HOULTON, Maine — Houlton’s new postmaster likes what he sees so far.
“The community in itself is way beyond expectations,” said Fred Workman, who took the helm in Houlton April 24. “I expected it to be nice, but it’s even nicer than I thought and the people here are outstanding.” Workman, a 30-year veteran of the United States Postal Service, came to Houlton from Louisiana, but his roots are actually closer to Green Bay, Wisc.
“My career started in northern Wisconsin where I was a letter carrier for approximately 25 years,” he explained. “I went to Salt Lake City as a supervisor which, in turn, led me to Louisiana for my most recent position. I was a supervisor of customer service and worked there a year before I became the postmaster here in Houlton.”
Workman said northern Maine isn’t that different from northern Wisconsin; the landscape and weather bear a strong resemblance.
“So, it’s a bit like coming home for us,” he added.
Family is part of the reason Workman said he decided to pursue the job in Houlton. He and his wife have a 6-year-old daughter and are expecting their second daughter in June.
“We wanted just a good, wholesome, hometown atmosphere to raise our children in,” he explained.
Workman seemed as equally impressed by staff at the Houlton Post Office and said he’s looking forward to continuing the office’s tradition of quality service.
“We’re not just serving the community: we’re part of it,” he said. “And I want to continue with what I’ve observed as an outstanding customer service-based office. … It’s about customer service first and foremost.”
Workman replaces Leigh Cummings who retired Jan. 3 after 37 years with the United States Postal Service. Cummings had served as Houlton’s postmaster since 1986.
“The community in itself is way beyond expectations,” said Fred Workman, who took the helm in Houlton April 24. “I expected it to be nice, but it’s even nicer than I thought and the people here are outstanding.” Workman, a 30-year veteran of the United States Postal Service, came to Houlton from Louisiana, but his roots are actually closer to Green Bay, Wisc.
“My career started in northern Wisconsin where I was a letter carrier for approximately 25 years,” he explained. “I went to Salt Lake City as a supervisor which, in turn, led me to Louisiana for my most recent position. I was a supervisor of customer service and worked there a year before I became the postmaster here in Houlton.”
Workman said northern Maine isn’t that different from northern Wisconsin; the landscape and weather bear a strong resemblance.
“So, it’s a bit like coming home for us,” he added.
Family is part of the reason Workman said he decided to pursue the job in Houlton. He and his wife have a 6-year-old daughter and are expecting their second daughter in June.
“We wanted just a good, wholesome, hometown atmosphere to raise our children in,” he explained.
Workman seemed as equally impressed by staff at the Houlton Post Office and said he’s looking forward to continuing the office’s tradition of quality service.
“We’re not just serving the community: we’re part of it,” he said. “And I want to continue with what I’ve observed as an outstanding customer service-based office. … It’s about customer service first and foremost.”
Workman replaces Leigh Cummings who retired Jan. 3 after 37 years with the United States Postal Service. Cummings had served as Houlton’s postmaster since 1986.
