“I’m inspired by anyone who has faced adversity and was able to find themselves on the other side of it all with their sense of humor still intact.”

Courtney Mercado, Sales Support Supervisor at McFarling Foods, never has two days the same. She supervises the customer service department and inside sales force, supports the sales team by maintaining pricing programs, sales reporting and vendor customer paid rebates. In addition, she consults on company projects and outreach programs.

Getting to know Courtney

What is the most exciting part of your job or the highlight of your day at work?

Working in a team of like-minded people where our ultimate goal is to take care of our customers needs and working with organizations that give back to others so that in the end - we are also successful.

Have you held other positions at McFarling Foods? If so, what positions?

I started off as a Customer Service Representative 9 years ago and then moved into a role as Multiunit Sales Administrator. I like to say that I have my hands in a bit of everything to do with sales.

What do you find challenging and rewarding about your work?

Daily challenges to get through when dealing with distribution and sales. Especially during this time of Covid, our industry has gone through an incredible number of changes. The reward is to find a solution to overcome the challenges and ultimately take care of our customers.

Do you have any mentors in your professional life?

I have had many throughout my life. In the food distribution world, my first mentor was Mike Nolan. His patience and guidance led me to understand the world of sales costs and margins. And he was positive, which motivated and reminded me of my worth as an employee. Because of this, I make sure to mentor those around me to pay it back. As it is said in Proverbs 15:22 “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

That I’m funny! I had a co-worker that was under a lot of stress, so when I would pass by her door, I would do my best Tina Turner impersonation. She always laughed and told me I was too funny and crazy. I focused on the funny part.

What was your first paying job?

I worked at Sizzler Steakhouse on the buffet line. I will never forget the smell of garbanzo beans coming out of a #10 can. Made me think twice about putting beans on a salad. Oh, and beets! Let’s not even go there with beets on a salad.

Family life—married, kids, grandkids?

Married with two children. The older is in active duty with the military and the younger is graduating high school, and looking forward to college in the fall. I have a grandson who is currently 7 months old and is so wonderful and a blessing to our lives.

What’s something you’re proud of?

I’m proud of the human being I am becoming. I consider myself a work in progress and every day with every lesson, I feel I am closer to becoming my potential self. And when I fail, which I do daily, I make sure to make fun of myself extensively. What is life without laughter! I’m pretty proud of my children and husband, too.

Do you have any hobbies? Any hidden talents?

Since I’ve learned Spanish, I can roll my R’s like nobody’s business. I love a good mystery or suspense novel. I love meeting friends for lunch or dinner, to catch up on lost time. I like to dance at home alone when no one is watching.

Are you a sports fan? Who are your favorite teams?

I’m not the biggest sports fan, but I do root for the home team and cheer for the underdogs.

Can you speak more than one language?

Yes – English and Spanish.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I see my husband and I owning our own business, living close to the beach with all my kids and grandchildren. And writing a novel. I think everyone one has one good story in them. I’m filled with them so I think I could write a series.

How would your friends and family describe you?

Caring, giving, trustworthy, fun to be around, positive and sometimes stubborn, but always willing to negotiate. Hardworking unless its time to do chores around the house or to start taxes, then I am prone to laziness.

Fun facts:

Any pets? Two Chihuahua mixes—Cece & Lulu and they are bilingual.
Met any celebrities? Peyton Manning, Tony Dungy, Tom Brady, Bill Beliichick & Jamie Foxx
Favorite food: Mexican food is my top choice, but I also like a good cut of steak & baked potato with all the trimmings