Elnian Gilbert
TRAINER, ZINGTRAIN
As an Ann Arbor native who started working in the service industry while still in high school, you could say that Elnian has both service and Zingerman’s in her blood!
Her past customer service experience ranged from retail to non-profit to higher education, ultimately finding a home at Zingerman’s in 2006 as seasonal holiday help at Zingerman’s Mail Order.
It was at Zingerman’s that Elnian discovered an appreciation for working in a business that had three bottom lines – Food, Service, and Finance – which led her to, with characteristic determination, seek opportunities to continue working at Zingerman’s after her stint at the Mail Order business. When a position at ZingTrain opened up, she jumped at the chance, and has been an integral part of ZingTrain ever since!
Elnian now shares Zingerman’s approach to business in ZingTrain’s public 2-day seminars and workshops as well as delivering customized training and facilitation for clients across the country (and Canada!) Her particular areas of focus are Customer Service and Training, with a growing interest in vision facilitation. Elnian’s clients include a wide array of industries, such as libraries, information technology, health care, financial services, specialty retail, co-operative groceries, manufacturing, wholesale, and all levels of education.
Recent Client Comments :
“I liked the relevance of the topics covered, as well as the down-to-earth presentation and the simplicity of the concepts. Elnian was great – her facilitation style kept the audience engaged and comfortable. Many people thanked me for bringing this program to our school, and especially liked Elnian’s ability to relate to what they were going through.”
Lara Slee, Michigan Department of Education Safe & Supportive Schools Grant Regional Coach
Q&A
How many Zingerman's businesses have you worked for?
I’ve worked for two businesses. I started at Zingerman’s Mail Order’s Service center in the holiday season of 2006. And loved it! I wanted to stick around Zingerman’s when the holidays were done - luckily for me, ZingTrain hired me in February 2007 and I’ve been around ever since.
What is your favorite business book?
The Ultimate Question by Fred Reichheld
What is your dream vacation?
It totally depends on how I’m feeling - right now, I just want to go back to Vegas!
What is your favorite way to learn?
A mix, but primarily by doing. I learn best when the method of delivery is changed up as we go along.
What do you like best about working at Zingerman's?
I like the fact that you can go from being temporary, seasonal holiday staff to a full time consultant at ZingTrain - for nothing more, or less, than that you’re smart, willing to work hard, and know where you want to go.
What is your presentation style?
Spirited and full of humor (appropriate humor, of course!)
What is your "secret" skill - that skill you have that you don't have the ability to show off at work?
I’m a knitter! I really enjoy taking yarn and turning it into a hat, or scarf, or mitts - and being able to make unique gifts for friends and family.
Best menu item at any of the ZCoB Businesses?
Grilled scallops at Zingerman's Roadhouse
Best (non-Zingerman's) restaurant in Ann Arbor?
Aventura
Best piece of advice you've ever received?
"When you're feeling funky, to turn your attention outside yourself."
If I could invent a holiday, it would definitely involve…
Drinking champagne, eating amazing food, laughing, and wearing sparkles (required)
If you could have dinner with anyone from history, who would it be?
Douglas Adams, author of "The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and writer for "Doctor Who."
My most used emoji is...
heart
The song that always puts me in a good mood is...
"Come Along" by Cosmo Sheldrake
My favorite word in the English language is...
mellifluous
When I was 5, I was pretty sure I'd be a [JOB/PROFESSION] when I grew up
I really didn't have one! A professional reader, maybe?
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