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 Dan!
Name: Dan Cohan
Position: Director, Sales Operations
Pillar: BUILD
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
Like how most things tend to go, I stumbled into it through a series of industry connections. I had been working at a CBD company that decided to exit that market at the beginning of 2020 and as the year went on and the pandemic developed, I started to worry that my skillset was useless. I was eventually connected with some folks at BUILD who just happened to be looking for someone with my exact background. CAF wasn’t an organization that I sought out, but in my experience, how long you want to stay says more than how much you want to start, and I just got a new CAF hoodie and polo, so I’m in this for the long haul.
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Leading a team!
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
Collaboration and problem-solving. I noticed early on with CAF that leadership really welcomes and encourages new ideas.
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
Woodworking, music, and feeling guilty about not spending more time on woodworking and music, although now that my daughter (5) is getting older we’re doing a lot of those things together which is a blast. She wants us to start a band called “Sweet Potato” where she’ll play the drums and “the electric train” because it “makes a cool sound like this ‘buzzZZZzzZZZzz!’”.
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
My wife and I have known each other since 2003 and been married since 2012. She has never seen my chin.
Cheers to Melissa!
Name: Melissa Ellegood
Position: Project Manager
Pillar: Marketing
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
I was sent the open role by my former colleague and good friend, Carley Carlson.
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
I love being able to support our small but mighty marketing team so they’re able to focus on creative work, which is what they do best!
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
Everyone at C.A. is extremely welcoming and genuinely care about one another’s overall well-being.
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
In my spare time I enjoy exercising, photography, and spending time with friends and family.
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
My husband and I host an annual shrimp-themed holiday party.
Cheers to Sarah!
Name: Sarah Sprout
Position: Sr. Manager, Sales Execution
Pillar: BUILD
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
Being ready for the next step in my career, a mentor of mine mentioned an opportunity brought up to him and asked if I wanted him to pass along my resume. My skillset, experience, and interests were a great fit for the Sales Operations position opening at the time. The people I talked to and interviewed with at CAF made the choice to come aboard very easy.
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
The most rewarding part of my role is people leading. I enjoy coaching, problem-solving, and collaborating with my team. I find that they each bring a unique perspective which creates a great environment for new ideas. I’m constantly impressed by the work-ethic and knowledge within my team and find myself truly amazed and humbled by each of them each day.
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
I’ve been on the BUILD pillar for over 3 ½ years and I’ve been continuously impressed by how strong the culture of a remote team has remained. All coming from various places/time zones and having different backgrounds, we have found a way to create and maintain strong working relationships. I believe that the genuine care we have for one another is reflected in the collaboration and work we do.
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
When I’m not working, I enjoy being outside soaking up the sun any chance I get! Some of my favorite things to do include kickboxing, jogging, hiking, dancing, singing, spending quality time with my loved ones, and can’t forget – hanging with my pups! As much as I do love to be active and social, I also enjoy cuddling up with a good book, too.
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
Since I usually am described as sweet, kind, and bubbly, it’s normally surprising to people that my favorite form of exercise is boxing/kickboxing. I’ve been an avid kickboxing/boxing “addict” for almost 10 years now! The trainers at my gym usually react to my punches/kicks/speedbag skills with something along the lines of, “How can someone so sweet pack such a hard hit?”
Cheers to Cathy!
Name: Cathy Behrend
Position: Amazon Vendor Operations and Support Manager
Pillar: E-Comm
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
I was originally apart of DaCosta Global, which was acquired by C.A. Fortune.
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Collaboration with colleagues, solving an operational problem for a vendor, and clawing back vendor money from Amazon.
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
CAF is supportive and open to new ideas.
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
I enjoy tennis, pickleball, hiking, and reading. I am learning to play golf and love to travel. I love UGA football!
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
I was a CPA working in tax.
Cheers to Heather!
Name: Heather Kalke
Position: Sr. Director, East Natural Channel
Pillar: Sales
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
I was referred to CAF by a former colleague. I had an initial conversation with Tyler about an analytics role; however, we both decided I was better suited for sales and the rest is history!
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Leading and developing a team of successful Account Managers while partnering and strategizing with amazing brands to gain acceptance in various retailers makes my job exciting and rewarding. No two days are the same. There’s always work to be done to keep the product moving off the shelves.
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
We have an expansive team of individuals with diverse backgrounds offering a wealth of knowledge within the organization. Additionally, we have extremely kind and helpful people here at CAF.
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
In my spare time, I enjoy taking long walks, finding new places to listen to live music, and trying new restaurants.
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
I rang the bell at the top of Notre Dame in Paris, France when I was an exchange student.
Congrats to all of our recipients!
