The FRONTSTEPS Family is spread out across Colorado, Oregon (Nick P. is our resident Ducks fan!), Georgia, and Arizona. Outside of Denver, our biggest presence is in California. Our Berkeley and Carlsbad offices have uber talented folks our resident author, choir singer, and equestrian, Shari Brown, is a standout. Heeeeerrrrre’s Shari.
Tell us a little about you!
I was born in Boise, ID and moved with my family when I was 2 years old. I live about 35 miles north of San Diego, in Escondido, CA. The weather here is awesome! My sister, Dad, and I go scuba diving every year in La Jolla (I’ve been certified since I was 12 years old). My mom and dad have always kept family front and center so I enjoy living so close to them still. I’m a horse lover! My first love was an equine named Harry. I took lessons on him before I had horses of my own. He was just a special guy and we rode together a lot! I have had horses of my own since my sophomore year of high school when I purchased my first Arabian mare, Seyvilla Dawn Proof, right from the racetrack. My most recent equine project is a young American Quarter Horse gelding, Mr Smartshining King. I bought Shine when he was 6 months old and we’ve been having a ton of fun together.
How long have you been working as an Implementation Manager?
I have been working as Implementation Manager for less than a year and have thoroughly enjoyed coming alongside my team and helping them each excel in their area of expertise. BUT, the company, Master Manuals where I’ve worked since 2005, was bought by Cii and then FRONTSTEPS, so it’s more like 12 years that I have worked here. (Master Manuals -> Compendia -> CII -> FRONTSTEPS … WHEW!)
What do I love most about my job?
I love the customers. I have learned so much about myself and I try to put my best foot forward when communicating with customers, clients, and internally with my team. Communication is key. I feel I am a very caring person and if we’re having trouble with a customer, I don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give them the personal touch that shows them they are important to me/us.
What are some of the projects you are working on?
At work right now my main project is the CapSure to dwellingLIVE security migration. We have definitely hit some challenges but the team I work with are always able to find work-arounds or solutions. I have learned a lot about the security system and how our customers use it to make the communities secure and manageable. I am also managing and helping out in implementation & design for AssociationVoice and AtHomeNet. Away from work, I have completed by Associate Degree in Office Information Systems and am back at school working on my Bachelor’s Degree in Literature and Writing. I am also writing my 5th novel. The Mystery of M Series is a series of teen mystery adventures with a Christian worldview. My first book was self-published in 2011 and my most recent was a short story that came out in 2016. I plan to have my 5th novel out by this Christmas. (Here’s a link to her blog: (mysteryofm.blogspot.com).
What are you reading or (binge) watching right now?
I love reading and have been inspired by many writers, both fiction and nonfiction. My favorite book is A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer. My favorite movie is Disney’s Get A Clue.
Tell me one unique fact about yourself?
A unique fact about myself: well some might not know that I am an identical twin. My sister Sheena and I are best friends and have been since, well, forever. We love to spend time together doing pretty much anything! She is in nursing school right now and plans to become a flight nurse and/or emergency room nurse. Her and I have enjoyed singing duets in front of church and singing with our church choir for over 15 years.
Shari has made an impression on everyone she works with, including her manager, Marina Vilaysane. Shari’s a very caring individual not just for her teammates and customers at FRONTSTEPS but she is also very dedicated to her four legged friends, her horses,” said Vilaysane. “Shari is very bright and has written and published a few books already so that’s pretty cool!”
