Get excited, it’s time for another edition of the Sapling Spotlight! This month, we are pointing the spotlight at Rachel Atar who is a Marketing Specialist here at Sapling. Rachel has been a member of the Sapling team for six months and she brings knowledge and laughter to the company!

We’ve asked Rachel some questions in order to get to know her better. Without further ado, meet Rachel Atar:

1. What do you like best about working at the Sapling Company?
I really the culture here at Sapling, and it was an important reason why I accepted the position. I’ve worked a lot of places in my short career and it’s nice when even if you have a really long day at work, co-workers around you can lift your spirits – especially my colleague/friend, Kari.

2. How long have you been working at Sapling, and how did you come into your position?
I have been here 6 months already. Wow, time flies! I actually interviewed for a different position when marketing management asked if I would be interested in interviewing for the spot I currently have. I’m excited about where my career path is heading as a Marketing Specialist, so it worked out for everyone in the end.

3. What are your job duties at Sapling?
I’m a Marketing Specialist but started as a Market Research Analyst. I do research to answer all types of sales and marketing questions, manage the CRM system, and create marketing strategies for education market. I also do some graphic design, help out with the social media, and track KPI’s (key performance indicators) for marketing and sales.

4. What has been your proudest career/life moment?
The proudest moment in my life so far has been graduating college. I’m the first woman in my family to officially graduate. As a young woman, I’m very lucky I have the support from my family to strive for anything I desire.

5. What do you enjoy participating in outside of the office?
I’ve been volunteering at Philly ACCT (Animal Care and Control Team) for a few months now and I LOVE it. I don’t have the time to dedicate to a dog right now but I always had at least one growing up so volunteering is so fulfilling. I get so much love from the dogs for simply taking them outside that it fills the temporary void of not having my own dog to go home to.

6.Give us a unique fact about you.
I’m in the very early baby stages of starting my own business. I’m very excited about the possibilities it holds and also very relieved I’m in marketing! I think a lot of small businesses struggle because they lack a marketing plan so I’m fortunate that I understand that side of business.

7. Best advice that you have ever received.
In terms of work, my father told me, “It’s not what you know as much as who you know.” I’ve definitely kept in touch with former co-workers and mentors and reached out for help when I needed it, with much success. The best life advice I’ve ever gotten is from my mom, who said, “Make your own money, marry someone funny.” Not having to rely on someone else for my success really makes me grow stronger with every challenge I face, personally and work-wise. Having great friends who are genuinely funny also helps keep stress down.

Stay tuned next month for another edition of the Sapling Spotlight!