Meet Laronda Ulrich, Office Manager in San Francisco and San Mateo! As a part of the Facilities team, Laronda makes sure both of the Bay Area offices are running smoothly and organizes team events. When not working, she enjoys reading, playing guitar, and creating her own Christmas cards. Get to know Laronda in this week’s AdColonized feature!
What exactly does an Office Manager do at AdColony? What’s an average day like for you?
An average day as Office Manager could be fixing a jammed coffee machine while I am already dangerously under-caffeinated, trying to find out where the lunch is that was supposed to be here 20 minutes ago, putting the Costco order away while actively dodging that coworker looking to see if their favorite snack came in, getting quotes from so many vendors for your next event that you sometimes forget which one you are talking to, visiting venues out in the middle of nowhere fearing that you might not connect with wifi to get a Lyft back to civilization, putting together a cowboy trivia contest for the bus ride to your horseback riding event for the cowboy hats you got as prizes wondering if you should add mustaches to go with the hats or would that be too much.
Tell us a little about your experiences prior to joining AdColony & how they have prepared you for your role here.
Prior to working at AdColony, I have worked a number of administrative positions at companies large and small. I have also worked at restaurants in the past, volunteered to facilitate events for LitQuake and volunteered as a producer on some friends’ independent films. I believe all these experiences give me a wide range of knowledge and experience to pull from.
What makes AdColony the right fit for you?
I am very people-oriented and I genuinely like and want to help and support the people I work with. It makes it a pleasure that everyone has been welcoming from the start and there are no big egos to navigate!
How do you act as a resource for the rest of your team?
I am the go-to person for anything that isn’t flowing smoothly in the office or for suggestions and ideas for anything office or event-related.
Is there someone you turn to personally or professionally?
Ceji, my direct supervisor, is always supportive resource and is especially fantastic for tips and advice on negotiations!
What are your hobbies or activities that you look forward to doing on the weekends or after work?
I love to read, play guitar, and go out to see some live music at small venues. Plus, I have no shame about spending a day lazing around watching movies in my pajamas all day on occasion! #JOMO (joy of missing out)
Tell us one or two fun facts about you.
I am well-known for making my own dorky Christmas cards.
What is your favorite moment you’ve had with the AdColony team so far?
There have been too many to pick one, but decorating the San Mateo office for the holiday and the holiday party at the Tonga Room were both super fun!
What are you listening to lately (music, podcasts, etc.)?
I’ve been listening to a couple of bands from the UK quite a bit: The Heavy and Belleruche. I also like the podcast Afford Anything. I am not really a money-focused person but I’ve always been pretty frugal and like the idea of spending and investing one’s time and money in conscious ways. Plus, the tagline “You can afford anything, but not everything” resonates with me.
What are you looking forward to most in the next 5 years?
I am looking forward to more travel. I am going to Italy for the first time in October and I am thrilled about it!
About AdColonized
Each AdColonized feature shines a light on a different member of the AdColony team. From favorite apps and hobbies to dislikes and odd secrets, we cover it all! Who do you want to see on the next AdColonized? Tweet it to @AdColony. For the latest AdColony mobile news and updates, follow @AdColony on Twitter, like us on Facebook, or connect on Linkedin.
