Coming up on May 1st, AP Professionals will be saying goodbye to an amazing part of our team.
At the core, AP Professional’s mission is to create relationships that last a lifetime. That applies not only to the clients & consultants that we work with but to our internal employees as well. There is truly only one person in our office (besides our owner) who has touched almost every single life that has come through AP Professionals’ doors. Mary Krick started with AP back on May 1st, 2000. She joined the company only 2 years after Jerry Tenenbaum opened the AP Professionals of Phoenix location in 1998. Mary has been an invaluable asset to our team & a mentor to all new hires who have passed through the company. We took some time to sit down with Mary and talk to her about her well-loved experience.
What year did you start with AP Professionals?
“I started working with AP back on May 1st, 2000. I wanted to ensure that I stayed onboard to complete a full 23 years with the company. That is why I am retiring on Monday May 1st, 2023. Easy to keep track of!”
What positions have you held with AP?
“I started as the Office Manager. I held that position for 15 years before an unfortunate injury kept me out of the office for a few months. When I returned, I swapped positions with another colleague and started working as an HR Administrator. This involved onboarding consultants, answering phones, coordinating AP events, organizing travel accommodations, offboarding requirements…lots of that stuff!”
What is the biggest changed you’ve seen AP go through?
“The Technology – I can’t believe the difference it’s had on how we do everyday tasks. We used to have a full filing room and now it’s all on our computers. I like to think that I’ve always adapted pretty well to the technology that we’ve brought in throughout the years. Lately I’ve just learned what I need to get by, but its worked!”
What has been your favorite part about working for AP?
“Talking to our consultants has to be my favorite. I love being able to connect with them each day and help them accomplish whatever they need when they call. Years ago, the office employees took a personality quiz, some received powerful, some received exploratory, but I received personable: Friendly, outgoing and warm with high management skills.”
Do you have a favorite memory from working at AP?
“Oh yes – The first time I brought my daughter Lisa into the office with me. She was about 10 or 11 at the time and I didn’t have a sitter for her. I brought her in with lots of things to keep her occupied, but Jerry put her to work instead. She spent the day filing paperwork & Jerry gave her some money on our way out! He didn’t care if it was done correctly or anything like that but she was just happy to come to work with mom! Jerry came to a few of Lisa’s school plays and dance recitals, and it always warmed my heart to see how much he cared. He didn’t have to do any of that back then.”
Do you have any advice for someone just starting at AP?
“Come in with a very open mind. Things change pretty quickly around here, and it’ll keep you on your toes! As long as you have an open mind and give things a shot, you’ll be just fine. Everyone is very friendly. Being from upstate New York like the Tenenbaum family, I always felt right at home here”
What are you planning for this next chapter?
“My husband and I will be moving back to the east coast to be closer to my daughter, her husband and our newest granddaughter! She was born only a few months ago and I can’t wait to be able to see her more often. It will be weird not coming into work every day but, I’ll keep busy!”
Thank you Mary, for your unwavering support, positivity, hard work, and light that you brought into the AP Scottsdale Office each and every day. You have continuously made our internal employees and consultants feel welcomed & taken care of. We wish you absolutely nothing but the best in this next chapter of your life. Don’t worry, we will still be keeping up with you! You can’t get rid of us that easily!
