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Writer's pictureCoast Inc.

Coast Inc's Corner Chat: Shannon Cortez


Meet Shannon, who is a member of our Candidate Success Team and has been a driving force at Coast Inc for the past six years. Shannon is a hard worker and a valuable asset to Coast Inc. She is passionate about helping people, diversity and inclusion. She is a role model for anyone who wants to make a difference in the world. Recently we sat down with her to talk about working at Coast, and how her unwavering commitment to personal growth has shaped her career and life choices. From soul-searching to becoming an invaluable asset, Shannon's story is a testament to taking control of your own opportunities and embracing the journey. Read on to learn more about her insights, challenges, and triumphs.



Q: How did you hear about Coast Inc?

A: I love talking about my journey getting started [at Coast] because it was a very rocky time in my life. I was debating back and forth on what I wanted to do. At University of Illinois, I studied Microbiology because I thought I wanted to be a doctor.


At the time, I was getting certified to be a CNA as a way to get into the medical field and I was just very uncertain on what my next steps were in my life. I received a call from someone in our management team and that was awesome. They had received my resume through one of their job postings, and I'm glad they found it.


The qualities that they were looking for were aligned with what I am passionate about, sports minded being one. I grew up playing softball and volleyball, so being around the team and the competitive environment felt natural. When we spoke, they spoke a lot about growth. I think that really matched my intentions regarding training. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, but I felt like if someone is willing to train me, I can learn a lot of different skills and apply them. I was excited about the potential value I was able to bring to the table as well.


Q: What is it like to work with Coast Inc?

A: This is one of my favorite topics to chat with candidates about. I think what I love the most is definitely our culture and the diversity. I have never worked with so many different types of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and I really enjoy it because it brings different perspectives to the table, and I work with people that hold each other accountable.


It's not the average person who, you know, specifically looks to just clock in and clock out. It's people that are excited about making progress. People who are excited about building their career, and that's how I am. So it's exciting to be around people like that.



Q: How has Coast Inc. helped you achieve your goals?

A: When I think about the growth that I've had [here at Coast Inc.], I really like that much of my growth has not been just professional, but also personal. When I think about my journey starting in sales, I was a lot more timid when it came to having open conversations with a random person.


I feel like I'm a lot more confident and comfortable talking to anyone and vocalizing my thoughts to the team, along with being solution oriented. And that's huge. I think that things pop up in our lives sporadically and typically the first thing people do is panic.


That used to be me. But working with my mentors and coaches here at Coast has been a great way to learn how to sit back and find solutions, which helps me feel more calm.I think it's a great skill to just have in life in general.


Q: What does working at Coast Inc. mean to you?

A: Everyone has to work, right? But I think enjoying the work that you do is so important and I truly enjoy the work that I do. Helping people really step out of their comfort zones, and providing career growth. I love having the opportunity to make an impact, and not just make an impact on our clients, but on our team, my colleagues, and my community. There's so many different ways that I have an opportunity to make an impact. And that's something that's always been important for me. It's nice to know that I can do that in a lot of different aspects and know that I have a purpose or mission on a daily basis.


Q: How does Coast fit your personality?

A: Coming from a sports-oriented background, the collaborative team environment is a huge component for me.

I thrive working on a team and having the accountability from that. And I'd also say it’s nice that our team is really big on doing things outside of work which has always been exciting. Once a week we go out and do something, whether it’s meeting up at happy hour or checking out mini-golf together.

It's the fun times that we have together that really creates strong working relationships and it's exciting to have that type of environment here, not just a workplace.



Q: What advice would you give to candidates?

A: I like this question because a lot of times we make situations like ours feel like a life or death decision, and I think a lot of times, life is about experiences. I remember going to college, and everyone picks a major but they are still uncertain about what their career path looks like or if they want to actually end up in that career.


People start their careers and end up not enjoying what they're doing. And I think the only way you really know is by getting experience. So when speaking to a candidate who is looking or considering working with our company, ask yourself, what can you get out of it? What skills would be transferable from working here? Does the culture match your wants and needs?


That’s important, right? The people that you're going to work with and receive coaching and mentorship from are the people that you should like to see yourself with outside of work. And if those are questions that you can answer or you know you’ll be excited about the skills that you are going to learn, then why not go for it?


Shannon, who hails from Harvey, Illinois, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to personal growth throughout her life. From her studies in microbiology at the University of Illinois, to becoming an integral member of Coast Inc.'s management team, Shannon's journey exemplifies her drive to evolve. An avid sports enthusiast and ambitious individual, Shannon found her match at Coast Inc. The promise of growth, cross-training, and a community of like-minded individuals ignited her curiosity and led her to flourish in an environment of collaboration and mentorship.


Shannon's journey at Coast Inc. has taken her from a soul-searching young adult into a confident professional. With two young children now motivating her, she is dedicated to making a lasting impact. Her story is a testament to the power of ambition, support, and seizing growth opportunities. As Coast Inc. continues to thrive, Shannon remains a driving force, embodying the values of ambition, teamwork, and relentless dedication.


This interview has been lightly edited for clarity. You can learn more about Coast Inc. here.

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