You’ve Got Mail: 10Q with Michelle Demers
The Cape Cod Hospital courier picks up and delivers interoffice mail, medical supplies and regular mail, all with a friendly and upbeat attitude.
As a courier for Cape Cod Hospital, Michelle Demers is a master of time management. She starts her day at 7:30 a.m. and picks up and delivers everything from interoffice envelopes to medical supplies in Hyannis, Mashpee and Falmouth while driving a white CCHC Materials Management minivan. Michelle says her job is about making time as efficient as possible for the hospital.
“I’m very good at time restraints,” says Michelle, who averages 11,000 steps a day. “Whatever people need, I do it.” She could be traveling to behavioral health one minute and the next heading to a primary care office. If there is an emergency delivery to Falmouth Hospital, she will drop what she’s doing to make sure the job is completed and resume her normal route when she returns. Michelle’s route includes Hyannis Monday through Friday; Mashpee once or twice a week; and Falmouth, as needed.
Michelle, who is celebrating one year with Cape Cod Healthcare in May, has worked as a courier for more than 25 years, including 20 years with FedEx Express. She commutes one hour from New Bedford to Cape Cod Hospital every day but says she doesn’t mind. “Everybody is extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and happy here. Cape Cod Healthcare is just a great place to work.”
We recently caught up with Michelle while working her regular route in Hyannis to chat with her about what gets her up in the morning, what inspired her to get into this career and the one superpower she wishes she had.
1. What gets you out of bed in the morning? What is your passion?
The thrill of life. The good Lord gave me another day to live on this beautiful Earth. For me, it’s about being the best person I can be and be as nice to people as I can. Life is short. I have so much energy and I look forward to going to work every day. My drive is work, work, work. That was instilled in me from a very young age. My energy is all natural. I don’t drink coffee or tea. No alcohol. I am straight as a pin.
2. Quote or phrase you live by?
“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today,” by Ben Franklin.
3. Best advice you’ve received from a friend, family or coworker?
My dad instilled a strong work ethic in all six of us kids. My father always told me, no matter what you do for a living—from cleaning offices to working as a CEO of a huge corporation—you need to be the best you can be. Don’t fall into traps of negativity in the workplace. Be positive in your job. Be good at what you do, no matter what you choose to do.
4. What inspired you to become a courier?
When I was young, I never said, “I want to grow up and lug boxes for a living. I’ll be a courier.” My degree is in childcare, and I used to teach at a daycare. I loved it so much and I loved the children. But unfortunately, there is no money in daycare. At the time, I thought, there is no way I would ever be able to buy a house. So, that is when I looked into working at a large company like FedEx. I became a courier because I’m all about survival. I made enough money and bought my own home. Four more years, and it’s paid off. I’ve worked really hard my whole life just to have something.
5. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your job?
You have to treat everyone with respect and you need to be a good listener. In my role, there is high demand. There are offices that expect certain deliveries quickly. I’m dealing with executives all day long. I’m really good at being efficient and making sure it gets done. Knowing what is critical for me and where priorities lie are key.
6. Anything about you people would be surprised to learn?
My biggest passion in the whole world is senior citizens. I love the elderly and I do a lot of volunteering on the side. I’ve been known to go to local nursing homes and help out with activities (art projects, bingo, exercise programs). In grade school, I had a great aunt who was in her mid-80s and all I wanted to do was hang out with her after school. I just love the elderly. I feel like we can learn a lot from them.
7. What was your very first job?
I started to work at the age of 10. My parents owned a seasonal business in Wareham for 30 years called Kool Kone, a seafood takeout / ice cream stand. I washed dishes in the back room, and by the time I was 13, I was working at the front counter taking orders from customers and making change. I also made shakes and frappes. By age 17, I was working the grill and Fryolaters, and I learned how to do all the ordering for everything from paper products to produce and seafood.
My first job right out of high school was at Chess King at Dartmouth Mall, a men’s clothing store. I would work summers at Kool Kone and the rest of the year at Chess King. I’ve always had two or three jobs at once. I’m a go-getter. Even when I was in college, I had two jobs at the same time.
I learned the value of work and what customer service is all about. My dad always said—if you don’t give your customers what they expect, you’ll never last in business.
8. Favorite movie?
I love old movies. “Gone With the Wind,” “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” and “Tammy,” with Debbie Reynolds. I also love Audrey Hepburn and Katharine Hepburn. For modern-day movies, I would choose “Dirty Dancing” and “Pretty Woman.” But they aren’t even modern anymore. They are already old! I’m an old soul. I feel like I was born in the wrong generation.
9. If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Snap my fingers and make things happen. If I had the power to change one thing in the world, it would be to snap my fingers and all the cigarette butts and litter would be off the ground. It would be a beautiful place.
10. Describe your idea of perfect day.
Get up early, go on a nature walk, do some antiquing, read a good book, garden, and just enjoy the day!
