Omar Lopez has a passion for people. Whether he’s talking about his family, including his fiancée Courtney and children, Atticus, 1, and August, 3, the kids he coaches or the guests he serves, it’s obvious that Omar is a people person.
Omar with his fiancée, Courtney, and children, Atticus and August.
Omar brings his passion for people to work every day as a Guest Services Representative with Pilot Company. Hear more about Omar’s story below!
Tell us about your background.
I’ve been a coach and an educator all my life. My passion for helping vulnerable communities and the less fortunate, led me to education after receiving my degree from King’s College.
I started my career as a special education teacher and boys’ soccer coach, and I also helped kick-start the Sevier County Soccer Club.
I am also involved in the Special Olympics here in East Tennessee, coaching powerlifting. I had the privilege of representing Special Olympics Tennessee as the coach for powerlifting at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle.
Omar coaching at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games.
I worked as a special education teacher for five years until the pandemic hit. The pandemic changed the entire educational system, and it is very difficult to teach special education through a screen.
It broke my heart, but during that transition, I found my way to Pilot Company through a friend who works in Guest Services, Nelly Darnell.
Nelly talked so highly of her work, and she was able to help Spanish-speaking guests every day. This appealed so much to me.
I was also very excited to be able to stay at home with my kids while continuing to work.
Tell us about your role at Pilot. What do you do each day?
When I was in school, I had a job at another corporation. While I advanced in that company, I did not feel right about what I had to do every day at work.
When Nelly told me about this job, I thought, “Okay, I am going to give a corporate job another try.”
I can say that I truly don’t feel like just a number in the Guest Services department. My supervisors, including Jeni Corum, try every single day to make work fun, mentor and guide us, and figure out everyone’s unique life and culture. This company respects my commitment to family and flexibility, which is so important to me.
I also enjoy the freedom they’ve allowed our team to build the Spanish department. We have ownership over building this program, including providing resources to English-speaking representatives to help Spanish-speaking guest. It’s taking Guest Service to a new level. Our supervisors have given us the ability to take ownership over positive change.
What do you enjoy about your job?
This job has allowed me to merge life balance with my passion for helping others.
I’m naturally an innovator, and I don’t feel like a sideline guy in this department. I am also a steward and leader, and this job has allowed me to create a positive culture. I think this mindset encourages others to be good leaders. There is also so much opportunity to learn and continue to grow.
Ultimately, what I love about this job is serving and celebrating the guests and my fellow team members.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Four years ago, my fiancée was pregnant with our first child and I was really struggling. Our doctor, Paige Johnson, said something very important to me. I live my life by these words. She said:
“Omar, you’re going to be a great dad, but remember this: Do what works for your family.”
Make your family a priority. Every day, we have to make thousands of decisions to make, and every family is different. We do what’s best for our family, which allows us to stay positive and happy, so we can help others and make them happy.
Omar pictured with his family.
Anything else you want to share?
I just want to remind everyone that if we love and respect each other, we can get through anything.
Every morning, I send a positive message to our entire team, saying “Good morning. Have a great day. Enjoy life…” There is so much hate in this world, but if we can make the choice to stop focusing on the negative, and instead, focus on loving people.
If you’re looking for a workplace that values career growth and customer service, we are hiring great team members across the U.S. and Canada, including hourly and leadership retail positions, company and independent professional drivers and corporate support center positions. Apply today at Jobs.PilotFlyingJ.com to join the team that keeps North America moving.
