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 Sandra!
Name: Sandra Gonzales
Position: Chicago HQ Office Manager
Pillar: People Team
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
I had the chance to interview Laura Howell and Emily McCann through a non-profit program. Ten minutes with these two ladies and I was sold on C.A. Fortune. The charisma, knowledge, and just the atmosphere they bring is contagious. I knew immediately C.A. was where I wanted to be.
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
The employees 100%. The clients come in a strong second. C.A. is best in class when it comes to the employees. Our employees are the definition of what a company should be. They are always willing to support me in my role. They always show up for the events that I plan. They always go above and beyond to let me know how much they appreciate me. I am lucky to manage an office with so many amazing, talented individuals. Whether they are virtual or in person, they always put a smile on my face.
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
We are unique in many ways. I think what sets us aside is how important family is to C.A. The support of work/life balance is superior to any other place I have worked.
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
I enjoy shows at Steppenwolf Theatre, walks on the lake, hanging out with my friends, and spending time with my daughter. She lives in Tennessee and our late-night calls mean the world world to me.
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
Although I act like an extrovert, I am actually an introvert that loves alone time 😊
Cheers to Lori!
Name: Lori King
Position: Manager, National Sales Support
Pillar: Sales
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
I came to C.A. through the acquisition of Enterprise in Arlington, TX.
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Two equal parts here – The satisfaction of helping others and being part of a team, whose members excel in their responsibilities and truly care about their work.
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
I believe the 5 core values instill a desire in employees to strive to do their best, knowing that we are all trying to achieve the same goal. I have found that no matter what pillar you fall under, if you ask for help outside that pillar, people are always willing to help or guide you in the right direction.
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
I enjoy hiking, traveling, taking care of my parents, hanging out with friends, and watching the sky – cloud formations, sunsets, starry skies – I’m a sky freak!
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
I love to travel – took a 2-week road trip a couple of years ago and drove all 4,050 miles, half of that alone. Love seeing our beautiful country!
Cheers to Fred!
Name: Frederic Zhang
Position: Director, Paid Media
Pillar: E-Commerce
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
I joined C.A. Fortune at the beginning of 2021 and started on the BUILD team. As a former entrepreneur in the natural and organic food space, I sought more hands-on experience building out successful food and CPG brands and C.A. provided the perfect environment to do just that.
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Deepening client partnerships and the continuous learning necessary to thrive in the paid media industry!
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
I really appreciate how the company encourages a curious mindset. There is interconnectivity between the different pillars, and if there is a new skill you want to learn, leadership will help find ways to support!
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
Spending quality time with my loved ones. Eating foods from all over the world. And being active – racquet sports are my passion. Tennis, paddle, pickleball, you name it.
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
I founded an organic coconut company and lived with an organic coconut farming community in Indonesia!
Cheers to Evan!
Name: Evan Mack
Position: Insights Manager
Pillar: E-Commerce
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
Prior to joining the C.A. Fortune team, I was a category analyst at Kroger working in the Fresh Deli/Bakery department. I was looking for a new opportunity to advance my career in insights, and a former coworker reached out about a great opportunity at an amazing new company! I had no prior E-comm specific experience, but I knew I could take on the challenge and apply my skills to a new area!
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
Building new reporting tools that allow our clients to view their data in new and unseen ways. All the data is available in disparate sources, but the tools that I build combine the data into a singular tool, unveiling new insights into their sales and paid media performance.
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
By embracing remote workers, C.A. Fortune is able to attract top talent across the country. In any given day I collaborate with coworkers in Chicago, Atlanta, Cincinnati, as well as the west coast!
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
After work, I spend my time playing Ultimate Frisbee, Disc Golf, and enjoying the great outdoors in our new home in the Pacific Northwest.
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
My wife and I moved three times in 2023: Cincinnati > Denver > Cincinnati > Portland, Oregon.
Cheers to Mark!
Name: Mark Perry
Position: Sr. Engagement Manager
Pillar: Engagement Team
- How did you find your way to C.A. Fortune?
I was lucky enough to know people who worked here that I respected and wanted to join.
- What is the most rewarding part of your role?
I love the collaboration between different pillars of our organization. It is a one-team mindset focusing on our clients’ best interests.
- What do you think makes our company culture unique?
C.A. puts the focus on their people first. You aren’t just a number here at C.A., that mindset starts with the ELT and branches throughout the organization.
- What does your 5-9 look like (what do you like to do in your spare time)?
Coaching my kid’s basketball or lacrosse teams.
- What is one thing people don’t know about you that they would be surprised to find out?
I’ve retired from going to Buffalo Bills games after their playoff loss.
