15 years ago when I first came to ICS, one of the first clients I met was Brendan. His Living Skills trainer at the time, Seth Friedrich, had introduced me to Brendan, and I vividly remember Seth saying warmly, “Abby, meet Brendan, the most interesting man in the world!” It didn’t take me long to understand why Seth said that. Brendan is a curious, kind, tenacious and talented person who in the 15 years I’ve known him has grown into becoming a talented photographer, adventurous cook, UC Berkeley alum and a data analyst at Hello Fresh. Brendan has consistently received services from ICS, working diligently on the goals he has set out for himself and it’s been one of the joys of my career to watch Brendan grow into a person who is so engaged with life.
I was fortunate enough to work with Brendan as his Living Skills trainer for a few years and have stayed connected to him as he’s continued to receive Living Skills from one of our staff, Nicole. Brendan and I both live in the East Bay and share a love of Korean BBQ, so we’ll periodically get together over a meal and catch up about how life has been for him. We’ll share stories of how we worked together when he was settling into his first dorm room at UC Berkeley while studying architecture, meeting up at the Ranch 99 grocery store to help Brendan pick out black bean sauce for a stir fry he was excited to make, and talking to him about prepping for interviewing for the job he got nine years ago at Hello Fresh.
A few months ago, Brendan reached out to me to let me know his job at Hello Fresh was relocating to Boulder and that he was going to be leaving the Bay Area. The news was bittersweet for me- I was so excited to see Brendan stepping into this next chapter of his life, but I was also already anticipating missing our check ins over kim chi and scallion pancakes.
Brendan and I recently had a farewell dinner (over Korean BBQ, of course) and reminisced on all Brendan has accomplished over the past 15 years while working with ICS. I asked Brendan to share some of his thoughts for this month’s newsletter and he generously agreed. Excerpts from our conversation are below. I hope you enjoy learning about Brendan as much as I have over the years and that you’ll join me in wishing him the best of luck as he moves into the next chapter of his life in Boulder.
Abby: I can’t believe we’ve known each other for 15 years! We started working together after you had been at ICS for a bit and was working with Seth. Remind me of what brought you to ICS.
Brendan: Yes that’s true, it’s been a while! I decided to move to the Bay Area to study architecture at UC Berkeley, but first I had to go to the College of Marin to take pre-requisite classes before I could transfer. I started living in San Anselmo and was in need of ICS’ services to help me adjust with living in a new community while living independently, since I was living away from my family for the first time.
Abby: That transition from living away from family and going to school can be a lot to manage. How did ICS work with you at the start?
Brendan: The first thing I got help with at ICS was getting a part-time job when I was at the College of Marin. Seth Friedrich, who I was working at at that time, had helped me get a job at a Lego store in San Anselmo where I helped with inventory work. Seth also got me connected with a woman who was a fellow ICS client who shared some of my tastes in anime and video games. Seth helped us get together for day trips in West Marin so we could spend time together. As time went on, she and I became very good friends and we eventually became boyfriend and girlfriend. Seth really helped me come out of my shell and he also helped me to take advantage of local resources.
Abby: I remember that job at the Lego store. It was so perfect for you. How did you find the job you have now?
Brendan: After I graduated from UC Berkeley, I tried to get a job at an architecture office, but it was really challenging. I eventually went through a temp agency and got a job at Hello Fresh doing warehouse work. I think they saw that I had a good eye for detail to make sure that none of the products we sent out to customers were damaged. The management personnel put me into quality assurance work and I eventually became a full time employee. I went on to not only do quality reporting for distribution facilities across the country, but also the data analytics work I’m doing to this day for all of Hello Fresh’s facilities. I pretty much built my career at Hello Fresh from the ground up. I’ve been there for nine years now. In a few months, I’ll have my tenth anniversary.
Abby: That’s amazing that it’s almost been ten years! What’s your favorite part about your work?
Brendan: In addition to learning new things about the systems and tools we use to see how things are going at the company, my favorite thing is to think about the delicious food people are enjoying in their homes. Hello Fresh sends people the ingredients they need to make delicious meals at home without having to spend time going to the grocery store. Customers can also enjoy other offerings from Hello Fresh such as smoothies, garlic bread, ingredients for side dishes for parties, and desserts. I take pride in the fact that I’m contributing to the kind of wholesome and convenient culinary experience every family deserves.
Abby: I like that you think about people’s experience with food and probably them connecting with other people while they eat. I’ve always been so impressed that you’ve been open to connecting with people and new experiences. Oh Brendan, we’re all going to miss you so much when you move!
Brendan: I’ll miss you guys too. ICS has allowed me to be a part of a supportive community where I get help with whatever I need in my life, like preparing for a move, finding a job, or even now looking into building a social network in a new place I’ll be living in.
Abby: I’m excited to hear how Boulder is. What are you looking forward to in this next chapter?
Brendan: I’ve been working remotely for the past few years, so it will be nice to be in the office again. I’m looking forward to being able to spend time with my coworkers that I have a lot in common with. I’m also excited to experience what it's like to live in a new state when it comes to being in a different climate than I’m accustomed to here in the Bay Area. I’m also looking forward to taking advantage of the local amenities and the natural attractions like the mountains and bike trails in the Boulder area.
Abby: I love that. Anything else you’re looking forward to in the future?
Brendan: I’m looking forward to not only advancing at my career, but also setting down roots and hopefully finding a woman I could build a life with. If I’m lucky, she and I could buy a home together and raise a family. That’s what I’m looking towards as I make this huge change in my life.
Abby: That’s wonderful, Brendan. Can’t wait to hear how it goes. Good luck with the move. Let’s check in once you get settled so I can hear how it went?
Brendan: Sounds great!