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Ozzie Pena: Employee Spotlight– Celebrating 20 Years with SLPowers

By slpowers on December 18, 2013 • ( 1 )

Ozzie’s 10 and 20 year anniversaries.

This week we celebrated Ozzie Pena’s 20th anniversary with SLPowers. What an accomplishment! In an age where people move about professionally, and longevity with a company to this degree is rarely seen– we are fortunate and thankful to have Ozzie on our team. With a little sneaking around and some fake meetings planned to cover up the surprise, we got together to say “thanks” and tell a few stories about our friend and coworker. (I just wish we had a picture of the look on Ozzie’s face when we opened the door to his party!)

As the story goes, Ozzie was asked two questions during his interview with Madeline.

Madeline: Question 1. Do you have a good driving record?

Ozzie : Answer. No

Madeline: Question 2. Do you know anything about computers?

Ozzie: Answer. No.

Madeline: Ok, can you start tomorrow?

Madeline saw something in Ozzie (beyond his less than stellar driving record and lack of IT knowledge) and gave him the job. She said, ” You’ll be full-time until December 31st, then we will only have part-time for you.” He’s been full-time fantastic since day one.

20 Years later, he’s an integral part of the fabric of SLPowers, and we wouldn’t be able to get by without him.

The man, the myth, the mustache.

1. What is your favorite part about working at SLPowers?

I think we had a “relaxed corporate culture” before there was even such a term, and we have maintained that through the years. I think that has to be my favorite thing.

2. What has been the most rewarding aspect of working here?

I can tell you honestly that it been a pleasure to work for such fine people all these years.

3. What is on your wish list for the next 20 years with SLPowers?

I would like to continue to do my part to help out and help us prosper. Like I said the other day I’m here for as long as they’ll have me. 🙂

4. What is your most memorable moment from the last 20 years?

Well as you can imagine and as some people here might be able to tell you, there have been many memorable moments through the years (during many of which I might or might not have had a margarita or two 🙂 ) so that list could be far and wide and probably better left to the ages. However, I would have to say that the amazing display of kindness and gratitude that was shown to me this past Monday the 16th at my surprise party has to rank right up there among the best of the best.

5. If you weren’t here at SLPowers, where would your dream job be?

You kiddin’?! I’ve been working here since I was 21 years old, this is my dream job! Figuratively and literally– you work somewhere long enough you start having dreams about it at night.

6. What advice would you give to someone just starting at SLPowers?

Honesty, hard work and a grateful attitude is the way to go, and always be respectful and kind to your coworkers.

7. If you could change one thing about working here, what would it be?

Well for some reason the first thing that came to mind was going along with “Doomfest ’94”, that was a bad idea. Back before Extensible and SLPowers and A/G when we were ABS Computers a storefront mom and pop shop in Lake Park this guy Rick decided it would be a good idea to somehow wire the primitive coax network we had so we could all play Doom multi-player on a Friday night after work.Hhe ran it by Madeline whom of course said no, but he decided to do it anyway and we went along with it, and it almost got us all fired. What can I say, we were a bunch of “young punks” and thankfully Madeline forgave us– otherwise, I would not be here telling this 🙂

Some Non SLPowers Questions.

1. Where are you from?

Originally from Cuba but now from Lake Worth, FL– USA baby!

2. Favorite hobby?

Right now I don’t have a hobby per se, I do like spending time with my family

3. Favorite coffee drink?

Trenta Iced with extra cream & 5 Equal from Starbucks.

4. If you could interview one person (dead or alive) who would it be? What 3 questions would you ask?

I am not very good with these existential type questions… best thing I can come up with is “hey Meatloaf what was that one thing you wouldn’t do for love??” Sorry 🙂

5. If you had to eat one meal, everyday for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I would be OK if the only restaurant in town was a good sandwich joint.

6. What are 3 words to describe Ozzie.

Easygoing, considerate, helpful (We’ll all agree with you there, Oz!)

7. What do you want people to know about you?

I’m alright. (We think you’re more than alright!)

Anything else you would like to share about your time here?

I’ve got a lot of good stories and good memories from working here all these years. Like I said earlier, it’s all better left to the ages or to let others that have known me tell them. I would like to say that this is a great place to work at and that our leaders are some of the best people you’ll ever meet, and I feel blessed that they consider me their friend.