After working for three years on the Lubbock South sales team, I left the company to pursue an opportunity as a mortgage lender. During the first few months of being in my new position, I quickly learned that happiness and fulfillment do not come from a paycheck – if you live for payday, you're only happy twelve times a year. I knew that I wasn't getting the fulfillment of my soul that I was receiving when I was at Betenbough Homes.
In the summer, I was catching up with Kalee Rich, my former leader, whom I still maintained a friendship with, and she was asking me, “How’s the new job” and despite my “I’m good, everything is great,” robotic response, she saw past it and gave it to me straight - “Mitch, you look miserable.”
My soul was tired, and that was clear to Kalee. She told me that there was a purchasing manager role that was open. I told her I doubted they would hire me back after leaving less than a year prior and that I knew nothing about purchasing! She quickly reminded me I knew nothing about sales when I started that endeavor. I knew that I should take that leap of faith - I applied.
"My first day back felt like a welcome home party."
During the interview process for purchasing manager, I reconnected with Randy Wilson, Betenbough Homes purchasing director, and the peace that I felt in my second round of interviews was met with complete relief when I was hired back on and returned in July 2021.
My first day back felt like a welcome home party. Randy had a 45-minute office tour and introduction scheduled and it took two hours! Everyone was so happy to see me, so nice, and spoke much life and encouragement over me.
I felt I had been hired back on for a purpose. That’s how Betenbough treats their employees at all levels - they are there for a purpose within the company and are a key component in fulfilling the overall vision of the company. I have grown so much spiritually in the last 4 years working here - you can feel the love of the Lord through these people.
I view Betenbough as more than just a company. It's a place of growth where you are loved through development. Betenbough allowed me to leave and walk through the season I needed to go through, and they didn't throw away my application when they saw my name come through less than a year later. Instead, they welcomed me back with open arms.
Mitch James leading purchasing team meeting
Trey Benton and Mitch James