Author: Cyndee Harrison

We are celebrating Women’s History Month at National Pawn!

We have selected several women that we will spotlight in our newsletter and our social media platforms.  They will share with us the ways you have been able to thrive at work and in life. 
Our first is Roberta Featherstone  – Assistant Manager

“I’m 5 years in with National Jewelry and Pawn.  I’ve had great professional success climbing the company’s ladder from account manager to assistant manager in the Concord, NC location.  I’ve had the honor of winning the Layaway Championship Belt my first year and been a part of two band donations.  
I believe my divine purpose in life is to help others and this job allows me to do that daily.  Whether it’s grocery money for families to make it till payday; or retirees on a fixed income with an unexpected expense, each experience is as unique as the individual themselves. I feel our industry has become an emergency resource for people to make it in this ever-changing economy.  Not all the stories are sad, I’ve helped a few couples get engaged. A few gentlemen have trusted me to help them stay on budget and find beautiful engagement rings and brought their lucky ladies by to show me she said YES. 

Our company celebrates its customers through the rewards program, its employees with banquets and company picnics.  My favorite part is that Bob takes the time to hand write our cards, for birthdays, work anniversaries and monthly wins.  He is very much involved, approachable and kind.  

I feel this type of company culture allows me to flourish personally because I enjoy what I do for work. I’ve heard people say make your passion your profession and it won’t feel like work. Honestly most days it doesn’t. I believe that is key to my success here, the trust management shows us, the sincerity from Bob and work life balance.  This is my third pawn company I have worked with and truly my favorite. I look forward to the future here and all that it holds for me.  I am proud to be a part of this company.”

We are celebrating Women’s History Month at National Pawn!

We have selected several women that we will spotlight in our newsletter and our social media platforms.  They will share with us the ways you have been able to thrive at work and in life. 
Our first is Takeema Williams  – Region Leader 

“I have been in the pawn industry for 13 years. I have always loved the industry and I strive to make sure my team and I are part of making any encounter an experience. I believe that I have been able to thrive at work because I am doing something I love, not many people can say that! I make sure to schedule my time, show appreciation, teach, and learn, and have fun while working. I am not afraid to try new things at work and different approaches.

In my home life, I am a mother of two beautiful young ladies that are 12 & 17. I make sure each morning I take time to unplug, I love to dance, and we love vacations! Thriving is a choice, your ability to do so is based on your everyday actions, I make sure to try and do my very best each day.”

This story is from Dontae,  Store Manager at National Pawn, he shares how his father played an integral part of his success, as well as a few of his National Pawn peers.  The culture at National Pawn has given Dontae a sense of belonging.  Dontae has moved from Manager-In Training to Assistant Manager, and now Store Manager in 2 1/2 years.

“A lot of my success has been influenced by my father, who has been my biggest inspiration.  He has supported me through everything from my baseball career to my successful career at National Pawn. My ambition to ‘always be better than yesterday’ comes from him. He’s my biggest fan and my biggest critic.

The role I play to better my future is having great integrity in everything I do. Always looking to be better, as well as never settling for less, has so far made my future look promising. My future is only as successful as the company I keep, and I have a lot of supporters.  Along with my father, my other influencers are National Pawn store managers Ebis Gamble, Val Otero, Jeremy Haman, and Hortencia Leon.  I am thankful for everything they have done for me.  Lastly, I am appreciative to National Pawn for treating me like a person, and not just another employee.”

This story is from Lincoln Payne,  Store Manager at National Pawn, he shares about his inspiring diverse background and how his skills have transitioned well at National Pawn.  Lincoln’s National Pawn career has also progressed in the past 4 years.

“I am a martials arts instructor and veteran of the U.S. Army. I was born and raised a Military brat and have been fortunate enough to have traveled the world.  In doing so, I was able to develop a sense of community larger than most. My biggest notorieties stem from working as a martial arts trainer since the age of 13 in the Philippines.  I carried my skillset with me to the U.S. in the early 1990’s where I focused my training efforts toward battered women shelters and children. This opened the door for me to also work and train both police officers and federal agents. This opportunity led me to a 7-year stent of voluntary service where I continued focusing my efforts on women’s shelters and alternative schools. From this, I developed a true sense of philanthropy. From there, I joined the armed forces, ending my military career as a training officer at Fort Jackson SC. 

My experiences have really given me focus and allowed me to transition between my younger single-minded self and my current persona. After a successful 15+ year run as an entertainment manager and HR consultant, I have found myself here at National Pawn. Looking back, on the major influences of my younger eager mind; with hindsight being 20/20, I found that my motivators have always been helping, training, and being a positive influence on people.

I believe in the idea that as a pawnbroker you dabble in the practices of giving back. While working at National Pawn, I’ve embraced the notion that you are being a steward of community activism. With this mentality, you have created opportunities to meet many new people. Additionally, you work alongside individuals who also care about improving their surroundings which allow you to broaden your network of friends.

Looking to the future, I am working towards attaining my Doctoral in Psychology. Where I plan to use my newly acquired skills to continue helping others.”

This story is from Delma, Account Manager at National Pawn, she shares her inspiring story and how National Pawn played a part in it.  

“I began my journey with this Great company 10 years ago. I knew absolutely nothing about the pawn business. I’ve worked at several National Pawn stores including locations in Durham and Greensboro.  The day that I started working for this company, I loved it! The fact that I can help, meet new people, and develop friendships are the best part of the job for me. I’ve learned so much and I am still learning!

For those of you that don’t know I have diabetes and was diagnosed with it at the age of 15.  In 2019, my health took on a change.  I was admitted in the hospital and had to undergo surgeries that included the amputation of ¼ of my right leg.  This was a challenging moment for me because it meant a change to my norm.  I loved my job at National Pawn.  This life change kept me out-of-work for 2 years.  After my surgeries and recovery, I had to learn how to walk, stand, and drive all over again.

On November 15, 2021, I was able to return to work at National Pawn.   I was happy to come back doing what I love to do!  I was determined that I wasn’t going to give up, no matter what!!!!  My mom was strong and led by example, and I can only hope to be half the woman she was.  I’m so proud of ME! When you love what you do, you will not let anyone, or anything stop you! I’m blessed to work for a company that cares about their associates.  I am very appreciative of my customers and my National Pawn family.  I am grateful to be able to work for this company doing what I love to do!

My faith, trust in God, and prayer has been and continues to be my guidance and sustainer.” 

This story is from Melina, Jewelry Pricing Manager at National Pawn, she reflects upon Black History and what it means to her.  And, how she became a part of the National Pawn family.

“It’s black history month and I hope everyone takes some time to celebrate it in their own way. I celebrate by going out in my community and volunteering my time with my elders, the youth and supporting black businesses. If you asked me what black history means to me, I would speak of my ancestors and the path they paved for us today.  Black History is also a time to reflect, celebrate, and give recognition of our contributions to society! I grew up watching my family work very hard at their respective jobs, with honor and dedication.  I thank them for instilling a great work ethic in me as an adult. Without knowing what path I would take, after school my dad who had worked some part time security for the company suggested I apply to work for a man named Bob Moulton at National Pawn located on Roxboro Road in Durham. Unbeknownst to me that would lead me to a 20+ year career at National Pawn. I thank the company for its recognition of Black History. My goal is to always give my best in whatever I do.  Whether it’s being a positive impact at work, a matriarch in my family, or a contributor to my community.”