In our interview with Liam, we uncover the genuine community spirit and support system at FedUp Foods that turns a job into a career. With a focus on growth, cross-training, and values-driven business practices, Liam's story illustrates how FedUp Foods is more than just a workplace—it's a place where employees can grow and thrive personally and professionally.
So, what do you love about FedUp Foods?
LA: One of the first things that comes to mind, I would say, is community. While it might be a cheesy answer, I would say it's an accurate answer. I think people are really into making sure that everybody's being held here, whether it's at the job or sometimes even outside of the workplace, and really making sure people get the support that they need, especially to succeed and grow here at FedUp Foods.
Do both team members and leadership make sure you’re supported? Can you expand on that?
LA: Yeah, absolutely. The way it tends to go is, you know, you start from the bottom and the outward mobility makes it possible. So, from the beginning you start developing leadership qualities. And along with the cross-training, they make sure there's a pretty good line of communication all up and down the line from production all the way to HR and higher-ups. I would say that all around everybody's being held in support.
Can you talk about the growth opportunity at FedUp Foods?
LA: It's very real. You can come in with little-to-no training and get that foothold that you need. Once you get going, it's a little bit of a running start, but you'll get there. You know, they try their best to support you. Just try to make sure that you are being productive, being safe, using your best lines of communication. It's not just if you perform well, you're going to do well. They're going to help you perform well, and then along with the right mindset and a decent work ethic, you're going to do just fine here. You know, it's a great place.
What are some of the perks of working here?
LA: I will say this might not be relevant, but this is like job number 15 or 16 for me. Thirty-four years old, worked internationally and domestically. And I got to say it's undoubtedly one of the most solidly paying jobs. It's pretty easy going when it comes to having music to keep us going during harder days. And then there's the actual business perks, you know, 401(k), and the baseline pay is amazing. Also knowing that it's a business that does have values and core values that help push their success, whether it's in marketing or it's right here at the plant. A company that's doing something with their money and their abilities, to me, is a perk because it makes you feel better about what you're doing and the role that you have at this job.
How would you describe the people at FedUp Foods?
LA: Diverse. Fun, lighthearted for the most part, and everyone is so hardworking. I would say that it's a bit of a monoclonal network. Everybody kind of connects with everybody and tries to keep it easy going. I would say that we're all here to work hard, but also, to keep the light and just make every day the best that we can.
Beautiful. How have you been able to grow here? Have you been able to take any advantage of the training?
LA: Yeah, I started off stacking pallets for a hot while and then, you know, as soon as opportunities opened up, I started applying to them. And, again, you got to get the foothold. You got to show that you're willing to do the work and that you're going to communicate and be organized, show up on time. If you're willing to do all that stuff, you can definitely get a position. I was lucky to be able to make a kind of big leap from production into a line position, which took some time.
You mentioned before that it’s nice having a job where you feel like the company itself is kind of part of something a little bigger. I've heard that a lot. Could you speak to that a bit?
LA: Yes. We have town hall meetings every quarter. They break down everything from finances to marketing, sales and what they're doing. During those town halls, there's an amazing amount of information backing up what we're doing, whether it's here in the United States or it's in other places where we're sourcing things.
It's awesome having a company that backs their core values. At the end of the day, you feel better knowing that you are part of this system now and know that even as a big business, that they're doing their best to leave a light footprint.
Is there anything else you wanted to say or anything you missed?
LA: Again, from the bottom of my heart, I sincerely do believe that it's a company that applies itself to be better than the businesses that we see popping up everyday. They support you, they'll give you training. It's a great place to learn basic leadership skills, and everything in between. It's almost like a school in that if you're willing to learn, you'll get the help that you ask for.
