In this month’s edition of Meet the Bibliomaniac, we introduce you to Gella from our South Houston District. Take it away, Gella!
Name: Gella Spencer
Job Title: District Inventory Manager
Store Location: South Houston District
When did you join the team?
I joined the HPB team in the summer of 2002. I was the first non-transferring employee hired at the Humble, Texas location while it was still being outfitted from a lighting store into a bookstore. I thought it would be a short-term summer gig, as I figured out what I wanted to be when I “grew up”… and here I am in my sixteenth year.
As a District Inventory Manager (DIM), what’s an average day like for you?
Any given day in my role as a DIM, consists of three main responsibilities: working behind my laptop, working alongside my Store Inventory Manager (SIMs) or working on a specialized task. An average day behind the screen can include: checking reports, placing/verifying vendor orders, troubleshooting and basically providing aide to my team’s various needs. On days where I work alongside my SIMs, we can be merchandising, creating décor for an upcoming display, updating store signage, or any other task that offers aide to my SIMs. Specialized tasks can include conducting inventory, aiding in Comicpalooza/vendor participation, redesigning the flow of a section/area or participating in one of the taskforces/committees I am on.
What is your favorite part about working at HPB?
My most favorite part of working at HPB, other than my crew, is the ability to be creative and useful while remaining challenged. I feel that my role is to remove any obstacle my team may face. This offers me a variance of unpredictable challenges that naturally satisfies my need to “fix things” by applying my logic and tinkering skills. I never get bored! I truly feel as though I work for a company who is in acceptance of the individual person that I am. In that support, I am able to apply my strengths with confidence and admit my weaknesses with dignity. That is priceless to me and invaluable in my commitment to HPB.
What is your all-time favorite book/movie or album?
ALL TIME?! Talk about a good challenge!
All-time favorite book: Imajica by Clive Barker
Movie: The Fifth Element
Album: Licensed to Ill by the Beastie Boys
What are you reading right now?
Honestly, The Pirate Fairy: Wake up, Croc by Kristen Mayer (I have a 14 month old).
What TV show/movie are you embarrassed to admit you love?
I am not one to embarrass easily, however, I will admit that I am getting an unhealthy amount of exposure to Tinker Bell movies these days.
What do you do in your free time?
I “glamp” in my Camper on a 101.5-acre ranch! I also volunteer for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization as a Ranch Administrator and Marketing Coordinator. My family is also strongly rooted in our community, holding the roles of the Ranch Manager and Teen Minion Coordinator. We host and operate the ranch work-weekends, where we maintain and prepare the 101.5 acre ranch for camping festivals.
After a long day of ranch improvements, we spend our evenings around a campfire, surrounded by our friends and family, drumming and creating shenanigans into the night.
If you could write a book about yourself, what would you name it?
Four-Wheeling in an Electric Golf Cart by Gella Spencer
When are you happiest?
I am happiest when I am in my craft room, under my headphones, lost in creating art. I especially enjoy making Halloween costumes and refurbishing furniture!
I recently started vending my wares at a festival, where I teamed up with my pals and sold items such as headdresses, fairy lamps, wands, custom leather work and festival clothing.
I also play the Djembe (drum) and have been known to spin a fire baton a time or two.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I love to have fun; the deep, belly-ache, cheeks hurt from smiling, fun! I believe that life should be lived “on top” [L-I-F-E-O-N-T-O-P] and that you can never get enough of it!