Unsung Hero: Cone Denim’s Rhonda Wyrick
If you talk to Rhonda Wyrick about denim, it’s easy to see why she’s spent over three decades working in the textile industry
As a customer relations and order coordinator at Cone Denim, where she’s been for the last 15 years, Rhonda knows the pivotal role someone on the front lines can play in a company’s success. And while she’s advanced throughout the company in various roles, it’s the family atmosphere that keeps her coming back five days a week.
“Rhonda is a key member of the Cone Denim team,” said Steve Maggard, president of Cone Denim. “She not only does a great job dealing with customers, and has been singled out for positive feedback on multiple occasions, her positive attitude around the office is infectious. She helps organize activities around the office, from encouraging coworkers to dress up at Halloween, to participating in pot luck lunches, to handing out small gifts at Christmas. No matter what challenges arise, Rhonda attacks them with a smile.”
We chatted with Rhonda to learn more about her role and to collect her thoughts on denim’s heritage and potential.
Carved in Blue: What does the denim industry mean to you?
Rhonda: History! In the United States after the establishment of this industry, visionaries realized that the use of denim had potential to evolve far beyond a durable pair of “dungarees.”
Carved in Blue: How important is your role to the greater business?
Rhonda: My role as a customer service professional is critical within the structure of our company. For our numerous customers I am the first point of contact to place an order. Then it is my responsibility to monitor the process until final delivery. When the occasional issue arises, I am the person they reach out to in the attempt to resolve the situation. I seek solutions as quickly as possible in a positive and supporting manner.
Carved in Blue: What do you love most about the job that you’re doing?
Rhonda: Everything! From assisting our valuable customers to supporting our sales team and co-workers is a passion. I consider all a part of my work family, and it gives me a sense of joy and accomplishment in hopes I can add value to their day. I enjoy building a personal and strong bond with them. I enjoy the opportunities and challenges that each day provides, ensuring there is never a dull moment and keeps my mind enthused.
Carved in Blue: What do you love most about denim?
Rhonda: The incredible versatility that continually progresses with new innovations. Denim is a fabric that is used worldwide providing a common bond with other countries and cultures.
Carved in Blue: What’s the best perk about working in your role?
Rhonda: The fact that each day I have the ability to provide worth through my positive energy, creative solutions, personable service, diligence and experience.
Carved in Blue: What’s one idea you have for the denim industry that you don’t think enough people are talking about?
Rhonda: I would like to see fairtrade certification become a standard with commitment to sustainability, in addition to responsible sourced material with a reduction in water usage and greenhouse gases. The denim industry should take steps to ensure that farmers and manufacturers across the globe are paid a fair livable wage and are provided with safe working conditions.
Carved in Blue: What does Carved in Blue mean to you?
Rhonda: It is a wonderful platform highlighting the ability for a diverse group of people to share with each other their fresh and innovative ideas. It is a place where personal opinions are heard without bias or judgement.