Here at Monk Development, builders of Ekklesia 360, we've been busy creating new themes, building fantastic websites, and hiring more amazing people to join our team. One of our company values is "people first," which means we care about our clients and about the people we add to our ranks.
Our latest hire is new Executive Assistant, Joanna Gray! Joanna is brand new to San Diego and comes to us from San Luis Obispo. Already I can tell we're going to be good friends due to her love of softball, theater, emojiis, and of course, the church!
I met with Joanna, also known as Jo, and asked her some "get to know you" questions so we could introduce her to you. Enjoy!
My parents, grandparents, and pastors.
What's the oddest request you received while working at a job?To drive a giant Uhaul in a snow storm to pick up new office furniture or the one time an ex-boss offered me weed? I declined.
Have you gone on any missions trips? Where did you go, what did you do?I was on staff at church camp in northern Michigan for a few summers. I taught archery and led hikes and cookouts.
You're a writer. So what’s your all-time favorite quote?“If you’re afraid of butter, use cream.” - Julia Child
Do you have a favorite genre of books to read? And what’s your all time favorite book?Memoir/autobiography. To Kill A Mockingbird
What are three random Joanna facts everyone should know about you?1. I’m a sucker for singing and dancing.
2. I like baseball.
3. On one side of my family, no one has college degrees. On the other, everyone does - for four generations back.
If you had a free round trip ticket for anywhere in the U.S. where would you go and what would you do?
I'd go home for Christmas.
What are three things that give you life?
1. Church
2. Hospitality
3. Adventure
Okay, then what is one adventure you'd like to experience before you die?Machu Picchu or trying to raise children.
I love that you put those two things in the same category! If you could be friends with anyone famous who would it be?Jerry Seinfeld
What is the best book you've read this year?“One More Thing” by B.J. Novak
If you could give someone one piece of advice what would it be?Work harder and be more patient with people
How did you find out about Monk Development?
I was in a Christian Leadership seminar led by our CEO, Drew Goodmanson, a few years ago and I’ve been keeping an eye on Monk ever since.
What excites you the most about working here?
The chance to rise to the challenge and be a part of a company that is really going somewhere. I’m also falling in love with San Diego.
Tell me about the atmosphere here at MonkDev HQ. Was it what you expected?There’s foosball and Nintendo and more people getting more done than I’ve ever seen. It’s a really great atmosphere of trust, communication, and productivity.
If you could have dinner with with 3 people living or dead who would they be and why?Rudyard Kipling, Audrey Hepburn, and Harriet Vane. I think they would all have really interesting stories to tell.
If a movie was made of your life what genre would it be, who would play you?Screwball comedy. Tina Fey, please!
If you had one day to do ANYTHING you wanted in San Diego, money is no object, what would you do?Whale watching. Can you do that from a helicopter? Or the tall ship cruises I’ve seen in the harbor.
Thanks Joanna, for letting us get to know you better!Wondering if a new church website is right for you? Download our guide to learn how to find the perfect church website by clicking the image below.
