When Laneesha Harrison graduated from Penn State University in 2013, she left with a degree in marketing and management, and a desire to put her knowledge to use in the “real” world.
“One of my study partners in college worked at a U-Haul store. He always talked about how much he loved the fast-paced nature of his work,” Harrison said. “He frequently told me that U-Haul was a job option that I should explore. After I graduated college and began looking for full-time employment options, I remembered my friend’s advice. I decided to give U-Haul a try.”
Harrison joined U-Haul as a customer service representative at U-Haul of University City (Pa.) and quickly learned to thrive. Over the next several years, she served as general manager of several U-Haul stores. Most recently, she was named marketing company president of U-Haul Co. of North Philadelphia (Co. 812).
Harrison wants to inspire the 812 team to set its sights higher when it comes to providing excellent service.
“My No. 1 goal is to foster a competitive spirit throughout 812,” Harrison said. “When I was a GM, we would often compete with other stores and marketing companies in various areas to see who could perform at the highest level. It was exciting and fun for us. It was one of the reasons that we always strived to do our very best. I want to help the 812 team to feel that same spark of motivation and drive to succeed in their own set of responsibilities.
“I want to take the lessons U-Haul leaders and mentors have taught me over the years and share them. I want to spend time with (812 Team Members), listen to their needs and challenges, and then show them exactly how I’ve met my various goals. If the skills that I’ve learned can help people to progress in their own roles, then I’ll know I’ve done my job well.”
Help from mentors
Harrison expressed gratitude for the U-Haul trailblazers who lit her pathway to career success.
“I owe where I am today to U-Haul Co. of South Philadelphia (Co. 808) MCP Todj Myers and District 29 Area District Vice President Dominic Catalano,” Harrison noted. “I began my U-Haul career in 808. Todj was one of my first examples of what exemplary leadership should look like. Dominic has always inspired me to reach beyond my limits and look for ways to improve. Whenever I’ve doubted myself or my abilities, he has helped me to see the light and move forward with the confidence to overcome any obstacle.”
A leader and communicator
Catalano stated: “Laneesha has many strengths. But the two that stand out the most are her impressive communication skills and her deep compassion for others. She is talented at identifying people’s strengths and areas for improvement and using what she learns to empower and encourage people to be their best selves. She genuinely wants to help everyone in 812 reach all of their personal and professional goals.
“Laneesha has a ‘customers come first’ mindset. That is the driving force behind her day-to-day actions. Because of her passion for and dedication to the Company’s Primary Service Objective, the people on her team work hard to follow her lead. That helps them all to become even more successful. She is a true leader, and bleeds orange through and through.”
