By John Curtis, VP of communications
When you ask a Scentsy employee what they love most about working at Scentsy, you might hear they relish the celebration cakes, or the creative environment or the silly pranks, or the opportunity to help Consultants succeed in their business. These are all great reasons to enjoy Scentsy employment. But most likely, you will hear employees say they like the people best.
I would have to agree. The people I work with at Scentsy are truly amazing and talented individuals. Better yet, they are simply good people. I love working with them. They put up with my constant puns, my random whistling and my somewhat messy desk (maybe more than somewhat). They bring me milkshakes when I’m down and put me in my place when I get too big for my britches. These wonderful people make coming to work an ongoing pleasure rather than a daily grind.
Among all these great people at Scentsy, I am most often asked what it’s like to work with Scentsy’s senior executives. I thought I might take a moment and tell you.
First, all the senior executives fit the bill of a Scentsy employee. They are all talented, caring and good. While they have that in common, the differences in style, approach and interests are quite different. I’ll spend my time there.
Jen Pugh is the head of Human Resources. She has a fun, “jeans and flip-flops” personality that contrasts with her more formal and fashionable attire. She’s probably one of the best-dressed people at Scentsy. She collaborates well, and I enjoy bouncing new ideas off her. Her smile is contagious and her laugh is infectious, which is good because she has to deal with some very serious matters at times. She handles those tough times with poise and professionalism. But I might have to sneak into her office and mess up her desk a little.
Cory Pugh and Jen Pugh
Chuck Thompson is our Chief Financial Officer. Chuck doesn't fit the accounting stereotype. He is part businessman, part big brother to Consultants, and part comedian. He loves cars (everything from hot wheels to hot rods) and Consultants. Few care more about Consultants than Chuck. I love that about him. His mind is always working on a new idea for some part of the business or the perfect one-liner. No one can get us laughing like Chuck. What a talent and what a wit. He would say I’m half right.
Chuck Thompson after a philanthropy event
Phil Broadbent is Scentsy’s Chief Legal Counsel. I don’t know what describes him best, the ‘Chief’ or the ‘Legal’? He provides senior statesman maturity to the executive team, and offers an amazing legal mind. No one negotiates better than Phil. I’d hate to be on the other side of a legal argument with him. Oh, wait; I have been on the other side of an argument with him. He and I tend to think differently, so I respect his perspective on matters. But under that legal exterior, Phil is a kind, caring man with a warm smile and a gentle embrace.
Phil Broadbent
Mark Stastny is our Chief Marketing Officer and my friend for more than 20 years. He is a truly gifted athlete who attacks a sport with intensity and focus. He loves volleyball and the chance it gives him to kindly spike a volleyball into your chest. He brings that same focus and intensity to work. At times, he gets his game face on as he confronts a marketing opportunity or a strategic challenge. It may be intimidating if you don’t know that under his intense outer layer is a creative, fun, and caring man who enjoys a quiet moment with a guitar.
Mark Stastny and Author, John Curtis
Cory Pugh is our Chief Operating Officer and a calming presence among the executives. I don’t recall ever seeing him angry. I may have to find ways to annoy him just to see him get heated. Cory is well dressed and manages the operations function with confidence and clarity. He likes to keep things lean (himself included) and moving fast. Cory prefers to do business in person. You send him an email or text and he answers with a phone call or a knock at your door. Either Phil has shared that emails can be used as evidence, or he’s a true people person.
Orville Thompson is Scentsy’s Chief Executive Officer. I’ve worked with a number of CEO’s over my career and can honestly say Orville is a rare combination of business brilliance and genuine charm. He is equally comfortable in a boardroom and a barn, or with Consultants and congressmen. His philosophies on economics, sports, breeding, politics, relationships and leadership are novel and inspiring. Guessing what designs he will like or dislike is tough, but I enjoy the meetings when Orville starts laughing. They are always half history lesson, half hilarity.
Heidi and Orville Thompson
Heidi Thompson is Scentsy’s President and intuitive leader. I’ve never met a more talented person with as much humility as Heidi. That is an uncommon mix that serves Scentsy well. I firmly believe Scentsy would not be the phenomenon it is today without Heidi’s nose and gut. Her decisions around what feels right and what smells best are amazingly accurate. Her office reflects how she manages family and work, with hand-drawn pictures on the wall and business reports on her desk. Always with her iPhone, Heidi is reserved, warm to everyone she meets, and truly remarkable.
Share with me your experiences with our senior executives or pose any question about any Scentsy executive and I will see if I can answer it.