Meet the Class of 2019!
Melanie Unger
Age: 38
Business: Diamondback Painting
Job title: Marketing and Public Relations Manager
Why are you working in this industry? My husband, Scott, started painting houses in 2007, as a way to make ends meet for our young family. I spent 15 wonderful years as a stay-at-home mom (helping here or there as needed, with our multiple small businesses), until a position opened up in the Diamondback office in 2019 that was a perfect fit for me. I worked as Brand Ambassador for about six months before the Marketing position became available. It was not a job that I had ever considered for myself, but Scott told me he knew it was something that I could do well, so I decided to give it a go. I have absolutely loved the job, having my husband as my boss, and becoming more involved in the Abilene community.
What are three daily habits that have helped you to become successful?
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I try to work out as often as I can. I definitely feel better on days when I make it to Jazzercise. (Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it! It’s HARD.)
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I live for a to-do list! There’s something so satisfying about marking an item, “completed.” Plus I’ll probably forget about it if it’s not on a list. Especially on my busiest days, I have to have a list.
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I go out of my way to be kind and courteous to everyone I interact with. Life is hard! I do my best to be people’s biggest cheerleader, and leave them a little better than I found them. Friendliness and compassion can make all the difference in someone’s day.
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*What is the best advice you have ever received? A friend told me many years ago to, “love them where they’re at.” This has been the single best piece of advice anyone has ever given me. It helps me to allow space for grace and forgiveness and an abundance of love, even if someone seems unworthy in the moment. You never know what someone is struggling through; Love them through it.
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Describe yourself in one word. Charismatic.
What was your first summer job? I worked at Schlotzsky’s on South 14th, the summer after my sophomore year in high school.
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Where will we find you enjoying your hard-earned time off? I love musical theatre. I spend lots of my year directing or performing. It’s the only thing I wanted to do with my life after high school. While it didn’t pan out as a career, I’m so thankful that I still have ways to pursue what I love. Arts in Abilene are top notch!
If you were to give one piece of advice to someone starting out in your field what would it be? Make friends. Get to know people in the community. Don’t be afraid of networking. You grow where you're planted! Put yourself out there! The Abilene business community is really wonderful and supportive, you’ve just got to get involved.
Community Involvement:
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Southern Hills Church of Christ- Member
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Big Country Performing Arts/Big Country Children’s Theatre – Board Member (2015-present), Board President (2019- 2023)
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Young Audiences of Abilene – Board Member
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Abilene Chamber of Commerce - Member
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Abilene Chamber Redcoats – Member
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Abilene Young Professionals – Member
Family: Husband Scott, son Lincoln, daughter Lexi. Parents Morris and Marci Pair of Clyde.
