Meet Bernie Holcomb, a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience at JP Cullen. As a versatile member of the team, Bernie navigates a diverse array of responsibilities. In this exclusive Q&A, she sheds light on her role, and what she cherishes most about working at JP Cullen, and shares some personal insights that might just surprise you.
Describe your current role:
I handle various tasks for JP Cullen, primarily focusing on non-contract invoices. These invoices arrive through different channels—some by mail, some downloaded, but most are emailed to a shared inbox. My role involves verifying that the invoices contain all necessary details for payment and organizing them into appropriate folders for entry into the system. Additionally, I handle tasks such as data entry, coding, tax processing, resolving issues with incomplete invoices, and managing our Home Depot account.
What do you like best about working at JP Cullen?
I like to be busy, so the fast pace and multitasking doesn’t faze me. I like my job – which has had many changes in the last 35 years, and I like the people I work with.
What is the best advice you ever received?
Do not go to bed mad!
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
I don’t think I would like to have a superpower.
What was your first job?
I worked at a daycare center in Darlington, Wisconsin all throughout high school.
What is something people wouldn’t expect about you?
I have a nephew who plays professional football – Currently for the Los Angeles Chargers.
What have been some of your favorite memories over your 35-year career at JP Cullen?
JP Cullen used to have a small five-seat company airplane. One day a co-worker, Donna, and I had the opportunity to fly to Davenport, Iowa for a job site visit to St. Luke’s Hospital. I had never flown before and I’m afraid of heights. During the return flight, the plane iced up and they had to use a comb to scrape the ice off. This process freaked me out, plus I had to sit up front with the pilot and investigate the dark nothing. It was an experience I will never forget.
Another memory was the year we all received a ham for a Christmas gift. We had an Alaskan malamute, Kody, who liked to eat ANYTHING, especially anything being delivered to our doorstep. I asked to be able to have my ham delivered to the office but that didn’t happen. I got home one day and Kody looked like he had gained 50 pounds or swallowed a very large beach ball. You guessed it, he ate the whole ham, dry ice, packing, and all.
When I started at JP Cullen 35 years ago, we had to wear dresses or skirts that had to be a certain length, or we would be sent home to change. I was excited when we had blue jeans on Fridays and even more excited when we could wear jeans every day.
The last memory I will share was a few years ago when our parking lot flooded. A wrecker sat across the street all day and pulled the vehicles out that thought they could swim. The water was up to their doors. Cars were floating into each other. I live out in the country and had to follow my husband home because so many roads were flooded and closed. This is another memory I will never forget.
We are so thankful to have had Bernie on our team for the past 35 years! If you’re interested in starting your career path with us, check out our job listings here or reach out to hr@jpcullen.com
