Employee Spotlight: Crystal Quinn

At Tandym, we know that success is a team sport, and every month, we take a moment to recognize one standout player who goes above and beyond. Our Teammate of the Month isn’t just someone who gets the job done; they embody our values, uplift those around them, and make a lasting impact. Get to know Crystal Quinn, Managing Director of Delivery Success & Operational Enablement and Tandym’s Teammate of the Month for October 2025! 

Who are you?

I was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, and grew up just down the road in Suffolk with my parents and younger sister. Most of my family lives in the Hampton Roads area, so I was lucky to spend nearly every holiday and plenty of Sunday cookouts surrounded by loved ones, memories I truly cherish now that I live more than two hours away. Growing up so close to the coast, I spent a lot of time at the beach, and it’s still my favorite place to relax and recharge. 

As a kid and teenager, I kept busy with just about everything: volleyball, field hockey, cheerleading, dance competitions, and even a few pageants. Those experiences taught me valuable lessons in teamwork, confidence, time management, and perseverance that continue to shape who I am today. 

I attended Radford University, where I earned my degree in Marketing and Management with a minor in Economics. During my junior year, I met my now husband, Patrick. After graduation, I moved back home while he returned to Northern Virginia, and after a year of long-distance weekends up and down I-95, I decided to make the move to NOVA too. 

I began my career with Metro Systems at our Alexandria branch, where I gained hands-on experience and learned a great deal about the business. In 2017, life took another exciting turn when we relocated to Powhatan, Virginia, and I transferred to Metro’s Richmond branch. A year later, Patrick and I got married, and in 2021, we welcomed our daughter, Morgan, and our golden retriever, Shiloh, who quickly became our second child and completed our little family. 

One has to go: Pizza, Pasta, or Sandwiches. And why?

Definitely sandwiches. I love pizza and pasta way too much to give either of them up. Sandwiches have just never really been my thing. My husband, on the other hand, could eat them every day. I won’t even split one with him. That’s how little I care for them! 

Do you have a hidden talent?

I’d say my hidden talent is remembering the less popular lyrics in songs. You know, those parts everyone else mumbles through, those are usually the ones I know best. I’m not sure if that really counts as a “talent,” but it definitely makes me fun to have around during car sing-alongs. Oh, and I can play the piano too! That one probably qualifies a bit more as an actual talent. 

Pick one to go to with your family: Wonderful World of Disney or Universal Studios?

This one isn’t as hard as it sounds: it’s definitely Disney. My daughter is in her Disney princess era, and she hasn’t been yet. I’ve visited both parks before, but it would be so special to take her now that she’s at an age where she could really enjoy the magic. Universal would probably be more fun for my husband and me, but let’s be honest, we don’t really make the rules anymore. 

Who were your role models/inspirations growing up?

My biggest inspiration has always been my grandmother. She has such a positive outlook on life, and I’ve never seen her in a bad mood. I can talk to her about anything without fear of judgment, and she always gives me the best advice.  

She had a successful career at Smithfield Foods and has been an incredible example of hard work and grace. She’ll be 90 in May and is now happily retired, spending her days at home simply enjoying life as a great-grandmother.  

Whenever I’m having a rough day or just need to vent, she’s always the first person I call. One of her favorite sayings is, “Everything comes out in the wash,” and it’s something I carry with me every day. 

If you had to road trip with your boss, Jesse Siegal, and he gave you the aux cord, what 3 artists would you play?

Honestly, I have no idea what Jesse listens to or what he’d actually jam out to, but I’m going to give it my best shot. First, I’d start with Aerosmith. They were my very first concert, they’re my favorite band, and they’re absolute legends. He’s got to appreciate that, right? 

Next up would be Shaboozey, since that’s what my daughter and I have been listening to lately. His songs are fun, upbeat, and great for singing along on the road. 

Lastly, I’d go with Whiskey Myers. I just saw them live recently, and their southern rock vibe always puts me in a good mood. 

That said, I have a feeling Jesse might be asking me to pull over and let him catch a bus before the playlist is over. 

Did you find Tandym, or did we find you?

I’d say Tandym found me, but not directly. I originally joined Metro Systems after seeing a post from a college friend who was hiring. I was looking to move to Northern Virginia at the time, so I applied and got the job in 2013. 

In 2022, Tandym acquired Metro. Looking back, it turned out to be a great transition, but at the time, I was a little nervous. I had only ever worked for small companies and had never been through an acquisition before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Once everything had settled, though, it all worked out for the best, and I’m really happy to still be here.  

What is the best thing you’ve binge-watched recently?

It might not be the best show in the world, but I recently binge-watched Hunting Wives on Netflix. Fun fact: even though it’s set in Texas, it was actually filmed in North Carolina. I even visited the bar (Coyote Joes) where some of it was shot and caught a pop-up Blake Shelton concert there while visiting our Charlotte branch a few years back. The show is a little over-the-top and definitely not for everyone, but I had a lot of fun watching it and recognizing all the places I’ve actually been. 

What was it like to hear that you won Teammate of the Month?

I was completely shocked! I had just finished presenting at the Town Hall for the first time and was off camera, sweating and feeling pretty nervous from the presentation. In hindsight, I’m glad I wasn’t on camera right after, because I was definitely more beet red than usual! 

It was incredibly special to be recognized for the hard work I’ve been putting in, especially with Catalyst^™. Having the opportunity to present and highlight that work right before the announcement made the recognition even more meaningful. 

What reality TV show do you think you’d be a good addition to and why?

There’s a reality show I absolutely love and am embarrassed to admit, but I have been fully invested for years: 90 Day Fiancé. It’s my ultimate guilty pleasure, and maybe I could appear as a supportive family member of someone going through it or telling them what a terrible decision they’re making.  

A show I think I could actually be a good fit for is Selling Sunset. I love the show, and I think I’d be great at sales. It’s not just about selling properties; it’s about selling a lifestyle and a brand! I feel like I could really connect with people and thrive in that environment, plus, how awesome would it be to see these houses every day? That said, I still think binge-watching 90 Day Fiancé is just as fun. 

What are your Tandym goals for 2026?

My main focus for 2026 is to help improve and build upon Catalyst, specifically highlighting how it differentiates us from competitors, leveraging AI in ways that are unique to our platform, and ensuring that everything in the portal is tailored to both candidates and clients for the best user experience.  

Additionally, I want to contribute to initiatives that help with retention, making sure our team and our tools continue to create value and engagement across the organization. 

If you had to switch lives with a famous person for a day, who would it be and why?

Okay, this might sound a little embarrassing, but I’d pick Britney Spears. She was my childhood icon, I even saw her live when I was a kid, and I’ve been fascinated by her ever since. Between her ups and downs, her tell-all book, and her Instagram videos (seriously, have you seen those?), I’d love to understand what life is really like for her. Maybe if I could be her for just one day, I could help her out — or at least figure out what’s really going on.