This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Valley Green location in Norwalk, Connecticut. At more than 12,000 square feet, the Norwalk facility houses not only a large selection of products but also a team that cares about each customer who walks through the door.
Every member of the small operations team in Norwalk is knowledgeable about the products they sell. For them, customer service means helping solve problems and select the right product for any given job. They understand the challenges of busy contractors and homeowners who need products that deliver consistent results.
It’s always rewarding to hear success stories from customers who share how staff recommendations help them overcome challenges in their turfgrass. Starting at the top, the Norwalk team facilitates a family atmosphere where employees and customers alike feel at home. “We hope all our customers feel like they are part of the Valley Green family, not just your regular store or wholesaler,” says Location Manager Julio Diaz.
Keep reading to get to know three of the team members in Norwalk.
Jamie Gomez, Operations Manager
Jamie started at Valley Green in 2012. She first heard about the company from her neighbor, who told her about a temp position they were trying to fill. Jamie filled that position and eventually transitioned to a full-time role, now working as the operations manager.
Her workdays include everything from answering the phone and helping customers to managing transfers and billing. The best part of the job is working with her staff, Jamie says: “We’re like a little close family. There’s only five of us. It’s like a second home.”
Jamie grew up in Stamford and now lives in Darien with her four children, who range in age from 21 to 8. She enjoys spending time with them when she’s not at work. Her other hobbies include shopping and cheering for the Dallas Cowboys with her family.
Marco Lima Marcos, Assistant Manager
Assistant Manager Marco Lima Marcos has worked for Valley Green for 15 years and, like Jamie, is right at home here. “I feel very comfortable. I feel very supported,” he said. Over the years, Marco has worked his way up through the ranks of the operations team to become assistant manager.
The work environment is Marco’s favorite part of the job and something he is proud of helping establish. “We are like a family,” he said. “Everybody supports everybody.”
Marco grew up in Guatemala, where his mom and two sisters still live. Here in Connecticut, Marco lives with his wife and two sons, who are in their early twenties. Marco enjoys playing soccer and supporting his favorite team, FC Barcelona.
Julio Diaz, Location Manager
Location Manager Julio Diaz first started at Valley Green in 2004 as a driver. He heard about the job from a friend who drove for the company. Julio earned his CDL and drove for several years. He eventually worked his way up through loading and unloading, assistant manager, and now manager.
Helping customers is what Julio enjoys most about his job. “They’re part of our family. Pretty much my favorite part of this job is my customers. They mean a lot to me. I’ve known them for a long time, and they’ve known me. That’s why I believe we have the support we have in this location.”
Julio grew up in Samford, Connecticut, just down the coast from Norwalk. He has four children who keep him busy when he’s not at work. One of his daughters just graduated from college, the other just graduated from high school, and his two sons are in middle and elementary school. “Family’s very important to me, so I try to spend as much time as I can with my family,” Julio said. He also enjoys cars, riding bikes, hiking, and the Golden State Warriors.
Wow! The fact that they celebrated the 20th anniversary this year tells you how far they’ve come. And this is a huge accomplishment too.