FEATURED EMPLOYEE: Meet Lori Woody – Director of Operations & Facilities, Wellness Warrior
If you’re looking for a quintessential V3 success story, Lori Woody is your woman. She exudes an intoxicating mix of warmth and self-assurance, the hallmark of a person not afraid of hard work or the growing pains of change. She’s worn many hats during her 20-year tenure and has risen through the ranks from secretary to director of operations and facilities.
“I worked in retail for 15 years and didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life,” Lori admitted. “I got an interview at V3 and started as a secretary in the survey department – even though I didn’t know what they did! I’ve been given amazing opportunities to grow here, and a supportive environment to try new things.”
Today, Lori is a V3 shareholder and self-described jack-of-all-trades. Together with her team, she manages the infinite number jobs necessary to keep the company, its facilities, and its leadership, all running at full speed.
“One of the most gratifying things about my job is giving people the same opportunity I was given,” said Lori. “I’m not the only person to have launched a career from an entry level position here. There are plenty of examples of others that have transitioned into roles in marketing, accounting, and project coordinators. It’s exciting to help connect people and pay it forward.”
Lori’s enthusiasm for helping others transcends the strictly professional. As a founding member – and current chairman – of the V3 REVITALIZE Wellness Program, she puts her personal success story and passion for wellness to work.
“For a long time, I was living a dual life,” said Lori. “I was encouraging people to be healthy, but I wasn’t doing it myself. Part of our program is getting a biometric screening every year, and my biggest fear has always been my strong family history of diabetes. When I saw that my blood sugar was off the charts and I had three of the four co-morbidities, I knew it was time for a change.”
It was the wakeup call Lori needed. She vowed to get her head out of the sand and get serious about her health. Lori elected for weight loss surgery, made serious lifestyle changes, and lost 137 pounds. Three years later, she has maintained the weight loss and her passion for wellness.
Lori’s story is just one example of the many lives impacted by V3’s Wellness Program. Now in its seventh year, it boasts over 80% employee participation and extends to spouses and family members, as well.
“My husband, Bob, joined me in the program and is a great competitive partner. We try to have something for everyone: mental health, financial health, physical health. There are a variety of activities so people can pick what’s right for them.”
“The real jewel of our program is our walking and biking challenges. People are extremely competitive around here! It’s not just about wellness, it’s about well-being.”
To Lori, well-being starts with encouraging people to find the thing that grounds them.
“For a long time, I wanted to be a singer and almost went that route. I sang in choir in high school, sang at weddings, and recorded songs. My ‘thing’ used to be singing and recording – now, it’s physical health and my family. The support of this program and the people I’ve worked with saved my life.”