Every family, every person, every home has a centerpiece, that one place where everything and everyone comes together. For some, it’s a playroom filled with kids’ laughter. For others, it’s the backyard where memories are grilled into every summer day. And for many, it’s the kitchen – where stories are shared, meals are created, and memories are built.
At The RTA Store, our people are that centerpiece. As a family-owned and operated company, the team behind the scenes is what truly builds the heart of the home for every customer we serve. And really, what’s more important than that?
In this month’s The Heart of Our Home spotlight, we’re featuring Christan Narvaez, our Director of HR, so you can get to know the heart of The RTA Store.
Melissa: Christan, I’m so excited to interview you today!
Christan: Ask me anything! I really am an open book.
Melissa Pepe: Oh, well, it’s going to be fun! We’ll get right into it – how did you get started in HR?
Christan: Oh, that’s a good one. So years and years ago, I won’t date myself too much by saying the year (both laugh), I was working for Columbia University up in Washington Heights in an admin role. And some of what I did in that position exposed me to what they sometimes referred to as personnel back then, which is essentially another way to say HR. And I found that I’d always been attracted to organization structure, rules, policies, the things that make something tick.
I was never really the person that wanted to be out front and seen necessarily, more so the person that wanted to be behind the scenes in an administrative structure. So that started my curiosity, and eventually I got my first full-time HR job. I think this was back in 2012 working for Diesel, the jeans company, that really gave me great exposure to corporate HR and retail HR, which are two very different things, and it cemented my interest in working in the field.
Melissa: I like seeing what makes things tick, but being behind the scenes on it. And that was one of the reasons why I chose marketing! Because even though we’re still interacting with people and still interacting with customers, it’s behind the brand. It’s not Melissa interacting with the customers, it’s The RTA Store interacting with the customers.
Christan: Yeah. And it’s funny, too, because I’ve always had a real love for marketing.
Melissa: Right, it’s true! That’s why I teamed up with HR so many times on other things because HR, part of the job is marketing to people to join the company, right?
Christan: Exactly.
Melissa: And it’s still living the brand, upholding the brand to the team members. So, it really is kind of hand in hand. It’s just internal versus external.
Christan: 100%. And even once an employee is hired, that effort doesn’t stop. You should still continue to show them exactly what you sold them to attract them to the company. Those same brand values and those same things that you mentioned during those interviews in terms of our culture and who we say we are should be upheld even after they’re onboarded. So that led to us being very particular about how we hire employees and what that welcoming process looks like both through ADP and then just in terms of meeting people, especially with us being virtual, we’re very intentional about all of those steps and treating them individually so that it’s not just another generic, oh, hi, here’s your new job.
Melissa: Yeah, I know exactly what you mean by that. And what is it about cabinetry that you love?
Christan: Me personally, I think that even before working here, I’ve always had a love for what you can do to make a kitchen the centerpiece of a home. Some background, I grew up in a household where there were multiple ethnic backgrounds and influences. So, my dad’s side is Portuguese and Mexican, and my mom’s side is Jamaican and Portuguese. So there was a variety of food and flavors and accents and dialects and all of that! So this blog series really rings home for me because there are so many memories from the kitchen that I grew up in. And even now as an adult, I’m very particular about how I cook when I’m cooking for me, how I cook when I’m cooking for other people, and having the right space to do that makes all the difference in the world.
And I’ve just been so blown away working here for five years, seeing what some of our designers are capable of doing and now our sales team as well. We have some folks in our company that really just understand the assignment. And it’s truly fascinating what can be done to redesign the space to make it not just welcoming, but make it a space that you really want to continue being in.
Melissa: Yeah, I completely agree. That’s something that blew me away when I started working here was looking at what a space was and then seeing what it can be. I actually had multiple jaw-dropping moments!
Christan: I believe it.
Melissa: I was like, oh wow I can’t envision that. I’m not a designer, you know, and nobody really thinks about that when they need to redo their space. There’s a whole new world of what can be done in the space. And side note, I actually have friends who are half Portuguese, half Greek because I’m half Greek, half Sicilian.
Christan: Oh, wow!
Melissa: So I also grew up with the kitchen as the place where things happened. I remember standing on the stool with my dad having us stir the pot of risotto that took like an hour of just straight stirring and we took turns.
Christan: Some of the best food in the world, I imagine!
If you look out for your employees, then you are looking out for the business.
Melissa: Yeah. No, it’s true because Sundays were the day where it was like the big meal too and and even now our family is the same. We’re very family centric and have a love of food so the kitchen is where everything happens, right? You go to grab a cup of coffee, but have an entire conversation about your day. You’re having conversations with the kids while they do homework, while you’re cooking dinner, which is what we used to do as kids. So much happens in a kitchen, and you remember the backdrop of those conversations, things stand out to you, and cabinets are the backdrop.
Christan: 100%, yes!
Melissa: And what is your favorite part about working particularly at The RTA store?
Christan: Oh, that’s not a hard question to answer – it’s our employees. I am still so impressed all these years later that we have such a complex process that we manage as a brand and that all the moving parts that are required to make it come together are driven by a host of dedicated people from the management team to first line employees. All folks that really understand what it is we’re trying to accomplish, how we’re trying to set ourselves apart. I’ve never encountered anyone here who doesn’t understand that mission or who isn’t invested in that process.
And I think that says a lot about our CEOs. I think it says a lot about the way that we internally market our culture, and the fact that there’s significant buy-in from people anywhere on the organizational chart. I love that because I’ve been in places where it was a bigger company or a smaller company. And this is the most uniformed and consistent experience that I’ve had across the board where every single person is really dedicated to what they do here and that just makes me want to come back every day.
Melissa: Yeah, I have never felt such togetherness before I started working at The RTA store.
Christan: Yeah, exactly.
Melissa: And it’s one of those things where it trickles down from the culture, right? If nobody really congratulates each other when something happens or talks during the day, you tend to not do that. Especially in a remote company, it’s very easy to just not say anything, and at The RTA store, one of the things I first noticed was we share things, you know, something going on in life or a promotion or the shoutouts that we get and everyone truly bands together in congratulating each other and giving each other credit, and it’s really wonderful to see. It does make you actually want to come back every day.
Christan: It does! And you mentioned the part that’s I think the trickiest part of it all is being remote and being dispersed this way and still being able to have a sense of working in one company, one team. That’s really hard to achieve. I see trainings being posted all the time for teams that are fully remote trying to figure out how to drive engagement and connectivity and I’m like, well, we don’t have that problem. So, we’re very fortunate.
Melissa: Yeah, I 100% agree there. And that’s a great thing actually. So, the next series of questions are a little more fun.
Christan: Okay, I’m ready!
Melissa: (laughs) This is our rapid fire section! Okay. Okay. So, there are some suggestions here, but it is completely what is in your mind. If you had a non-obvious choice for cabinets in a room, like a baker corner in the pantry or a toekick drawer in a bathroom, what would your choice be?
Christan: Oh my gosh. So, Tara is actually the one that educated me about the whole toekick, and when I’m moving out of my apartment, I’m certainly calling on our team to design that for me. I want a toekick. I want a really nice designated island in my kitchen. I’ve never been so inspired to think about the features that you could actually get with a kitchen that’s customized for you! And through observing a lot of the design contests where our designers will submit various renders, I’ve just seen so many amazing creations and I’m like, I want that. Oh, I want that.
Melissa: Yes! (laughs)
Christan: And I’m torn because I like a lot of the green cabinetry, but also some of the more basic white shakers. It’s really going to be tough to decide when the time comes, but I do know feature-wise definitely toe kick, definitely a space for a really nice unique island.
Melissa: I love that. I’m an island fan, too. And, you know, you can always do a nice green island like the Catalina Meadow Green Island and some white shakers top and bottom. I’m a dark blue fan myself, so I totally understand wanting color in there.
Christan: Yeah! I mean, you’re giving me ideas here, so I’m on board with that. (both laugh)
Melissa: And what’s your desert island food of choice?
Christan: Desert Island food of choice. So, it has to be something that I could keep eating and not get tired of. I’m a big fan of naan, believe it or not. It’s so good. I’ve had a garlic variety, I’ve had a multigrain variety. I could see myself eating that continuously and not necessarily getting tired of it.
Melissa: I am a huge garlic naan fan, so I completely get that!
It’s truly fascinating what can be done to redesign the space to make it not just welcoming, but make it a space that you really want to continue being in.
Christan: See, we’re connected! (both laugh) And the thing about breads is, of course, they go well with pretty much anything. You could have it on its own. You could have it with a topping or a dipping sauce, even something as simple as olive oil. Hey, the cook is coming out!
Melissa: Oh yeah, extra virgin olive oil, red pepper flakes, and garlic! I mean, I love baking bread, so you’re preaching to the choir on that one.
Christan: Oh wow! I have not tried my hand at that, but I admire folks that have the patience and skill set for sure.
Melissa: You should try it! And if you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Christan: Oh my gosh. So, this is definitely tough because there are so many places that I really really love – Paris, London, Spain is really beautiful. I’ve heard so much positive feedback about the quality of life in Portugal and the quality of life in Costa Rica. So, it’s probably a toss-up between those two countries. I’ve been to Costa Rica three times, but I’ve only been to Portugal as a kid, and I really need to get back. But I can say having been there, I’m someone that loves being by the water. I love the beach and it’s just breathtaking. I imagine the same in Portugal.
Melissa: I like it! It’s fun to learn something about someone where, barring any issues or concerns you would have, put all of that aside, where would you want to live? And sometimes the answers are surprising!
Christan: Yeah. I really love both countries.
Melissa: I completely understand the feeling with it because that European love of culture is something that I always loved. It’s something that my parents tried to bring in, not just you know the Italian-American and the Greek-American culture but the actual European sides of it and it is something that is truly breathtaking to experience. So you should totally try to get back there!
Christan: Agree. Yes, this is definitely on the list!
Melissa: Now, what or who is the heart of your home, Christan?
Christan: Oh man, the heart of my home. Well, specifically my home as in where I’m living, is definitely my dog. He’s been with me for such a long time and he’s such a staple in the home environment. I feel so fortunate to be at our company and be able to have the flexibility of being remote – it fascinates me that we went through a pandemic, which was kind of in my mind an emotional spiritual awakening for so many people and just the after effects of that. The timing seems so precise and right for me, because I don’t think that he would be able to handle me working an 8 or 9 hour shift and not be around him for those long long periods of time.
So, he’s definitely an anchor. And, you know, it’s kind of related to what we do. I’ve really cultivated my space to be a little bit of a sanctuary for myself, so I think it’s also just the feel of my home and the fact that I have multiple spaces I can work out of and multiple spaces that are dedicated to just calm and comfort, which is awesome.
Melissa: That’s actually a really, really important thing, everyone needs that kind of downtime. And sometimes that’s hard to get that when working remote, right? They’re of course different, but it’s funny when you think about having a pet and having kids, they do still need attention all the time.
Christan: Yes!
Melissa: And I will say too, before the pandemic, I was working in-office. I actually became pregnant with my daughter right as the pandemic started, and I went remote in mid-2020. When I returned back after maternity leave, we were all returning back into the office three days a week, and I struggled so much. I was like, I can’t do it. I knew then, and it’s true, it was like a blessing in disguise, I knew that remote work was the proper balance for me.
It’s something that you’re able to balance with that flexibility with remote work. And it’s the same kind of thing, maybe dogs are a little more entertained on their own than kids, but it’s true that animals sense things, you know, and they know when they’re around someone that they’re comfortable with. And it’s important for them, too, just as much as it is for you.
Christan: You’re hitting so many of the right notes and again we’re so aligned! Eli is sometimes the thing that snaps me out of my routine from just being head down the entire time. I obviously have to get up to take him outside and walk him. And he’s like up to six, seven walks a day from when we start in the morning, which totally fine – we live in a very nice neighborhood where there’s lots of treelined blocks and a lot of other dogs. And I struggled, you know, when we first started with the whole remote thing. This job was only the second job that I had done that was a fully remote job, and in the beginning, as you said, I just kept going. So, I would start work and it would be eight o’clock at night and I’m like, why am I still at my desk?
It wasn’t anybody requiring that, but you know, having a pet or having kids, I think it helps put those reality checks in throughout your day where it’s like you also need to give your attention to other things. So, I agree!
Melissa: Yeah. It kind of forces you to take the breaks that you know, it’s not even just for your own well-being, but sometimes you step away from something and when you go back to it, you have different ideas. You notice things you didn’t notice before and you’re not just staring at it for hours and hours. Also, I love that your dog’s name is Eli! And what type of dog is he?
Christan: He’s a shepherd mix! I don’t know what he’s mixed with, but yes, he’s a shepherd mix. Really, really sweet guy.
Melissa: I always wanted a shepherd! There’s something about shepherds, they’re just so comforting and they’re so protective and they’re so cuddly and you wouldn’t expect that from a big dog! I like dogs that aren’t as tiny as my lap. (laughs)
Well, I thoroughly enjoy talking to you all the time, Christan, so, it was nice to be able to get to know each other a little more, too.
Christan: Same on my end!
Melissa: It really does show how our people truly do breathe the culture here. We wouldn’t be who we are without the people at The RTA store!
Christan: I mean honestly we just did this exercise with the core values and you know sent out a poll to figure out what people’s favorite core value was and as you saw it, it was Treat Each Other Like Family, and I wasn’t shocked! I feel like that is exactly how passionate we are about looking after each other and then looking after the customer.
And you know, as a person who’s been in HR for so long, a lot of the times HR is sort of brought in to have a sort of pre-recorded message, if you will. And I’ve never felt that way here. I feel like everything that we do is from a genuine place culturally and we really factor in and make pathways for people to be honest about their experience or their vision or their ideas. It’s very motivating to see how passionate people are about ensuring we have a great culture and working towards that common goal of standing out as a kitchen design business. So, I love that.
Melissa: Yeah, I agree. And and I will say too, even from the short time here, HR at The RTA store is definitely different than a lot of others, because it’s not that cliche HR where you know a lot of the times especially you know with with the pandemic and then the ball was in the employee’s court, and then the ball is back in the employer’s court, and HR in a lot of corporate places became more of, you don’t feel comfortable talking to them and it’s so not how it is with HR at The RTA store and that is a breath of fresh air!
Every single person is really dedicated to what they do here and that just makes me want to come back every day.
Christan: Yeah, I’ll just say quickly about that. Starting out in HR and non-leadership roles, I witnessed how a lot of the times the way that HR was administered was essentially only to protect the company and never really considering the human aspect which is the employees. And so as soon as I began in leadership roles as HR business partner and then on to manager and then on to director, I always bring those elements of HR practice with me, which is a people first approach.
Of course, you have to be mindful of the needs of a business, but generally speaking, if you look out for your employees, then you are looking out for the business. That’s not usually the way that a lot of HR professionals approach it. And I’ve trained my staff both in HR and QA to be mindful of the person first. And I think that comes across in the way that we engage people even when there’s a problem. It’s like, let’s remember that everybody has days where things are not perfect. So if it were you, how would you want it to be handled? How would you want it to be addressed? And that’s not just, you know, fluff. I really take that seriously. I think that you want people to feel motivated even in those moments where there’s an opportunity to improve something, and you don’t inspire someone by beating up on their opportunity or their shortfall.
It’s like, let’s figure this out together. How do we prevent this from happening again or what do we do differently in the future? And the last thing I’ll say about that is, that everything I just said is something I feel that’s backed up by Samantha and Tyler. They also approach things with that sort of understanding and humility when it comes to dealing with our employees and it makes it easier for me to practice HR in the way that I do.
Melissa: Yes. I definitely do. It’s definitely felt at The RTA store, and it’s true – it does trickle down from Tyler and Samantha, it wouldn’t be able to be the culture here if it wasn’t for them helping to trickle it down. And, I mean, human resources – it’s literally the name! It’s a resource for the humans at the company.
Christan: Yeah, exactly! (laughs) 1,000%. And as a matter of fact, we have, in my experience, the lowest turnover rate of any company I’ve ever worked at. And I’ve worked at companies with thousands of employees and hundreds of employees! We do great with our retention, and I think that is a testament to how we care for our employees and the type of culture that we foster here.
Melissa: Right!
Christan: I love it. (both laugh)
Melissa: Well thank you very, very much for taking the time with me today and for your honest conversation!
Christan: It was truly my pleasure!
