We LOVE our employees! Another way we’ll be celebrating our 50th birthday this year is to share pictures past and present, tell the stories of, and highlight the incredible staff that we have working here at Paddington Station.
First up is this fabulous woman who has been an owner of the store since 1993 – Pam Hammond!
- Where did you grow up?
I spent the first part of my life in Anaheim, California about a mile away from DisneyLand and was actually born the same year that it opened! When I was 10, my parents moved to Palos Verdes and it was such an amazing, beautiful place to grow up. - What is something about you that would surprise people?
I love the outdoors and am an avid backpacker and camper. I’m happiest in the woods! - What is the best meal you ever had?
It was at my wedding with Rick in May of 2014 at the Elks Lodge! We hired Cindy Bernard as the caterer and she made a Greek feast for us. It was the most fun wedding spread and such a joyous day and I have so many fond memories of it! - What is your favorite time of year?
I love Christmas and working in retail at Christmas so much, despite the grueling hours and endless to-do lists. There’s just something about Christmas magic and making everybody joyful! It’s really nice to serve people during that time of year. - Where is your favorite spot in Ashland?
Besides Paddington Station?! I would say the surrounding woods, I love walking on the trail in Lithia Park along the creek. I really appreciate getting away from the hubbub of life and how close by it is. - What are some of your hobbies?
I like to do lots of stuff! I’m a musician and when I was in high school, I thought I wanted to be a professional flute player. I just think music has always taught me that with hard work, you can get to a desired end result. I took some time off when my kids were growing up, but now I love playing piccolo with the Rogue Valley Symphonic Band. I also really enjoy entertaining in my home. - Tell me about your favorite pet you’ve ever had.
I got my first dog when I was 10, a little black poodle who was the runt of the litter. Her name was Licorice and I had her for 18 years. She was always glued to me and was so scrappy! - Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My high school band director, Warren Balfour. He was really good at bringing out the best in our ragtag group of musicians and we always held our own against the larger schools at competitions! - What is your favorite thing about working at Paddington Station?
My staff. I feel so blessed to have a core group of people who enjoy being here and love to work together to get to the end result. - Anything else you’d like to add?
I just hope that 100 years from now, this store will still be here serving the community!
