At Home by the Sea

Name: Patricia TackettPosition: Sourcing analyst, Procurement and Supply Chain ManagementYears at Duke: 41

What I do at Duke: My boss tells me I'm 'all things to all people.' I'm highly involved in the Buy@Duke procurement process, I approve biweekly timecards and help with daily operations.

If I had $5 million, I would: I'd get the dream home I've always wanted. I simply want a big home with walk-in closets and plenty of storage space. It'd be nice to have one big building so you never have to go outside to get to a garage or storage space. I'd want it in Person County, where I live, because there's lots of land and I could build whatever I want. On the other hand, I'd want to buy a Winnebago and travel everywhere around the country.

My first ever job: I was a typist for the [Roxboro] Courier-Times. I started part-time when I was 17 and in high school. I typed articles for print as they came in from writers and help run the press machine. I worked evenings and weekends.

My dream job: I always wanted to be a beautician and own my own beauty shop.

If someone wanted to start a conversation with me they should ask me about: My grandchildren. They range from 1 year old to 16. I have two on my side, Kadin and Kensie, and three on my husband’s side, Katalyn, Kelsey and Kara. I love children and all the funny things they do.

The best advice I ever received: I can always remember my parents saying to treat others as you would like to be treated. I think that's important.

What I love about Duke: The people. I love all my customers, I love helping people, and I love my coworkers. This little group of people in my office is top-notch. We all work well together and help each other with anything that's needed.

When I’m not at work, I like to: I love going to the coast, working in the yard and reading by the water. My husband and I have a house on Carolina Beach. We usually try to go a couple times a month if we can. It's very relaxing there. My favorite thing to do is grab a book and sit by the water so I can daydream and read.

If I could have one superpower, it would be: Something to do with speed because I'm always doing something and rushing to get more done. Any way I can get some more time would be great.

Something most people don’t know about me: When I was in high school, I was the fastest runner in my class, including boys and girls. I could beat anyone at all different lengths - 50-yard dash, 100-yard dash or longer.

A Movie I like: I like all the Rocky movies, but my favorite was Rocky Balboa. I liked the theme that you should never give up.