?
Yes! The Charlotte team is currently hiring. Continuously, we work to have candidates in the pipeline. As a growing team, opportunities are imminent and the market is volatile.
Each of us work to stay in touch with our networks of exceptional talent. Many of which are excited to learn more about Centric – our exceptional culture, vision, and progress.
10. What mix of skills, personality, and values do you find most important for a consulting role like yours?
- Communication
- Time Management
- Truthfulness/Transparency/Honesty
- Respect
- Professionalism
- Flexibility
- Willingness to ask for help
11. What tips would you share with future Centric recruits?
Believe what you see, read and hear about Centric. Centric is the exception in the market place.
It’s not for everyone but if Centric’s core values align with your personal values, Centric will likely be right for you.
12. Given that Centric values work-life balance, what are some of your hobbies or special interests outside of work?
I love being with my family, so we do what we can to see each other often which requires travel and planning. My two grandchildren (Emerson, 3 and Lincoln, 16 mo.) hold a special place in my heart so when we’re apart, I’m doing things to stay in touch, like FaceTiming, messaging, sending cards and packages.
Here are some of the things I value and love to spend my time doing:
- Family
- Playing Piano
- Exercising, walking my dogs
- Travel, international and domestic
- Getting involved in my community
- Interior painting
- In the process of trying farming, I’ve only ridden the tractor and zero-turn mower once so far. Jury is still out.