From Billing Clerk to Warranty Lead: Erin Altwasser’s Journey
When Erin Altwasser was finishing her schooling in Office Administration, a friend who worked at Leavitt Machinery reached out to her about an opportunity at the company. Jumping at the chance, Erin began her journey as a temporary billing clerk covering for a maternity leave. Little did she know, this would mark the start of a long and fulfilling career.
Navigating Challenges and Finding Resilience
After seven years as a billing clerk, Erin’s role shifted dramatically when her position merged with the dispatcher role, just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. After only one week as a dispatcher, she faced uncertainty when the pandemic caused layoffs. “It was scary,” Erin recalls. “I had only been in the role for a week, and then I was laid off.” But Erin’s resilience shone through, and soon after, a coworker suggested she apply for a position in Warranty. She quickly secured the role and has since become the Lead for Warranty Registrations.
Growing Alongside the Company
Erin takes great pride in how much the company has grown during her time here. In the early days, she only registered units for Leavitt Machinery. Now, she manages registrations for multiple companies under the Venturis umbrella. With over 50 manufacturers and a rapidly expanding business, keeping up with the growth is no small task. “Some days are definitely a challenge,” she says, but Erin’s commitment to staying ahead has made her an essential part of the team.
A Day in the Life
Her day-to-day involves a variety of tasks, from managing emails and creating contracts to problem-solving and supporting sales reps. But what keeps Erin motivated, even on the toughest days, is the supportive team around her. “I remind myself how lucky I am to have such a great team,” she says. And when the day gets particularly challenging? “I put on some music to get the good vibes going!”
Team Culture and Collaboration
For Erin, teamwork, collaboration, and innovation define the culture at Leavitt Machinery. A recent team outing to Krause Berry Farm and Fort Langley stands out as one of her favorite bonding experiences. “We had breakfast, walked around, shopped, and spent quality time together—it was great to connect with teammates from different locations.” She also enjoys the BC Lions outings, where the company comes together to cheer on the team.
Core Values: Teamwork and Accountability
Erin believes that teamwork and accountability are core to her success. “It’s important to trust your team and work together. Accountability is key—not just in your work, but in how you treat others,” she explains. Erin feels that her role at Leavitt Machinery reflects the company’s mission by ensuring customers have a seamless experience, particularly when navigating complex warranty registrations.
Life Outside of Work
Outside of work, Erin cherishes spending time with her family. Having been with her husband for 33 years, she values moments with their two daughters, son-in-law, and three grandchildren. A recent family vacation was one of the highlights of her life. “Life is so precious, and time with family is everything.” Erin is also a huge music enthusiast, creating playlists for every occasion. Fun fact—she’s never had a cup of coffee in her life!
Looking Ahead: Embracing the Future
Erin is excited about the future, particularly with the growing trend of electric forklifts. “They are the future,” she says, adding that she’s eager to see how the industry evolves.
Her advice for anyone starting at Leavitt? “Work hard, stay positive, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Learning is constant, and mistakes are part of the process.” We are proud to have dedicated team members like Erin, whose resilience, growth, and positivity inspire everyone around her.