Category: Work

  • 50 D3 Pro POS Deployment: Setup with Esper and Joe Coffee OS

    Today was one of those days where physical hustle meets tech setup—moving and deploying 50 brand new D3 Pro Point of Sale (POS) devices to our office. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes before a POS terminal ever sees its first sale.


    Step 1: The Big Move (Elevator to the Rescue!)

    First up: hauling 50 D3 Pro POS machines from downstairs storage to the upstairs office. Let’s just say, if I didn’t have an elevator, it would’ve been a serious cardio day. Luckily, I could load 12 D3 Pro boxes at a time into the elevator. Here’s how it all went down, literally and figuratively:

    • Load 12 D3 Pro POS terminals onto a cart
    • Roll them into the elevator
    • Go up, take them out, and arrange them in the office
    • Repeat trips until all 50 were upstairs

    It added up to plenty of steps and quite a few sweaty trips, but having that elevator was a lifesaver!


    Step 2: Ditch the Wood, Clear the Space

    After moving the D3 Pros, I had to tackle all the wood packaging they came in. Took a solid chunk of time to break down the boxes, haul the packing wood out, and dump it. Trust me: tech jobs are not always as glamorous as they sound!


    Step 3: Setting Up the D3 Pros for Action

    The real fun starts here. With 50 POS terminals lined up like soldiers, it was time to get them into service:

    • Connect and Power Up: Plugged each D3 Pro in and made sure they powered up correctly.
    • Install Software: Processed each one with the installation of Esper (for device management) and Joe Coffee OS (for our awesome coffee shop POS services).
    • Label Each Device: Printed and attached unique labels to every D3 Pro for easy tracking.
    • Add to Inventory: Entered every device’s details into our inventory system, so they’re ready to be assigned and managed remotely.

    Conclusion

    Moving and setting up 50 D3 Pro POS terminals in one day? Not as simple as it sounds! It’s half workout, half tech setup, and 100% worth it to see the office ready for action with top-notch POS systems, all tracked and labeled. Whether you’re in IT setup or retail management, you know these behind-the-scenes marathons are what keep everything running smoothly.

    If you’ve ever wondered what “setting up POS” really involves, now you know: a little heavy lifting, a little problem-solving, and a lot of satisfaction at the finish line!

  • Seven Years of Espresso, Laughter, and a Whole Lot of Heart

    For seven years, my life has been intertwined with the aroma of freshly ground beans, the hum of espresso machines, and the incredible energy of Anthem Coffee and Tea. It feels like a blink, and yet, looking back, it’s been a journey filled with learning, connection, and a lot of heart.

    My journey started as a Barback, a role that truly immersed me in the heart of the customer experience. It was an absolute blast! Getting to meet so many friendly faces, keeping the tables clear, washing dishes, and even tackling the bathrooms – it all contributed to the lively atmosphere. It gave me a deep appreciation for how much goes into creating a welcoming environment, and I made some great memories along the way.

    Later, I transitioned into my current roles in IT and maintenance repair. It’s been a fascinating mix of troubleshooting software glitches, keeping the machines running smoothly, and ensuring everything is operational. I’m incredibly proud of the skills I’ve gained in both areas.

    Anthem isn’t just a job – it’s a family. The atmosphere is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s spirited, loud, vibrant, and genuinely supportive. We celebrate successes big and small, and we rally around each other during tough times. It’s a place where you can be yourself, crack a joke, and know that you’re part of something special.

    I’ve always valued the opportunity to learn and grow, and Anthem has provided countless chances to do so. While I haven’t pursued higher education directly, the skills and experience I’ve gained here have been invaluable. I’m dedicated to prioritizing debt repayment and, once that goal is achieved, I’m eager to return to my studies and finally complete that crucial English class.

    The relationships I’ve built at Anthem are what I’m most proud of. The camaraderie, the shared experiences, and the genuine care we have for one another have created a workplace that feels like a family. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited for what the future holds. If you haven’t experienced the energy of Anthem Coffee and Tea yet, I encourage you to stop by – you won’t be disappointed!

  • From Barback to IT Leader: My Unconventional Career Journey

    When I look back on my career, I’m amazed at how each role—even those that seemed unrelated—helped shape who I am today. My path began far from servers and networks, in the fast-paced world of hospitality.

    Starting Out: Teamwork Behind the Bar

    In 2017, I got my start as a barback. I worked behind the bar, restocking supplies, washing glasses, and helping bartenders serve guests quickly. It was more than just keeping the bar running. Here, I learned how important teamwork is, how to pay attention to small details, and how to stay calm—even when things got hectic.

    Into the Kitchen: Learning to Multitask

    After a year, I moved into the kitchen as a front-line cook. This job was all about preparing meals, managing inventory, and keeping up with food safety standards. The kitchen taught me how to handle pressure, juggle many tasks at once, and always strive for quality—even during the busiest dinner rush.

    On the Road: Meeting Customers Face-to-Face

    Next, I became a delivery driver. I learned how to interact with customers, handle unexpected problems, and provide great service no matter what. Communication and patience became my strengths, and I loved seeing happy customers.

    Taking the Leap: Discovering IT

    Driven by curiosity, I took on an unpaid IT internship. Even though it was short, it was a turning point. I helped solve technical problems, supported staff, and learned the basics of managing IT systems. This experience sparked my passion for technology and opened new doors for me.

    Stepping Up: Leading in IT

    Since 2018, I’ve been the IT and Network Manager at my company, and a Linux Server Administrator. I oversee network security, coordinate software updates, work with vendors, and make sure technology runs smoothly for everyone. I also lead projects and train staff, which has helped me become a stronger leader and problem-solver.

    Expanding My Role: Managing Multiple Locations

    Recently, I began overseeing maintenance for six Anthem Coffee stores in Washington. Now, I troubleshoot equipment, keep facilities running, and help each location operate smoothly. Balancing this with my IT duties has made me more organized, adaptable, and proud of the work I do.

    Looking Back—and Looking Ahead

    My journey has never been a straight line, but every step taught me something new. Adaptability, curiosity, and a love of learning have guided me. Each experience—from barback to IT manager—gave me valuable skills I use every day.

    I’m grateful for a career built on growth and discovery. As I look ahead, I’m excited to keep learning, keep improving, and keep making a difference—wherever my path takes me.


    Curious about my journey or want to connect? I’m always happy to share stories or help however I can!


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