When Lee Anne Birdsong talked to HopSkipDrive employees before joining the team as a Regional Account Manager, their dedication to — and excitement about — the company’s mission was evident. Since coming on board at HopSkipDrive, she’s gained a true sense of purpose from working with schools and helping students access the education and opportunities they deserve.
Where are you located, how long have you worked for HopSkipDrive, and what do you do for the company?
I’m located in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, and I’ve been working for HopSkipDrive for almost a year. I work to build and maintain relationships with schools to help them get as many kids as possible into classrooms and back home safely every day. It’s my role to work with these schools to find solutions to transporting children that a bus may not be the best fit for.
What drew you to HopSkipDrive?
What drew me to HopSkipDrive the most was the passion of the people I talked to who were already a part of this amazing company. Everyone was so passionate about the role they play in kids’ lives every day. I couldn’t wait to be a part of it!
What do you like most about your job itself?
Knowing that I am making a difference in the lives — and the education of — so many students. Playing a part in getting them to school and back home safely is so satisfying.
Have you had any special experiences with clients or potential clients that speak to our mission?
Since coming on board, I’ve had numerous special experiences with clients that speak to our mission. For instance, during back to school preparations, we had a school that had many families that needed school supplies. HopSkipDrive was able to help by offering to donate and allowing me to spend some time “making tomorrow better” by helping to distribute those supplies.
My favorite experience was just recently. There was a little girl who had been taking rides with us since last year. Her addresses were always changing due to her circumstances. We were a perfect solution for her, so I was talking to the school about her rides on a regular basis. A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of removing her from rides because she was adopted and she would no longer need our service. Talk about “feeling it!”
What has your experience been like working with HopSkipDrive colleagues across the organization?
Everyone at HopSkipDrive has the same goal: to get as many kids as possible to school safely. It’s so important to know you and your colleagues are all working towards the same goal.
Have you learned anything surprising from working here?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned is the massive amount of need there is for help getting these kiddos to school. We work with a lot of families in many different circumstances, and I’m so happy that the company I work for is helping to make their lives a little easier.
Can you tell me about your professional and educational background?
I have a bachelor’s degree in business, and for most of my career I worked in the coffee industry.
Have you or do you now do any kind of volunteer work?
Fortunately, HopSkipDrive has given me the ability to do a lot of different types of volunteer work since coming on board. I make wreaths, and I was able to donate some to a craft raffle to help a school staff member who lost their home to a fire.
I’ve also been able to take part in back to school donation drives, as well as other donation drives that schools participate in.
What advice would you give to someone who may be interested in joining the HopSkipDrive team?
If you work hard and you’re looking for a purpose at the end of the day, you will find it at HopSkipDrive.
What do you tell other people about HopSkipDrive?
I love to talk about how HopSkipDrive provides a solution for so many people. HopSkipDrive is a proven solution for getting kids to school, home and other places. But it’s also a solution for those who become CareDrivers who are looking for flexible work on the side.
What are your thoughts about the future of the company?
Seeing what HopSkipDrive has done in the past year makes me excited to see what the future holds. I know it’s going to be great, and I’m so excited to be a part of it!
Interested in joining the HopSkipDrive team?
