Meet Raquel ‘Rockie’ Mata
She’s been with DFS since 2002 and is our most tenured employee. Anyone who has worked with DFS in the Chicago market has probably met Rockie once or twice. And you know, she’s one of a kind!
In 2002 Raquel joined the team as a Customer Service Manager. Since that time she’s acted as an Operations Manager at both Midway International Airport, and O’Hare International Airport Terminal 5, Regional Operations Manager, and currently holds our Senior Director of Operations position in the Chicagoland area market. Overseeing her portfolio of contracts, Raquel is all over Chicago, visiting sites, meeting with our customers, and interacting with over 500 employees in Illinois and Indiana on any given day.
As one of our strongest operations team members, Rockie brings to the table her extensive experience in janitorial services/methods and equipment, knowledge of the aviation industry, a true love for terrazzo stone floor care and infinite knowledge on carpet care. She has outstanding leadership skills and a unique but great character. “I’m not too cocky, but there is no other Rockie ?” {smiley face included in her quote}.
What’s your favorite memory of being a DFS employee?
Well, I have way too many great memories as a DFS employee, but the one that stands out the most right now is when we opened our new headquarters in 2015. Back in 2002, Mark and I worked out of a 10’x10’ janitor closet. Thirteen years later we moved into a 20,000sf building with warehouse space, and I now have my own parking space too {which was claimed but doesn’t actually have her name on it}. It was such an overwhelming feeling to look back at everything that I’ve accomplished as DFS employee 001, celebrating our grand opening day and our successes. I shed a couple tears, along with some who (shall remain nameless) really cried it out that day. Both DFS and I have grown over these last 15 years. To this day, I am still so proud to be a part of the DFS family.
When asked if there was anything else she wanted to be sure was included in this article, Rockie said:
I sincerely appreciate all of our Operations Managers and Employees for being such a huge part of our growth. I’ve always loved working in Operations because our front-line employees are the ones who make good things happen for us every day. DFS couldn’t have succeeded this far without their hard work, their passion and their dedication to DFS! DFS Operations Department rocks! I love you all!
We’ll end this one on that humble note…
