A Clickstop Rock Star is one who has achieved exceptional results within the quarter of recognition. In addition, these team members are operating with a high level of alignment within our Core Values and associated behaviors. As a result, we can celebrate the results and as something that is driving great results for our business in a sustainable way.

The Recognition

Derek Strait is our Q1 2021 Rock Star. The selection of our Rock Star begins with peer nominations. Derek was nominated several times from team members in multiple areas of the business. This speaks to the reach of his impact.

Over the years, Derek spent time intentionally reflecting on his performance here at Clickstop – learning, improving, and growing his impact to what it is today. This is a key component to our pursuit of growth and aligns with our mission of creating a business that is enjoyable, sustainable, and provides opportunity for those who seek it. Derek is seeking it!

The Results

Here are some of the highlights of Derek’s impact this past quarter…

• Grew his customer base and increased the sales of our own line of Fasteners leading to an improved customer experience and increased profits for Clickstop.
• Provided sales training for US Cargo Control and CAT while initiating improvements to processes during to support the Shopify transition.
• Clarified the vision of Shopify through regular statements of recognition to team members throughout the Shopify transition.
• Raised Google rating from 4.2 to 4.4 by Clean Laundry’s Kirkwood and Edgewood locations through improving the customer experience and encouraging customer feedback.

Derek’s ownership in his development is driving great results for himself and our business. We are please to recognize him as our Q1 2021 Rock Star. Well done, Derek!

The Interview

What is your role at Clickstop?

FT – Accelerator Sales & Service Specialist

PT – Clean Laundry Customer Experience Specialist

How long have you worked at Clickstop?

3.75 years 😊

What makes this recognition meaningful to you?

It means the world to me! I have never been one to seek out or need recognition. When I won the Rookie Manager of the Year at my previous employer, I gave the award to my assistant because he played a part in that. I love to see others win before myself. I was shocked when I won because I have always wanted to help the company succeed into the future. I did not need to be recognized to stay motivated and driven to obtain these company goals.

I came from an employer who did not see you as special. They saw you as a number. I feel wanted here, and the company truly cares about you as a person and employee. I cannot thank Clickstop enough for the opportunity to use my strengths in many different areas! I have help from two angels looking over me and they push me to be a better version of myself each day. My mom made me work full time and go to college full time. Kudos to her because it taught me how to be responsible and manage my time efficiently. I can take on massive amounts of work because she showed me the way! Love you Mom!

What is your most meaningful accomplishment from this past quarter?

Helping the US Cargo Control team navigate change with the launch of Shopify while staying productive in my sales role and Clean Laundry role. All parties involved in this launch made this a huge success!

Raising the Kirkwood Clean Laundry store’s google rating to a 4.4. We set a lofty goal of getting this to 4.8. Love the challenge!

What is one area you are seeking growth? What difference will it make?

Active listening. I have come a long way in this area but still have plenty of room to grow. Talk less and listen with a purpose. It will help show more empathy which is something I want to do. I can come off as aggressive, but I would say I am passionate about everything I do. I promise I am just a big, soft bear.

How have others supported your growth while at Clickstop?

It started with Monica Funk giving me feedback when I was turned down for the Area Manager job. I cannot thank her enough because I used that as motivation to better myself as a person and employee. We have so many great people willing to support you and your growth here at Clickstop. I turned to Rodney as a job coach, Talent Enrichment, and my direct leaders. The support of growth is there, and it starts with you taking the initiative to make that change happen!

Whether you’re working from home or onsite, what has been your biggest challenge navigating a new work environment? How have you sought to overcome it?

I thought I would go stir crazy working from home. You have to stay motivated and determined when working from home, and I have seen my production levels actually go up since working from home. When everybody was sent to WFH, we had to come up with one word to describe how you were feeling about it. Mine was DETERMINED. I wanted to help anyway possible as we navigate through the pandemic. The financial freedom I have obtained working from home while staying highly productive in both roles is something I am grateful for and proud of!

Do you dance when no one is looking?

Absolutely! Chris Farley is my idol when it comes to dancing!

What is one thing you loved as a child that today’s kids would know nothing about?

Collecting football, basketball, and baseball cards. Also, putting cards in the spokes of my bike so it sounded like a dirt bike.

Would you rather be able to breathe underwater or have the agility of a cat?

Agility of a cat for sure! Breathing under water would not save you from Sharks.

What is the silliest way you’ve been injured?

I was jumping on a trampoline with a friend in 7th grade and my friend “bounced” me high up in the air and when I came down, I went right through the trampoline and snapped my ankle. I PROMISE THERE WERE EXISTING HOLES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TRAMPOLINE.

What do you dislike but have no good reason for disliking?

Sour Cream. I must’ve been fed sour milk or something as a kid. I cannot stand sour cream by itself!