Camden was named 13 on Fortune’s 100 Best Workplaces for Women. We continue our Simply Camden Blog series, highlighting 13 unique women of Camden. This week we talked with Camden's Purchasing Manager, Kristen Peterson. 

Does your job have “it”?

Growing up I always knew I wanted to be in Construction or Real Estate. It all started in 4th grade when I had to do a career research project. Starting off I picked architecture because I loved to draw and build things. I would play the computer game, Sims, for hours. I wouldn't play with the people, though instead, I would build new houses and buildings. When I got to college I still loved to draw, but realized I wasn't very good at it. That's when I decided to major in Construction Management at Texas A&M University.

I first heard about Camden while I was in college. I would hear people say Camden had “it”, but I didn’t fully understand what that meant until I worked at my first construction company. When I came to Camden I was looking for “it”- the culture, company values, and family atmosphere that I didn’t have at my previous job.

Working with Family; My Camden Family

To me Camden is my family, my coworkers care if I am at work and when I’m having a bad day they’re right there to lift me up. I am close with my grandfather and he has been in and out of the hospital. My Camden family has been so supportive during this time. They have done anything from bringing my family food to just being a shoulder to lean on. I enjoy spending time with my coworkers, that’s not something most people can say.

My Favorite Title is “Mom”

I love working as the Purchasing Manager for Camden. I work with Community managers and maintenance supervisors. I help purchase bulk orders, find deals, and assist them with their communities. Although, I love these things very much, my favorite job is being a mom. I have an 18- month-year-old daughter who is my world.

After she was born it was hard coming back to work, but Camden made it easy. I was able to adjust my schedule at work to come in early and leave early in the afternoon. This allows me to get home in the evenings to have a few hours with her every day, cook dinner, and just hang out as a family. I can access my emails and computer from home, so I am able to finish any important items in the evenings after my daughter goes to sleep. As moms, we LOVE our children so much and I truly feel my Camden family loves and cares too.

Why do I love Camden so much?

When people ask me why I love my job so much it’s hard to describe. At Texas A&M we have a saying “From the outside looking in you can’t understand it, and from the inside looking out you can’t explain it.” This quote relates a lot to Camden too. I can tell you over and over again how Camden is an amazing place to work, but until you’re here and see it for yourself you won’t understand it. It’s the family atmosphere, culture, values, and employees. It has all the “it” I could ever ask for in a job.