Little did Michelle Kampshoff realize that the cable guy her mom set her up with more than 30 years ago would not only become her husband, but also help her find her lifelong career.
Michelle was working as a lifeguard at Caesars Palace when she met her future husband, and he told her about a job opportunity at his cable company.
“What’s crazy is that he was [also] a lifeguard at Caesars until he left to go to the cable company,” she said.
After a brief stint in sales, Michelle pursued a job as a dispatcher, which turned out to be a much better fit. Then in the early ‘90s, her company became a part of Cox Communications, where she’s been a proud team member ever since.
She’s still going strong after 38-plus years of service at Cox. Today she works as a business analyst, providing billing support for both residential and commercial clients.
“My core group that I work with and the other departments where I’ve made friends are just so much fun,” she explained. “I thought I’d do 10 years and go somewhere else, but I didn’t want to leave. It just kept on getting better — and it still does.”
Here, Michelle talks about how her personal passions and values have consistently matched with the initiatives and programs at Cox throughout the years.
Making a difference in the workplace
Michelle recycled well before it was a popular practice. She also encouraged her coworkers to follow her lead. But she wanted to do more.
With leadership’s support, Michelle became a local ambassador for Cox Conserves, the company’s national sustainability program, where she and like-minded team members turn their conservation passions into organizational programs to help reduce waste.
For example, Michelle led an educational campaign to help others remember how to place recyclables in the correct receptacles. She also helped lead the efforts to change event giveaways to more eco-friendly options, like reusable bags.
“I tell my kids all the time, find a job that you love. You have to enjoy what you do because it’s important. Life is too short. You’ve got one life to live, so enjoy it.”
In her current role, Michelle helped reduce paper usage through a marketing program awarding prizes to call center team members who encourage customers to sign up for paperless billing.
“It's always been about streamlining the process, making it better for the customer,” she said. “And my leadership has always been supportive: ‘Ok, let’s try that. Let’s do that. Can’t go wrong with that.’”
Making a difference in the community
Michelle has also enjoyed giving back to her Las Vegas community. In her early years, she often used her personal time off to volunteer — “but now Cox actually gives team members paid time off to volunteer,” she added.
Through Cox’s volunteer events, Michelle has helped plant trees at Gilcrease Orchard, a local farm in northwest Las Vegas. Additionally, she’s volunteered with an organization that provides food to school children, and another that donates feminine products and diapers to women in need.
She also has gotten her three sons, who still live in the area, involved with community cleanups and other projects.
“I just try to give back to the community has given me so much,” she said.
Celebrating three decades and beyond
During Michelle’s 30-year milestone celebration at Cox, she was asked to share her best career advice.
Here’s what she had to say: “I tell my kids all the time, find a job that you love. You have to enjoy what you do because it’s important. Life is too short. You’ve got one life to live, so enjoy it.”
For Michelle, Cox has provided a work environment that she has loved for more than 30 years.
“I wear my Cox gear to the grocery store and out in my community,” she said. “I’m proud of it.”
