Back to work I go!

Next week is looking busy as I kick off two new development projects.

First up is a straightforward enhancement: to support FISH’s grant reporting, I’ll be adding a feature to our software to track the ethnicity of each member we serve. Based on my initial research, the categories I’ll be implementing are:

Ethnicity:

• Hispanic or Latino

• Not Hispanic or Latino

Race:

• White

• Black or African American

• Asian

• American Indian or Alaska Native

• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

• Two or More Races

The second project is a bit more complex and may take several weeks, possibly up to a month. I’ll be developing a new system for the Clothing Department so they can print their own client forms. Right now, the front desk handles this, which leads to paperwork shuffling between departments. Streamlining this process will boost efficiency - especially as we prepare for our big move next year.

The way clothing distribution works will change dramatically after we relocate. In the new building, Clothing volunteers will be able to call clients directly from the reception area. For now, with our operations split between two buildings, we have to coordinate calls to schedule client visits. My goal is to create software that fits our current workflow, but is flexible enough to adapt to the future setup.

On a personal note, I’m excited to share that I’ve been invited to join the new-building committee! I’ll be overseeing various aspects of the development, including layout, wiring, HVAC, and workflow. Having managed seven new building projects in my career - including one as large as 21 million cubic feet (for comparison, FISH is a cozy 120,000 cubic feet!) - I’m confident I can bring valuable experience to the table. Fun fact: Hopkins Distribution Company is 175 times larger than FISH!

Stay tuned for updates as these projects progress!

(P.S. I still miss those beautiful offices I designed at Hopkins Distribution—here’s a look at the corporate entryway! I sooo miss my peeps; that I grew to know and love. I hope they are all doing well and they are never far from my thoughts.)

Side note: I just put in a request with Gibson to make me a custom SG. When I was a teenager, my best friend had an Ibanez SG 2394 - what a fantastic guitar that was. I’ve missed playing something like it for years, so I figured it’s finally time to get my own.

I want it super lightweight with fast action and those classic humbucker pickups. As for the look, I’m picturing maple with black inlays on the neck - can’t beat that combo. They only made these from 1974 to 1975, so they’re pretty rare now. If this works out, I’ll be the only person out there with a Gibson 2394. How cool is that?