We asked Emerging Leader Uriah Lekin to tell us a little bit about himself! He is a spirited individual who currently works in our BDC office at the Cedar Rapids Chevyland location. Let’s jump in and learn a little bit more about this Emerging Leader!
Basics
What city were you born in?
Lawton, Oklahoma
Where do you live now?
Marion, Iowa
Tell us a little about your family (pets included!)
I am the youngest of four boys and I am probably my parents favorite headache. I am currently engaged to my fiancé, Chanse, and we are getting married on November 13th, 2021. We have been together for three years and are ready to take the next big step.
I am the fur dad of six animals, one dog and five cats. My children (pets) names are Zoe (Pom -Chi mix) who is six, Aurra (black and white cat) who is two, and the rest of the four are a rescue liter. Boba, Vanjie, Valentina, and Aja each one, besides Boba, named after a RuPauls Drag Race Queen and Boba is named after a Star Wars character. We currently just took in another litter we are keeping of two girls and two boys. Zeus, Poseidon, Athena, Aphrodite!
Work History
What was your first job? Did you love or hate it?
I handed out skates at super skate and when I was not doing that I was cleaning the gum and dirt off the skate wheels. It was so gross but I definitely loved earning money.
What has your career been like so far?
I primarily have worked in the customer service industry, mostly high volume call centers.
In 2017 I took a different turn and started working at Transamerica as a New Business rep and I learned so much. From offline document processing, how call volume works, to assisting a wide range of people from many different backgrounds. I learned compliance laws and many of the not so seen aspects of how things work.
I loved it so much it pushed me to go to school for paralegal studies and I focused primarily in administrative law.
I came to McGrath though only by chance as I was working at Toyota and I was one of the unlucky few who were laid off due to their sudden decision to move. I came to McGrath though and found something I had been looking for desperately and it was true growth and being able to go somewhere in a company.
Why did you want to become an Emerging Leader?
I wanted to become an emerging leader because I wanted to learn more of how to become a leader. I have learned in my time that being a leader is much more intricate than being the head of a team and producing results. It is in the desire to help others become better versions of themselves and I want to learn how to be a better person in that.
Interests and Admirations
What’s an accomplishment that you’re proud of?
An accomplishment I am proud before the pandemic my fiancé and I started a janitorial business. We still run it and it is very successful!
What’s a passion that gets you fired up for your day?
A passion that gets me fired up for the day would be just providing for my little family I have created with my fiancé.
Who’s someone you admire, and why do you look up to them?
Someone I admire is RuPaul. As an African American gay male who has done drag for the longest time, has not allowed the world’s perceptions of his goals deter him from accomplishing his dreams. You already have personal doubt on when aspire to reach your dreams but that doubt is increased when people from the outside world lay their negatives feelings upon that goal. So to push through such a large obstacle while keeping your own personal doubt at bay, shows such resilience.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I have a few hobbies such as writing and I love collecting physical copies of movies as that is slowly not becoming a thing. However my primary hobby is collecting Star Wars action figures. I love Star Wars and I do also collect other action figures from other movies and such but my love for Star Wars toys is beyond and truly is a passion of mine. I am currently remodeling a room in my home to house my collection and so I can start doing photos of dioramas with them.
One thing you want to do before you die
One thing I wish to do before I die is to go with my fiancé and go to the coastline of Greece. I love Greece and am obsessed with the landscape of the country.
Goals and Skills
Personal motto
Keep it pushing because rent is due.
Something you’re good at that might surprise people?
I am really good at cooking. I get it from my mom and food is a staple in our family so I had to know how to cook. I can also swing a lightsaber pretty well.
What’s a piece of advice someone gave you that you apply everyday?
You are the only one stopping yourself from everything you want to do.
What do you hope to achieve at McGrath?
Growth! I feel growth is like a tree it goes in all different directions and growth affects personal and professional journeys. I do wish to stay in service and see more sides of the business within this department, however I am definitely open to other horizons within the company.
Uriah’s Definition of Happiness is…
…doing what makes you happy daily. It’s truly simple and achievable everyday. It could be taking a walk, listening to your favorite podcast, or even window shopping or actual shopping. Happiness is entirely achievable, you just have to strive to be happy every day.
Uriah Lekin
Want to learn more about team members like our Emerging Leader Uriah Lekin? You can read all about our most recent group of graduates right here: Emerging Leaders 2021 Graduation