#PGProfiles: Double the fun with mother-daughter duo JoAnna & Renee

We’re back with another exceptional PG Profile—a series where we highlight climbers (our word for internal employees) who help make our community amazing! We have a special double feature this month with climbers JoAnna Mannino and Renee Peace who are a mother-daughter duo! JoAnna is the Office Administrator, and Renee works as the Corporate Controller (and is also our latest Compass Award winner!). PG is a better place with the two of you! Let’s hear from both women about their lives and work experience.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

JoAnna: I grew up many, many, years ago with a mother who had a strong Italian heritage, good food, tough love, faith, and music. My father was very hardworking and never missed a day of work. We had little, but family was everything and always came first. These same beliefs we tried to instill in our children and grandchildren. Our passions were put aside for family even today. I do take some time out for a good game of pickleball or a long run, which has now turned into a fast walk as my granddaughter has told me LOL.

Catch us up on your PG career journey so far. 

JoAnna: My journey at PG started as we were slowly moving out of COVID. The previous twenty years, my career turned into retail management so I could be available during the week for kids’ activities, and work on the weekends. But retail was intense and my family thought it was a good time to take a rest and step away from the stress. I have only, and happily, been the office admin here. And although the role has changed and evolved a bit, and can be a juggling act at times, it has been my favorite throughout my career. The culture and my manager’s leadership style are what kept me here.

Renee: I started at PG in 2015 as the Accounting Manager. PG was my first professional leadership role. Throughout the last 11 years, I am proud of the way our team was able to scale with the increased business. We have worked through many IT implementations and navigated away from paper filings to electronic during COVID. Today, I am the Corporate Controller. I lead our Accounting, Cash Application, Accounts Payable, Tax, and Corporate Payroll Teams. Our team is proud of the value and impact we have on the organization. We ensure that we are accurate and timely when producing financial statements for our leaders and making payments to our contractors and climbers. Our team motto is ‘Trusted Numbers. Smart Decisions.’ and we feel we live up to that daily.

How has your mother-daughter relationship impacted your PG experience? 

JoAnna: It really hasn’t. Renee is still bossy to me at work same as when we are home, LOL. Honestly, I always knew she was a hard worker, but I am glad to witness firsthand her passion. So very proud to see her in her element, how she handles the struggles and celebrates the wins. I know she loves her job and the culture here, and it fills my heart.

Renee: My mom and I don’t get to work too much together. But I love having another connection that allows us to talk for hours. My heart always swells with pride when I see and hear people in the community gush about how they love her. She is so giving of her time and a woman of God. She makes me proud of who I am and where I came from.

What was the job where you earned your first paycheck?  Did you enjoy that job?

JoAnna: My very first job was as a back-office clerk at Detroit Bank and Trust. I worked my way up into the Central Transport bookkeeping department located in Auburn Hills where we were responsible for posting, balancing, and closing out personal and business checking accounts. At that time everything was done manually and took many hands to complete. I stayed there for ten years but as my family grew, I then pivoted and opened a daycare in our home for a couple of years.

Renee: Starbucks was the first job I received a paycheck from. I loved working there. The culture, the people, our customers, and the job itself was so fun. I loved making drinks for people and watching them enjoy what I made. I had some customers specifically ask for me when they came in because I made it the best.

What's the best advice you'd give to someone who has just started their career?

JoAnna: The more you know, the more valuable you are. Do what no one else wants to. Look for opportunities to help others. You will find so many treasures in all that you learn.

Renee: Ask a lot of questions and build relationships. Approach every situation with an open mind. Do not be discouraged or scared by tenure or titles. No one has all the answers, and you were made to share your opinion.

What is your favorite way to unwind after a busy day? 

JoAnna: My favorite way to relax is to listen to music, take a long walk/run, or see my beautiful grandchildren, as long as they are not arguing. 😉

Renee: I chat with my co-worker Ethan for 10 or 15 minutes before I log off. I complete a 30-minute workout. I eat a wonderful dinner made by my husband. I take a walk with my dog. Then read my book and go to bed.

Recommend a book, tv show, or movie you recently enjoyed.

JoAnna: The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer. Good read to help show how to wear the armor of God, how to stay on the offense, and how to take back ground. I also like a good episode of Dancing with the Stars!!

Renee: Loving the Off Campus Amazon Prime series. Read the book series first.

If you were a condiment, which would you be and why?

JoAnna: Honey mustard — I try to stay sweet but sometimes can get a little spicy (sassy).

Renee: BBQ sauce – a tangy vinegar-based kind. One reason is because I love vinegar-based barbeque sauces. The second reason is because my mom tells me I am sassy and bossy often.

If a theme song played every time you walked into a room , what would it be?

JoAnna: “Somewhere over the Rainbow”!! It reminds me that even though life takes you through storms and cloudy, rainy days, a promise of God’s is that a rainbow will always appear.

Renee: “Bossy” by Kelis (haha) It’s because my mom tells me I’m bossy. I love Bieber and I would pick his “Hallelujah” song because I am so thankful for everything I have.

What is your dream travel destination? 

JoAnna: Definitely anywhere out of Michigan!! My husband hates to travel and we rarely go anywhere. So someday I will make it to Italy with him or without him 😊

Renee: Italy. I’ve been there before and I will continue to go back for their food and experiences.

Thank you for sharing your stories JoAnna and Renee!