​It’s no secret that Twin Hill loves to celebrate, and when it comes to our employees and their heritage, there’s no exception. We are pleased to nurture an environment that embraces and educates each other. From authentic homemade Mexican food, to sombreros, and all the way to the breaking of a horse piñata in the parking lot, we celebrate.
    
Cinco de Mayo is an annual celebration on May 5th, and is more commonly celebrated in the U.S. than in Mexico. It’s a holiday that commemorates the outnumbered Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862. This battle was not definitive, although it helped stall the French while the U.S. Union forces made advances, as the U.S. was engaged in its Civil War at that time. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is an observance day, and the U.S. has evolved its focus to embrace the Mexican culture.

We spoke with Claudia Delara, Associate Program Manager, to understand what this Holiday means to her and her family. “Growing up we often had celebrations at school, and I was always curious as to why the fuss on this day. After a LONG lecture on Mexican history from my father, I then knew what this day meant to me. Cinco de Mayo to me had become a holiday to celebrate my Mexican roots in the US, and the perfect opportunity to enjoy Mexican dishes with a margarita (once I was of age), of course.”

​ Thank you to the members of the PM team, Cindy Silva and Claudia Delara, that hosted and celebrated this wonderful holiday.

Each month, we highlight one of our Twin Hill team members.  This month, we're speaking with James Hammer, Distribution Operations Manager, and most recently awarded the Twin Hill LION Award. ​
James Hammer, who leads our warehousing and distribution facilities,  is one of many unsung heroes within Twin Hill. Whether it be challenges like Hurricane Harvey or relocating entire client inventories to a new distribution center, or implementing a reengineered fulfillment strategy,  James is always focused on our core value of Leading with the Customer. He will always tell you that it is not him but his people that deserve the credit, but it takes a great leader to lead great people.
 
For this reason, James was awarded the Tailored Brands Leadership award for the past year.
 
Congratulations James and thank you and your team for keeping our customers interest a top priority!
​
​​How long have you worked at Twin Hill?
I have worked for Twin Hill since 2012.  Prior to that, I was with TMW since 2004.

How have you progressed since joining Twin Hill?
I came to Twin Hill wanting a change of pace, and came in at an entry level position, then Div. 100 Lead, Supervisor, Div. 100 Manager, DC Manager, and now Ops Manager.

What are your main responsibilities?
I’m responsible for the day to day operations for both of our Houston DC’s (Renwick & Glenmont).

Which part of your job do you enjoy the most?
Day to day life is rarely ever the same.  We’re constantly needing to make plan changes or adapt to different scenarios.  This pretty much guarantees that we don’t get bored!

What is the most challenging part of your job?
The most challenging part of the job is finding a way to meet deadlines that don’t change due to any number of things that cause delays or adjustments to be made.  It does make it so it’s never boring, but difficult as well!

What makes Twin Hill’s Distribution Center team different than others?
We often joke that we’re a dysfunctional family, and it’s very true!  We all get along in and out of work and have developed good relationships with the entire DC staff.  We have a genuine care and interest in our employees and for the most part, I believe that shows in what they’re willing to do to get through most situations.

How would you describe Twin Hill’s Distribution Center team in three words?
Dedicated, hardworking…… and sprinkle a little crazy on top!

What has been the highlight of your career at Twin Hill so far?
I think I would have to say the AA roll out.  Encountering all the challenges that we faced, and seeing how the staff pulled together and became successful after having to redesign the entire process was incredible.  The hours that people put in, the dedication from the staff, the interesting situations and characters made it possible to look back and laugh but also be proud of what was accomplished.  

Outside of work, do you have any hobbies or interests?
I love motorcycles, and currently have 2!  So, pretty much anything having to do with them.  Whether riding or just tinkering with them in the garage.  Oh, and yes…… I’m a die-hard BRONCOS fan!!!!!

What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
Although I was born and raised in Colorado, I’ve lived in 6 other states: Texas, Washington, Illinois, Wyoming, Michigan, and Iowa.

If you could be anywhere (other than the office) right now, where would you be?
I would be on a bar patio in the mountains in Colorado having a beer!​

Each month, we highlight one of our Twin Hill team members.  This month, we're speaking with Cindy Silva, Program Manager. Cindy has been with Twin Hill for 3 years, and has grown and developed through time spent in the Customer Service department, and more recently, in Operations where she was promoted to Program Manager this last March. Congratulations Cindy!
Cindy Silva (right) with her mentor Patty Buhrman, Sr. Program Manager (left)

​How long have you worked at Twin Hill? 
I have worked at Twin Hill for 3 years. 
 
How have you progressed since joining Twin Hill?
By learning and understanding the systems and the business; it made it a lot easier to help our partners. My goal was/is to always learn something new.  Progress has come over time with determination, giving it my best, and always trying to figure out things on my own and knowing that sometimes I would not always have the answers and that was okay. Finding a mentor within the company, getting feedback from those who worked closely to me, getting to know the industry and making a plan for myself have helped me achieve my goals. Patty played a big role in training me, building my confidence in front of our partners and trusting me with her accounts.  Being understanding, kind, and patient are vital in this role.  I came in as a CSR and four months later I was an APM and now I am a PM. I am proud of how much progress I have done in 3 years, and I am very thankful for each and every opportunity I have been given within the company. 
 
What are your main responsibilities?
Where do I start (laughing out loud), in the APM role I had many responsibilities, but I was not solely responsible for an account. As a PM those responsibilities are still there, however, you are responsible for your own account. It feels like I am managing my own business and I treat it that way.  I am the middle man who is in constant communication with our Partners, our CSR team, our Planning team…etc. and that is important because we all play a vital part to making this account succeed. I am also responsible for reporting, maintaining the website, keeping inventory at a healthy level with the help of the planning team, and most importantly meeting the needs of our partners. 
 
Which part of your job do you enjoy the most?
I’d like to say I enjoy it all. I am that positive person who makes the best out of any situation. If I had to pick one thing I would say learning something new. I am that person who will help others with their account just so that I can learn something new.  
 
What is the most challenging part of your job?
I love challenges. So far, forecasting is a little challenging for me. I am sure that as I learn more about my account and work more on this I will feel more confident with it. 
 
What makes Twin Hill’s Program Management team different than others?
We all work hard and help each other when we need it. I can’t think of an instance where I have turned someone away or vice versa. I have never seen a team that treated each other like family and made time for each other. I am very proud to be part of the Twin Hill family.  
 
How would you describe Twin Hill’s Program Management team in three words?  
Supportive, Encouraging, Dedicated 
 
What has been the highlight of your career at Twin Hill so far?
Apart from having the opportunity to grow and be a PM now, I would say being able to travel with our partners. 
 
Outside of work, do you have any hobbies or interests?
I really enjoy spending family time with my two daughters, Zoe (8) and Gigi (3). I am first generation in the U.S., so I grew up with Mexican traditions and I am very adamant that my girls grow up with the same traditions. I am a country girl at heart and I love horseback riding and farm life. I also enjoy dancing, reading, cooking/baking, hiking, and I like going to the gym but I also enjoy eating tacos. 
 
What is one thing that most people do not know about you?
I have a very spontaneous side, and I do things that some people would consider crazy such as swimming with sharks and skydiving. 
 
If you could be anywhere (other than the office) right now, where would you be?
I would go back in time and appreciate the time that I had with those who were dear to my heart and are no longer here. Sometimes you will never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory.