Get to Know Retail Representative Ray Mocalkins

At Bay Food Brokerage, we pride ourselves on having hard-working, dedicated team members who deliver excellent service to our clients. In this Team Member Spotlight, we are thrilled to highlight Sales Representative Ray Mocalkins, Bay Food Brokerage’s longest tenured employee! Ray has been an MVP on our sales team for 20 years.

In this post, read more about Ray’s start at Bay Food, his career in the food brokerage industry and some fun facts.

Ray’s early career

Ray has spent most of his career in sales. However, he started out as a visual merchandiser and display artist for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service.

Then, he took a job as a manufacturer rep for sales to these Military Exchanges and Commissaries, selling many products and food items. He lived in seven states and traveled through 37 states during his 17 years with that organization.

Ray’s 20 years at Bay Food Brokerage

“When I first started at Bay Food Brokerage 20 years ago, there were maybe five or six employees for the whole state of Florida,” Ray said. “Twenty years ago, when I started calling on Publix stores, I used paper and pen – no iPad, no iPhone, no flyers, no books like we do now.”

In 2003, Ray joined the Bay Food Brokerage team, where his main focus has been perishable food items for Publix stores, along with some Winn-Dixie and Harris Teeter stores. When the company began growing to represent manufacturers in all departments of grocery stores a few years ago, so did Ray and the rest of the retail rep team.

Ray’s old Bay Food badge, circa 2003

“It’s been a long road with a lot of bumps and potholes, but Cammie drove the bus, and it picked up new lines, new manufacturers, new faces, new ideas and new growth,” Ray said. “And look where we are today. Cammie is a good driver. I’m proud to be a part of this journey and this company.”

Many retail food brokerages use part-time staff or day-laborers to execute their store-level sales and marketing services. But at Bay Food Brokerage, retail representatives – like Ray – are full-time, salaried sales employees. It’s a pride-point that sets Bay Food apart from our competitors, and Ray and all our team members play a tremendous role in achieving success for our clients and the company.

“Ray is a cherished member of my Bay Food family,” said CEO and president Cammie Chatterton. “He has been a part of our family and seen so much growth and change. I know if it wasn’t for him, we would not be the company we are today. I am so proud to call him not only an employee but a friend of mine.”

Working as a sales rep, from Ray’s perspective

What is your favorite part of your job?

I enjoy making my own schedule and store calls accordingly.

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

There is always something new and interesting to work on.

What’s the biggest work-related challenge you’ve ever faced and how did you overcome it?

Always trying to gain distribution, and working smarter, not harder.

How has the food industry changed in the decades since you first started your career?

There are more and more new products, innovations, new designs and new companies.

What’s the best professional advice you’ve ever received?

Keep at it, never quit and find new ways to accomplish tasks.

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

Persevere.

Personal fun facts about Ray

Ray Mocalkins today

Where are you from?

I was born in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, but I have lived most of my life in Colorado and Florida.

What are some of your personal hobbies outside of work?

Drawing cartoons and golfing.

What might someone be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a funny person with a good sense of humor, and that I’m artistic.

What was the first concert you attended?

Uriah Heep in Frankfurt, Germany.

If you could meet anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?

Gary Larson, the artist. I’ve always enjoyed his published works, and I’d like to find the roots of his inspiration and ideas.

What are some small things that make your day better?

Having fun, smiling, laughing, enjoying work and life.

Do you have any pets?

No pets, even though animals like me.

What’s your favorite movie?

Any Clint Eastwood movie, particularly the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

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

The Denver Broncos, but I also enjoy golf. I was in soccer and track in earlier years.

What’s your favorite color?

Blue.

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

My life, of course. 

Lightning Round

What’s your favorite:

Food or cuisine: Japanese

Place: Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Song: Great Gig in the Sky by Pink Floyd.

Book: The Complete Farside, volume one.

If you’re looking for a team of retail food brokers who value hard work, dedication and long-term relationships, look no further than Bay Food Brokerage! Contact us today to learn more.