Darla Bartlett and Mark Reynolds seem like coworkers who’ve always been at The Center at Donaldson, that’s how good of a fit they are, both for their jobs and with fellow coworkers. Darla celebrated her one-year anniversary as a Greenhouse Assistant at TCAD in May, and her husband Mark celebrated six months with the Grounds Services team in June. Save for the seven months before Mark joined TCAD, the two have always been coworkers.
They met 18 years ago at their previous workplace, Walmart in Plymouth, where both were managers. Three years later, they married. Walmart where they learned the clear communication technique which they call Peanut Butter and Jelly. They learned it from a management training session, and it’s all about the benefits of specific, clear communication. “How do you make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? The trainer asked. “Open the bread, put peanut butter on one slice and jelly on the other,” Darla answered. The trainer proceeded to rip open the bread, smear one slice with peanut butter and the other with jelly, smashed the two sides together, and throw the sandwich to her. “Those were your instructions,” he said to a startled Darla. It was an “aha” moment for them. It’s one that she and Mark still use to navigate clear communication in their marriage. “Peanut Butter and Jelly,” one partner will say to the other to avoid miscommunication.
While at Walmart, Darla managed the Lawn and Garden department and became a Master Gardener, making her a great fit for TCAD’s greenhouses. When she started last May, she felt instantly welcomed. She remembers Communications and Marketing Director Alicia Hammonds inviting her to sit with her and fellow coworkers at the coworker picnic, and Marketing Coordinator Joana Reese enlisting her help with face painting for the Donaldson Dash. She loves art and has used her talents in face painting for fundraisers for Riley Children’s Hospital. “I like the people here,” Darla said. “It’s peaceful, and I like that there are opportunities for employees here. I’ve learned a lot from Sam and Polly.”
Seven months later, Mark joined the Grounds Services team as a PHJC coworker. He was a shift supervisor at Walmart and did everything from team lead to stocking shelves to unloading trucks while he supervised the overnight shift. He began at TCAD within a few weeks of fellow coworkers Bryce Warren and Tyler Snyder and felt welcomed by senior team members Kurt Hostetler and Kaleb McCallum. “It’s a great group of guys and we’re learning from each other,” Mark said. “I didn’t know a weed from a flower when I started,” he laughed. That’s something that Kurt and Kaleb have been helpful with, since they both possess a deep knowledge of the native plants grown on campus.
Mark and Darla have one son, twelve-year-old Orion, who often helps Darla and the greenhouse team when school’s out. In their spare time, they enjoy a variety of activities including league bowling. Mark also likes watching movies and playing video games. For Darla, it’s reading, art, and crafting, including giving new life to old dolls. “Creepy dolls,” Mark laughed.
The couple celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary on June 7 and are happy to have new careers at The Center. “It’s friendly and open here. The focus is on the quality of your work,” Mark noted. “I’ve been appreciated more here in one year than in 18 years at Walmart,” Darla added.