BiddingForGood “Getting to Know” Series: Val on Val
Val Galarza is one of the newest employees here at BiddingForGood. He is also the second person here that goes by Val (the other person being me). I recently had an opportunity to sit down with Val to learn more about him, his position here, and also why he goes by the name Val:
Valeria: So, tell us a little bit about yourself. Let’s start with what do you do here at BiddingForGood?
Val: I’m the client services night supervisor. I’m here to support the In-room Mobile Bidding product, especially for the night of event. Before I started working here, I worked at Cross Country Group, British Telecom, and most recently Viacord, all in a Client Services and call center/support related roles.
VA: What do you like about BiddingForGood so far?
Val: I was attracted to BiddingForGood because of the service they provide to non-profits and schools. I enjoy the energy of startup organizations, the challenges. It’s more of an opportunity to use a broader range of talents, instead of being “pigeonholed.”
VA: People don’t use the word pigeonholed enough. I have to look up the origins of that word when we’re done here (I did).
Val: I’ve spent my time so far learning the operation. It’s nice to come from the outside and have this new position here; it’s a fresh perspective.
Valeria: Outside of work, what are you up to?
Val: I have a daughter who I spend a lot of time with; she’s my best friend. I’m a big baseball fan.
Valeria: (Giving him an inquisitive look)
Val: New York Yankees, yes. I’m originally from New York. It makes things interesting living in Boston.
VA: What brought you to Boston?
Valeria: I moved here to do a show – West Side Story. I was Chino, Maria’s boyfriend before she met Tony.
VA: Do you still act?
Val: I don’t; no. Besides that, I’m also a professional animator.
VA: That’s really cool. What kind of animations do you do? Are you working on any projects now?
Val: I’m a character animator, so it’s just their movements, not really developing character traits. I usually work on 4 or 5 different projects. Plus I do collages and other artwork. It’s a diary for me, so I keep my work pretty private.
VA: And now for the burning question, since I’m also known as Val here. Is it a nickname for you?
Val: Val is my middle name. My family name is Valetin, so it’s been passed down through the generations. My family and the people I grew up with know me as Peter. Co-workers and friends know me as Val.
VA: Thank for taking the time to sit with me for this interview! This was fun!