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 Devon!
Name: Devon Snider
Position: Sr. Director of Omni Channel
Pillar: Sales/Ecomm/Marketing/Analytics/Build 😊 (Technically, Sales)
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
I actually began my CA Career with our sister agency, CA Carlin! I really found power in the developing digital space, and switched to CA Fortune with the launch of the Ecomm Pillar 😊
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
I adore my team and co-workers. Working in the Omni Channel ecosystem requires each one of us to consistently learn, change, and grow every single day. The space is constantly evolving (and improving) and finding success for our clients in the digital landscape has many moving goalposts. This creates an environment that requires us to stay on our toes, and always be at the top of our game with knowledge, and tactics that are nimble enough, yet still anchored to strategy.
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
The CA culture is built on collaboration, with high expectations for our clients’ success. This creates a drive for all of us to build high-quality experiences and deliver the best service possible to our clients. The understanding that it takes a team to deliver the best, is what makes CA unique.
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
9-5 is a lot of video calls with clients and teams and research. Putting together plans, executing on activations, and learning from my team. I love my team calls, where everyone has a voice, and shares newfound knowledge from the omni space. I truly work with the most talented of people and feel just a bit smarter after every conversation.
In my spare time, I’m a mom to a 3-year-old little dude named Dylan. This juxtaposition keeps me humble, yet forward-looking: what will the digital grocery channels look like when he’s shopping in the future? I don’t think we can even imagine it yet!
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
That I am a MAJOR lifelong Smashing Pumpkins fan. I’ve seen this band over 100+ times, in 30 states, for 25+ years.
Cheers to Joe!
Name: Joe Ramski
Position: Sr. Director, Brand & Digital Strategy
Pillar: Marketing
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
I started at C.A. Fortune in late 2021 after the boutique agency I was working for, ettakit, was acquired and turned into what is now C.A. Marketing!
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Whenever our team finishes a project or delivers work that makes our clients truly happy. There’s nothing like seeing the joy that comes to someone’s face when they see their vision realized. That, and I love my team—they’re the funniest, kindest, and most talented folks in all of C.A. Fortune!
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
I think C.A. does a really great job of implementing practices that better everyone’s work/life balance. The hybrid office culture, summer Fridays, and core hours all really help with ensuring work is just a part of your life, not all of it.
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
I keep busy! I’m putting the finishing touches on a young adult novel and am getting involved in the Chicago theatre scene after a bit of a sabbatical. My wife Sarah and I also have a small candle business called Backup Plan Candles that we bring to craft markets around the city. When I’m not doing any of those things, I try to split my time between working out, catching movies, or enjoying a book alongside my cats, Han Solo and Persephone.
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
I’m a classically-trained professional actor and have acted on stages all across Chicagoland, but since some people at C.A. probably know that already, I’ll add this: I did the Nevis Bungy when I traveled to New Zealand, which is the highest bungy jump in NZ and is over the river that’s at the end of The Fellowship of the Ring!
Cheers to Jessica!
Name: Jessica Swick
Position: Sr. Sales Development Manager, West
Pillar: Sales
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
I worked with Rachel Robb for many years. When she joined C.A. Fortune, she recruited me for the role that eventually grew into a Sales Development position.
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Knowing that I am helping families discover new, healthy foods is the best part of my job.
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
Our company culture is unique in many ways but my favorite is that everyone is genuinely helpful and wants everyone around them to succeed. We can accomplish anything because we all work together.
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
My 2 boys (11 & 7 years old) keep me very busy outside of work. We are active in scouting, my youngest loves gymnastics, and as a family, we go camping every chance we get. We adopted a husky this summer as well and he’s been a fun and energetic addition to our family.
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
I am the biggest Star Wars fan. But the original versions only, I do not appreciate the most recent movies.
Cheers to Sam!
Name: Sam Bruton
Position: Insights Manager, Walmart
Pillar: Insights
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
I joined C.A. Fortune in 2018, enticed by the opportunity to help lay the foundations for a dedicated Walmart supplier support team.
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Helping our supplier partners win and grow their businesses. Developing unique solutions to complex problems.
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
C.A. Fortune has a wealth of talent, but that talent is truly enabled by our unique culture of transparency, values-based business practices, and individual empowerment.
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
I enjoy traveling, biking, reading, building Lego sets with my son, Remy, and tinkering with the latest tech.
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
I’ve visited six countries outside of the U.S., and we have plans to add a few more to that list next year!
Cheers to Sheila!
Name: Sheila Myers Jefferson
Position: Conventional Sales Account Manager
Pillar: Sales Conventional West
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
As I considered a new career adventure back in the Summer of 2019 an opportunity with CAF was presented through a former colleague; Chrissy Merafuentes. After my interest and recruitment efforts you could say, and the rest is history with happiness.
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Working with a variety of retailers and unique brands is exciting and keeps me curious. I love supporting new staff members and I must not forget to mention, I work with a team of super-talented players.
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
C.A Fortune’s philosophy of staying connected, forethought, and a creative nature. CAF’s history of support and collaboration from upper management. CAF’s key unique talent is an amazing team, sharing best practices and offering solutions that work!
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
My husband and I enjoy a 4-day get-away, visiting national parks, landmarks, or just a fun weekend escape.
We also enjoy entertainment outings with friends or family at local music or food festivals, along with trips to the Farmer’s Market.
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
During my high school years, I excelled in sports and academics. I participated in the following sports: Basketball, Volleyball, Tracks and Field. My track relay team held a school record for the fastest 440-yard relay time for many years. Academics: I was awarded a scholarship from the American Businesswomen’s Association.
Congrats to all of our recipients!
