On this indoor magnet dressed in a popular red and white Santa hat and matching silk bow tie is Ricky.  However, Ricky was not always this stylish and privileged. Ricky grew up on the streets, beaten and tortured by the neighborhood kids he was rescued by Patricia. A loved member of Magnets.com customer service team, and cat lover.  One meow from Ricky Patty knew he was here to stay and immediately had to get medicine for the allergies. She then maxed her credit card with vet bills and endured the scratching and biting that was part of house training this rascal cat.

Words cannot express what a big heart Patty has, but when we take a look at this custom magnet and deep into Rickys’ green eyes you can start to feel it.

Putting your pets on magnets is such a nice alternative to a throw away Christmas card. Agree? Comment and you could win your Pets face on a Magnet!

You might remember Andreas from earlier this year, when we first introduced him.

Well, he’s fallen in love, and has proposed to his long time girl, the beautiful Tara.  Their story might sound familiar to some; they grew up in the same ocean town, had the same friends, went to the same school – but never met.  Not until many years later, when a friend hosted a BBQ at the Jersey Shore and their love for seafood and all things beach got them talking.

Together for 2 years they spend their summers in Manasquan NJ, peeling shrimp for the many BBQ’s they either attend or host.   They often go to concerts, and we have heard Tara has been known to cut up a rug quite regularly.

For the last few months, our HQ was abuzz with Andreas’ pre-engagement.  We had all seen the ring many times and watched Andreas grow more and more excited (nervous, totally freaking out) every day.   Being a talented artist (and we like to think deep romantic), Andreas used his skill to make a memory book of their time together.   Lyrics, inside jokes and beautiful photographs were laid out, effortlessly, as only a graphic artist could – included in the book was a mix CD of their favorite songs.  Honestly, how could this girl say no?

So the day to pop the question arrives.  First a bird sends its luck right on Andreas’ head and then he steps in gum.  Unhinged, he trudges forward and when night sets in, he and Tara find themselves on the beach (surprised?).   On one knee, Andreas proposes – she says yes.

We couldn’t be happier for this amazing couple and we wish Tara all the best.

Next in our “Inside Magnets.com Series” is a profile from Michael fom our art department.

He took the time to answer a few questions for us:

What’s the most challenging aspect about laying out the artwork prior to it being printed?

The greatest challenge to imposition layouts is maximizing the amount of live job/art space used per sheet. This, sometimes intricate puzzle work, reduces waste and allows us to offer a better price for our customers.

A well imposed sheet can also reduce further production time substantially.

How satisfying is it to be the first person to see the customer’s design being printed?

I think it’s great. Printing methods have come a long way over the last few years. Coming from an art background, its always great to see designs leave the press.

What advise can you give customers trying to design their artwork for the first time?

That’s a difficult question. Always leave a large margin, it will give your final piece room to breathe. Always let us know if you’re trying to match a particular color, as every press uses different color profiles.

Since you have seen thousands of designs since you’ve starting work at Magnets.com, what is your favorite color combination?

There are many appealing color combinations. I like simple solids with typography that really speaks. Cool Grays and deep Reds seem to be popular at the moment.

When did you start? And I hear you have a newborn daughter?! How old is she?

I started working here in May of last year. Before magnets.com, I was Art Director/Production Manager for a MinuteMan Press. My daughter (Paisley) is 8 months old.

As the “voice” of Magnets.com, the customer service team consists of many talented people. The Spotlight would like to introduce you to one of those talented people: Jason Tabucbuc. Starting in early February of this year, Jason has been giving sound customer service and advice to many customers. Adept at helping customers navigate our Web site and respond to any type of design question, Jason has been a valuable asset to the team.

Q: What do you feel the most important role of customer service is at an e-commerce company?

A:  A large part of Magnets.com and Customized Stickers’ success comes from treating customers with the utmost respect while also providing a unique personalized, caring touch. I strongly believe that customer service is a company-wide commitment, not just a department. Therefore, everyone here plays an important role in building long-term customer relationships.

Q: How do you feel about your fellow co-workers in the customer service department?

A: We make a great team. They’re my heroes, especially Adam and Cody.

[Editor’s Note: For more insight on Adam, see Blogging Magnet’s Spotlight on April 22, 2011; as for Cody, this cute and lovable German Shorthaired Pointer is Magnet.com’s Director of Security.]

Q: Thinking back about your first day on the job, what was the most important aspect of your role that you’ve learned so far?

A: Just have fun. Magnets.com is a great company to work for. I love being on the phone and helping customer’s with their needs.

Jason just reiterates the point that we here at Magnets.com pride ourselves on having the best customer service in the industry. They are well-versed at helping you with all your orders and needs. Give us a call and you will see for yourself. With that, Magnets.com would like to wish safe and fun Memorial Day.

One of the most important departments within Magnets.com is the art department and we would like to introduce you to its newest member:  Michael Gonzales. Beginning his tenure at Magnets.com  in early March, he has quickly become one of our stars. Prior to coming to us, Michael was a freelancer.

Q: Why did you choose to pursue a career in graphic design?

A: Graphic Design seemed to be the most rewarding career path that I could pursue while being able to serve a purpose as well as expressing my inner abilities. Being slightly hearing impaired greatly affected my decision.  It is said that what you lack in one of your senses, you make up for it with another. “Visual Communication” just made a lot of sense to me.

Q: As an artist, what do you find to be the most challenging aspect of the position? …the most satisfying?

A: The most challenging aspect has to be translating another person’s idea and putting it to the canvas while making sure my “touches” doesn’t overwhelm their idea/personality. The most satisfying aspect comes on the opposite end when the customer/client really loves the final design, something that the both of us can be proud of.

Q: What do you like to do when you are not a work?

A: I am a diehard supporter of the New York Red Bulls (fans love the game, supporters live the game).  During the MLS season, my life is consumed by soccer. When I’m not busy rooting for or following the team, I like to relax by reading up on new technologies or by spending some time outdoors, most likely flying a kite.

Q: As the newest member of the art team, what are your initial thoughts about the department?

A: The art department is definitely the most dynamic group I’ve ever worked with. We all get along really well and seem to feed off of each other’s ideas and passion for design. I am really enjoying my time here so far!

Magnets.com definitely agrees with Michael regarding the art department. They’re creative and hard-working. We also want to add that they’re hard work comes at no extra charge – simply send us your information, photos and artwork and Michael and the rest of the team will get right to work perfecting your design.

Let’s visit the marketing team again and introduce you to Matthew. Matthew joined the company in late January of 2011 as product manager and brings many years of experience in various industries (Marketing Communications, Human Resources Consulting, and Promotional Products) to the department.

Q: What do you love most about Magnets.com?

A: In this world of economic uncertainty, especially in the business world, I love the fact that Magnets.com is expanding. Whether it is purchasing other companies or hiring people almost on a weekly basis, it is comforting to know that the leadership of this organization is confident in its product and message and continues to grow.

Q: What’s the best part about being a Product Manager?

A: That’s an easy question . . . I enjoy looking for new products to expand our current offering of quality product. I specifically look for products that will make any promotional campaign a success for our customers who purchase them at cost effective prices.

Q: Since you are a history buff, what’s your favorite period?

A: I have a few in fact. My top three though will have to be the American Revolution, American Civil War and Ancient Greek history. I enjoy reading and discussing all types of history but these three have to be my favorite. Sometimes I amaze my colleagues by answering tough trivia questions about presidents long past. In addition, if you give me a town name in New Jersey, I can tell you if there were any battles or skirmishes in that town during the American Revolution.

Q: What’s your favorite word?

A: Petrichor – it’s the name of the scent that rain makes on dry ground…you know that smell, especially in the summer. It comes from petra, the Greek word for stone or earth and ichor, the blood or fluid that flows in the veins of the Greek gods of mythology.

That is a pretty cool word and I know exactly what that word describes. Stay tuned and read the next Spotlight series from Blogging Magnets.

What would Friday be without a fun Friday tradition? Some people like to have casual Friday or Pizza Friday, but here we have ‘Friday Tie Day’! Every Friday, most of our male team members come to work with a fun or wacky tie. This tradition was proposed by our Graphic Design Manager Andreas and he insisted that it be mandatory.  

As for us chicas, we still need to find a corky Friday tradition. The guys jokingly suggested that we wear prom dresses, but that’s just out of the question. What’s your Friday tradition?

Don’t they all look handsome?

Making our way back to our talented graphic design department, let’s introduce you to Abe. Abe joined our team in March of 2010 and his design skills and ‘outside the box’ aesthetic has brought us and our customers a lot of success. He surely has a keen eye for professional and corporate design.

Q:  So what made you want to pursue a career in Graphic Design?

A:  My God given talent of course! Haha I’m just kidding. Honestly to me, that’s just a small part of what makes a great designer. I love interacting with clients and bringing their vision to life, while adding my own twist and perspective to their piece. It’s also really rewarding when you see the finished product of your work being displayed. Be it a poster, magnet, logo, or ad, I still get that warm feeling of excitement.

Q:  Who are some of your favorite graphic artists? Did they inspire you to study this field?

A:  No one in particular, I’m mostly inspired by design firms such as Pentagram where their concepts surpass the norm and push the envelope.

Q:  What was your favorite design class in school and why?

A:  My favorite class was definitely Typography and Identity. That class taught me how to properly use type, color, patterns and texture and my professor was brilliant.

Q:  What are some of your favorite hobbies?

A:  I love to do urban photography and I’m obsessed with collecting sneakers. I currently have approximately 120 pairs of kicks. My favorite sneakers are the Undefeated Nike Dunks.

I must say, that’s really impressive and these sneakers are pretty cool. Come back soon to learn about our new Product Manager Matt!

Heading back over to the customer service department, let us introduce you to Adam. If you’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Adam over the phone or via e-mail, then you know how much of a jokester he is. Since January of 2008, his colorful personality and cheerful attitude continues to entertain while helping our customers.

Q:  Alrighty Adam, you have more hobbies than anyone I know – what are some of your favorites?

A:  Wow it’s really hard to pick favorites. I love creating laser light shows for different events such as weddings, birthdays and concerts. I have a passion for drumming and electronic percussion, and I’m addicted to martial arts. I love to go on nature walks and go camping; but most of all, I like to hang out with good people, listen to great music, and eat delicious food. I always have a great time!

Q:  How did you fall into this field?

A:  When I was 16, I met a great guy who was a stockbroker and I started to work for him cold calling people to buy and sell stocks over the phone. Soon after my company sent me to a one month ‘Art of Selling’ course in Colorado where I worked 14+ hours a day. That’s where I discovered my natural people skills and I learned how to make the customer my number one priority.

Q:  What do you love most about your job?

A:  Giving our customers the BEST service along with the BEST product makes me really happy! It makes it easier for me to honestly stand behind a product and make my message stick to our customers. Hehe get it?

Q:  What is the biggest thing you’ve learned on the job?

A:  Being a consumer myself, I’ve learned how important it is to treat our customers like family and to be highly knowledgeable about the products. If not, people start to lose confidence in the product as well as the company. We have a library of repeat customers coming in daily. These customers are savvy, they know what they want, and they have done their homework. That’s why it’s important to be on top of your game by researching industry trends and conducting routine competitor analyses so that you can help your customers find the best and most effective products for their needs.

Now that’s some great advice Adam. Come back next week to learn about another one of our talented graphic designers, Abe.