Meet the Rust-Oleum Team: Katy

Submitted to What's New

We love getting to know our Creator's Studio community members through our Member Feature profile series. We thought members might like to get to know some of our team a little better, too! If you've ever posted a question in Ask the Expert you might have gotten your answer from Katy, who really does know it all when it comes to Rust-Oleum products 😊

What is your job at Rust-Oleum? 

I work with the Product Support Team, we handle incoming calls and emails that can range from questions about our products to helping troubleshoot an issue with an application. I'm also a member of the Social Customer Care team, and this team also helps support our social and ecommerce pages. It's a great team and really aim to help customers have the best experience with our products! 

How long have you worked here? 

I am in my 4th year in this position, but also worked in different departments during summers and holiday breaks while in college. Product Support is my favorite team, hands down! 

What's your favorite part of working at this company? 

Rust-Oleum is all about creating solutions and being a reliable brand. We all work together to create the best experience for our customers and the company does this for their employees too. 

Were you a DIYer before you started working here? 

I was definitely a crafter before starting here and still am! Seeing a blank space gets me excited since it gives me a chance to create something new and customize it to fit my needs. In fact, some of the items on my desk are constantly being repainted to fit my style for the season! 

What's your favorite part of the Creator's Studio community? 

The members! I love engaging with members and answering questions they may have or recommending a product that best fits their project. Of course, the highlight is always seeing the great ways they use our products and create unique products! 

How would you describe yourself/occupation to a complete stranger? 

Typically, I tell people I troubleshoot all day and help resolve issues. Sometimes the project may not go as intended, but the goal is to help correct it and get it back on track. 

What creative areas do you like to focus on? 

Crafting has always had a special place in my heart and I grew up doing crafts and activities with my grandma. Knitting and needle arts in general is a great way to help pass time while watching TV. Paper planning is also something I have gotten into the past year as well. I have more stickers and pens than I care to admit! ;) 

What is your favorite Rust-Oleum product? How has it helped with your DIY projects? 

Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Primer! I love that it is low odor and can stick to just about anything. If I ever need to repaint anything, I like to start with it since it will give me a good base for the new color, and it saves me the step of needing to sand. It is typically my go-to primer recommendation for customers too! 

What interests you most about DIY projects? 

Being able to create something from scratch or change something to best fit your style. I tend to DIY something, and then DIY it again when I want to change it up. 

If you could create any type of project (with no limitations), what would you design and why? 

Bookcases for my apartment that would hold all my books and knickknacks, but could also be moved to change the shape or shelf sizes as needed. Since I've moved several times in the past few years, I've had to pack away most of my books and I also keep buying them. Plus, I'm always looking for cute and functional storage options for my apartment! 

Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know about you.

I love musical theatre! I was involved with tech during most of my high-school and college years. I still see shows often and have no shame in belting out songs in my car. 

What's the best advice that anyone has ever given you? 

"You are in charge of your own emotions." This reminds me that we are responsible for our own reactions, and that we cannot always change how others feel. Some days it is easier to remember, but I do keep it in the back of my mind at all times! 

What book(s) are on your nightstand right now? 

Many, thanks to my Kindle lol! But I typically am reading a fantasy novel and Mercedes Lackey is one of my favorite authors! 

What's your all time favorite food? 

Dumplings! My favorite is my dad's chicken and dumplings. My road trip essential is a stop at Cracker Barrel, so I can have the chicken and dumplings with a side of dumplings.