Michael Harrison

Rio Customer Service Associate 2002-2006
Rio Graphic Designer 2006-present

Where were you before you came to Rio?
I was working at a local call center. Unfortunately, they wouldn't work around my school schedule, and I really wanted to finish college. A friend showed me an ad in the paper for Rio.

So what was it about Rio?

• The team environment: I work with teams of project managers, writers and photographers every day. The collaboration produces great results.
• Tuition reimbursement: I really wanted to finish up my Bachelor's degree
  and be a graphic designer. And even while I was working in Rio's call center, they allowed some flexibility in my schedule so that I could get to class. Rio wanted to help me achieve my goal.
• Self-management: I came from a very corporate environment where a supervisor was always watching. Here, you take everything upon yourself.

What's your favorite part of the workday?
Sitting at my computer and working until something develops. Seeing that end result and knowing that I had a hand in it. I'm getting paid to be creative!

What keeps you challenged?
Other than meeting lots of deadlines? Being a participative manager is a challenge, but it's one I enjoy.

And now, today, what is it about Rio?

• The people. Many of them are now friends.
• Being encouraged to enhance my skills and meet my goals. While I was working in the call center, Rio let me cross-train with the Creative Group since they knew working with that team was a goal.
• The principles we use here, I find myself using outside of work. I think differently now.