Meryl Friets

Tell us a bit about your background and how it helped shape the expertise you bring to CAE.

I have been involved in agriculture since I was in high school where my first job was working at a local veggie farm (the same my mom worked when she was that age!). From there, I continued to pursue jobs in the agricultural world and folded it into my studies at College. I worked with vegetables, flowers, and animals, building my skill sets in each to form a larger holistic view of how agriculture shapes our communities and landscapes. After a few injuries, I needed to move away from day to day farming, so took a job managing a small farm market, which allowed me to develop my customer service skills, people management, inventory management, etc. After a quick summer spent driving carriages in Acadia National Park and I was ready for the leap into logistics, which landed me here at CAE!

What excites you about your work and/or the work of CAE?

I love helping to bridge the gap between the farmers/food producers and their markets. The reach Farm Connex has is impressive and an invaluable resource to so many. I feel lucky to get to work with a passionate, hard working crew of drivers and warehouse folks.

What brings you joy? (work or otherwise)

Animals, whether wild or domestic. Cows and horses bring me the most joy!

What brings you hope? (work or otherwise)

Watching communities rally together in the best of times AND in the worst of times. We all have much more in common than we give each other credit for and recent times have brought to light the importance of community and taking care of each other. Watching neighbors and strangers step up for the greater good brings me hope.