2008 10 Under 40 Awards

Becky Garcia

Operations manager | Safety Auto Glass | San Antonio

Age: 35
One-word description of self: Jovial
One-word description of the auto glass industry: Chaotic, in a good way
Favorite Web site: MySpace
Lesson learned the hard way: One can never change a person, no matter how hard you try.

It took Becky Garcia, 35, only three months to move up to billings clerk after joining Safety Auto Glass as a customer service representative in 2005. She had recently rejoined the workforce after seven years as a stay-at-home parent.

"At the time, I thought it would be a temporary job; that it would be a good place to start off," Garcia says. "But, I really liked it; it's a great company to work for. In three years, I've had four positions here."

After her stint as billings clerk, Garcia was promoted to receivable manager and finally, operations manager. "When I first got hired, it was all hands-on training," she says. "Everything that I know about this industry, this company has taught me how to do."

Jay Sampson, president of Safety Auto Glass, San Antonio, says Garcia's drive and ability to dive into new tasks sets her apart. "Becky is willing to take on any task, even when it is something outside of her normal job duties," he says. "In the dictionary under 'team player,' there is a picture of Becky Garcia. ... She jumps in with both feet and addresses whatever issue there may be. She never passes the buck."

Procrastination is not a word in Garcia's vocabulary. "When it's time to listen, Becky listens. When it's time to act, Becky acts," Sampson says. When a customer calls, Garcia drops what she's doing to help them out immediately.

"I'm assertive. I like to talk to customers on the phone and take care of things right then and there. I know that it comes back in a good way," Garcia says.

Wilbur "Chip" Dubose, a licensed insurance agent from John Mooring State Farm Agency, San Antonio, says immediacy is critical in auto glass repair and replacements. "A bad experience for us is anything that makes our customers wait," he says. "When a customer needs glass repair, we'll call ... Becky."

In addition to acting immediately, Garcia says she can't leave tasks unfinished. "At the end of the day, I leave knowing I accomplished a lot. If I have to stay late, I stay late. I don't mind, because if I leave it, there's more work I'm accumulating."