Darlene Scherer-O’Mara has worked as a dispatcher for Chappelle’s Towing for 10 years, which she says is about nine years and 364 days longer than many who try her job. “It’s definitely not for everyone,” she says. “I’m not sure what it is about me, but I thrive on the madness, craziness, and energy here. It’s exhilarating! The guys tell me it’s because I’m from Chicago — I’ve got that edge. I’ve always had pressurized jobs and do well under pressure. You either can or cannot multitask. That can’t be taught.”
Name: Darlene Scherer-O’Mara.
Residence neighborhood: Felida.
Employer: Chappelle’s Towing, 4915 N.W. Fruit Valley Road, Vancouver; 1109 S.E. Grace Ave., Battle Ground. 360-696-1710.
Age: 57.
Educational/professional background: I was born and raised in Chicago, and moved to the Northwest 17 years ago. I come from a very hard-working lower-middle-class family and have worked in some capacity since I was 12 years old. My background since adulthood includes executive secretary for a forensic psychologist, hotel management, waitressing and dispatching.
How — and when — you got started in your business: This job started as a part-time position dispatching 20 hours a week. This quickly turned into a 40-hour position working nights from 3 to 11 p.m. Within a couple months, the office manager at that time put in her two-week notice and I was placed in her position. This was quite overwhelming at first, not knowing much of anything about the towing industry or the law in regard to impounds. It’s been 10 years and I have no regrets.
Personal/business philosophy: Give more of yourself than you think you have to give. Be firm yet empathetic and kind to customers and co-workers alike and always maintain an attitude of gratitude. Work as if working for the Lord.
Most rewarding part of job: The people I work for and with. We want to feel good about what we do every day to be happy. This job is rewarding because I feel as though we do make a difference and each day we are able to see the results of our efforts in helping our customers and community. I truly like people. Even when they’re angry because their car has been impounded, I understand and don’t take it personally. It’s not me, it’s the situation they’re mad about. I get that. Nine out of 10 times as they’re leaving they’re thanking me and are apologetic.
Most challenging part of job: This job has a high degree of multitasking and requires great organizational skills. Constant juggling of multiple phone lines, computers, dispatching and taking care of customers in the office are all part of my day. There is also a great deal of paperwork to be processed for the state, which audits the office each year. All the I’s need to be dotted and T’s crossed. If a hearing is requested by a client contesting a tow, state-required paperwork needs to be processed, calls made, and then I represent Chappelle’s in court.
Something surprising about your work: Contrary to what people think, we do not “steal” cars. There is no patrolling of properties; that is illegal in Washington. We have clients who have impound agreements with us and will call when they need or want a vehicle removed. Also, the rates we charge for those impounds are state regulated.
Best feature of my Clark County community: I love that we have a very tight-knit community, especially when it comes to small businesses. Everyone seems to come together to help one another and support the community as a whole.
What would make your community a better place: More support for our city and county police departments.
Your favorite travel destination and type: Hawaii. I would love to travel there by a cruise next time.
Favorite restaurant/pub/coffee shop/store: Weiner Wagon on 12th and Main streets. You can take the girl out of Chicago …
Hobbies: Cooking, baking, garage sales, bargain hunting and spending time with my family.
Most enjoyable book/play/movie/arts event in past 12 months: I recently saw Michael Carbonaro at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. This was a birthday gift from my youngest daughter. I’m a big fan of his show, “The Carbonaro Effect.” He’s an amazing magician. The part that made it most enjoyable was spending it with my daughter. With our busy schedules we don’t get to share as much time together as we would like.
Something you’d like to do this year/within five years: Go on a Caribbean cruise.
One word to describe yourself: Well-rounded.
Person you’d most like to meet: Jesus.
