On Being the Boss
Gaby earned the onsite manager role at the GFL/Alpine MRF in Denver following ___ years as understudy to one of Leadpoint’s most tenured managers. When she retired, Gaby went from being a member of the crew to being the boss. That’s the biggest lesson she learned from her predecessor: you have to keep separate relationships.
“I have friendly relationships with everyone on the team, but have to draw the line between being a friend and being the boss,” Gaby said. “As the onsite manager, I have to be able to tell people what to do or how to do the job. I may have to discipline them.
“We all have a job to do,” she continued. “Most people understand that.”
Outside of work, Gaby isn’t the boss. She’s a single mom of three boys, aged 16, 13 and 8. Family time is her priority.
Her advice to her associates is the same as for her children. “Try to do your best,” she said. “You have to take every opportunity to get ahead at work and at school.”