Persistent positivity, excellent leadership, dedication, organizational knowledge and flexibility are admirable qualities for any employee — especially one leading customer service staff through a pandemic. Brandy Adams exemplified these characteristics through a year of rescheduling, canceling and moving events and programs, and was recently named the City of Lenexa’s 2021 employee of the year. We asked Brandy to share a few of her favorite things about her 13 years with Lenexa.

What is your favorite thing about working for the City of Lenexa?

Working with so many cheerful and supportive staff, not only in Parks & Recreation, but in all departments, on a variety of programs, festivals and spaces where our community gathers to create memories, stay healthy and connected.

Which are the most popular facilities to rent? Which are the best kept secret?

Thompson Barn and our park shelters are a major hit for weddings, graduations and family or work gatherings. Our facilities and park staff maintain these spaces so well that people from all over the metro (and even some out of towners) rent them. 

Tell us about the team you work with every day.

I mostly work directly with frontline team members who are the first to greet familiar faces and those who are new to Lenexa Parks & Recreation. They know so many of our patrons by name and truly care about their wellbeing and success. I also get to work with the parks and building services crew and program supervisors who provide the amazing spaces and fun activities that we get to promote and connect our customers to.

How has your job changed since you started working for Lenexa?

I started in 2010 when we had around 20 people on the recreation and customer service side. So, in 2017, it felt like we went from a one-room schoolhouse to a university when we opened the Rec Center and gained an incredible number of new staff. We’ve seen major improvements to Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park and Thompson Barn, and added so many new programs, that I am extremely excited to see how we grow over the next few years. 

What’s your favorite festival (or park) in Lenexa and why?

Chili Challenge in Old Town! Especially when the weather is a crisp 60 degrees — chili tastes so much better then. We get to work the info booth and gates and it’s fun explaining what the challenge is all about and to sell event apparel. The band and fireworks add to the unique experience, and the team spirit of the contestants shines through no matter the weather.  

What advice do you have for those starting out in the customer service field?

One of my favorite sayings is “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Til your good is better and your better is best.” Strive to offer exceptional service and support your co-workers even through difficult situations. Be patient with and forgiving of yourself, your teammates and your customers. There is so much information to keep track of and it is okay to not know every detail as long as your customer and co-workers understand you are helping.