Shirley Wilson, Executive Assistant and Hodophile
1. What drew you to Hoyle, Tanner?
I worked with Hoyle, Tanner on several projects from the municipal side of things and jumped at the chance to work with Chris [President] and Matt [Director of Operations] directly.
2. What’s something invaluable you’ve learned here?
Teamwork.
3. What’s your favorite time of year to work at Hoyle, Tanner?
The Christmas holidays, of course. We employees really get into the holiday competition.
4. What’s the coolest thing you are working on?
I was able to notarize someone’s signature virtually for a proposal we submitted.
5. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you so far this week?
Seeing our children for the first time in two months and fresh cut lilacs.
6. How many different states have you lived in?
I grew up in New Jersey, went to college in Ohio (Go Buckeyes) and also lived in West Virginia, Southern Florida, Western Washington, and New Hampshire. Its interesting to look back and realize that each place was my favorite while I was there.
7. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
Pasta, pasta and pasta with family and friends.
8. What kind of pet do you have and how did you choose to name it?
My husband and I have had many pets over the years, but we are empty nesters now. We used to let our children name them and ended up with very unusual names like Emily Aggasport for one of our cats.
9. What is a fun or interesting fact about your hometown?
I grew up in Whippany, NJ, named from the Leni Lenape word “Whippanong” for willow trees. Whippany is adjacent to Morristown, NJ where George Washington lived for several winters. It’s a great place for Revolutionary War history buffs.
10. What are three things still left on your bucket list? 1. Ride the train across the U.S. and then back through Canada
2. See the rest of the world
3. Be the first centenarian in space
11. Name three items you’d take with you to a desert island
1. My backpack filled with scouting supplies (yes, I was involved in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts)
2. Paper and pen
3. Lots of wine to have bottles to send my notes in
12. What characteristic do you admire most in others?
Respectfulness and Kindness.
13. How old is the oldest item in your closet?
My wedding gown, which was first worn by my mom in 1950.
14. Words to live by? Favorite quote?
“ You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think” – A.A. Milne
15. If you were to skydive from an airplane what would you think about on the way down?
I’m a geography nut, so I’d be looking for landmarks and mapping the area out.
