Anniversary profile - T-V-S Overcoming Challenges

Alicia O’Shields Celebrates a Decade at TVS

Mar 10, 2023 | News

“Alicia is the happiest when she is able to get stuff done,” said friend and coworker Cathy Miller. “If she wants it, she goes and gets it.” From driving a forklift truck or pallet jack, to organizing ingredient set-ups, Alicia O’Shields is a jack-of-all-trades and does a little bit of everything at TVS. “Over the past 10-years, set-ups are my personal favorite job to do,” says Alicia. “It is hard work, but I really enjoy the fact that I am taking a large part in producing important food and who it is being sent to.”

Over the past decade, Alicia has been a vital asset working in the set-up area. During this time, TVS has blended metric tons of pancake mix and bakery mixes for U.S. Troop Support along with SuperCereal Plus, a cereal specially formulated for children, aged 6 to 24-months, facing food insecurities around the world. Each of these products must have each ingredient weighed out and organized into individual ‘set-ups,’ before being blended, packaged, and shipped to those in need.

“Alicia is an inspiring and steady presence at TVS. She is dedicated to our mission and our co-workers,” says TVS CEO Jamie Brandenburg. “Alicia is one of the many bright spots I have coming to work. No matter the challenge or obstacle in front of her, she seemingly always finds a way to overcome.”

Alicia first started at TVS in 2007 with the North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation (NCDVR) working on the production floor. After a short employment, Alicia left TVS for employment at Julie’s Sub, now known as Creekside. A few years later, she returned to TVS in 2013 and started working in set-ups.

“Due to health, I now work wherever I am needed,” explains Alicia. Moving around and helping different departments, is one of her goals at TVS. Alicia also expressed her interest to be a machine operator, “it is one of the few jobs here I have not been trained on.”

Ask anyone at TVS how they would describe Alicia and you will hear; quiet and funny. But the number one thing said by everyone is, hardworking. “She is a hard worker, sometimes working too hard,” chuckled Chase Potts.

“Chase calls me his litter sister even though I am older than him,” laughs Alicia. “I really enjoy working with everyone here. Chase, Steven Morris, and Kolby Laughter, are some of the individuals that come to mind first.”

Reflecting on the last decade, Alicia laughs thinking about her supervisor, Ernest Williams, in a tutu at a dunking booth during a company picnic. “I also really miss working with the participants in INTERACT,” Alicia shared. “And I miss the TVS Thanksmas potlucks, I would always make a pineapple casserole.”

“She makes a mean pineapple casserole,” said Cathy with a smile. “Alicia is really good about being there when you need somebody. When I was out sick and in the hospital, she offered to cut my grass and help me out.” Cathy is not alone; Alicia spends her free time helping others by taking care of yard work, mowing lawns, and doing anything that needs to be done.

Just a couple years ago, Alicia and her wife AJ purchased a home. They share it with their son, Brandon, a puppy named Baxter, and two cats. When not cooking or hanging out in their new house, Alicia and her family enjoy camping at Coal Creek and Cantrell Bridge.

“I have grown a lot over the past 10-years, especially in working with my social anxiety,” reflects Alicia. Her wise words over the years at TVS are, “work hard and strive to learn as much as you can.”

Image above: (left to right) Alicia, Aj, and Brandon

DSP Karen Benson celebrates a decade at TVS

Jan 12, 2023 | News

“How can someone be a breath of fresh air and take your breath away at the same time?” asks Program Director Carla Hill. “Karen is a bundle of energy that brings joy, light, and care to the people she supports and her coworkers. There is no one like her.”

Karen Benson is celebrating her 10th anniversary at TVS as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) working in the different community homes. She is self-described as a Life Coach and described by others as Social Director, Person-Centered, and as the ‘F’ word: Flexible.

“She can pivot on a dime,” said Residential Coordinator Lynn Brewer. “She is truly person-centered, making connections with the residents and bringing new possibilities and joy to our programs.”

Karen doesn’t just stop there. “She does research about each resident’s needs and medical conditions. That way she is better informed when taking them to their doctor appointments,” explained Lynn.

Over the past decade, Karen has managed Tanjer House, worked full-time and part-time at Fisher Road, and now floats working part-time hours wherever she is needed.

“It’s not just a job, it’s a passion! My passion is letting people know they’re cared about by seeing and offering them an enriching lifestyle,” says Karen Benson. “We are here to give a little light to other people.”

Finding a single memory in a decade is not an easy task. Karen starts laughing as she reflects on a trip to the local Cradle of Forestry. “We are walking through the cave and learning about the wild animals when we see a helicopter,” she says. “I explain to the group that it is the Forest Ranger’s helicopter and that we should sit inside to see what it looks like. The guys had so much fun, they really thought that they were in control of flying the helicopter.”

When not working at TVS, Karen keeps busy with a multitude of volunteer activities. She works at Sage Wellness and volunteers with NAMI and Hospice in Henderson County. She also volunteers her time and energy with True Ridge Ministries, a local Hendersonville Nonprofit that works with the Latino community and others in need. True Ridge Ministries provides, “a safe, kind, and supportive space towards self-sufficiency, resilience, healing and well-being.”

The volunteering does not end there. Karen also travels to Port Antonio, Jamaica annually to assist with the Portland Homeless Shelter.

Karen’s light-hearted and zany personality shines in all respects; leaving most everyone in awe of how she finds the energy and time to accomplish so much. “She is like a social director on a ship, always looking for ways to uplift others and to connect them with people who can keep them grounded, yet take them a little higher,” explains Residential DSP Carolyn Trapp. “She truly strives to help them lead fulfilling lives and to be happier.”

Karen is always going above and beyond creating friendship and connections with the many residents. Over the years, Karen has opened her home and friendship to any resident who do not have family locally with whom to spend the holidays with. She even offers her Airbnb to resident’s families so that they can have a free place to stay when they come to visit.

She explains, “It is important to be present and share a little light. We are all here to help each other.” Looking ahead, Karen is excited to continue exploring a health-conscious life-style with curious residents and aims to become a member of the TVS Wellness Committee.

“I am so grateful to Karen for referring me to TVS and for her many gifts she shares with us all!” said TVS Residential DSP Nakeisha Miller. “Karen is a dynamic individual with a compassionate nature. She truly wants the best for people and leads a life of service to others. Not only that, but she has an awesome sense of humor and brings laughter wherever she goes. Thank you, Karen, for being a ray of light to so many people!”

Cory Thomas celebrates 10 years at TVS

Aug 8, 2022 | News

With over a decade of experience at TVS, Cory Thomas can be found working in almost any production area. Cory is able to flow between all the different lines and provide additional support wherever it is needed.

“Cory has been a regular fixture here at TVS! Over the years, Cory has performed a variety of jobs at TVS and takes his work seriously,” said TVS CEO Jamie Brandenburg. “I have always appreciated his loyalty and dedication to our mission and company.”

Cory was originally hired on second shift, palletizing and case sealing on lines producing SuperCereal, Instant Non-Fat Dry Milk (INDM), and Bakery Mixes.

Now, Cory prefers to work in Supplements. “My favorite spot is on the supplement line, I enjoy the flow of the work and the atmosphere,” said Cory. “I enjoy having the chance to talk to my coworkers.”

In Supplements, Cory can be found blowing out canisters, palletizing, or any other job they need him to do. “Cory is a hard worker with good work ethic,” said Supplement Production Lead Richie Atwell. “He does his work with a smile.”

Cory works by the motto, “drive to go home or don’t steer.” Or in other words, care about what you do.

“I enjoy watching Cory grow and appreciate his willingness to work in new departments,” said Dietary Supplements Operation Manager Brian Wilson. “I am very proud of his recent progress in his personal life.”

Cory is native to Transylvania County, and has been involved with TVS for 12 years. Before graduating from Brevard High in 2011, Cory completed his high school requirements by finding employment through Vocational Rehabilitation at TVS.

Over the past 10 years Cory said, “I am able to do more jobs and spread my wings more. I have become more well-rounded and have started to try more.”

When Cory is not at work he can be found practicing Taekwondo, working towards his black belt. Cory is also trained in Kick Boxing and Muay Thai. He has already competed in two different tournaments and aims to keep getting better and better.

Cory also enjoys hanging out with friends, swimming, hiking, social events, and being online. If you are ever looking for Cory on a social media network, it would help you to know that Steven King is his favorite author, as well as, the name of the hotel owner in The Shining.

He can be found in tropical locations on vacation. While his favorite location was Jamaica, he also enjoyed visiting the Bahama’s, Cayman Islands, and Myrtle Beach.

Looking back over the years, Cory remembers all the company picnics, riding inflatable animals in the field out back, evenings together celebrating Christmas, and has lots of memories with good people – some of which are no longer here.

Cory looks forward to continue growing at TVS and moving into whatever position his credentials will take him.

When asked to share some stories about Cory, Brian smiled and said, “I have some great stories involving Cory. They just cannot be repeated here.”

Celebrating AJ Spears for 10 years at TVS

Jul 12, 2022 | News

“We need more AJs in the world!” says Warehouse Lead Associate Tracie Fisher. “AJ is absolutely one of the hardest workers I have ever encountered and I am always impressed by the care and dedication to quality that she puts into every pallet.”

Over the past 10 years, AJ Spears has worked at TVS in almost every area including blending, set-ups, driving fork trucks, and as a floor lead for INTERACT participants.

Now AJ can be found at the warehouse location palletizing and making sure Prime Vendor and Troop Support orders are shipped out correctly. “I love the independence of being at the new warehouse,” AJ said. “But I do miss the INTERACT participants, they are what have kept me here. They bring a lot out of you without ever even trying.”

Her peers describe her as compassionate, being detail oriented, having a strong work ethic, perfectionist, and an open book.

When talking about her work, she always says, “if I wouldn’t send it to my mama looking like that, why would I send it to our soldiers?” If there is a pallet or case out of place, AJ will find it and fix it, she has no tolerance for cutting corners.

“Everything has to look right, or she will break the pallet down and redo the entire thing,” explains Warehouse Manager Shannon Merrill. “She also takes it upon herself to do more than her normal duties. She takes care of anything that might need to be done.”

Shannon has known AJ his entire time working at TVS, but has only worked directly with her over the past couple years since her promotion to Warehouse Production Associate.

“She is determined to do her job to the best of her ability, and her ability exceeds almost everyone I know,” said Customer Relations Specialist Robin Ervin. “She’s a beast! In the past year, Prime Vendor has shipped out 63,522 cases of product and AJ has had her hands on 99% of those cases.”

The TVS warehouse has a bulletin board that changes themes monthly. AJ has adorned the hat of Country Music Singer Gretchen Wilson, Animal from The Muppets, and Sandy the Squirrel from SpongeBob. Currently, she has been likened to Looney Tune’s Yosemite Sam. “For those who know AJ well, Yosemite Sam is likely to be the most accurate of them all,” laughs Robin.

“She is hilarious and you never have to wonder how she feels about things,” Robin explains. “AJ is rightfully proud of how far she has come since leaving her past struggles with addiction behind.”

AJ moved to Brevard in the 1990s with her family from Lodi, California. She worked other jobs including a PBX answering service, woodworking, and dog groomer. “My past history was rocky, but TVS took a chance on it,” said AJ.

“I give blood, sweat, and tears for this place to help feed the world,” she said. Reflecting over the past decade, AJ says, “it has been awesome working here. I love my job, what we do, and our mission. TVS has helped me in life and if I wasn’t here don’t know if I would have survived sobriety.”

Last year, AJ and her wife Alicia purchased their first home. When they are not working at TVS, they can be found helping friends, neighbors, and those in need mow to their lawns. “It makes you feel good to be helpful,” says AJ.

With all the work, AJ does enjoy some play while visiting the Cherokee casino. While AJ enjoys her luck at the slots, she does have a series of unfortunate events. “TVS is not kind to AJ and Alicia’s car,” laughs Robin.

In 2019, Mother Nature decided to strike the TVS parking lot with a bolt of lightning. The strike blew the pavement out from under the car and completely fried the electronics and killing their car. Luckily, it occurred during working hours and no one was outside.

But now her new car is a “car-magnet,” attracting other cars to bump into it while working at the warehouse location.

Looking ahead in her career at TVS, AJ is always looking for new ways to grow and with her motto of, “work hard and keep your chin up,” the possibilities are endless.

A decade later and Dan Fisher is stilling hanging in there like a hair in a biscuit

Jun 13, 2022 | News

It isn’t every day that you get to meet a man who has an affinity for cats and a secret hatred for Mr. Rogers – but at TVS, we have had the pleasure of working beside him for the past 10 years and we are looking forward to many more!

TVS Quality Director, Dan Fisher works to, “ensure that TVS puts out a quality safe product for our customer and consumer. Whoop, there it is.”

It’s hard to not find Dan with a smile on his face. He enjoys providing employment for individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment as well as being able to feed the world with awesome products. “It’s pretty cool,” he says. “I thank the Lord, and thank my blessings for being a part of TVS.”

Dan was hired as the Quality Director in 2012 after, “my wife and I decided it was time for me to come out of retirement,” Dan said with a laugh. His experience in quality grew at Tropicana in Florida, where he worked for 35 years. “I fell in love, had kids, and went to work at Tropicana,” he explained. “I started as a Lab Tech before moving up to the Quality Packaging Manager.”

TVS Quality Director John Safi has heard all the juicy stories about Tropicana, “they beat him to a pulp,” John says with a chuckle.

John has worked with Dan for the past 5 years. “He is a good-hearted guy and a true follower of Christ,” he says. “We have a lot of audits together, and they are more fun with each other. During one, an auditor grabbed Dan’s stress-reliver ball, shaped like a cow, and threw it at me because I kept asking questions. Dan then handed her a Tropicana stress-ball and said, ‘here – you can throw this one too,’ and she did.”

Just like the stress balls being thrown at John, the puns and compliments about Dan – they just keep coming.

Heart of gold, always positive, and “the best supervisor I’ve ever had” are just some of the other kind words coworkers had to say.

Jackie Compton has worked with Dan during his decade at TVS. “One of my favorite stories with Dan is when he was on his hands and knees chasing a fly with an electric fly swatter,” laughs Jackie. “He did get the fly after several hits and some electrical recharges.”

Over the years, Dan has traded this electric fly swatter for an electric bicycle. When not working, he can be found hitting the bike bath with his wife and friends, as well as, camping… or glamping.

Dan shares his smile with everyone around him. His light-hearted humor and extensive list of puns is the highlight of conversation. “Take the time to get to know the people. Life is short, and relationships are important,” he says.

Looking ahead, there may be opportunity to see Dan letting his hair down at the next company picnic and maybe beating Jackie again at Cornhole.

“I have a million of them,” said Dan thinking back on his memories. “But the overriding theme is all the smiles on employee faces as they come to work.” Over his decade, Dan has seen TVS grow by over a hundred employees.

Brevard used to have less people, less beer, and less bikes. But it’s all behind us now.

As for Dan’s explanation for his aversion to Mr. Rogers, he says, “It’s not a beautiful day in the neighbor, there might be cat fever going around.”