Careers & Employment

Employee Spotlight:The voice of Touchmark

Mary Samp is Touchmark’s receptionist. She works diligently everyday greeting the public. Mary is also a big help to various Touchmark departments, assisting them in small projects. Mary is active in many prayer groups and enjoys spending time with her family, husband, and miniature dachshund, Bean. She is recognized for her continued support for Touchmark’s sales teams. After each Bell-Ringer Announcement, Mary thanks every Sales person for his/her hard work.

How would you describe yourself?
I’m dependable. My yes is yes and my no is no. I love the Lord, and I would like to think of myself as a woman of faith—a prayer warrior. I also enjoy people and love being married to my husband, Dennis. I have a pretty good sense of humor.

What do you remember most about growing up?
Moving! My family and I moved multiple times (every two or three years). We lived in three towns in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, three towns in Ohio, California, and Oregon. I would describe my family as close-knit and functional. My parents were married for almost 50 years until my dad passed away. We all live in the same state now. I also have three brothers, which might explain why I can be a little bossy.

How did you select your career focus?
When I was 5 or 6 years old, living in Tennessee, my family and I would go and visit my grandparents. My grandpa owned his own paint store. While visiting, I would play on his typewriter and say, “Pap, I’m going to be your seccatary.”

I graduated from high school in 1970 in Placentia, California. I went to a city college in San Jose as well as Portland Community College, taking secretarial courses. I had no desire to obtain a degree. I wanted to go to school to gain skills that I could use to make a living.

What led you to work at Touchmark?
Before Touchmark, I worked in television with Warner Bros. I was laid off, because the department I worked in was downsizing, and I was the last employee hired. After that, I wanted a stress-free job, and I also wanted to work with the public. I found the Touchmark position through an online advertisement in The Oregonian. Following the interview, I really wanted the receptionist position. I was hired that same afternoon.

Talk about your responsibilities. Is there a typical day?
My first responsibility is to answer incoming calls on the switchboard. I direct calls to the correct people in a professional and friendly manner. I also welcome visitors as they arrive at Touchmark. I strive to give them a positive first impression of our company. My other duties include signing for deliveries, opening and sorting mail, assisting with conference room and PTO/travel calendars, and small projects for various departments. The aspect I enjoy most about my job is that my days are rarely “typical.” You never know who will be walking through the door or calling Touchmark. This job keeps me on my toes.

What are the most exciting things happening today at Touchmark?
Our awesome Sales team at Touchmark. It is exciting to see the BellRinger announcements arrive and read about how short-term and long-term relationships are established at our different communities. I believe it takes a special type of person to do their line of work. Most of our employees wouldn’t have a paycheck without them. When the Bell-Ringer announcements come through, I send out thank-you notes to the appropriate salespersons, letting them know they are appreciated and loved by the Central Office for their hard work and dedication to Touchmark.

What’s most important to you?
My love for the Lord and His son, Jesus, and sharing my faith and personal testimony with others. My husband, Dennis, and our miniature dachshund, Bean. Touchmark definitely! Werner is one of the most humble people I know. He loves his company, employees, and family. He creates a family feeling at Touchmark, and that blesses my heart. Prayer is very important to me. Every Wednesday, a few of us meet over our lunch hour and spend a half hour praying for each other, our coworkers, and others.

What do you think about as you, yourself, grow older?
I hope to be working at Touchmark until I retire. I am thankful for each day I’m able to spend with friends and family. As some have heard me say, “It’s great to be vertical.”

Who is your role model?
Jesus. I hope that when all is said and done, He will say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” My mother, Barbara. She is 84 years old and developed rheumatoid arthritis when she was in her early twenties. I am blown away by her strength and positive attitude. No matter what the circumstances may be, she is an amazing role model to me.

What has been the most significant/influential event of your life?
My marriage to Dennis. I got married to Dennis when I was 34. Prior to that, I kept asking the Lord, “Do you want me to get married or not? If so, please do something about that!” I met Dennis in a single’s group through church. We celebrated our 22nd anniversary in May and live in Newberg, Oregon.