A Lasting Impression: A Married Couple's Decades in the Stamp Business

Meet Mick and Kelly Mortensen, the couple who has been working in the stamp industry for decades.

How long have you worked at Simply Stamps?

Mick: I started originally with Federal Stamp and Seal in February 2001. When Simply Stamps acquired the business, I was a traded player and came along with the acquisition. So, I’ve been here for 23 years.

Kelly: I also worked with Federal Stamp and Seal for over 9 years, but I didn’t start working at Simply Stamps until 2013. I remember it was our peak season, right around Christmas time. It’s been almost 11 years with the company now.

What departments have you worked in?

Mick: I’ve worked in stamp assembly, quality assurance, procurement, and customer service. Now I’m working in inventory and my official title is Inventory Control Specialist. It’s a combination of making sure the right products get to the right department.

Kelly: I have worked in stamp assembly, proofreading, and customer service. My current role is all about editing and approving stamp templates, so that customers get the best results possible.

What’s your favorite thing about working here?

Mick: Every day is different. We sell a custom product, and we do our absolute best to make sure it’s right. We do it quickly, for the most part, with the right product.

Kelly: I love all the opportunities we have to collaborate with our peers. We make it fun to show up to work every day.

What is it about Simply Stamps that has made you want to work here for so long?

Mick: I know these products. I’ve been in the stamp industry since 1984. Somehow there are still things that I get to learn, see and think about every day. I also love spreading knowledge to our new employees and people in other departments.

Kelly: The people here truly make the company great. Many of us have worked here for years so it just feels like a second family.

Outside of work, what do you like to do?

Mick: I like to read books, especially historical fiction or espionage types of stories.

Kelly: I love all types of crafts. I like to switch it up and sometimes I’m knitting, crocheting, stitching, scrapbooking, or doing puzzles. I have an eye for detail, so I like using my skills to create something beautiful.

Which of our core values do you relate to the most? (passion, winning, curiosity, collaboration, accountability, grit)

Mick: Curiosity and Grit. Never stop learning. And always roll up your sleeves and get the job done.

Kelly: I relate to passion. I love what I do, and I am always focused while working.

What are you most proud of professionally?

Mick: I’m proud of taking each day as a new day and wanting to do the best I can. If I make a mistake, I’m my biggest critic.

Kelly: Whenever I am gone, my coworkers always say how much they miss me because no one can do the job as fast as I can. It makes me laugh but I am truly proud of my ability to be efficient without compromising quality.

Do you have a favorite Simply Stamps product? What is it and why?

Mick: The printer line! I think those stamps are the best quality. And I know a lot about them.

Kelly: I love the teacher stamps! The designs are so fun and nostalgic for me.

Do you have any advice for someone buying a stamp?

Mick: Yes I do! Practice, practice, practice. The bigger the stamp, the harder it is to operate.

Kelly: Explore the templates to see which one works best for your design. Sometimes the simpler designs look best as a stamp impression.

What is it like working with your spouse?

Mick: When we are here together, we talk to each other as co-workers. It’s nice because we know each other's strengths and we call on that whenever we can.

Kelly: Being able to carpool to work is a huge plus. It’s also nice to be around someone who has a strong understanding of my work life and can always provide support.