JBSA-Randolph Associate Celebrates 45 Years of Excellence

While the 1980s were a time of significant change, one young woman embraced that change and took the first step toward her career at the Exchange. And, 45 years later, she’s still on her journey.

St. Louis native Marie Montgomery began her career with the Exchange in 1980 after marrying her husband, who was an active-duty Airman. She has been the center pad supervisor at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, overseeing jewelry, cosmetics and women’s accessories, for more than five years.

Montgomery started at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, Virginia, which she recalls as a “beautiful place,” before relocating to JBSA-Randolph in November 1983, her husband’s final duty station. There, she has served Warfighters, Veterans and their families across various departments, including hardlines, softlines and customer service.

While much about the Exchange has changed, Montgomery believes she has learned invaluable lessons about people, problem-solving and mediation.

“It’s a good feeling to know that I can help somebody,” she said.

Maria Montgomery, who began with the Exchange in 1980, has spent most of her career at the JBSA-Randolph Exchange, which she joined in 1983.

Montgomery’s passion for her work stems from the variety, no two days look the same. She cherishes the bonds she’s built and looks forward to seeing her loyal customers just as much as they look forward to seeing her. She says many even request her by name for assistance.

Throughout her career, Montgomery has credited her success to knowing her customers and her products. She understands that customers may become upset over the discontinuation of a product, and she takes pride in quickly offering alternatives they may like even better.

Customer service doesn’t stop there. Montgomery emphasizes the importance of supporting customers through life’s hardships. In the past two months, she has lent a listening ear to customers grieving the loss of their significant others, showing how her passion for her work and the people she serves radiates through every interaction, offering comfort in their time of need.

Montgomery offers a word of advice to newer associates: “You’ll come in contact with people who will help you succeed in your role. Listen to them, be motivated to do the job, and be flexible, because you may need to fill in elsewhere. It’s a great job, but you have to be passionate about it.”