Employee Spotlight: Ashley Payne, Crozet Sales Floor Associate

If you’ve visited our Crozet store recently and noticed perfectly stocked shelves and a neatly organized floor, you’ve likely seen the work of Ashley Payne. A Crozet native with a passion for the outdoors and a deep pride in her community, Ashley has become an essential part of the Cardinal team over the past year.

Ashley’s journey to Cardinal started with a recommendation from someone who knew the culture best—her husband, a former employee, who knew her work ethic would be a perfect fit for the team. Today, she balances the fast-paced world of receiving and stocking with a genuine smile for every customer she meets.

A typical day for Ashley is a masterclass in organization. From checking in shipments to updating prices and fronting shelves, she ensures that when a contractor or homeowner walks in, the product they need is exactly where it should be.

“I take great pride in keeping the store fully stocked and neat,” Ashley says. “I stay organized by taking it one order at a time, making sure everything is on the floor before the next shipment arrives. It’s all about making sure the inventory is correct for our customers.”

For Ashley, the best part of the job isn’t just the satisfaction of an organized backroom; it’s the people. “I love the team culture here,” she shares. “It’s a laid-back environment where everyone is truly a team. We all try to pull each other up if someone is having a rough day.”

When she isn’t keeping the Crozet store in top shape, Ashley is at her happiest spending time outdoors with her husband, her 9-year-old daughter, and their two “four-legged babies.” Whether she’s doing yard work, camping, or heading to the drag tracks, she stays true to her outdoorsy Virginia roots. Thank you, Ashley!