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A few months ago, we brought on Cindy Kruschel to be our first “Customer Guide.”

We really like the idea of a customer guide rather than a sales person. First, because none of us like to be “sold” anything. Second, because it puts the “customer” as the focus and not the closing of the “sale.” And because a guide is someone who cares about people and their experience.

So, when we looked for someone to represent LJUrban in the “sales” area, we specifically wanted someone who was NOT a “sales-person,” someone who would listen and help, someone who cared about the customer experience and would be genuine and real and completely approachable.

And Cindy is just that.

Here she is in her own words…

You’ve worked here for a couple months now. How would you describe it?

Relational, connected, generous. I’m coming in pretty green, and I’m not referring to the environment. Everyone has been really helpful and full of info. for me.

How long have you lived in Sacramento? What brought you here?

My husband and I moved back to Calif. From Calgary Alberta, Canada. He couldn’t wait to be a Californian. I missed my family. So we settled here in Sacramento. Cause my mom was here at the time. It took me a little while, 20 years, to acclimate to Sacto. But now I love it. So much change and potential here.

Anything funny happen this week?

I like to be comfortable. Sometimes that means no shoes, even at the office. I was following the contractor around getting info. On some of our green features when I heard a voice say, “Cindy, this is Mathew and Alex from Portland. Cindy is in our customer connections area.” I could feel all eyes on my bare feet. I felt like crawling under the table. Which probably would have been a much funnier story. Instead I just smiled and shook hands.

Who inspires you. Why?

People who are not afraid to think outside of the box. Well, actually people who will get rid of the box all together and just create from their core. I love that! And if they can also welcome others in to join them then that’s amazing stuff. That’s actually one of the reasons I so love being here. There’s inspiration all around!

You’ve got family. We love families. Tell us about them.

I love families too. My husband Kerry and I have 3 teenagers. We all get along really well with very few arguments (until it’s time to do the dishes.) ☺

What are you into these days?

I mentioned enjoying creative people. So in order to be around some a few friends and I have created a space for them to come hang out with us. We have a place we call Vox. And we invite artists and musicians to come do their thing. It’s a great way to encourage what I enjoy.

Which of our core values do you have the strongest connection with. Why?

Wow, I really resonate with all of them. Some of the words that are used in the core values really excite and motivate me; Vibrant, healthy, social change, sustainable, faith, integrity, generosity, life, thrive, creativity. Those are some powerful words.

What gets you excited about creating eco-urban community? Why is this personally important to you?

Anything that will help create a healthy, thriving life is important to me. It just makes sense to take care of your environment and the people around you.

Anything in your personal life that you are doing (or working on) to try and make the world a better place?

It’s a big task, isn’t it, trying to make the world a better place? I try to be generous with what I have and who I am. I have taken up walking to things, if possible, rather than driving. Since I am not in walking distance to LJUrban I take the bus. Small things for sure, but steps nonetheless.

None of us do this perfectly. Got any eco-urban confessions?

I have way too much garbage. I buy too many prepackaged foods. I still drive an Explorer when I’m not walking or taking the bus. I love fried foods and hot dogs. (squirm, squirm)

Jason (and Cindy)