Get to Know Administrative Assistant Donna Jones

At Bay Food Brokerage, we pride ourselves on having hard-working team members who are committed to our clients’ success. In this Team Member Spotlight, we highlight Administrative Assistant Donna Jones, who has been an asset to our admin team since 2006.

In this post, read more about Donna’s role at Bay Food, her professional advice for working in this industry and some fun facts!

Donna’s role with Bay Food Brokerage

In her role as administrative assistant, Donna works with some of our Publix direct meat and deli vendors. This includes utilizing our vendor portal to log promotions and pricing. She also catalogs new items and vendors, maintains ad planners and updates ad sheets that our retail representatives use for promotions.

Donna also tracks any trucking-related issues, such as delivery changes and vendor shortages, to communicate to the Publix logistics teams.

“Donna has been by my side for almost 20 years, and we could not have had the success that we have had without her being a part of our family,” said Bay Food President and CEO Cammie Chatterton. “She guides our team and our manufacturers with the day-to-day needs of Publix and is there for all of us any time we need her.”

Donna’s perspective on Bay Food Brokerage

What do you like most about your current role and/or working at Bay Food Brokerage? 

I love my current role, as it is very fast-paced. I enjoy multi-tasking, and assisting our customers and venders is rewarding.  

What’s your favorite memory from working at Bay Food Brokerage? 

Winning the Tampa Bay Chamber Small Business of the Year Award as a company in 2020 and going on stage at the event to accept our award.

What do you consider your biggest success at Bay Food Brokerage, so far?   

The knowledge of my job of nearly 18 years and passing it along to new employees as we continue to grow.  

If you had to describe the Bay Food team in one word or phrase, what would it be and why? 

Family. Everyone genuinely cares about one another with respect, and the total atmosphere. 

How do you feel about Bay Food as a company? 

Extremely driven to be the best on a constant basis and very client-focused. I love our team and how we all work so well together.

How has the company changed and evolved since you were hired nearly 20 years ago?  

We have expanded in so many areas over the past 18 years I have been here: departments we represent, customers, vendors, employees, technology, you name it. In all aspects, the growth has been amazing. 

Donna’s experience working in the food brokerage industry 

What’s your favorite thing about working in the food industry?

I have always found it extremely interesting to learn exactly how all food gets to market and grocery stories. The biggest thing is that no two days are ever alike, which keeps it interesting.

What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing your line of work?

It is a stable, challenging and fast-paced business and you will never get bored. As we know, there will always be the need for food for people!

Personal fun facts about Donna

What are some of your personal hobbies outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my family and making some of our old family recipes. I also like gardening and spending time with my pets – a dog named Jazzy and a bird named Cookie.

Care to tell us about your family?

I have a son and a daughter, and between the two of them, I have seven grandchildren.

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

I have a 28-year-old Cockatoo that I have had since she was six months old. She talks and likes to be walked on a bird leash, too!

What was the first concert you attended?

Boston

What are some small things that make your day better?

Kindness

What was the best trip or vacation you ever took?

The Bahamas

What’s your favorite movie?

The Wizard of Oz.

What’s your favorite sports team and/or sport?

Baseball, with the Tampa Bay Rays being my favorite team.

What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

Cooking.

Lightning round

What’s your favorite:

Food or cuisine: Italian

Place: The beach

Song: God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood

Book: Biographies and history books

If you’re looking for a team of retail food brokers who are client-focused, driven and consistent, look no further than Bay Food Brokerage! Contact us today to learn more.