Southwest Employee Jessica Eierdam has been in the business of making people smile for years.
“The summer after high school, I was signed to Hollywood Records as a recording artist,” Jessica said. “I have released two albums and spent my early 20s touring the country. That’s where I caught the travel bug!”
Under her maiden name, Jessica Riddle, she released the hit, “Even Angels Fall,” which was featured in the movie “Ten Things I Hate About You.” She even toured as the opening performer for BBMak in 2000.
After her music career, she continued to seek out jobs that let her brighten the days of those around her. She owned a children’s music school, taught gymnastics, worked at a preschool, and waitressed at PF Chang’s. After working for another airline at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Jessica noticed the Fun-LUVing Family operating at nearby gates and couldn’t help but be drawn to SWA. She joined the AUS Team as a Customer Service Agent in August 2011 before transferring to Operations, where she calculates the weight and balance of the aircraft and boards planes, among other tasks.
She fit in instantly with the other SWA Employees and was convinced SWA was the place for her when she discovered what she calls the “infamous Care Bear stare.”
“It was like we would all show up to work and band together to make our Customers’ days better,” she explained. “Not so much with actual rainbows shooting from our bellies, but through our witty banter and problem solving with a smile.”
It’s not just Customers’ days that Jessica brightens—her AUS Family has also been touched by her unwavering positivity and her proactive approach to both Internal and External Customer Service.
“Jessica has ascended to rock star status with her tremendous work ethic and undying positive attitude,” said AUS Customer Service Supervisor Billy Russell. “You cannot speak to her and not leave with a smile.”
At home, Jessica LUVS to write songs and spend time with her three sons: Maverick, Atlas, and her new baby boy, Lincoln. Although she’s certainly busy, she lives every day with a smile on her face and an enthusiasm for even the most unpredictable and chaotic days.
“I have always had a very positive outlook on life in general, but I really think that once you have kids, you have an intense and overwhelming new perspective on life,” Jessica said. “I try to be a light in every person’s day because you really never know when someone needs some unexpected kindness. Every day, without fail, something reminds me how lucky I am to work for this amazing Company.”
Well Jessica, we think we’re pretty lucky too!
