Megan joined the BrightStores team back in June of 2017 as our Marketing Coordinator. Interested in getting to know Megan a bit more? Below is our full interview.
How would you describe your day job to a child?
It’s like second grade but even more fun. I get to be creative, read, write and hang out with some incredibly cool people.
Describe working at BrightStores in 3 words.
Enjoyable, Challenging, Rewarding
What is the coolest thing you’re working on right now?
We’re wrapping up our new product booklet for the upcoming tradeshows. I’m new to print, as my career up to now has been mostly digital, so this has been a fun adventure.
What is on your wish list for the next few years with BrightStores.
I have quite a few goals for my next few years at BrightStores but at the top of my list is getting my CAS or MAS.
What are your hopes for our industry?
I think the industry is changing and in a much-needed way. We’ve been laggards when it comes to adopting new technology and trends. I want to see an industry where the entire purchasing experience is streamlined for both shoppers and distributors. Other industries have been able to come together and figure it out and I think we can too.
Who inspires you?
My partner. We’re complete opposites so he constantly reminds me that when I get stuck or nervous to try to see things from a different perspective. Every time I hit a wall, I think to myself, WWJD (What would Justin do) and it reminds me to go outside of my comfort zone and think outside the box. He’s also taught me not to sweat the small stuff.
I also get a lot of inspiration from my parents. They are the hardest working people I know and are incredibly humble and giving. They’ve taught me to be kind, forgiving, open, and receptive without sacrificing who I am as a person. I’m incredibly blessed to have them as my rock.
How do you define success?
Success to me is peace of mind that I’ve put my all into something. It may not be perfect, it may fail, or it may be my greatest achievement but at the end of the day, I’m progressing which is a success in my book.
Before working at BrightStores, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I lived and worked in Australia for a year. One of my jobs was at a tourism company called WayOutBack, located in Darwin, which is part of the Northern Territory of Australia. If you haven’t been there, it’s something straight out of Dundee. I did a variety of jobs with that company, but my favorite was getting to go out to the tour sites to do clean up and repairs. There wasn’t anything glamorous about it, think huge bugs, spiders, crocs, kangaroos, etc. but it was an epic adventure that I wouldn’t ever take back.
Describe what you were like at age 8.
I had cornrows and a pet hamster, so I was pretty awesome.
What is the first concert you attended?
Nsync, and you better believe that as a super fan, I did not want to say “Bye Bye Bye” when the show was over.
Where’s your favorite place in the world (that you’ve been) and what’s the one place you’re dying to visit?
Such a tough choice! I’ve done a good bit of traveling but I’ve never been able to get Valencia, Spain out of my mind. It’s been 10 years now and I’m still itching to go back. There’s just something magical about that place.
I’m dying to visit the City of Petra in Jordan. I’ve always been a sucker for history and this place is full of it.
What are you currently watching on Netflix?
It’s actually on Hulu, but we’ve been binge watching a Handmaid’s Tale. Wasn’t what I was expecting at all, but I’m digging it.
When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried, and why?
Probably around Thanksgiving. My niece and nephew always leave me in stitches, they say the weirdest stuff but in such a cute and completely honest way.
What’s your favorite blog?
The Little Pine, hands down, everything looks so yummy. I’ve also been getting into podcast’s lately. My go to is Invisibilia. If you haven’t checked it out, do, it’s fascinating.
What’s the most recent app you’ve downloaded but are yet to use?
Learn HTML, I downloaded it a few weeks ago because I’m interested in learning some basic coding. I still haven’t had a chance to sit down and play it, but I’ll get there.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I’m a major foodie, so anything and everything related to food is a guilty pleasure of mine. If you want a specific, I’d say brie cheese, french baguette, olives, and if I’m really going all out, a little bit of smoked salmon with cracked black pepper. #NomNomNom
What places have you lived in?
Various places in Iowa, Greece, Bali, Australia, and Colorado.
Where is your hometown?
I was born and raised in Ankeny, Iowa.
You’re happiest when?
I’m happiest when I’m cooking, gaming, or creating. I also enjoy a good book, travel, and trying out new foods.