While our sales team is at the front lines of our business, there are so many people behind-the-scenes that help make our business run smoothly. The warehouse team are the unsung heroes in getting orders organized and delivered to the right place and on time. Born and raised in Bloomfield, Guyana, Raywati “Ray” Moorsaleen has been a staple in the Genumark Toronto warehouse since 1999. The 2017 Genumarker of the Year always has a smile or kind words to boost your day or help take you out of your funk.
She took some time out of her busy day as a Pick & Packer to talk with us and share her bright personality.
RAY, WHAT DO YOU DO ALL DAY?
I am having fun! It feels like there is no typical day. I get in and print out off the orders and then deal with any issues directly with customer service and fix them so that there are no issues when shipping out. Then I give the pickers the orders and wait for them to bring them back to me to pack. There is always so much going on in the warehouse that I have to always be paying attention to make sure no mistakes are made. I also make sure to make everyone laugh and happy – I love my job and the managers I work for. It really is the best place to work!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH GENUMARK?
20 years
WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE THE PROMO INDUSTRY?
I use to fold and polybag clothing at a clothing supplier. I would sometimes help with sewing labels in clothing as well.
COOLEST PROMOTION PRODUCT YOU HAVE WORKED ON AT GENUMARK?
I love little cute gadgets. When we first came out with the Shox Speakers several years ago, I thought they were nice little things and just amazed me.
WHAT WAS YOUR YOUR FIRST JOB?
Back in Guyana, I worked at a store that sold bags and leatherettes. That is where I learned to sew and cut for apparel.
IF YOU COULD LEARN ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I always wanted to learn to cut and sew more professionally, like for a fancy dress.
WHAT CHORE DO YOU HATE DOING?
I hate ironing! When my son went to school, they told him to get 3 shirts… I got 5 because I did not want to iron more than I had to!
INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF GENUMARK?
I like to get things done. So I am always working. I am always busy, no rest and peace. Love going to church – always on the move!
FAVOURITE FOOD & ADULT DRINK?
I love veggies from back home in Guayana. Eggplants and long beans. Also curry and fish but my son is so picky that I don’t get to eat these that often. I don’t drink so no adult drink for me.
THREE WORDS TO DEFINE YOU?
Fun. Crazy. Outgoing.
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
Great question. To me, I am the kind of person who when I see someone rising up and developing, I look to them and try and learn from them. When I see people who are not doing so well, I try and talk to them to maybe help them. From this I can learn to. So success to me is to always be learning from life.
FAVOURITE SPORTS TEAMS?
Basketball – Raptors!
FAVOURITE BOOK, MOVIE, & MUSIC?
I used to love to read as a little girl but now I just fall asleep. I love family movies, especially Christmas family movies. Also, I love Indian movies but there are so many I can’t even try to think of one. As for music, Indian and soul music (like Phil Collins).
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
From my past, I regret my education. I would tell a young Ray, “please, take your education and use it wisely. Take it and go and prosper in a good way. Don’t be someone you are not.”
WHAT IS THE MOST EMBARRASSING THING YOU ARE WILLING TO ADMIT?
I told someone who had started in the warehouse that when the weather was nice we dress up and wear nice clothes. Well, I think I didn’t say it right because the first nice day of summer he came in nice dress pants and a dress shirt. I had meant shorts!
PHOBIAS?
ANY crawling animals or insects! Snakes, spiders, rats. everything!
WHAT DO YOU MISS THE MOST FROM GUYANA?
Canada is now my home but the weather and the food are always nice to go back to.
WHO ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE TO YOU
1. My son – I am proud of the way we have brought him up. He is a good son!
2. My mom, my dad, and my whole family. We are a family people and very important.
3. My friends who bring me lots of happiness.
HOW MUCH COFFEE OR TEA DO YOU DRINK A DAY?
A cup of tea in the morning, a coffee in the middle of the day, and one more tea at night.
WHAT IS THE BEST DISH YOU CAN MAKE?
A nice hot pepper duck curry or a goat curry. If only my son liked it.
WHERE IS YOUR GENUMARKER OF THE YEAR TROPHY?
It is in my hut in the dining room. Everyone can see it!
WORDS OF ADVICE TO OTHERS?
Life is short, enjoy it in the best way. I would love if we could all come together and give each other love because it feels like nowadays there is so much misunderstanding.
