The Southern Regional Council of Carpenters bids farewell to long-standing District Office Manager Lola Sanders as she enters retirement.
Since her first working day in January 2008, Sanders has been committed to the SRCC’s mission. Lola started out as a customer service representative at Local 1836 and is now a District Office Manager.
“I’m a people person! If somebody needed help, I would love to help,” said Sanders
She’s always had a fondness for her elder members since she started at the front desk handling customer service.
“The old-timers just needed someone to talk to, and I made time.”
Sanders remains a strong pillar of her community and local union. With her upcoming retirement, she’s only focused on her office, filling the huge gap she’s leaving behind.
“I want to make sure everything is okay with them. If they need me to do anything, they know they can always give me a call.” Sanders said.
Sanders herself has mixed feelings about leaving the SRCC after having worked with the union for over 18 years.
“Retirement is a double-edged sword. Work has always been my first priority, and it’s hard for me to quit a job. I’ve only ever had three,” Sanders said.
“I want to thank them for the opportunity. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
Sanders is also optimistic about the SRCC’s future. She hopes it continues to grow and has seen the union moving in the right direction throughout her years here.
In retirement, Sanders is focused on spending time with her husband and her granddaughter, Addy.
“I call her Addybug! She’s a good kid. I’ll be able to spend a lot of time with her right before she goes off to college.”
For Sanders, this includes going to her granddaughter’s baseball games and her college sign-in.
Sanders says she’s going to be just fine enjoying her retirement out on her front porch, thankful for the experiences she’s had with the union.
“They gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I’ve enjoyed working with everybody and the friendships I’ve made over the years.”
The SRCC is honored to have had Lola Sanders in service for 18 years and wishes her a peaceful retirement.