NEA Women in Business: Pamella Niell

Residence: Jonesboro

Education: Attended East Central University

What is Tiger Commissary Services Inc.? All of Tiger Commissary’s customers are inmates and the county sheriffs or administration who run the jail. Commissary, food service and IT are the three departments that service the inmates in a safe and secure manner.  We started in 1999 with three accounts and five employees and we are now in 163 different locations and have 168 employees.

What was your dream job and why? Tiger Commissary is by far my dream job. I have the privilege of working with quality caring employees that have become a second family to me. I love seeing the hard work and new ideas come to life and become a process that works best for Tiger.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far? Tiger reached 25 years in business this year with a celebration at our new office. When I looked around at where we had come from since we started on Southwest Drive, I was very humbled and thankful to see all the friends come by to offer up a hug, a laugh and their congratulations. It was an amazing day.

What advice would you give young women who are at the beginning of their careers? If I was to talk to young women at the beginning of their careers, I would tell them to always be aware and learning. Ask questions, know why it makes a difference, understand how it fits into the grand scheme of your career or in life in general. Be curious. Find ways to advance, fight for the chance to show what you can do and go the extra mile. Be seen but not annoying. Understand that everyone has insecurities and struggles in their life and that kindness goes a long way. When you can connect with those around you, everything is better. This is your career, what you do now can impact it for the rest of your life.

What character traits do you feel have benefited you in your success? It’s hard to explain the actual character trait I have that’s benefited me. It’s more of a mindset, I think. I don’t panic, I don’t worry but I also do not disregard random unexpected information given to me. It is something I’ll need at some point. God has gotten us this far, and I have been amazed at how it all worked out. “Nothing’s for Not” has been a motto because of this. Those random pieces were not nothing.

How do you spend your time away from work? What are your hobbies? I love to attend concerts and travel when I have some time to get away from work. I love the artistic side of life, painting, singing and playing piano. I just need to make more time for it all.

If you have a bucket list, what are the top three things on it? The top three items on my bucket list would be to see the Northern Lights in Canada without freezing to death, go on an Australian safari, and take an Alaskan cruise.

What’s the last good book you read? I am not much of a reader, I’d rather listen to Audible. However, years ago I read “Quentins” by Maeve Binchy and still talk about it.

What’s your favorite app at the moment? Audible.

Can you share how COVID impacted your business or organization during the pandemic? During COVID our company was actually very busy. Since our customers are all inmates and we work with county facilities, we were considered “essential.” We were in full operation just trying to keep everyone healthy but still taking care of our customers.

Who have been mentors who’ve influenced your professional career? The most influential person in my professional career would have been Don Dunn. He was the owner of a few grocery stores in my hometown that I worked at, along with my dad and my sister and 75% of my classmates at some time or another. He was the calmest, caring Christian man who valued his employees and went the extra mile for them. I loved seeing his demeanor and he was always approachable. When we started Tiger, I found myself often reflecting and thinking “What would Don Dunn do?” It helped shape decisions that we still hold to today.