Meet Hector Avelar, Strategic Account Director in Chicago

Tell us about yourself. Where are you from, and what did you do prior to joining Crafty?

I've been a Chicago native my entire life. Originally born in Mexico, I immigrated here at the age of five. I grew up with a family of restauranteurs, so food and beverage is in my blood. 

 Prior to coming to Crafty, I worked within the Google food and beverage program with the Compass Group, their in-house catering company.

I was an operations manager for four years and I was there in an operational role. I switched over to their national team as an assistant financial controller. I advised a lot of the directors on a national level, both on the Google side, as well as on the internal Compass Group side. I was there for a total of five years prior to joining Crafty.

What initially attracted you to Crafty?

I was in the job market, browsing all sorts of different websites when Crafty popped up. I jumped on YouTube and found an interview of Nate and Ishan online, which really spoke to their mission statement. They wanted to provide food and beverages to corporate America, with quality service and a people-first mentality. They were true disruptors that's what really sold me on it all. 

Can you describe your role at Crafty?  

I act as the client's voice and help them with programmatic changes and contract renewals. I assist our team in keeping to their budgets and sustaining those budgets in addition to supporting the team on all things that come with the clients expectations and delivering client needs. 

How would you describe your experience working at Crafty?

My time with Crafty has been phenomenal. Not only has it taught me a lot about working with people from all walks of life within the food and beverage industry, but it has also given me a lot of autonomy and growth.

The autonomy that I have been afforded within my role has pushed me to new heights.  I'm able to deliver high quality experiences, deliver effective programming for both the food and beverage clients, but also for us internally.

What do you like most about your job?

The people. Being able to share in an experience that is the human experience. It's something that really is possible through my role. I interact on the client side. I interact on the internal side. I interact with partners. I interact with all sorts of different people on all scopes and that really helps me feel fulfilled in my role. 

What is the most challenging part of your job?

The most difficult part is finding the balance between human interaction, experience and products.

What is the most unique thing about working at Crafty?

We have such freedom in our realm as a startup and are backed by phenomenal people. Our voice matters. When we see that a change needs to take place, it's heard, digested, and implemented. That is probably the most unique thing about working within Crafty and the food and beverage industry in general: the speed at which we evolve.

How has your past work experience helped you in your current role today?

My previous experience really set me up for success within Crafty. Having worked in food and beverage my entire life, I've worked with all sorts of people, and in the best ways possible. So, the human element that this requires is absolutely critical to my success. 

If you are fulfilled, if you receive good products, if you receive what you like, you are much happier returning to your desk and getting work done, even becoming more productive. You have your needs met and exceeded. by having everything readily available to you. So that food and beverage experience overall has really perfected how I do my job. 

What food and beverages do you depend on to get through the day?

I'm a coffee nerd. Knowing the intricate parts of the coffee industry and the product itself makes it easy for me to educate our clients about what coffee I think would be best for them. 

What snacks and beverages do you absolutely need to get through the day? 

A little bit of Chobani Complete. I got my little protein fix, got my breakfast materials ready to go. It kind of gets me started off for the day. I'm not a big breakfast eater, but this really does the job for me throughout the mornings. For a little midday snack,  I have a Clif Bar.  It's something of substance that has some good nutritional value to it.  For hydration, not only do I have my cold brew in the morning, but I also have Spindrift. I love me some Spindrift,  or some LaCroix, and, some Bubly water throughout the day.

What's a typical day off for you?

I'm a fairly busy and active person. I truly enjoy working out. My partner is an avid marathoner, so we do a lot of partner runs together. She really keeps me moving. We like to hike and  camp.  I also manage a couple of my own businesses. So that  really keeps me busy  but all things that I love. 

What is your favorite TV show?

It's gotta be The Bear. It just speaks to me. The ticket machine and the food and beverage industry. That, er, er, er, noise. It's not only is it a flashback, but it's a very welcome, warming feeling to watch The Bear.

What is your favorite book?

American Dirt by Jeanne Cummins is probably my favorite book. It's a great read about immigration and very well written.

Crafty would like to extend a huge thank you to Hector for generously sharing his time and insights with us and allowing us to interview him. Thank you so much for all you do for Crafty. We are endlessly grateful to have you on our team.