Our people are our passion and purpose. Through the Cheers! Award, our first-ever employee recognition program, we are given the opportunity to celebrate our incredible talent here at C.A. Fortune and “cheers” to those who go above and beyond to represent our values. Cheers to these C.A. employees!
Cheers to Allie!
Name: Allie Pajeau
Position: Insights Manager
Pillar: BUILD
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
After years of working in grocery stores and at another sales/marketing firm, a past colleague, Sarah L., reached out to me and I couldn’t pass that up! And after meeting with a few people during the interview process, I knew this would be a great opportunity.
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
The autonomy to make improvements and help my team in any way I can.
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
The people! While days can be busy and long, everyone is willing to help each other out – directly and indirectly. The morale is top-notch.
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
I’m always in the middle of a craft project – crochet, embroidery, fabric collage. And with the better weather, outside tending to my flower/vegetable garden and playing with my kids and dog.
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
I have 7 tattoos! And I grew up around farm animals (cows, pigs, Flemish Giant rabbits) and participated in 4-H for several years.
Cheers to Mike!
Name: Mike Atkinson
Position: Sr. Account Manager, Conventional
Pillar: Sales
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
Working with Chris Munafo as my C.A. Rep when I was a Kehe Account manager.
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
I find the relationships I have built and getting clients’ products on the shelf!
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
I feel it’s the willingness to support one another to succeed.
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
5-9 I am on Lake time, and baseball.
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
I proposed to my wife in a hot air balloon.
Cheers to Chrissy!
Name: Chrissy Merafuentes
Position: Sr. Director
Pillar: Sales – West Conventional
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
A friend in the industry knew a client of C.A. Fortune and the client asked if she knew anyone in the North C.A. market. The rest is history.
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Building client relationships. Seeing my team win. Empowering and supporting others.
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
The people and our clients.
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
Spending time with my family, reading books, and traveling.
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
I love playing poker and I have a 2-year-old granddaughter.
Cheers to Ryan!
Name: Ryan Niebes
Position: National Insights Manager
Pillar: Insights
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
Prior to joining C.A. in 2020, I started my insights career in the oil and gas industry supporting motor oil brands. In that time, I got a foundational understanding for all things retail analytics, but I wanted to take that experience into a different part of the store. I began looking for roles in the food and beverage space, was instantly impressed with what I saw at C.A., and here I am four years later!
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Developing and elevating the skill sets of my team is something that definitely fills my cup. I’ve had some fantastic managers in my career who have empowered me and advocated for me, two things I keep top of mind when managing my team.
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
The people at C.A. consistently show a true spirit of winning together. The people here are selfless and always quick to lend time and expertise to others. There’s a common understanding that we are all part of the same team, and that success in one part of the organization often leads to success across the organization.
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
My wife and I love to make big meals at home (admittedly, my wife is the expert cook and I’m the bartender and dish doer). Some go-to meals are fresh pasta and giant indulgent salads. We also love exploring our neighborhood in Chicago. Now that it’s starting to get nice out, we’ll get back to one of our favorite pastimes: picnics in Humboldt Park with our dog, Truffle.
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
Some of my friends call me “the human Shazam” – I listen to a wide variety of music. Back in college, I wrote for a music blog and interned for a record label here in Chicago. These days, I love going to concerts and festivals.
Cheers to Kim!
Name: Kim Weaver
Position: Sr. Account Manager
Pillar: Distributor Management – UNFI
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
I was part of the Ferolie team that merged with C.A. Fortune 10+ years ago.
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Sharing my distributor expertise with my clients and assisting them with changes that will help them grow their business.
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
C.A Fortune values its employees and shows this by implementing policies that help with work/life balance.
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
I love spending time with my family, going to the ocean, taking our ATV out on adventures, and enjoying time with my horse, Miss Addy.
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
I was a volunteer EMT and Firefighter for 20 years.
