At Exterior Medics, we believe that our culture drives our success. When it comes to bringing on a new team member, we focus on a person’s energy, enthusiasm, and cooperative spirit over skills that we can teach. We often take a chance on someone new to our industry because they have a personality that will fit right in. Our Marketing Director, Cross Jimenez, is a great example of just how successful our approach can be.
A Young Start
Cross is a people person, a hard worker, and a real team player. Growing up in Woodbridge, he started out working in his parent’s coffee house in high school, learning the ropes of business operations as a manager. He built on his operations skills for several DC nightclubs, and in college, he worked waiting tables at Dixie Bones Barbecue. Applying his usual enthusiasm, he was promoted to manager, and the owners encouraged him to take over marketing for the business. Through every advancement, Cross’ energy and willingness to learn and expand his skills led to success. Additionally, he'll be forever grateful for the opportunities lent to him by people in his life.
The Role of Chance in Life
One day, by pure chance, Cross took a catering call at the restaurant, and that his how he met Joe LeVecchi. In the course of taking the order, Cross and Joe hit it off, trading jokes and making a lasting impression on one another. Cross was so impressed that he checked out the Exterior Medics website to learn more about the guy with so much energy. Later, when he had reached a point that he wanted to look for a new opportunity, he thought of Joe again. Cross sent his resume to Joe and he got a call to meet the general manager.
In interviewing with Exterior Medics, Cross experienced the owners’ emphasis on culture. Instead of focusing only on his marketing skills, he was about his approach to teamwork. Cross showed them his strongest skills – he’s a great listener, he’s honest, funny, and authentic. As Cross recalls, the most impactful part of the process was a meeting with Mark Watson, during which Cross asked him what mark the business was leaving on the universe. Mark’s answer sealed the deal. According to Cross, “He answered by talking about the impact and quality the company was bringing to its employee’s lives. That told me everything I needed to know about Exterior Medics as a place to work.”
“The passion and enthusiasm that he approaches every task with is undeniable and infectious. Cross brings it every day!”
- Mark Watson, Co-Owner at Exterior Medics
"We'd like to offer you the Marketing Director's position."
After meeting Mark, Cross received an offer and joined the team. In his role, he facilitates the advancement of the marketing strategy and the continuity of intake of leads. He works with the external marketing team on campaigns and overall brand management. In addition, he oversees the internal company culture committee, planning celebrations, and other activities to build the team spirit from within. The learning curve for some of his work was pretty huge, but he had the trust and support of Mark and Joe to grow into his role over time.
When we asked Cross to name his favorite thing about Exterior Medics, he gave an answer we hear from a lot of our employees: the people. Cross describes them as having “good vibes,” always willing to help, and genuinely nice. Even with the reduced in-person opportunities due to the pandemic, people transitioned smoothly to supporting one another, showing up, and being team players in the virtual world.
“A breathe of fresh air is what he (Cross) is.”
- Joe LeVecchi, Co-Owner at Exterior Medics
Always Answer That Call
Cross lives in Annandale, and his friends and family are his main priorities. He’s an enthusiastic tennis player, and he loves watching the professionals, especially Serena Williams. He and his dog Sumatra like to go to Veteran’s Park in Woodbridge to get in some exercise. Music is one of his passions, and he loves just about any top hits on the Spotify charts.
We’ve loved having Cross on the team. He is so personable and approachable that he makes it easy for the entire team to work with him. He has a great way of finding out interesting facts about his co-workers and takes a genuine interest in their lives and their stories. He has been invaluable in building and maintaining the marketing strategy of the company, and we are so glad that he happened to take Joe’s call.
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