Clayton Custodians Build Connections While Caring For Town Spaces

CLAYTON, N.C. – A quick question about the weekend can turn into a conversation about family or life outside Town Hall. For Tarrell Pugh, those everyday conversations are part of getting to know the people she sees while caring for the building.

Pugh is one of six custodians who, along with a crew leader, care for Town of Clayton facilities. Their work often happens behind the scenes, but it also brings them face to face with employees and members of the community throughout the day.

Those interactions give Pugh a chance to build relationships throughout Town Hall. “Politeness and courtesy are important,” she said. “You have to respect everyone.”

Pugh joined the Town after previously working at a college. She was looking for something different when she found an opening with the Town of Clayton and decided to apply.

Now, no two days are quite the same. She empties trash, cleans offices, and takes care of other needs throughout Town Hall. The work also gives her a better sense of the community she now serves.

Pugh is not originally from the area, so working for the Town has given her a chance to learn more about Clayton and the people who call it home.

That sense of connection also reaches her own team. Pugh said good communication helps the custodial staff work together and rely on one another. She also credits the coworker who trained her with helping her learn what it takes to care for Town facilities.

That care is something Pugh compares to looking after your own home. “You want to keep it clean and tidy,” she said. “You want people to have a good atmosphere when they come in.”

Much of that work can be easy to overlook once it is finished. Pugh knows that is common for custodians in many workplaces. But she also knows their work has an impact on the people around them.

“It is a behind the scenes job that does not get recognized a lot,” said Pugh. “But it is good when you are recognized for something that you do because what we do make other people shine.”