This month, Strobel Design Build is featuring our Bookkeeper Prophecy Spaid. For this interview, Prophecy and I sat down over lunch to discuss her professional career and what led her to Strobel Design Build. Read on to find out what Prophecy had to say!
Can you tell me about your professional history predating your start with Strobel Design Build?
I’ve been in the field of accounting for about 7 years. I started off at 19 as an Accounting Assistant at a golf and beach club and three months later moved up to Staff Accountant underneath the controller. This was a huge learning experience for me, the controller became my mentor; she was very confident in my abilities and a great teacher. The two of us are still very close and I use her as a reference to this day. I stayed at the golf and beach club for about three years before moving to Boca Raton where I worked at a CPA firm for about a year. The CPA firm wasn’t a great fit for me. The work was extremely fast-paced and the office environment wasn’t my style.
I then went on to work at a manufacturing company for several months until hurricane Irma hit and I was forced to leave Florida. I moved to Tennessee and ended up staying there for a while and working with a friend on his startup. He was in the process of launching a manufacturing and distributing company. I ended up being an essential part of creating the accounting system and organizing the books. After about a year and a half of working under him, I decided to move back to Florida. That’s what ultimately led me to Strobel Design Build.
What drew you to the construction field?
From my first job in accounting at 19, I knew that it was something I could see myself doing for a long time. The work was consistent and satisfied my need for order and balance. When I interviewed for my position with Strobel Design Build, I really resonated with the company’s energy, I found management to be very professional and yet approachable. I was first introduced to Mark, who was very easy to talk to, then I met Myah – an assertive, upbeat individual that definitely matched what I was looking for in a superior. I could tell she knew what she was doing and how to communicate what she was looking for. I fit into the accounting department pretty quickly.
You’re known in our company for being a joy to work with and a problem-solver, what’s your personal philosophy about workplace attitude?
I think that my work in the service industry helped me develop strong patience. I realized that having a bubbly attitude keeps me above unnecessary conflict and allows me to stay focused on what’s important. I try to be genuine and lighthearted while maintaining my boundaries with the people around me. Just like any relationship, communication is very important, so I try to be very direct when asking if something is needed from me and also if I need something from others.
What is your educational background?
I started my college career in high school, by completing several college credits. In October of 2018, I re-enrolled and I’m projected to graduate in 2021 with my degree in finance. Online school was a game-changer for me, it allows me to complete my work whenever I can fit it into my busy schedule.
Is there anything about your personal life that you would like to share?
A big part of my life at the moment is taking care of my grandmother, it’s taught me a lot about patience. I’m really happy that I’m able to be here in St. Pete and be there for her.
Another part of my life is that I have a lot of pride in my Native American heritage. I was able to connect myself and my father with our blood tribe after being disconnected for many years. He grew up on a California reservation, but his family is originally from a tribe based in Oklahoma. In the past several years both of us have reconnected with the Oklahoma tribe, and my father has even moved there and become a part of the community. I make an effort to regularly visit and participate in tribal ceremonies and events.
What do you like most about being a part of the Strobel Design Build team?
I really take pride in a team that is passionate about the work they put out. It is an honor to be a part of such a dynamic company and really feel like an essential part of the team. I like the tight-knit family feel, and I also feel valued, which motivates me to do well.
