MYAKKA CITY, FL — Myakka City Vernell Spence says he began his career as a casual employee at Seminole Processing & Distribution Center in Orlando. That was 10 years ago. These days he oversees one retail unit and supervises 10 employees, including six rural routes with more than 2,500 deliveries.

"My most rewarding position was in St. Cloud as a supervisor," he says. "I could learn substantial knowledge from my leader and Postmaster Tabrina Murphy. I was there for two and a half years.

"I also was able to train multiple supervisors and see them go from craft employees to leaders in their respected offices.”

Before coming to the Postal Service, Spence says he worked offshore for an oil research company, where "I was able to travel the world.

"But I was laid off only five months after purchasing my first home," he says. "I came across a posting online for Postal Service holiday assistance, and I took the opportunity and grew it to where I am now."

Over the past ten years, Spence says technology offers "our customers the ability to see their items move through our systems. The transparency will ultimately help USPS sustain for another 100 years. We must do our part to continue striving in our local communities.”

"Delivering for America is about being available not only in the office but in the community. We are hearing the concerns of employees and customers. We are a service-driven company, and our customers are all around us, including our employees.”

Spence credits the strong work ethic his mother taught him and his four siblings. "We came from humble beginnings and learned to sacrifice for one another. We grew a powerful bond, relying on each other while my mom was working."

"I am genuinely excited to serve in Myakka City and be a part of this community," he says with a warm smile. "With the transparency and minor changes, we can have Myakka leading Central Florida in postal standards and reputation. We have high expectations, and we will meet them daily."

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