Path of Progress: Nikelle Ivanoff
Nikelle’s path of progress is unique, as she started as an Order Selector and held various roles in between her current role as a Replenishment Buyer.
Q: How did you make the transition from where you started to where you are now?
A: I started as a part time order selector back at the Tumwater Harbor warehouse in 2009, and became full time after I graduated HS. I spent most of my time on the warehouse side being an order selector, but also worked as the “print tag girl” and the night invoicing. I was motivated to do more for Harbor, and was luckily to have leaders guide me along my way. I was promoted to Operations Administrative Assistant in 2018, and spent two years there until I felt I was ready to grow more as an employee. Ryan Phillips was a huge motivator and cheerleader in my corner when he suggested I look into the Junior Buyer position. I knew after talking over the position that this was something I was very interested in and was luckily enough to move into that position in Nov of 2021 and in Jan of 2023 was promoted to a Replenishment Buyer, which is my current role!
Q: How long have you been with Harbor?
A: I originally started at Harbor in 2009, when I was a Junior in HS. After I had my first child, I got the opportunity to stay home with him from Sept of 2015 through Nov of 2017. But Harbor was always a part of my life during this time, as most of my family and friends still worked there. In Dec of 2017 I came back and I just celebrated my 6 year anniversary!
Q: Any advice for advancing your career at Harbor?
A: Have a good attitude and patience. Some things might not work out when or how you want it, but having a good attitude about things and being your genuine self will always help guide you to your next opportunity.
Q: What roles have you held at Harbor?
A: Order selector in multiple departments, Invoicing/ Tags, Operations Administrative Assistant, Junior Buyer, and Buyer.
Q: What do you think is the most important quality to have to get your career started at Harbor?
A: Willing to learn and trying new things. Harbor has a lot of amazing positions and career opportunities and trying something new could lead you to somewhere you didn’t expect and absolutely love it!