Employee testimonial: There’s always another step up | America's Preferred Home Warranty Skip to main content

Employee testimonial: There’s always another step up

We’ve all had the dream where you’ve made it to the top of your field. But did you know it was possible to keep going?

Terri Shields started in 2003 as a part time bookkeeper at America’s Preferred Home Warranty (APHW). She rose all the way to Director of Accounting, and thought she might have reached the top—until the owner promoted her to Vice President of Accounting at the 2018 Christmas Party.

“I never imagined it,” Terri said, caught completely by surprise. “It was great to be recognized for all my hard work over the years. I was blown away!”

In the past 15 years, Terri has watched APHW expand from a small group of mostly part-time employees to a full-time staff of more than 150. APHW provided Terri her first opportunity to manage her own team, and together they’ve navigated several critical transitions through increasingly complex systems (to accommodate APHW’s increased clientele).

“Taking ownership of a team was a transition in itself, becoming the kind of person who could lead while ensuring I’m always doing right by the people who work for me,” Terri said. “I want them to be happy, to enjoy coming in to work every day, like I do.”

APHW’s leadership helped her recognize her own potential, and she soon found herself managing the entire combined departments of both admin and accounting. “They definitely nudged me in the right direction,” Terri said, adding that some great people on her team have impacted her journey as well—particularly Carol Jones, Kathrin Ondrovick, and Amanda Pewsey. “They’ve helped out immensely!” she said.

Her biggest motivator, though, has always been APHW’s president and owner, Randy Caltrider. “I love the culture he has fostered here, and he’s always been great to work for,” Terri said. “He inspires me every day.”


There’s always room to grow at America’s Preferred Home Warranty, no matter what your station—Terri’s journey is clear evidence of that. Our company is still expanding, and we’d love to see where your talents might take you on our team. Why not come and show us?

For more information about job opportunities at APHW, please contact Manager-Human Resources Development Susan Town-Richards at stownrich@aphw.com or call 1.855.839.2406 ext. 232.

“I’m excited for this opportunity,” Terri said. “And I can’t wait to see what the future has in store!”