Mary ables
Customer Service Rep
What is your current role? How long have you worked for Monument?
I’m currently the Customer Service Rep to several locations across the company. But my career at Monument started as a receptionist in the trucking department 38 years ago — when I was just 19! From there, I was brought over to our downtown office to be the Assistant Secretary at Chemical Exchange for 6-7 years. Around this time, I had had my second child, so when the Baytown Plant had a Traffic Coordinator opening closer to home, I took it! And I just continued to move up and across departments as the years went by.
I have really grown up with this company. My first day was on Valentine’s Day in ‘84, and my wedding was the following May. Then six years later, I became a mom. And throughout all the changes in my life over the years, Monument has always been so supportive. From caring for my young kids then to my aging parents and in-laws , I was extremely blessed to have supervisors who allowed me to balance my work and home life as needed. As long as I had my desk covered and got the work done, they allowed me to make time for what’s important and to build a life that I am proud of.
What is your favorite part of what you do?
The people I work with! No matter how busy we may be, our team has a lot of fun together. Everyone gets along so well, and it makes coming to work every day very enjoyable for me. As a senior member on our team, I’m able to lead by example, but a lot has changed over the years, so I get to learn new things from our newest team members too.
I’ve been extremely grateful for the career I’ve had. I’ve always said as long as I like what I do and enjoy the people around me, they may never get rid of me! :)
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my family. My son, Eric, is now 30, and my daughter, Andrea, is 26, and we try to see each other as much as we can. Usually, this means heading up to the property we own in Groveton — especially during hunting season. We have no grandbabies, but my son has a Goldendoodle who I also love to see!
I’ve been taking classes in quilting and machine embroidery at our local quilting shop, and it’s been wonderful therapy for me over the last year. It’s a great way to shut the world out because you really have to be focused on what you’re doing. So far, I have finished three quilts — one for myself, my daughter, and my husband. Next, I’ll do a Texas A&M design for my son since it’s his alma mater.
What is the most surprising thing about you?
Years ago, when we used to live in Channelview, my husband worked for Bethlehem Steel, they had over 13 acres of land down the road from Haltermann at Jacintoport. We used to sit on top of the bunkers, which I believe are still there, and deer hunt. I’ve never been a hunter, but my husband loves it. I was there mainly for his company and the sunrise, but watching the animals was very relaxing, so I always enjoyed it!