March 18, 2022
In this Team Member Spotlight, we feature Christina Akers, a top-notch Southeast broker who represents our clients in major retailers in the Carolinas and Georgia.
Christina joined the Bay Food Brokerage family in 2011 as a retail representative. Today, as an Account Executive, she works with our food manufacturing clients selling in all grocery store departments.
Based in the Lake Wylie, S.C., office, she works with the following retail partners:
Get to know this all-star Southeast broker through her own stories and insights, which she shares below.
Can you tell us a little bit about your career and educational/professional background?
I graduated from Glenville State College with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and Marshall University with a Master of Science in Psychological Counseling and Human Behavior Patterns. I’ve been with Bay Food Brokerage over 11 years. I started as a field rep and have worked my way up through the ranks to Account Executive.
As a Southeast broker, what do you like most about working in the retail food industry?
My favorite part of the grocery industry is the fast pace and the fact that it is always changing. I am always anxious to see what is coming up next.
What do you like most about your current role as a Southeast broker and/or working at Bay Food Brokerage?
I enjoy working with a strong team. As a leading Southeast broker, Bay Food has many years of experience to offer in the grocery industry. I like managing my own accounts but still contributing to the company’s overall success.
What’s the biggest work-related challenge you’ve ever faced and how did you overcome it?
The biggest work-related challenge I have ever faced is building accounts from ground
zero. Our industry is about relationships, and building them from nothing takes time and a lot of hours of hard work. Once my foot is in the door, I work hard to gain respect from customers to continue building the relationship.
What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing your line of work?
My advice for anyone entering the industry is to shadow people who currently have positions of interest and do your homework. This industry forces you to wear many hats, and you must be flexible.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received, and why?
“Christina, you are not doing brain surgery. Stop being so hard on yourself. No one is going to die if you make a mistake!”
Care to share a highpoint in your career and what it meant to you?
The best feeling in the world is when you see your clients’ products on the grocery store shelf for the first time after all your hard work.
What are some of your personal hobbies outside of work?
Enjoying the outdoors and traveling.
Care to tell us about your family?
I come from a big family, and we are very close. Currently, I live with my two boxers, Gus and Gertie. Yes, I said live withbecause anyone who has boxers knows that it’s their house and we just live in it!
What might someone be surprised to learn about you?
I love to read.
What was the first concert you attended?
Aerosmith.
What are some small things that make your day better?
Smiles.
What’s your favorite sports team and/or sport?
College football.
What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
The grocery industry, camping, living with two boxers, and make-up application.
Lightning Round – Christina’s Favorites
- Food or cuisine: Italian
- Movie: Dirty Dancing
- Song: Anything by Elton John
- Place: Home
At Bay Food Brokerage, our team and our clients are like family! Contact us today if you’re interested in how Christina or another member of our Southeast broker team can serve you.