Service Delivery Manager Spotlight: Rachel Raposo and Josh Holowatenko
By Vasilis Androutsos, Manager, Operations, Residential and Commercial Division
Over the past number of months, the Security portfolio in our RES/CIC division has experienced an enormous amount of growth.
Our increase in the number of Respite Centres we provide security services for, as well as the screening guard requirements that we have added with our TTC clients, have all contributed to this expansion. Understanding and identifying the management and maintenance needed to meet the demands, A.S.P Security has always been at the forefront of heavily investing in the infrastructure of the company and utilizing various forms of operational support, which enables the team to cater to our guards and clients.
I have the absolute pleasure working daily with our two Service Delivery Managers, Rachel Raposo and Josh Holowatenko. With both being fairly new to their roles, they have taken on the challenges of providing high-quality and efficient services to be an integral part of our operations, as we meet the demands and challenges of our guards and clients. Both have extensive security experience, with a diverse range of knowledge and skill set that allow them to make significant contributions to the team. I thought this was a great opportunity for many of our readers to really get to know both individuals on a more personal level by spotlighting them in a Question & Answer feature. I hope many of you enjoy getting to know both Rachel and Josh; I anticipate many of you will really see why I am so proud to work alongside these two colleagues.
Rachel Raposo
What does your job entail?
My job entails consistent communication with all guards, day in and day out, resolving any issues that may arise, coordinating with multiple departments to find a corrective plan.
What do you like most about your job?
What I like most about my job is my constant interactions with the guards in the field, ensuring them they are taken care of
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
Make connecting with others a priority.
What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I hate flying, but love to globetrot the world. I don’t like heights and any turbulence makes me think the plane is about to crash. Not a good flier at all. (Considering how often I fly)
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Elvis Presley, because he had a major impact on pop culture during the mid-1950s with the younger generation. He knew his music could change America, which it did. His music still influences today’s music. Cool dude. And handsome.
What’s the best thing about ASP
Team dynamic.
Words of wisdom for your fellow professionals?
“If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito.”
– Betty Reese
Josh Holowatenko
What does your job entail?
Working with colleagues to better service all accounts within ASP, by having direct conversations with both clients and security personnel, visiting sites, meeting a variety of people, working in a fast-paced environment, and coaching/counselling to provide room for growth and advancement.
What do you like most about your job?
Using my critical and creative thinking to solve issues that arise in a fast-paced and ever-growing environment. As an SDM, you have your hands in everything, so to speak, and quick thinking is crucial for success.
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
No one person can complete everything alone. Teamwork is extremely vital in any role you are being placed in and trusting the members you work with to assist you is imperative.
What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I overcame a very serious injury several years ago. I was once an actor who attempted his own stunts and failed landing on a crash pad during one of these stunts. This left me hospital ridden with a broken back and shattered heel. Instead of being defeated and seeing this as a tragic incident, I liked to see this as a challenge to better myself.
This incident ultimately led me to where I am today, an SDM with ASP, a Team Canada dodgeball player, and a more patient person.
If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I would like to meet one of two people.
- “Myself in five years – I would like to see where my success has brought me and ask for advice from myself.
2. I would like to meet Vince Lombardi. Not only was he a very successful coach for my favourite NFL team (Green Bay Packers), but the Super Bowl trophy is named after him. He was clearly a very influential, smart, and great leader. This is a trait I would like to hone and better myself on; Vince would be the perfect person to have his brain picked regarding being a better leader.”
What’s the best thing about ASP?
“I enjoy coming to work in the morning. At the office, I feel like part of a family. It sounds cheesy, but it’s true. We joke around and have fun in our office, all while we buckle down and get our work done (all while keeping a safe distance). Any person in this office is willing to come in after hours to help; it may sound small, but to me that is a very big deal. I can rely on my “family” to help me at any time and they can rely on me.”
Words of wisdom for your fellow professionals?
“Find a workplace you enjoy coming to. Find colleagues who will fight just as hard as you will to complete not only their own tasks, but to help you complete yours. Create a work environment of both fun and hard work.”