Convergint Women Connect Recognizes Rachel Sprague For Making a Daily Difference

I started with security integrations 18 years ago, in March, making last month my 18th anniversary. This is my second major job, and I’ve grown immensely during my time here. I began by answering the phone, despite knowing nothing about security, and soon transitioned into purchasing, where I managed logistics for our offices in Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo for 16 years. I also handled our insurance needs.

Currently, my role is transitioning to project administration. In D365, I book projects, review financials, and address any issues that might delay jobs. Additionally, I help integrate and train our new colleagues, who are doing an amazing job. I am proud to be part of such a supportive and dynamic team!

To me, integrity is everything, especially when no one is watching. It’s important to be a self-starter and manage yourself effectively. I don’t want to be micromanaged, and I don’t want to micromanage others. I aim to guide and help my team while expecting them to know their responsibilities, just as I do for myself. I would never ask anything of anyone that I wouldn’t ask of myself.

During my time as a purchaser, I treated the company’s money with the same care as my own. In the face of changing prices and circumstances, I handled everything independently without burdening others. Ultimately, having integrity and self-respect is crucial to feeling good about your work.

I consider myself pretty organized. I have a calendar on my desk, and if something isn’t on that calendar, it doesn’t exist for me. I also carry a notebook everywhere—it’s my lifeline. I’m also genuinely interested in what everyone is doing. This curiosity helps me stay connected and engaged with my team. I prefer to focus on one task at a time because I believe multitasking leads to subpar results. By concentrating on one thing, I can do an excellent job.

Positivity is important to me. My grandmother always said that being happy is a choice, and while it’s not always that simple, I try to choose positivity every day. I aim to be a friendly, approachable person at work. People know they can come to me with anything, and while I can’t always solve their problems, I’m always willing to listen and try to help!

Right now, I’m obsessed with the Gilded Age, especially the show “The Gilded Age.” If I could witness any historical event, I’d love to attend one of those extravagant all-night balls, mingling with the Astors and Vanderbilts. Wearing something fabulous with 37 layers of clothes, even in the middle of summer, sounds like a great time to me.

My secret to making a daily difference is maintaining a positive attitude. Everyone has their struggles, and I aim to lighten their load rather than add to it. Even if I can’t solve a problem, I can offer a smile and be a good listener. I’m a vault—you can tell me anything, and I won’t be easily offended.

I also never say no to new challenges. There are many things I don’t know how to do, but I’m always willing to try and learn. This approach has led me to many opportunities. While I’m not always sunshine and roses, entering any situation with a positive mindset makes a big difference!