Meet Emily: Freshbox Intern

Everybody meet Emily, known to many as “E-Fflo” and “wonder child”. One might wonder how someone can be so well rounded and so diverse at such a young age.  This is nothing new to Emily, she has always been a standout student, passionate Christ follower, caring friend, and lover of a well made blog. Emily has been a priceless addition to our team here at the Box bringing organization and many intangible talents to the table. But please don’t let my words get in the way, let’s take a look at what Emily has to say. I think you will like what you hear. Enjoy!

How did you hear about Freshbox?
I participated in an engagement at Ohio State called Seeds 4 Social Change, put on by the Business Builder’s Club. I got to work with a team of undergraduate and graduate students to address some issues presented to us. Through the process, I got connected to Freshbox and tried to stay engaged after the project.

What were the first impressions of the job?
I loved it from the first day. I got to wrap 300+ pickles my first morning at the Box, which was a great job to get me introduced to the movement of the kitchen. Music was blaring, jokes were flying — and it was 5:30 in the morning! I knew if these people could be this excited about sandwiches (really, life in general) at 5:30 in the morning, it was a place I could fit in.

What’s something that sets Freshbox apart from other internships you’ve had in the past?
At Freshbox, I get to deal directly with the customers on many different levels. I love it when I can see an order from start to finish; taking the order, making the order, then delivering the order to smiling customers is a great sense of accomplishment. Compared to my other internship, where I wear fancy clothes everyday and it usually takes months of meetings to finish a project, I get to finish a ton of little projects at Freshbox everyday – a great sense of accomplishment. And all while wearing jeans and a t-shirt.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
Morocco and/or India. I have a love affair with the family-based, hospitable cultures (It helps that I love eating, especially spicy food). I think Arabic and Hindi are some of the most beautiful languages ever spoken. My roommates speak those languages, too, so I can get a free crash course in how to ask, “Where is the nearest bathroom?”

What are some adjectives you would use to describe yourself?
Driven, dynamic, passionate.

What is a nickname that has been given to you in the past?
So many to choose from! In highschool, I got called “Peaches” a lot because I’m so pale and my face gets bright red really easily. My last name is an easy nickname – Flower, Flower power, Flo – are common varieties. My nickname at my other internship is EFlo, and I get called that a lot even outside of work, actually.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully running a business with one of my best friends, living in an urban environment where I can ride my bicycle to the store, to work, to see art shows or concerts. I would love to be starting a family then, maybe have a few dogs too.

If you could invent a totally new Freshbox sandwich what would it be?
I’m a veggie-freak, so I would load up the wheat ciabatta with hummus, tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts, carrots, and cucumbers. It is the perfect sandwich for any season – cool and refreshing in the summer and a reminder of crisp, fresh life in the colder winter months.

What is an interesting fact about yourself that many people might not know? Be honest now…
I got most of my business/sales skills from selling motorcycle accessories to beat up old bikers at motorcycle rallies. I spent every summer from the ages of 10-15 going to motorcycle rallies with my brother and my parents. I still have motorcycle boots and a leather vest, and I probably know more about motorcycles than most guys.

Two truths and a lie:
a) I can dislocate all the joints in my hands and feet, my knees, elbows, shoulders, and hips.

b) I love milk, and can drink almost a whole gallon by myself in a week.

c) I have a paralyzing fear of mascots.

Scroll down too find the answer.

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Lie: B

Truth: I haven’t had milk in two years because I get chronic sinus infections when I drink milk or eat ice cream. Soy milk to the rescue!

Thanks again for reading! It is always our pleasure to share a bit about what makes us Freshbox.
Stay tuned for more exciting blogs published every Friday. Until next time… keep it #fresh friends.

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Partner Profile: Firefly Play Cafe

Firefly has been such a great addition to the Freshbox family. The perfect combination of fun and serenity, their modern indoor play space is geared towards children ages 2-5. While the kids are at play, the parents can relax in the comfy lounge and treat themselves to some coffee and tea complimented by a delicious Freshbox sandwich (you would be surprised at how well coffee goes with a November Turkey sandwich on wheat Ciabatta bread)… Take a break, read a magazine, catch up with your friends and experience Firefly Play Cafe.

What is Firefly? What is your mission?
Firefly– the easiest way to describe us…we’re like a Starbucks with play equipment.  We aim to be a place of refuge for parents. That place where you know you can go hang out with your friends and not worry if your kids are too loud. It is our hope that Moms and dads come and meet other people in similar life stages and share experiences and encourage one another. We are here for the community.  We want to help support as many causes as possible and more importantly support the community who uses our space regularly.

Why the name Firefly? Where did you get the idea to start this business?
The name Firefly—when my business partner and I were trying to decide on a name..we were trying to find something to fit a nature theme and couldn’t settle on anything.  My then 5 year old chimes in as if he’s sick of hearing us discuss it and can’t take it any longer…he says in an oh geez kind of way “why don’t you just name it Firefly?” !!!!   It was perfect…the name stuck immediately, and it came from a child…couldn’t have been any better.  The concept came when I was in Los Angeles with my kids.  We saw a similar concept there and knew Columbus with hot hot summers and long winters needed a space like this.

How long has Firefly existed?
We opened July 5th, 2010… so just over a year in existence now.

Why did you partner with Freshbox?
We partnered with Freshbox because it too was a business with a conscience. The concept was incredible to us and we HAD to support it any way we could.

What has Firefly accomplished recently that’s made you proud?
A recent accomplishment that has made us proud is being featured in Columbus Monthly’s Best of Columbus issue this year!!  Yahoo!!

If someone’s interested in supporting Firefly, what can they do to help?
How can one help support our business??  Come, bring your children, and if you like what we have to offer…tell everyone you know…oh and while you’re here…eat a tasty sandwich.

What would you do with 200 Freshbox oreos?
200 Oreos…Chrissy and I would put ours together to Build a wicked tall oreo tower…

Hope you enjoyed reading about our good friends Firefly! We are excited to continue our partnership with firefly. Until next time… have a lovely day!

*If you would like to visit Firefly their address is: 4822 N High Street, Columbus, OH 43214
Give Karen and Chrissy a call! 614.230.237

Click the icon to visit them on Facebook. 

Check out some more pictures of Firefly Play Cafe here!

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Meet Samantha: Our New Assistant General Manager!

How does one blog and concoct the perfect words to describe Samantha our new Assistant General Manager? Let me make an effort at eloquently illustrating Samantha in three sentences. Samantha is not afraid of anyone but her smile can light up any room. She commands respect but will not work unless she is having fun. Managing is her job but helping people be-the-best-they-can-be is her life. I have asked Samantha a couple questions to give you, the reader, an inside scoop on who she is, and what really makes her tick. Enjoy!

Can you tell us about yourself?
I am the youngest of two girls and I grew up in an Army household. In fact I was born on an Army base, Ft. Campbell Kentucky. I lived in Germany for ten years. Although I have no children of my own I have so many kids in my life that I love dearly. I went to Otterbein and studied Sociology, I have always had a love and passion for helping people help themselves. I was an assistant store manager at a fast food chain for eight years. It was a great time and I learned a lot about how to manage people differently to fit their specific needs. I am a very competitive person, and I will often challenge people in speed jobs, like the meat position on the line! If you beat me once I am coming back and you have to keep playing until I beat you! My favorite color is pink, and I am in love
with writing lists. I am overly organized.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at Freshbox?
I am in love with my PS3, I can’t get enough of the game NBA 2k11. I also love to coach youth basketball. In fact my teams are usually undefeated, there goes my competitive edge (knock on wood)! If I am not coaching or officiating High School basketball I am somewhere watching my favorite team the Boston Celtics try to get their next championship. Two weeks ago I started couponing, and I love it! I have official become a part of the couponing community, and have had some really good “scores” as they say in coupon land!

Why did you apply to Freshbox?
I looked at this job on monster.com maybe six times, and I knew I could do the job. I passed by it because I wasn’t sure that I was ready to be a manager again, it kept coming up in recommendations from monster. Then one day I looked at the website and loved how young and fresh the atmosphere seemed. I kept reading and I realized the social mission was exactly what I was looking for. A career where I could make a difference every day and continue to grow as a person and run a profitable operation.

What were your first impressions of Freshbox?
I felt the family atmosphere here, there was a lot of laughter and music, but also a lot of hard work. I feel like everyone is here to do a great job, and willing to help each other… I love that! I knew I was in the right place.

Was there anything that surprised you?
How familiar everyone is with downtown. Waking up at 4:30 AM really hurts. I feel like it should be illegal to be up before the sun! But I am getting used to it and really enjoying the early start. Who knew?

What’s your favorite sandwich so far?
The Napoli is my favorite HANDS DOWN! I have thought about warming my sandwich up, to melt the pepper jack cheese that I put on it instead of provolone. I also use the chipolte mayonnaise because I LOVE HOT FOOD!

What part of the job are you looking forward to?
I am looking forward to being a part of each associates life, and helping them make the best out of this great opportunity.  I will also say that I can’t wait for this business to grow beyond everyone’s expectations.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
This is hilarious, I actually wanted to be a veterinarian. After watching the animal planet veterinarian shows where they would follow the care of an animal, I was hooked. However in High School I looked into it and I realized that it would take a while before I could specialize in a certain animal. The moment I found out I would have treat snakes, rats, or even a lizard was pretty much the deal breaker for me.

Interesting fact you would like to share that we may not know about you?
I am a huge prankster, I love to laugh and have fun especially while I am working. To me if I am having fun it just make life and work a lot better!  My next door neighbor has a very domesticated pig, it’s like having a farm in the city. I have severe seasonal allergies the only problem with that is my “season” is nine months out of the year. I stopped eating beef for 11 years when the first mad cow scare came out. There was a report about it on the news and I was eating a big mac at the time, it totally grossed me out and I didn’t eat beef again until three months after I started working as a manager for McDonalds.

We like to play two truths and a lie…each member of the team shares two true things about themselves and one lie. The reader has to guess which two are true and which one isn’t. Want to play?

O yea, I am really good at this game in fact I have a POKER FACE you’ll never get my lie out of the three!

a) I am terrified of butterflies.
b) I once cut my hand open with the back side of “safety scissors”
c) I once delivered a baby.

Scroll down to find the answer…

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Lie: c

Truth: I put on the scrubs, and sat in on my sisters scheduled C-Section. Although I was there I decided to LET the Doctor’s do what they do best, I just held my niece as soon as she came into the world.

Samantha has been a great addition to our team thus far. We are so excited that she has decided to join the Freshbox Family and make us a better social enterprise catering business. Thanks again for reading!

*Please share your comments below. We love to hear your response!

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Seeking Fall Interns!

Freshbox is excited to bring on interns for this fall!

If you’re interested in joining the Freshbox team, please apply here. Questions can be sent to hiring@freshboxcatering.com.

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Meet Quintin: Freshbox Employee

Quintin has been an amazing addition to our team. Nicknamed “Q” and “DeuceQuoopBaby” for his own reasons, he is a very respectful and fun guy. He brings his own unique rhythm and flavor to the team while keeping the atmosphere light when things get a bit hectic. When I asked the team what they thought about Quintin They said many great things, but the main thing they made sure to point out is that he is compassionate and has a huge heart. Enough about our thoughts of “Q”, let’s here what he has to say. Enjoy!

How did you hear about Freshbox?
It was funny, somebody actually gave me a Freshbox hat and I really liked the style of it. That was the first time I heard about it.  Then Jackie a current Freshbox employee asked me where I got the hat and then told me about Freshbox. I was hooked. I decided to check it out online for myself and was immediately attracted to their website. I loved the mission, so I decided to apply, and here I am today.

What were your first impressions of the job?
My first impressions of Freshbox is that I thought it would be easy. I had no idea how much work goes into food prep. Things you don’t even notice, but are necessary for the business to be successful. The thing I noticed right away when I came to Freshbox; is that everybody was just like me, I could relate. We were all in the same situation, so it was nice to share that same chemistry with the crew. I love hearing everybody’s stories, and continue to live a life of gratitude because you find that there is always someone worse off than you.

What’s something that sets Freshbox apart from other jobs you’ve had in the past?
The thing that sets Freshbox far apart from any jobs I’ve had in the past is the family atmosphere. It is so inviting. The nice thing about Freshbox is there are few personalities to deal with. It is a very accepting atmosphere.  I actually get to have personal relationships with each employee and not to mention, their mission is amazing. How brilliant, “Freshbox Catering. Feed your appetite. Nourish your community.”

What Pandora station would you choose when you get your turn in the kitchen?
No question, the maestro of love – Barry White

Describe yourself in three words.
Blessed. Motivated. Humble

What are you looking forward to?
Honestly, I am simply just looking forward to the rest of my life. Spending time with my kids and my family, I love them so much. Working with Freshbox has given me a fresh breath of air.  It has helped having a community of support through Freshbox.  It is a new beginning for me and I am excited to see what will happen next as I keep my priorities in right order.

What are some challenges you’ve faced?
There is always the challenge of my past, mistakes I’ve made. It always looms just in the distance threatening to try and creep back into my life. Honestly though, I have no regrets. I have made mistakes, but most importantly I have learned from them. I’ve been known to blow stuff at the last minute. Be the guy who drops the ball in the fourth quarter on third down. This is not the case anymore, things are changing as I overcome and stay focused. I just need to keep my eyes on the prize and plan on doing that.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years, I see myself owning my own business with a high profile status in ten years. Suits will be my daily routine along with counting my gray hairs in the mirror. You win some you lose some…

If you could invent a totally new Freshbox sandwich, what would it be?
I would love a juicy Bratwurst to be the main item escorted by sauerkraut, green onions, and red peppers.  All placed neatly on a fresh warm ciabatta hot dog bun. Delicious

Fun facts about yourself:
I am good at a lot of things, but I’m best at being a daddy. I love my kids more than anything. I love you guys!

I also want you to know that I am a Republican.

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Adventures of a Freshbox Intern

Are there ever too many bags to carry?

Too many flights of stairs to climb?

Too many orders to finish in an impossible time?

Not according to our seasoned veteran interns. The mountain might seem insurmountable, the odds impossible, the outcome unknown, but somehow they get it done every time with style and class.

We make it our priority to hire only the best and brightest. These interns have been through a lot, but they aren’t phased; after all – they are Freshbox interns… the elite. They know these sandwiches must be delivered fresh and on time, that is the Freshbox way. But…sometimes things don’t always work out the way we dream when we plan our delivery routes. That is the catering business.  They aren’t always ‘the hero’ even when they might feel like they deserve a standing ovation every time they make it to a delivery ten minutes early, and even leave time to add some style and flair to the boxed meal setup. Pin a blue ribbon on their chest and give ‘em a pat on the back, they deserve it.

I have interviewed some of the interns and have found some stories of their adventures at Freshbox. Enjoy!
Let the adventures begin…

~Addison~
“The first week of my internship was very smooth compared to the others, but it was definitely a memorable experience. I was somewhat nervous for my first delivery; however, all my nerves left when the woman who was receiving the order greeted us joyfully with a giant bear hug and wide eyed smile that made even the Joker’s smile look minuscule. I felt so welcomed, and right then and there I knew this was the place God wanted me to work.

A midst my delivery high, reality hit me not too long after. I was feeling really good about how well I did on my first delivery and I forgot to give Ryan, the driver, proper directions, and we missed our exit on the highway entirely! I took full blame for it, and we just laughed it off and still got the order to the destination in time. Freshbox has been such an awesome experience. It’s an honor to be a part of this family.”

~Kelly~
“Nothing could be worse than not one, but two parking tickets, a flat tire, and the breaking of my car key… all within my first few weeks back delivering meals. I’ll never forget the moment after the flat tire- sprinting down 4th street…90 degree weather, 500lb delivery bag in hand (felt like it anyway)… desperately rushing to another car so that I would still arrive early to my delivery! The glory days… for sure.”

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~Emily~
“My very first day at Freshbox (I don’t even think I was an official intern yet!) I went on a 500+ sandwich delivery with Joe. Just getting there was an adventure, with the Freshbox wagon jammed full of food. Joe driving, me playing navigator through the rain and drear of a classic February day in Ohio.

We arrived and started to unload the delivery bags as it started to rain. To add to that, the location had a crazy automatic door from the early 80s, with this big, rusty arm that would open slower than molasses on a cold winter morning. To add to that, the door would snap closed at the most inopportune times, separating the delivery person from the sandwiches on the other side.

It was a fun first day to learn the team work of getting the bags in while holding open the crazy arm doors. Despite being soaked head to toe, it was worth it when I noticed the amazed look on the customer’s face when they saw the awesome pyramids of sandwiches we built! After that day, I was definitely hooked on Freshbox for good.”

~Tania~
“During my time delivering sandwiches for Freshbox, I liked to think that I was the strongest intern.  This was a hard illusion to maintain, considering the two other interns were two former college athletes, but I persisted in my beliefs.  In order to demonstrate my Arnold-like strength for myself and others, I would consistently carry the same number of bags, or one more, than anyone else who happened to be leaving the kitchen at the same time.  I would heave my 5’4’’ frame and the sandwich bags up the flight of stairs to the delivery vehicles, praying that I wouldn’t fall backwards, leaving crushed sandwiches, spilled salads, and disappointed customers in my wake.

Looking back, I’m pretty sure no one noticed the number of bags I carried except me.  The best compliment I ever got was from a nice old man selling Street Speech on the corner who, as I walked by huffing and puffing with two large bags bursting at the seams, said, “Damn girl, those are some arm muscles.”  Now that I have no football players with whom to compete, my arm muscles have sadly returned to their pre-Freshbox size.  I’ve got to say, though, interning was not only an awesome arm workout but a great experience in itself. “

~Ryan~
“One thing that has bothered my from the start is the many times I have been called a “pizza boy” or heard, “Hey! There’s the pizza guy!”.  That is when I have to gracefully deny their perceived fact and explain I’m with Freshbox Catering. I’m not sure anything can cut deeper than someone calling me a pizza boy. I have all the respect for men and woman of this great country who deliver pizzas to the faithful pie eaters, but I’m with Freshbox. I deliver fresh ingredients strategically boxed in our eco-friendly containers. Much cooler, in my opinion. So for all those who have mistaken someone for a pizza boy, I politely ask that you consider your words wisely.”

Hope you enjoyed the inside scoop on the adventures of a Freshbox intern.
Expect to see us at a location near you. Look for us in our newly branded van supporting our Freshbox swag!

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Meet Addison: Freshbox Intern

Addison Witt is a welcoming addition to a fresh, new summer with Freshbox Catering. As a rising senior, majoring in Marketing at Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana, Addison is eager to develop his passion for both business and community outreach. Don’t let his quiet demeanor fool you- Addison is full of “Witt” and jokes. He has brought a lot to our team already and we are excited to have him join the Freshbox family and add to our growth.   So here you go… his passions…his faults…his dreams..  enjoy!

How did you hear about Freshbox?
I heard about Freshbox through my mom.  She is in a women’s group at church and asked around if anyone knew of any summer internship openings.  One lady mentioned Freshbox so I looked them up online that night, was very impressed with their website, and sent in my application the next day!

What were the first impressions of the job?
My very first impression of this job was that it was unlike any other job in the food/catering business.  All of the employees seemed to know each other on a deep level.  There was a strong ‘family’ atmosphere and everyone seemed to enjoy the job a lot despite the early hours and fast-paced environment.  I knew I would enjoy it here from day one.

What’s something that sets Freshbox apart from other internships you’ve had in the past?
I actually have two internships this summer.  The other internship is also with a non-profit business; however, they are very different.  At Freshbox, I get the opportunity to learn a broad spectrum of tasks such as working on the sandwich assembly line, making deliveries, entering orders online, going on spontaneous errands, and helping with the business side of the company.  At my other internship, I am strictly in charge of the marketing side of the business.  I only work with one other person and I sit at a desk all day.  Freshbox incorporates their interns into the full scope of the business world while giving them the opportunity to impact their community and establish lifelong friendships.

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
If I could travel anywhere in the world I would want to go to New Zealand.  Their breath-taking mountain ranges and cool climate are very attractive to me.  New Zealand is known for their extreme sports and their large biodiversity.  80% of the plants in New Zealand are indigineous to the country, and they lead the world in species restoration.  Just talking about it gets me salivating.

What are some adjectives you would use to describe yourself?
Easygoing, Confident, Dedicated, Enjoyable

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years I see myself married with a few kids, living in a nice suburb somewhere in the midwest.  I hope to be an up-and-coming businessman of a large corporation.  I also want to be the coach of my kids’ recreational sports teams and have a dog or two. No home is complete without a family dog.

If you could invent a totally new Freshbox sandwich what would it be?
Oh I know just the sandwich that would make everyone’s taste buds tingle! I’m a huge chicken man, so I would invent a chicken sandwich.  I would start with a grilled chicken breast with a hint of spice, add a slice of provolone cheese, and a few strips of Applewood smoked bacon.  Then I would throw on some crispy onion straws, add a juicy tomato slice, and then a leaf of fresh, crisp lettuce.  Finally, I would top it off with a glob of hickory barbecue sauce and BAM! I dare you not to drool over it.

What is an interesting fact about yourself that many people might not know? Be honest now…
An interesting fact about me is that I do not like pizza.  Many people call me “crazy” or “insane” or “not an American”, but I have just never liked the taste of it.  Give me a big juicy cheeseburger or fried chicken leg instead.

Two truths and a lie:
I once pushed a random little girl down at a roller skating rink because she was calling my girlfriend bad names.

I once won a shuffleboard tournament in Lakeside, OH when I was only 6 years old

One time I was exiting WalMart and as I was crossing the street with bags in both of my hands, my pants fell down.

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**Lie:  Addison won a shuffleboard contest much later in life… 2 weeks ago!

Ok Ok, now we’re lying.  He won when he was 12!

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Fresh New Look

She was once lost, young, and afraid. . . She is now confident, mature, and bold.

She was once so plain, so dull, so boring. . . She is now the pride and joy of Freshbox.

No, I am not talking about the lovely Youmeakia or the new delicious hummus platters; I’m talking about the new tricked out Freshbox van that has hit the streets of Columbus with style, grace, and a fresh new look. It was an infamous day. Be on the lookout for our new “Bat-mobile”, “Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang”, “The Mystery Machine”. All these vehicles have made a name for themselves and have stood the test of time.  We want to join their ranks, but we need your help. Please join us on Facebook and Twitter and post your ideas on what we should name our delivery vehicle. This isn’t because we aren’t creative enough,but because you are Freshbox- without you we wouldn’t be where we are today. So get creative now… we want a name that will completely represent our brand and who we are as a social enterprise.

With our new freshly branded van we look to catch interested onlookers. This is just the beginning of our plans to better Freshbox inside and out. We want to be a business that is always bringing fresh and new concepts to better our community one sandwich at a time and we plan on doing that. This is an exciting time for us.

Once we have found a name for the new addition to our family, we will be posting a new series of blogs: “Where in the world is the Freshbox Van?” Be on the lookout for the van and if you can get a picture of yourself in front of this van during the months of June/July and post it on your Facebook page. We will be giving you a choice of one of our fresh and delicious boxed meals or a bag of five of our world famous hand-dipped, chocolate covered mint Oreos in your support of our mission.

How to name the van (…and win free stuff!):
1. Snap a picture of yourself in front of our newly branded van.
2. Post it on your Facebook wall with a short description of where you saw us.
3. Click “Like” on our Facebook Page and tag us using@FreshboxCatering in your post.
4. Last but not least – include your recommended name for our van in your post.
5. We will be in contact with you!

*This won’t be easy considering the Freshbox van is very illusive and doesn’t like to stay in the same spot for long. This task isn’t for the faint of heart, but that is why we are going to you, our faithful Freshbox followers!

Looking forward to hearing from you!

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Meet Jackie: Freshbox Employee

It’s not often that you find someone as appreciative and humble as Jackie.  She’s got a great outlook on life and treats everyone with unfailing politeness and warmth.  We’ve had the pleasure of working with her at Freshbox for more than a month now and she fits in perfectly on our team.  She’s had all kinds of interesting life experiences; check out her profile to hear more about them!

How did you hear about Freshbox?
I heard about Freshbox from T. (another Freshbox employee).  She said that she was working at Freshbox and she hadn’t met anyone in the shelter that she’d recommend before she met me.

I created a Gmail account, submitted my resume, and prayed.  They called me back and offered me an interview.  I came in and after my interview they hired me.

What were your first impressions of the job?
It was fantastic.  Everyone was like a family and so encouraging.  I hadn’t worked in a kitchen in a long time….I used to manage a catering company but Freshbox is unique because it’s only cold food and everything is fresh.

What’s something that sets Freshbox apart from other jobs you’ve had in the past?
The compassion of the staff and management.  The rooting in the Lord.  I think it’s fantastic.  My favorite thing about Freshbox is learning how to laugh again and take pride in what I do.  When people order from Freshbox, the money goes back into the community to strengthen others.

The quality of the food is great too…Everything is prepared fresh daily.  I love to box the sandwiches because I have OCD and it pleases me that everything has a particular place to go.

What Pandora station do you pick when it’s your turn in the kitchen?
Usually William Murphy; he’s a gospel singer.  Or Anthony Hamilton; he sings real slow jazz.

Describe yourself in three words.
Charismatic.  Faithful.  Inspired.

What are you looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to having my own home – I’ve applied for several places and I believe that by Tuesday I’ll be in the apartment that God means for me to be.

I’m also looking forward to completing my education at Columbus State – I’m in third level psychology courses right now.  I’m working towards a certification in mental health/chemical dependency.  I took three months off while I was at the shelter but I’m enrolled now for summer courses.

I’m looking forward to reunification with my 15 year-old son.  I just mean to love him the way that God means for him to be loved.   As soon as I get into my apartment I’ll be able to start pursuing it.

What are some challenges you’ve faced?
Challenges I’ve faced are setting boundaries and putting myself first.  I’ve often found myself taking care of others and allowing people to take advantage of me. I had to learn that it was okay to say no or to put myself first because if I’m not ok then I can’t do anything for anyone else.  Another challenge I’ve faced is staying still enough to let God work.  Oftentimes I get very busy and try to control things.  I used to think that it was about me and what I did.  Now I know that if I ask God and rest in Him, He orders every step.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years I see myself working in the mental health field.  Paying it forward and making a difference in the lives of other people by encouraging them to be greater.  I’d like to stay in Columbus and be in my own home.  Ideally it would have a backyard so I can plant flowers and throw a Frisbee to my dog.  I don’t have a dog right now but I’m going to get one.  When you walk through the front door, dogs are always happy to see you come home.

If you could invent a totally new Freshbox sandwich, what would it be?
Corned beef with thousand island dressing, swiss cheese, and sour cream on rye bread.  I grew up in Cincinnati and they have a restaurant called Izzy’s that serves corn beef sandwiches.  My daddy used to take me there when I was a little girl.

Fun facts:
I love to be outside doing any kind of yard work or jogging.  Reading is my passion.  I like to read spiritual material…I absolutely love Beth Moore.

I lived in Georgia for a while.  I ran a printing company printing business cards and wedding invitations on an old-style printing press with plates and everything.

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