This month, we are spotlighting Jenna Duchatellier, our Office Manager!
Jenna is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in administrative and executive assistance across a wide range of industries, including landscape and design, the government sector, and demolition. Through her academic journey, she discovered her passion for
integrating technology into her work processes, constantly seeking new ways to streamline operations and maximize productivity.
Growing up in a culturally rich household, Jenna developed a deep appreciation for travel and global cuisines, something that she hopes to pass on to her children.
Get to know Jenna in the Q&A below!
What was your path to becoming the Office Manager at Synergy?
Over the past ten years, I’ve worked across a wide range of industries including landscape and design, government, and demolition. Before this, I was an office administrator, an office manager, and an executive assistant. So, I’ve maintained this steady role of organizational support for a while.
How did you start in this field?
At my last job, I was working in landscape and design, so it’s similar but here there’s no landscaping involved. Before that, I worked in demo, where I was an office manager. Then, subsequently, I got into landscaping, and some of my demo experience carried over. It’s not exactly the same, but some things kind of cross paths. When I applied to Synergy, I knew it was of the same realm, which I think is interesting. I like watching how projects unfold from start to finish.
What’s your favorite part about home remodeling and design?
I enjoy learning a lot about design and how much it takes to go into a project like this, what to consider, different types of inspections, a trade walk, etc. I love seeing something super outdated and having the customers or clients tell you that they’re open to trying new things or something more modern, and then being really excited about it. That’s been cool to see.
What skills do you feel are most important to have in the role?
Definitely organization. You need to have your own flow, your own way of keeping things organized, and then simultaneously be able to know the people around you and how they operate. There’s my way of doing things, like keeping track of project dates, and updates, keeping in contact with clients, etc. But then there’s also an overlap, where you have to know the people that you’re working with. So definitely staying organized, keeping your flow, and just knowing what someone else needs before they say it.
What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
Probably accounting or taxes, staying on top of it and being in compliance. It’s not difficult to do, but every job, every company, is a little different. So, it’s important to stay on top of it to prevent tasks from piling up and to avoid making errors.
What advice would you have for anyone who wants to work in home remodeling and design?
They would definitely need to be in tune with their creative side, be open to different ideas, and be very receptive to the clients that you’re working with. You have to learn how particular they are, what their interests and their likes are, and to ensure they feel heard, even when you might have a better solution or better product, better vendor, etc. So, definitely being receptive, creative, and open-minded.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I’m a very visual person. I color code everything. I first went to paralegal college, and I did a lot of research so there was a lot of organization and keeping track of research. Then I went for my bachelor’s in business and information technology. Using technology and staying on top of different systems, and different pieces of technology, can help day to day which is really important for me.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’m a military kid, so I’ve lived outside the country and traveled all over America and I’m trying to do that with my kids too, and get them out of their comfort zone. I’m also a true crime junkie.
