For this month’s CTM Spotlight, we had the opportunity to ask Joanna Zlomanczuk some questions related to her employment at CTM, the value of working for a local company, a recent charitable donation, and her journey throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic.
How long have you worked at CTM?
- I have been a CTMer since July 2018
Why did you choose to work for a local company?
- This has been something that I have wanted to do for a long time but just never jumped at the chance. In 2018, I took the plunge and applied, and the rest is history. I love Waterford, and Caradoc Townsend Mutual has been a main staple of the town for quite a long time.
What is your favourite thing about working at a local company?
- I feel like it’s a family. Not only with my fellow employees but with our clients. There are quite a few insureds that I know from growing up in our town, from attending school or through friends and family.
What do you like most about your job?
- I like helping the clients and my co-workers to get the job done! There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a smiling face or hearing a sigh of relief when something is settled to a mutual outcome welcomed by all involved.
What does working at a mutual company mean to you?
- To me, working at a mutual, in essence, means you are like a family. The clients are not only your insureds but also your neighbours and members of the company. We are one big family. We don’t treat you like a number to complete a transaction and pass off. We treat you like you should be treated, as one of us!
How long were you growing your hair? And what inspired your decision to donate your hair to charity?
- The last cut and colour I got was in February 2020. I decided that I was not cutting my hair or colouring it during the pandemic. Little did I know that it would go on for so long! I then decided that a two-year mark was good enough, and it was long enough to donate to charity. I have always wanted to donate my hair to a charity foundation that supported cancer patients. I kept seeing posts about others growing and donating their hair, and since I had the time invested and the right length, I decided to get the “cut” and donate it on my birthday to a Childs Voice Foundation, Angel Hair for Kids Program.
On the topic of charity, what are some other local charities or organizations you support?
- Some of the charities near and dear to me that I support are the Waterford Food Bank and St. Vincent De Paul Society. Those and the local hospices are just a few I have personally donated to.
In May 2020, CTM launched our giving campaign with the aim of supporting efforts in the local communities that we serve called CTM Care. The main pillars of this campaign are mental health, food security, healthcare, senior support and support for victims of domestic violence. Which CTM Care donation or support resonates with you the most?
- I find that the charities that CTM Care supports are great! It makes my heart feel that much lighter to know that we are helping those in need and those who are lonely or alone. This pandemic has made visiting that much harder for our loved ones in the senior/long-term care homes, and I loved that we were able to provide tablets for residents to keep in touch with their loved ones or friends or to use as a reader or to play a game. I have a soft spot for helping those in need. Always have, and always will!
On a lighter note, what are some of your favourite things to do locally?
- I love to walk the trails. Specifically the Waterford Heritage Trail and also along the Black Bridge. I am also a big supporter of the Waterford Pumpkinfest. This year, we will be celebrating its 40th anniversary! I also love to participate in any of the local festivals. Whether it’s the Canada Day Parade in Port Dover or what was formerly known as the Friendship Festival in Simcoe. Also, the Tomato Fest in Port Rowan. I just love how each town embraces and goes all out to promote local businesses and clubs. This past year was the first-ever Santa Claus Parade in Waterford, and it was at night! I just love the local support!
During the Pandemic, a lot of people were binge-watching TV shows. Are you currently binge-watching anything?
- I am in a relationship with Netflix J. The Last Kingdom, Emily in Paris, and Bridgerton, just to name a few. Lately, I have been marathoning some Italian and African series with subtitles, which makes for some funny moments when the closed-captioned is not what is being said on the tube. I also tend to watch the oldies. CH is great for having them like the Danny Thomas Show, Bonanza (lunch break) and Happy Days, to name a few.
What is the best concert you have attended?
- I would have to say that one of the best concerts I have attended would be Toby Keith at the Molson Amphitheatre. I lost my voice and hearing for a few days afterwards. Most memorable for sure!
What is one item you can’t live without?
- My family!
If you could only eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
- Probably ice cream or frozen yogurt with cholate fudge or dip or fruit…. Yum!
