Employee Profile - Okalaka

Okalaka is a Paint Sales Associate in our Lewisboro location. He has been with Ring's End for 3 years. The positive attitude and work ethic Okalaka brings to Ring's End are an inspiration to all of us. We are happy to have him as part of our team!

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself and what brought you to Ring’s End.

My name is Okalaka Cham, and I am from Ethiopia. I moved to the USA in late 2015 after being in the Dadaab refugees camp, Kenya for over 10 years. I moved here from Africa with nothing even a dime in my pocket, but I had hope and I believed in the hard work. After working for Stepping Stones Museum for Children (SSM) part-time for almost two years, I decided to find a full-time job to be able to make more money so I could help my family back in Ethiopia. I discussed that with a friend. All she said was “I will keep asking” after few days she told me about Ring's End, and I went to visit the Darien store and I loved it. I was ready for work if it is full-time, and I have been ready ever since. I have never regret, and I will always do the best I can.

Q: What do you remember about your first day at Ring’s End?

Everything in the store was new to me, but I was excited for my first full-time job. I couldn’t even open a can of a sample, and people were friendly and supportive especially my first manager and the team around him.

Q: What is the best advice you have ever been given?

"Make sure you have money in your savings that covers three months of rent in case you lost your job or get sick.”

Okalaka at work at our Lewisboro Paint Center

Q: What has stood out the most through your Ring’s End career?

Working in two locations where one is combine both lumber and paint exposed me to learn more about different products. The support, the teamwork spirit, and understanding each other among the employees across all the various departments are amazing.

Q: What 3 words would you use to describe what it has meant to work at Ring’s End?

  • Family-oriented

  • Diversity

  • Communication

Q: What 3 words would your coworkers use to describe you? 

  • Serious

  • Friendly

  • Funny