Amy M. Fahey, proposal writer and marketing coordinator, Colantonio Inc.
Fahey
As a sales analyst at State Street Bank in Boston, Amy M. Fahey wrote responses to requests for proposals and created web site content. Now, she brings her skills to Holliston construction firm Colantonio Inc., where she is the new proposal writer and marketing coordinator. In this Q&A, she says her new job involves a whole lot less bureaucracy than working for a big bank.
Age: 49
Residence: Mendon
Family: Single, two children: 12-year-old daughter, Isabel (Ibby) and 8 year-old son, Jackson
Education: Bachelor's in management from Suffolk University
Previous job: Sales analyst for State Street Bank, wealth management services, Boston
Start date at new job: Jan. 19
Q. How are you settling in at your new office?
A. The people here at Colantonio are true, hard-working professionals and are experts at what they do. But they are also easy-going, friendly, and value time spent with their families. The atmosphere is busy but not stressed out. I know I'm going to enjoy working here; I just hope they will keep me. The guys started teasing me on my first day, so that's a good sign!
Q. What's the biggest surprise you've had in starting the job?
A. The ability to consult with my co-workers on a moment's notice and, therefore, get things done more quickly. There are no layers between me and the President/CEO, Fran Colantonio, who is completely accessible. So, there are no committees that have to be formed and consulted. For example, it was a bit of a culture shock for me when I wrote my first press release: it was approved right away, without changes. One of the wonderful advantages of working for a small company is being able to contribute on a relatively larger scale, and it's exciting.
Q. What challenges do you see in your new position?
A. Getting up to speed on the commercial construction industry will take some time, but I love to learn and it's a fascinating field. While my primary responsibility is to write winning bid proposals, I will also help develop new business which is a challenge in any economy. I'm looking forward to working with these guys to find new and creative ways to increase the bottom line. Right now, I am working on getting our web site redesigned, which is actually pretty fun.
Q. How different is this job from your previous position?
A. Extremely different. In my previous position I communicated with co-workers mainly through e-mail and conference calls. It's refreshing to collaborate with others in person. Also, the proposals I wrote at State Street required the coordination of input from up to a dozen subject matter experts in different locations. Here, all the information I need is at my fingertips. The construction industry atmosphere is more laid back than the financial services industry. The language here is a lot more colorful, that's for sure! Everyone keeps apologizing, but I get a kick out of it. I'm just afraid it will rub off on me, which will get me into big trouble with my kids.
Q. How close is this to what you imagined in high school you'd end up doing?
A. According to the testing they did in high school, I was supposed to be a government agent, whatever that means, or a journalist. Although I've primarily worked in the financial services industry, I've always incorporated writing into every position I've had, whether it was for procedures or training material. I am happy that it's now one of my primary responsibilities and that I have much freer reign.
Q. Where's the best place to get lunch near your new location?
A. I've been a brown-bagger so far, but I hear that Pajama Joe's and Casey's Crossing are great places to eat! I'm looking forward to checking them out.
Q. What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
Yikes - I can't imagine wanting to leave this place. I honestly believe this will be the best job I've had. I do hope that I play an instrumental role in helping this company continue to succeed.
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