My Story...

First off, I want to thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my first blog post. I’ve actually never written a blog before so I hope you won’t  be too hard on me.  What I’m going to try to do is give you a quick history about me so that after reading this, you may have a better idea about who I am and where I’m coming from. 

My name is Jonathan Rollins.  I was born in the District of Columbia on June 21, 1989.  Having been born in D.C., you wouldn’t believe how difficult it was and continues to be to fill out forms that ask you for your birth city and state.  Shortly after I was born my father’s job relocated him and our family to Dallas.  We found a home in Rowlett and that is where we were rooted for 6 years. While in Texas I became an older brother to two siblings and couldn’t have been more excited.  Being an only child for most of my early life, I finally had brothers to play with and at times (when necessary) provide a wedgie or two.  What’s a wedgie you ask, well it’s something that older brothers are required to do to younger brothers.

After my 2^nd grade year of elementary school was over in TX, I found out that my dad’s job again had us moving.  This time we were headed to Colorado Springs, CO. We spent six years in Colorado, this time spanned from the 3^rd to 8^th grade. Living in Colorado introduced me to many different things that some may never get the luxury to experience and enjoy.  These experiences included ice hockey, snowboarding, skiing, mountain climbing, and best of all…snow days.

Well, I bet you can go ahead and guess what happened next.  After my 8^th grade year we again found ourselves on the move.  This time it was back to Rowlett, TX.  I attended Rowlett High School where I played trumpet in the marching band.  While in school I had the good fortune of  meeting the girl that what eventually be my future wife.  I finished my high school career in 2007 and right after graduation I found myself applying for a job at TESS. I had a close friend  there and it seemed like a great opportunity. Within three months of working at TESS I had been moved to the Fax Department. The Fax department would eventually be dissolved and I was relocated to the main contact center floor.  A year or so later I was promoted to my current position, Team Leader.

In June of 2011 I married my high school sweetheart, Mackenzie.  We currently reside in Royse City, TX, with our 1 year old Siberian Husky puppy, Nikita.  We are very excited about what lies ahead no matter where life may take us.  I am so fortunate to have everything that God has provided me with; a great house, a fantastic job, a loving family, and an amazing wife.

I’m going to leave y’all with a quote that I love and try to live by that says, “If ya ain’t first, ur last.”  … Just kidding!  I think Ricky Bobby uses that one.  The one I like read something like this, “Your time on earth is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”  - Steve Jobs

-Jon Rollins

Having That Dynamite Attitude Without Having To Blast

My name is Keidre Trammell and as most of you probably know I am a Team Leader for Texas 811.  I have enjoyed working here since July of 2003. My time here has been both exciting and rewarding. From the very first day of walking into the office and having the opportunity to speak to Lance Parker, I immediately knew that this was the company for me.  TESS was made up of wonderful people and I wanted in.  I  feel so at home and at ease working with my peers.  It is like being part of a family rather than just a drone at some, “Who are you?” type of company. I have worked at several Call Centers, but never felt that I would make a lifelong career with any of them until I started working at Texas811. When I think back to my earlier days and how different it was, I am excited and proud to have been part of all the changes and growth. I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by people who support and push me to excel within the company. Before I was employed here I  had never worked in a management position. Mike Losawyer and John Sparks saw something in me that I hadn’t realized on my own. I was a good employee and I had the potential to be a great leader. I will forever be grateful for the potential  those two recognized in me. This company is great at recognizing hard work and dedication to the common goals of excelling and achieving greatness. Being surrounded by people who share your passion and drive makes eight hours a day (and sometimes more)  an easy task. I look forward to getting up every morning and coming to work. I take pride in what I do and all of my accomplishments within our company. All fun aside, this company is about public safety and I take my job very serious. There is not a day that goes by that I am not striving to do the best job possible. I would not have grown mentally, emotionally, and physically if it had not been for the responsibilities bestowed upon me and the bonds that I created within our company. The friends and experiences here will only continue to grow at Texas 811.  Our company  is a great place and the changes we have made this year alone have been wonderful. The recent and ongoing changes have reignited the spirit and excitement from better days. We are building a culture and employees are excited about their job and they feel important. The atmosphere is great and employees are buzzing about our upward direction.  We are building a solid team and I am privileged to be a part of Texas811.  Go Team Dynamites!