Welcome to our 42nd street office
Last winter, I gave you all a little tour of my offices in the Starrett Lehigh building located in the Chelsea section of Manhattan. We received so many favorable comments and I thought it was time for you to visit my original offices located in midtown at 42nd Street. And although, different jobs get done here, you can really feel the creative energies in action. We occupy office space on a few floors in the building, but the reception area is located on the 25th. Exiting the elevators and passing through the entrance doors, you are greeted by Alli Loeffert, our friendly and exuberant receptionist. Alli has been our ‘traffic’ director for about 9 months and says she really loves her job. Please visit again for more 42nd Street installments.
Here’s Alli at her post. It’s so important to have someone
so warm and helpful to greet workers, visitors, and delivery people
and, at the same time, answer the constantly ringing phones.
Alli explained that although the main number to the company
rings continuously throughout the day, the busiest times are 9 AM,
noon, and between 5 & 6 PM. She manages 4 separate lines and is
asked all kinds of questions. She keeps a list, near eye level, of all
the various departments where she can best direct the calls.
Whenever there is a lull, Alli picks up her knitting. She
just took up the craft and has been making a scarf. She bought her
yarn at Purl yarn shop, located in the Soho section of
Manhattan. Purl is a colorful and wonderful store owned and operated
by Joelle and Jennifer Hoverson – Joelle used to work for Martha
Stewart Living Omnimedia as a style editor prior to opening her yarn shop.
Mad Money!
A trip to my local Michael's craft store
Russ & Daughters, one of my favorites!
Edible flowers in my garden
Sharkey had a little accident
I really love knitting. I think it's great that she is able to bring out the knitting during slow periods. I wish I could do that at my job.
Posted by: Nik | July 28th, 2008 at 12:39 am
Martha, thank you so much for appreciating your receptionist (who is sunny and adorable btw). I worked as a receptionist for years throughout college and for the most part it's a job that gets overlooked. The receptionist has to sit alone usually and is also stuck at the desk while others can freely move about. It can be a lonely and thankless job at times. I know from personal experience when someone takes a moment to honor your contribution it means so much! It really does. And hey, thanks for the yarn store info. They've got great stuff and I can't wait to buy some new yarn.
Posted by: Marie | July 28th, 2008 at 12:52 am
I like the idea of a work environment that encourages personal creativity... allowing Alli to pick up her knitting when things slow down... what a wonderful workplace for her!
Posted by: Sasha Libby | July 28th, 2008 at 3:00 am
Alli looks like a wonderful receptionist, just what you need when you walk into the building. I love that you allow her to do knitting when she has a spare moment, most offices wouldn't. What other rewards are there for working for MSLO (apart from the obvious one of working there at all!)?
Pru
Posted by: Pru | July 28th, 2008 at 3:27 am
Alli looks so friendly and I bet she is always courteous and warm with each and every call. I know she does enjoy the lull in the calls so she can knit. Martha your whole outfit is the warmest and ever friendliest group for your many adoring viewers and fans, Alli must be from the South. Nan
Posted by: Nan Ashby | July 28th, 2008 at 3:32 am
How in the world are you everywhere at the same time? I'm reading your blog, watching you on TV cause it's a special on homes in the Hamptons, and see some back issues of Martha Stewart Living--oh and I can see my cookbooks from where I'm sitting. If you were actually here..it would be even better. Thank you for a glimpse into your other offices. I enjoyed meeting the receptionist.
Posted by: Anna | July 28th, 2008 at 3:41 am
I love Purl Soho! I've only been there in person once but I often spend time on their website. Knitting is a great way to make a slow work day go by a little quicker, and you still feel like you've accomplished something in your day!
Posted by: Laura Nelson | July 28th, 2008 at 9:18 am
I would love to be able to do that at my job too. If I'm lucky I get a bit of knitting in at lunch!!
Posted by: SAM00_SKITTLE | July 28th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Thanks for recognizing your receptionist postion and in this case, Alli. It is a job I would struggle with but will be the first to admit I could not do without. Receptionists are the very best when good and it is the very worst when one is not there.
Good job for the receptionist department--Alli.
Posted by: Margie | July 28th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Alli not only looks friendly and cheerful her voice also conveys that on the phone! I've called the 42nd street office before with question about Martha's products. Alli answered the phone in a timely fashion and was so friendly and helpful. I think it's great that working at Martha's Alli was inspired and encouraged to pick up knitting. If only all corporation allowed for creativity like MSLO, I think they'd be more successful and have happy employees like Alli!
Posted by: Susanne Granoff | July 28th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Hi Martha, Is everyone who works for you a multi-tasker?! I'll bet they are and I'll bet they are totally inspired by you. Thank you for introducing us to Alli. She seems to be very happy and comfortable at her job. Is Julia still the receptionist at the Starrett Lehigh building? She was absolutely great on your fantastic Apprentice show! You have the best people working for you at your homes and at MSLO. Thanks again for sharing. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | July 28th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
yes, i remember the photos from the other office. your offices are always spectacular, very inspiring. maybe next time you can take a tour of the office and introduce us to people. I think I saw Darcy's office in her blog. It's so interesting to see how all the incredible creativity happens.
Posted by: ShopLittleGifts | July 28th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
I'm knitting a QUILT! Imagine that! Hope I can find giant knitting needles when the quilt gets huge! Right now I'm about crib sized.
Posted by: Jane M | July 28th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
First impressions are lasting ones. And, what a GREAT first impression Alli makes! I know you're proud and pleased, Martha. Way to work it, Alli!
Jay Michael
Posted by: Jay MIchael | July 28th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Martha,
One of my favorite posts was the tour of the offices. I am so glad you posted this new one, it shows you pay attention to what people want to see. Ali looks so happy to work for your company. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Desiree | July 28th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
I've always been a "Martha Stewart" to my coworkers and am very delighted to see my niece working for this company, and featured on the blog. I was tickled to see Alli knitting. She and I spent lots of time doing crafts, making placemats, etc when she lived with my husband and me. She is a creative young lady. By the way, I am now knitting too Alli!!!
Posted by: Linda Root | July 28th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Martha, it is so wonderful to be reminded of what a good employer you are. If there is a lull, your employee can use their creativity. It is understandable why your organization grows!
Posted by: Barbara | July 28th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
GORGEOUS puppies Martha...new to this blogging business..love your magazines..your tv show here on Foxtel in australia..and you often have wonderful aussies as guests..keep up the wonderful work..kind regards from tbe LAND OF OZ...andrea..
Posted by: andrea kennedy-frost | July 29th, 2008 at 3:11 am
Your receptionist looks full of life a compliment to your company. And I also like the idea that she is able to bring her knitting to job is a benefit as well. Keeep up the good work Alli.
Posted by: darleneburnham | July 29th, 2008 at 7:31 am
The colors, quality and classic appeal of your line make it my absolute favorite! I featured your ribbon organizer box on my blog in the after shots of my studio after I did a big tidy up. This sounds ridiculous but it makes me so happy to use it and see everything lined up so neatly. The alphabet cards also pull my heart strings!
http://www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com
Posted by: kerry | July 29th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
Martha, I am irritating people at work and using your name to do it. I won't say what big company I work for 'cause there are rules about that, but we are using LEAN principles everywhere to tighten up ops, clean up, streamline processes, etc. Whenever I pass our common area where the printer, mailbox, etc., are, I tell people, "Do you think Martha Stewart's office looks like this? She wouldn't put up with it being so messy!" We shouldn't, either, of course, even though we don't work for MSLO. Of course, I get the comment "Martha doesn't work here." OH, well.
Today my LEAN activity was tossing three broken staplers in the trash. BROKEN! Why would Martha keep broken staplers? One seemed to be a WWII relic...but I'm trying, one spot at a time.
ON another note, we don't have time to knit but there are a fair number of stitchers, knitters, and crafters who love to do that kind of thing. I brought my Reversible Purse to work the other day to show off--everyone loved it. The next will be an evening bag--definitely not for work.
Thanks again for everything, Martha and Staff.
Amy
Posted by: Amy | July 29th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Hi, Martha,
Thanks for the introduction to Alli. She sounds like a good receptionist---and knitter. You have such wonderful people working here and there. I would love to go to Purl Soho.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | August 1st, 2008 at 5:54 am
Martha:
It's nice of you to feature Alli in your post.
Often, receptionists and other "support" staff are overlooked in the business world, but not at MSLO. You've always had an eye for spotting talent and encouraging creative growth among your employees. In one of your previous posts you spoke of how Kevin Sharkey's hard work was recognized and allowed him to move up the ranks in a relatively short time. And...Necy Fernandez is another fine example--from housekeeper to flower arranger to stylist!
Who knows, maybe the next time you feature Alli in a post, she'll be contributing to the craft department!
It would be nice if more companies followed your lead.
Have a great Birthday Weekend!
Posted by: JBrennan | August 2nd, 2008 at 1:14 am
Dear Martha, The recipes, info, tips, creativity, inspire me to do my best. You have made it easy for me, Thank you for making my lifestyle more enjoyable.I so Love your websites. judy king
Posted by: judy King | August 3rd, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Hi Martha,
I have spoken with Alli a few times and always get a warm greeting. She is a wonderful receptionist and you are lucky to have such a talented, lovely and cute(!) lady on your staff. Keep up the great work!
-Jeffrey Richard
Posted by: Jeffrey Richard | August 3rd, 2008 at 8:46 pm
I've known Alli since second grade (Woo! Central College Elementary!), and she really is one of the sweetest people I've met.
Posted by: Tracie | August 14th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
I was the secretary at the school Alli attended for grade school. It was Central College Magnet School. Alli was precious and sweet. I will never forget her! I remember Alli missing the school bus several times. Her Mother Diane made her WALK to school and she followed in the car. It about broke my heart as Alli was a little peanut but she was always optimistic. Actually I don't think she was ever late again! Please give her my best!!
Sincerely,
Sharon Dencer
Westerville, OH.
Posted by: Sharon Dencer | August 14th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Alli is one of my all time favorite students! I was her fifth grade teacher at Central College Magnet School. She was very active in drama and performed in "Alice in Wonderland" at the Columbus Children's Theater. Alli was and is friendly, personable, and charming. I loved reading about her!
I was surprised that she was not singing and dancing on Broadway, but many of us take career detours. After 27 years of teaching I now am rolling pretzels. I own an Auntie Anne's franchise in Columbus, OH.
It was wonderful to read about the great job Allison does for Martha Stewart and that she is recognized publicly for that outstanding effort!
Sincerely,
Sharon Wheeler
Westerville, OH
Posted by: Sharon Wheeler | September 12th, 2008 at 5:46 am
Martha,
A few years ago, you sold a "recipe box" probably from your catalog...it is white, measures about 4 and 3/4 high, and 14 and 1/4 long. They are the best for serious cooks, and I would love to buy about 3 or 4 more. Are they still available, and if so, how do I purchase them?
Many thanks,
Beverly Orr
Posted by: Beverly Orr | September 22nd, 2008 at 8:48 am