It’s another company milestone and the bittersweet end of an era as we announce our first L&K retiree, Naomi Humphreys.
For over 14 years, Naomi served as the telephone “voice” of Landry & Kling, and we, along with all the friends and clients who have called and visited our office over the years, will miss her warm smile and cheery disposition (not to mention her terrific cooking!).
Naomi, a native of the Caribbean island of Antigua, came on board Landry & Kling as a temporary receptionist in 1997, and one week later, became our full-time Office Administrator. She was later promoted to Office Manager – although we also considered her our “Director of First Impressions”.
And what an impression she made! Naomi said her favorite part of the job was answering the phones and making people feel welcome, and our client loved her. We recall the meeting planner who told us that whenever he called the office and spoke to Naomi, he would hang up in a better mood. She just had that effect on people.
Naomi is looking forward to retirement, but don’t expect her to slow down much. She plans on volunteering with missionary outreach, cooking all her favorite dishes, and visiting friends and family in Ecuador, Antigua and Montserrat.
Every now and then, Naomi would surprise us with a treat from her kitchen – like jerk chicken, collard greens, curry pork, or pigeon peas and rice. On her last day at Landry & Kling, Naomi got up early to bake her delicious Caribbean “johnnycakes” to share with us.
We asked the origin of the name, and she told us a story about the cornmeal cakes originally being baked for long journeys. In time, the name “journey cake” became “johnny cake”. So thoughtful of Naomi, and so fitting as she begins her own new journey.
Please join up in wishing Naomi “happy trails” and much happiness in the days ahead.