Page Niels is Far West Capital’s hardworking portfolio specialist. She has been with the company for 10 years, which we are beyond thankful for. Page comes into work everyday with a positive attitude and a go-getter mentality. Even with a rigorous schedule, Page is always willing to help her team members when they need help. This goes far at Far West Capital since we are extremely focused on working together. She is a great example of a team member who exemplifies each of our core values and we are excited to place the spotlight on her this week!
What does your day typically look like?
My day is very fast paced. From the time I arrive until the time I leave, it is pretty much non-stop work, which I enjoy. I like to stay very busy. I pull bank reports, start the ABL collections process and process the ABL deposits. The most checks I have processed is 625 in a single day. This is one record I don’t want to break. After doing that, I send their information to clients. I input all the outgoing wires and ACH’s throughout the day. In my spare time, I make sure our tax clients have sent in their proper information and then send out exception emails to ask for current information. I upload all the documents that have come in from the exception emails into our system. I also make credit files for our new clients, process manual deposits to the bank and go through our incoming debtor tracking process. I’m always available to help any of our other employees who need extra help.
How long have you worked at Far West Capital?
I started December 8, 2008.
What was your first job?
I worked as a Sales Associate for Foleys – now known as Macy’s for $1.80. I was excited when the minimum wage was increased to $2.00. It didn’t really matter though, my paycheck went back to the store to buy clothes. This was during my high school years.
What do you like to do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with my dogs. I have three Border Collie mixes ranging from 44 pounds to 64 pounds. I have two females – Sadie 4 years, Sasha 11 years – and one male, Bevo who will be 4 at the end of June. He is my challenge. I’ve been working with him and his aggression issues with other dogs. Plus, I have a grandson who will be 3 years old on July 5, which is how my other time is spent. Otherwise, I’m always outside enjoying the outdoors with my dogs or grandson.
What’s your favorite restaurant in Austin?
Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant.
What’s your favorite vacation spot?
Hawaii – went there in 1974 then again in 1998 for two weeks. We did island hopping, which is the only way to see all the islands. This has been the most relaxing vacation I ever had.
What do you enjoy most about working at Far West Capital?
The relaxed atmosphere, casual clothes, catered lunches five days a week, and the people who work here. It’s really a great place to work.
How are you set up for success at Far West Capital?
I want to retire in about five years. That’s my goal and with the 401K plan they have in place, I will be able to accomplish this. I know I could move up and do different jobs, but I like the backroom job the best. Someone has to and I believe I do it to the best of my ability.
What is your favorite Far West Capital memory?
There are so many. The funniest one I can think of is when Matt Smulski, Karol Guerro and I were staying late one night and our doors locked at 5:00 p.m. Well, Matt thought it would be fun to lock the door on Karol who went downstairs to the ladies room. When she came back up the door was locked and he had turned off all the lights, making her think that we had all gone. The look on her face was priceless when she tried to get back in.
What is your biggest accomplishment personally and/or professionally?
I truly believe my biggest accomplishment is raising my son by myself. I had some help, but mostly it was all me. He is now 30 years old, married and raising a son. I’m very proud of him since he practices bowling, the sport I did in high school. He has taken it one step further. He is now a PBA member (Professional Bowler Association), but only part time. What I would like to see is him bowl a perfect game. He has bowled 28 of them and I have not seen one.
What does it mean to you to “unleash your potential?”
Anything and everything that you can potentially become to better yourself, whether it is in your professional life or home life. Endless possibilities are everywhere, you just need to figure out when and how to get there. Personally, when I retire I would like to start a dog walking/sitter business to supplement the income. I’ve actually started looking into it. Since I can already walk up to four dogs, I think I could really excel at this since I love being around dogs.
Stay tuned for more Employee Spotlights to learn more about our awesome team.
