Welcome to our 42nd street office

Last winter, I gave you all a little tour of my offices in the Starrett Lehigh building located in the Chelsea section of Manhattan.  We received so many favorable comments and I thought it was time for you to visit my original offices located in midtown at 42nd Street.  And although, different jobs get done here, you can really feel the creative energies in action.  We occupy office space on a few floors in the building, but the reception area is located on the 25th.  Exiting the elevators and passing through the entrance doors, you are greeted by Alli Loeffert, our friendly and exuberant receptionist.  Alli has been our ‘traffic’ director for about 9 months and says she really loves her job.  Please visit again for more 42nd Street installments.

Here’s Alli at her post.  It’s so important to have someone so warm and helpful to greet workers, visitors, and delivery people and, at the same time, answer the constantly ringing phones.

Alli explained that although the main number to the company rings continuously throughout the day, the busiest times are 9 AM, noon, and between 5 & 6 PM.  She manages 4 separate lines and is asked all kinds of questions.  She keeps a list, near eye level, of all the various departments where she can best direct the calls.

Whenever there is a lull, Alli picks up her knitting.  She just took up the craft and has been making a scarf.  She bought her yarn at Purl yarn shop, located in the Soho section of Manhattan.  Purl is a colorful and wonderful store owned and operated by Joelle and Jennifer Hoverson – Joelle used to work for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia as a style editor prior to opening her yarn shop.

    Mad Money!
A trip to my local Michael's craft store
Russ & Daughters, one of my favorites!
Edible flowers in my garden
Sharkey had a little accident   

Comments

[Nik]

I really love knitting. I think it's great that she is able to bring out the knitting during slow periods. I wish I could do that at my job.

[Marie]

Martha, thank you so much for appreciating your receptionist (who is sunny and adorable btw). I worked as a receptionist for years throughout college and for the most part it's a job that gets overlooked. The receptionist has to sit alone usually and is also stuck at the desk while others can freely move about. It can be a lonely and thankless job at times. I know from personal experience when someone takes a moment to honor your contribution it means so much! It really does. And hey, thanks for the yarn store info. They've got great stuff and I can't wait to buy some new yarn.

[Sasha Libby]

I like the idea of a work environment that encourages personal creativity... allowing Alli to pick up her knitting when things slow down... what a wonderful workplace for her!

[Pru]

Alli looks like a wonderful receptionist, just what you need when you walk into the building. I love that you allow her to do knitting when she has a spare moment, most offices wouldn't. What other rewards are there for working for MSLO (apart from the obvious one of working there at all!)?

Pru

[Nan Ashby]

Alli looks so friendly and I bet she is always courteous and warm with each and every call. I know she does enjoy the lull in the calls so she can knit. Martha your whole outfit is the warmest and ever friendliest group for your many adoring viewers and fans, Alli must be from the South. Nan

[Anna]

How in the world are you everywhere at the same time? I'm reading your blog, watching you on TV cause it's a special on homes in the Hamptons, and see some back issues of Martha Stewart Living--oh and I can see my cookbooks from where I'm sitting. If you were actually here..it would be even better. Thank you for a glimpse into your other offices. I enjoyed meeting the receptionist.

[Laura Nelson]

I love Purl Soho! I've only been there in person once but I often spend time on their website. Knitting is a great way to make a slow work day go by a little quicker, and you still feel like you've accomplished something in your day!

[SAM00_SKITTLE]

I would love to be able to do that at my job too. If I'm lucky I get a bit of knitting in at lunch!!

[Margie]

Thanks for recognizing your receptionist postion and in this case, Alli. It is a job I would struggle with but will be the first to admit I could not do without. Receptionists are the very best when good and it is the very worst when one is not there.
Good job for the receptionist department--Alli.

[Susanne Granoff]

Alli not only looks friendly and cheerful her voice also conveys that on the phone! I've called the 42nd street office before with question about Martha's products. Alli answered the phone in a timely fashion and was so friendly and helpful. I think it's great that working at Martha's Alli was inspired and encouraged to pick up knitting. If only all corporation allowed for creativity like MSLO, I think they'd be more successful and have happy employees like Alli!

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, Is everyone who works for you a multi-tasker?! I'll bet they are and I'll bet they are totally inspired by you. Thank you for introducing us to Alli. She seems to be very happy and comfortable at her job. Is Julia still the receptionist at the Starrett Lehigh building? She was absolutely great on your fantastic Apprentice show! You have the best people working for you at your homes and at MSLO. Thanks again for sharing. Jan

[ShopLittleGifts]

yes, i remember the photos from the other office. your offices are always spectacular, very inspiring. maybe next time you can take a tour of the office and introduce us to people. I think I saw Darcy's office in her blog. It's so interesting to see how all the incredible creativity happens.

[Jane M]

I'm knitting a QUILT! Imagine that! Hope I can find giant knitting needles when the quilt gets huge! Right now I'm about crib sized.

[Jay MIchael]

First impressions are lasting ones. And, what a GREAT first impression Alli makes! I know you're proud and pleased, Martha. Way to work it, Alli!
Jay Michael

[Desiree]

Martha,
One of my favorite posts was the tour of the offices. I am so glad you posted this new one, it shows you pay attention to what people want to see. Ali looks so happy to work for your company. Thanks for sharing!

[Linda Root]

I've always been a "Martha Stewart" to my coworkers and am very delighted to see my niece working for this company, and featured on the blog. I was tickled to see Alli knitting. She and I spent lots of time doing crafts, making placemats, etc when she lived with my husband and me. She is a creative young lady. By the way, I am now knitting too Alli!!!

[Barbara]

Martha, it is so wonderful to be reminded of what a good employer you are. If there is a lull, your employee can use their creativity. It is understandable why your organization grows!

[andrea kennedy-frost]

GORGEOUS puppies Martha...new to this blogging business..love your magazines..your tv show here on Foxtel in australia..and you often have wonderful aussies as guests..keep up the wonderful work..kind regards from tbe LAND OF OZ...andrea..

[darleneburnham]

Your receptionist looks full of life a compliment to your company. And I also like the idea that she is able to bring her knitting to job is a benefit as well. Keeep up the good work Alli.

[kerry]

The colors, quality and classic appeal of your line make it my absolute favorite! I featured your ribbon organizer box on my blog in the after shots of my studio after I did a big tidy up. This sounds ridiculous but it makes me so happy to use it and see everything lined up so neatly. The alphabet cards also pull my heart strings!
www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com

[Amy]

Martha, I am irritating people at work and using your name to do it. I won't say what big company I work for 'cause there are rules about that, but we are using LEAN principles everywhere to tighten up ops, clean up, streamline processes, etc. Whenever I pass our common area where the printer, mailbox, etc., are, I tell people, "Do you think Martha Stewart's office looks like this? She wouldn't put up with it being so messy!" We shouldn't, either, of course, even though we don't work for MSLO. Of course, I get the comment "Martha doesn't work here." OH, well.

Today my LEAN activity was tossing three broken staplers in the trash. BROKEN! Why would Martha keep broken staplers? One seemed to be a WWII relic...but I'm trying, one spot at a time.

ON another note, we don't have time to knit but there are a fair number of stitchers, knitters, and crafters who love to do that kind of thing. I brought my Reversible Purse to work the other day to show off--everyone loved it. The next will be an evening bag--definitely not for work.

Thanks again for everything, Martha and Staff.

Amy

[Kathy]

Hi, Martha,
Thanks for the introduction to Alli. She sounds like a good receptionist---and knitter. You have such wonderful people working here and there. I would love to go to Purl Soho.
Kathy

[JBrennan]

Martha:

It's nice of you to feature Alli in your post.

Often, receptionists and other "support" staff are overlooked in the business world, but not at MSLO. You've always had an eye for spotting talent and encouraging creative growth among your employees. In one of your previous posts you spoke of how Kevin Sharkey's hard work was recognized and allowed him to move up the ranks in a relatively short time. And...Necy Fernandez is another fine example--from housekeeper to flower arranger to stylist!

Who knows, maybe the next time you feature Alli in a post, she'll be contributing to the craft department!

It would be nice if more companies followed your lead.

Have a great Birthday Weekend!

[judy King]

Dear Martha, The recipes, info, tips, creativity, inspire me to do my best. You have made it easy for me, Thank you for making my lifestyle more enjoyable.I so Love your websites. judy king

[Jeffrey Richard]

Hi Martha,

I have spoken with Alli a few times and always get a warm greeting. She is a wonderful receptionist and you are lucky to have such a talented, lovely and cute(!) lady on your staff. Keep up the great work!

-Jeffrey Richard