Interview with Kandy Maxim-Morales

Kandy Maxim-Morales manages a remote call center at Apex Total Service, providing scheduling services and customer service. Apex also does content editing, proofreading and even QA for web developers. You can find more about Apex in their Website and Twitter.

1. How did you started working remotely?

I’ve been working remotely since 2003/4. I have always had a strong desire to be my own boss and help others to find gainful employment. As for the switch, I started making changes in November 2002. I set a date in my mind that I wanted to work toward. By May 2003, I gave my employer notice that I would be leaving the traditional corporate world in July of that year. From that point on, I never looked back.

2. What do you think are the main advantages of remote work?

For me, it allows me to work a schedule that suits my volunteer work. My volunteer work is first and foremost in my life. Then, by creating a company where I could hire on IC’s, it permitted me to help my volunteer friends who are also looking for flexible schedule and remote work.

3. Do you think there are disadvantages or that you’re missing something by working remotely?

Personally, I do not feel there are disadvantages. I may have different mindset than many. I don’t live for my job. I love what I do. I love helping clients. And, I will always give 200% to make my clients satisfied. However, at the end of the day, my job is simply a means to an end. Even in the secular world, I never sought out things typical of the environment. I have my close peers outside of work. And, I don’t seek affirmation from employers, although everyone appreciates a kind word of sincere thanks.

4. From what cities or countries have you worked since you have become remote?

I have worked remotely from the numerous cities around the USA, Canada, Peru, Bolivia, and Turkey. I’d venture to say that Bolivia is my favorite at this point, as this is where I have resided for the last 3 years. And, the volunteer work that we do here is very rewarding. (This, in turn, makes me love and appreciate my remote work more.)

5. From what type of place do you prefer to work? 

Home office is my preference. However, when I was in the US, I lived at Panera. It was my go-to place to do work.

6. What places would you like to travel to while working remotely?

Currently, I have had my fill of traveling. I am content to be where I am at the moment.

7. What would you say to the companies that don’t believe in hiring employees who work remotely?

I would certainly tell them they need to try it before they knock it. Many of my clients had never even considered hiring a remote team until I approached them via their Help Wanted ads on CL. Those have turned out to be some of the happiest clients!

8. What tools do you use to work remotely?

We use RC Phone, Glip, Slack, HubSpot, Zoom, Skype, GoTo Meeting, SalesForce, Marketsharp, Plutio, MesiterTask, Google Voice/Hangouts, Google Forms & Docs, FreedCamp, Quickbooks Online, Freshbooks, TSheets, Dropbox, Monosnap, Zeplin, Office 365, iMessage, FaceTime, WhatsApp, SaaS, and I’m sure there are more that I have forgotten.

9. How do you manage your business and taxes as a remote working professional?

I have an amazing tax professional. As for accounting, that is handled via QBO.

10. What advice would you give to people looking to work remotely and companies making the remote switch?

I would highly recommend you give Apex Total Service a chance to relieve the stress of having to manage a call center team. You don’t have to hire/fire anyone. You never have to worry if your phone lines are covered. Not that I’ve ever had a bad team member, but should that ever arise, you don’t have to worry with attitude, gossip, or bad behavior. It truly is less stressful when you have an amazing team working for you that you can basically let do their own thing, with little to no interference.

As for those looking to work remotely, don’t give up. Find a niche and work toward getting involved remotely. It can open up the free time you have in your life to spend time with those you love.