EOC Week 1: Excellent Customer Service

Just recently my wife and I purchased a new Dyson vacuum cleaner from Costco.  The need for a better vacuum stemmed from having new carpet installed in our home and wanting to keep it in the best condition possible.  Obviously when purchasing items from Costco, we as return customers embrace a certain freedom with trying out new products.  Everyone knows the Dyson brand is expensive, however we also know that there are certain perks that come into play when purchasing from Costco.

When my wife brought the new vacuum home, she was blown away by how much the thing sucked!  Really, this vacuum sucked so well that it worked up a sweat just to push it around on the carpet.  You turn the thing on and it just hunkers down like a fat cat and doesn’t want to move.  With a little elbow grease we were able to clean the majority of our home and with the clear dirt reservoir it was easy to see how well the device worked.

Our problem ended up being that the vacuum sucked to well and we need to return it in order to purchase a vacuum that wasn’t so tough to push around the house.  I even went as far as removing a pair of side brushes that come mounted to the vacuum and called Dyson tech support for more help in making the beast a bit more maneuverable.  In the end we had no choice but to return it.

We’ve had to return just a couple of things in the last five years that we’ve been members of Costco and every time we’ve brought a product back, they’re staff was extremely easy to work with and offered no hassles in the return process.  “It’s that intense customer focus that has set the stage for Zappos’ growth, as the company branches out into new categories such as electronics and home goods. “ (Marketing: An Introduction for Education Management Corporation, 10th Edition)

Costco is known for their customer service and product guarantee.  For that reason we will always feel comfortable making expensive purchases through their stores.

Week 1 EOC: My Voice

Ernest Howard Stepp III - Nice name for a computer geek huh?  As established as my name denotes, I’m really just a high strung guy with a keyboard and mouse that’s looking to create engaging experiences on the web.  At 31 years old, it’s a pretty gutsy move to transition into a new field and hope to be successful (both as an industry professional and financially).  However, it’s even gutsier to never pursue your passion and settle for a life of mediocrity. 

To define who I am, it would be easiest for you to cut me right down the middle; I’m either hot or cold – none of this in between business. The creative in me is able to get lost in a design, try something new or just lie on my back and watch the clouds stroll by.  The analytical part of me seeks challenges head on, excels at problem solving and craves structure above all else.

User Experience (UX) and front-end web development are what I love to do.  There’s nothing better than building something with your own hands.  And because what I build fulfills the vision of my client – it makes the end product extremely rewarding.  I’ve always been a creative mind, but once I began learning how to build websites it allowed me to really apply who I am as a person to my life as a professional. 

I’ve been pursuing web design just over four years now and have watched it grow leaps and bounds in such a short period of time.  The growth of the internet and its technologies alone are one of the major reasons that I am drawn to a career working on the web.  As technology continues to change, so will my job description.  Pursuing something that’s in a constant state of evolution excites me and guarantees a life of continued learning and growth.

When I'm not working, sadly enough I'm usually thinking about work.  I've been getting better about this but it remains a work in progress.  One of my greatest hobbies is to travel.  There's nothing better than stepping outside of everyday life in order to embrace the sights, sounds and culture of another city, state or country.  Prior to enrolling in college, I spent a lot of my time as a volunteer.  In Seattle I volunteered as a junior and senior high youth group leader.  This was an exciting opportunity that allowed me to travel to Mexico to build homes with Amore Ministries.  Between 2004 and 2005 we built 10 homes for families in need and grew closer to understanding of selflessness.  After moving to Las Vegas, I began volunteering at the Las Vegas Rescue Mission where I provided my assistance in tutoring, graphic design and even taught at a Saturday evening worship service.

Although the last four years have been extremely busy working full-time and going to school, I anxiously look forward to the next chapter in my life.  I've had the unique opportunity to pursue my college education while working in a career that not only challenges me on a daily basis, but also has refined me as a professional.  In my life there are many efforts made on my behalf by family and friends. It's my hope that in the next chapter of my life I can honor the faith grace that's been provided by those closest to me.