Meet Our MWS Staff

Our MWS staff is the heart and soul of our business. So, in March when we had to furlough all of our employees it was heartbreaking. Over the past few months, Tommy and Cheryl have been working around the clock to keep the business alive online. Finally, a week ago we were able to open our doors to the public and welcome back our first employee.  Meet our wonderful customer service associate, Mel. He named himself and we affectionately call him, Island boy. Here is his story.

Meet MWS Staff: Mel, The Beginning

What is your full name?
Mel Patrick Sablan Maratita. In my country, the children take both their Mom and Dad’s family name. My mom is Sablan and my dad is Maratita.

Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Saipan which is the largest of the Northern Mariana Islands. It is located in the western Pacific Ocean. Japan is to the north of Saipan and the Philippines are to the south. (Editors note: Saipan has been cited by the Guinness Book of World Records as having the least fluctuating temperatures in the world. It looks beautiful.)

What languages do you speak?
Saipan is a commonwealth of The United States so I speak English and am an American citizen. The whole island became American Citizens in 1973, the year I was born. I also speak the native language Chamorro. I used to be fluent in Japanese too. There is a concern that the native language will be lost with the younger generation so you are required to learn it before you graduate.

What was your schooling like in Saipan?
As it is an American Commonwealth so education is very similar to the U.S. There are both public and private schools and the curriculum is the same as here. Education is compulsory for ages 6 to 18. I also attended school in Hawaii and Guam.

Meet Our MWS Staff: Leaving The Islands

When did you first come to the US and what brought you here?
A long, long, long time ago. (Editor’s note: Mel always makes all of us laugh. He has a wonderful sense of humor and is a bit of a prankster.) I was probably 23 or 24 and I was always the child that wanted to travel. My island was small, you could go around the whole island in 1 hour. I was the second oldest of seven, but the firstborn son so I am considered the oldest. It is an important responsibility for my family. My mother and father had 14 children in their families. I don’t even know the names of some of my relatives.

I first came to Washington State and worked in a bank. Math was always my strength. I went to school while I worked, I was studying criminal justice in Seattle. My plan was to go into law. After Seattle, I moved to Portland Oregon, and then here to New York.

What brought you to New York City?
I wanted a challenge. It was more laid back in Washington and New York seemed more exciting. I thought you could do anything there.

What sort of jobs did you have before MWS?
I wanted to continue in banking but New York was very competitive. My job at MWS saved me from moving back to Portland. I heard about a job at MWS through a friend.

Meet Our MWS Staff: Joining MWS

What is your position at MWS?
Customer service, I do everything, which makes it very interesting and fast-paced. When I started I was a floater so I got trained in lots of different jobs. It’s the best way to learn the store. I’ve worked here for about 8 years.

What is your favorite job at MWS?
I love shipping and receiving

What is your least favorite part of the job?
Well, I wouldn’t say it is my least favorite but the thing that is most difficult for me is answering the phone. I apparently have an accent and I have to repeat myself a lot because sometimes people have trouble understanding me. (Editor’s note: Mel does indeed have an accent and it’s not New York! But he has the sweetest way of answering the phone and a lovely demeanor while helping customers.)

Meet Our MWS Staff: Mel, The Quarantine

So what the heck have you been doing during these many months of quarantine?
Oh my God, where do I begin? At first, a lot of sleeping in. Then I started doing a lot of baking. I made cakes from scratch. Then when I got bored baking I started planting. Mostly succulents. I also work out at home, well I try at least.

What was it like coming back to work? Were you happy, nervous?
All of that, but I was getting very bored at home, so I am really glad to be back.

Do you have any special hobbies?
I like hiking. I have climbed Breakneck Ridge and Bear Mountain. (Editor’s Note: I asked if Mel had climbed up the Vessel at Hudson Yards yet. He had not, but that too has been closed during the quarantine.)

What is your favorite American Food?
Spaghetti! With sauce and meatballs.

What is your favorite food from your country Saipan?
Adobo. It’s a delicious sauce you make with soy sauce, garlic, and seasonings. You can put it on everything. I also like Japanese food.

Meet Our MWS Staff: Mel, The Future

What are your goals moving forward?
I’m always changing my goals. Always changing what I want to do and where I want to go. I hope to just continue learning.

What would surprise us to know about you?
I have an adult daughter who lives in Las Vegas (Editor’s note: this is a surprise because he looks like a kid himself.) Her name is Chanel Isabelle and she is a dental hygienist.
My mother was also a dental hygienist, so she follows in family footsteps. My father however had many jobs but he was an assistant in a helicopter that took tourists around the Islands.

We are delighted that Mel has returned to MWS. It has helped bring some laughs and hope that things might one day return to some sort of normal. We look forward to the day that we can bring back all of our employees but meanwhile, you can come to the store to shop and meet Mel. We are taking all necessary precautions to be sure everyone in-store is safe. Or you can order online. We are still offering curbside pickup.

We are always grateful for your business.