The Holiday Season at GoMacro

At GoMacro®, we talk a lot about our delicious MacroBars®, our mission, and the ways we’re working to make a positive difference. None of that would be possible, however, without the incredible team making it all happen behind the scenes.

During this busy time of year with all kinds of festivities and to-do’s, it can be helpful to take a moment, step back, and reflect on what we’re grateful for. This season of thanks reminds us just how fortunate we are to have our incredible community and team here at GoMacro. In that spirit, we asked a few of the wonderful members of the GoMacro team to share what the holiday season means to them – and of course, some of their favorite holiday traditions! Here’s what they had to say…

Name:
Darian Alioto

Title:
Executive Vice President of Sales

Location:
Tiburon, CA

What does the holiday season mean to you?

For me, the holiday season is about spending time with people I love and care about, such as my immediate family, friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Growing up, we always opened our door to those who didn't have family or friends close by, as we believed that the holidays should be a time of togetherness for all. I hold onto that belief and practice that tradition to this day.

What’s your favorite holiday tradition or memory?

I have a couple that come to mind. Over the years, my mom collected a sizeable number of Christmas In The City village pieces we displayed in the living room, and it became a fun ritual for my siblings and me to set up together every year. I also loved the craziness of my 5 siblings and me seeing all the presents under the tree. The hardest part was finding the patience to let everyone take their turn opening one gift at a time!

What’s been the highlight of your year at GoMacro?

I have so enjoyed finding and recruiting a talented team of sales professionals who enhance our culture and share our values. Apart from being incredibly capable professionals, they are also good people that I’m proud to know and work with. I'm also very proud of some of the behind-the-scenes progress the team has made in developing more long-term structures and processes, both within our own team and cross-functionally with other departments. It's really important for us to support each other's progress since we're all in this together.

What are three things you're grateful for?

I'm grateful for my health, my 93-year-old father whom I regularly get to see and keep company, as well as the freedom and opportunities we have in our country.

How do you express gratitude throughout the year?

I start by reminding myself how fortunate I am. I make sure to continually review my values wheel which helps keep me centered and reminds me to practice gratitude and thankfulness. I recognize that others are struggling and may not have the opportunities that I do, and even the simplest things like saying "thank you" or sharing your appreciation with others can go a really long way.

What’s your favorite way to give back?

For the past few years, I have committed my time to SPAWN (Salmon Protection Watershed Network) near my home. It's SPAWN's aim to help restore California's Endangered Coho Salmon populations. It's a good cause and something I am enjoying being a part of!

Name:
Mia Polcyn

Title:
Social Media + Partnerships Coordinator

Location:
San Diego, CA

What does the holiday season mean to you?

To me, the holiday season means slowing down and connecting with loved ones. It's so important to take a step back and reflect on all the things and people I'm so grateful to be surrounded by.

What’s your favorite holiday tradition or memory?

Growing up, my entire extended family used to participate in a “white elephant” gift exchange. It was always the time filled with the most laughter, presence, and joy. I love that it has continued to evolve as the family expanded, too. We've had a bunch of crazy gifts; one year my cousin even proposed to his fiancée in front of our entire family after unwrapping a diamond ring!

What’s been the highlight of your year at GoMacro?

The highlight of my year was getting hired and starting my new role! From the first day I met the team during interviews, I immediately felt so welcomed and appreciated. I can already tell how close the team is, and how their passion extends to everything they do. I can't wait to see what the future holds!

What are three things you're grateful for?

I'm grateful for my health, my community, and my ambition. My own family has faced health issues similar to GoMacro's founding story, so between that and being part of the team, I've come to realize the gravity of having good health. It's something so easy to take for granted. I'm grateful for the community I've built already since moving to San Diego. I've never felt so at home! Lastly, I'm grateful for my ambition and determination to achieve my goals. It's carried me to where I am today, and I'm excited to continue to grow throughout my journey.

How do you express gratitude throughout the year?

I do my best to stop and smell the roses as often as I can! I try to always remind those around me how much I love them by writing letters, making thoughtful plans, or even just giving them a call. I also prioritize being active as a way to remind myself that I am lucky to move freely and be able-bodied! I express gratitude to myself by taking time to focus on me and practicing self-love.

What’s your favorite way to give back?

My favorite way to give back is to spend quality time with my community. I love attending events and helping with projects that benefit those within my industry, social circles, and any other communities I identify with.

Name:
Ethan Wise

Title:
HR Generalist

Location:
Viroqua, WI

What does the holiday season mean to you?

Like many others, I think the holiday season is a time to be thankful and to spend quality time with loved ones. Thanksgiving is always a celebration with my extended family. Lots of food, games, football watching, storytelling, and karaoke. Piling into the car with my sisters and driving across the state to see my aunts and uncles, cousins, and their families is always sure to brighten a cold winter day.

What’s your favorite holiday tradition or memory?

Each year, my sisters and I decorate our tree with ornaments we've amassed from holidays past. Many are simply fun stocking stuffers from prior years, some commemorate accomplishments, and others are important family heirlooms that represent precious memories or connections to loved ones no longer with us. The event usually entails taking over our mother's living room and arguing over which of us gets to feature our favorite ornaments most prominently. Personally, I’m content conceding most of the space to my sisters as long as I’m guaranteed that my favorite ornament hangs proudly.

What’s been the highlight of your year at GoMacro?

The return of the GoMacro Games was pretty sweet. The last one happened the year before I started with the company, so I had heard a lot about it, but never got to experience it firsthand. While it was a bit stressful being part of the group that put everything together, it afforded me an opportunity to work with some folks that I don't work with in my day-to-day responsibilities. Plus, any opportunity to see my remote colleagues and spend some time with them is always a highlight!

What are three things you're grateful for?

Everyone on the HR team and their support. My friends still serving in the military and their safety. My family and their good health.

How do you express gratitude throughout the year?

Communication is key. I'm quick to give props where they're due. I know how much a compliment or recognition of a job well done means to me, so I'm sure to let others know how much I appreciate them—even if it's for something small that may not seem like a big deal to them.

What’s your favorite way to give back?

When I was in high school, I was given an opportunity to attend a week-long leadership and civics camp, Badger Boys State. I was encouraged to go by my father and grandfather who had both attended and represented their high schools. It was such a transformative experience that I applied to be a counselor and was fortunately invited to come back. Every year since then, I've spent a week of my summer teaching and, hopefully, inspiring the next generation of leaders. In the off-season, I work to fundraise, plan, and serve as an Officer on the Board of Directors for the alumni association. The program is run at no cost to the attendees. The counselors and staff, nearly all alumni of the program, travel from across the country and volunteer their time to put on the program.

Name:
Paige Villegas

Title:
Chief Executive Assistant

Location:
San Diego, CA

What does the holiday season mean to you?

It’s my time to be with all of my family, from my husband and children, to my parents, my siblings and their families, and all of the other special people that have come into my life. This season is always a good reminder of all the love that I’m surrounded by.

What’s your favorite holiday tradition or memory?

Growing up, Christmas Eve and Christmas morning were always so magical thanks to the love and effort of my parents. That same wonder and excitement is a feeling that I now try to recreate for my boys.

What’s been the highlight of your year at GoMacro?

I always love my annual visit to Wisconsin, so I’d have to say that was the highlight for me. It’s so nice seeing the rest of the team, spending time at the farm, and having a change of routine from my usual workdays.

What are three things you're grateful for?

I’m grateful to have happy and healthy children, for my sweet dog, Tommy, and his nearly 16 years of companionship, and for my 11 years with GoMacro - the company that I call home!

How do you express gratitude throughout the year?

It’s so easy to get caught up in some of the tough parts of a day, a week, or a month, but I try to pull myself out of whatever it is that I’m dealing with at the moment and reflect on how grateful I am for what I’ve accomplished, the life that I’ve created, and just how fortunate I really am. Slowing myself down and spending quality time with my husband and my children is key for me.

What’s your favorite way to give back?

I have a major soft spot for animals, so I donate throughout the year to certain charities that help create safe environments for those that need them. One of my favorites is called Frosted Faces Foundation, a non-profit that works to give abandoned senior animals vet care and a family to love and spoil them for the rest of their life. If I had the ability, I'd adopt every dog in need! Sadly, that's just not the case, so funding the organizations that are able to make big moves means so much to me.

Name:
Sarah Richardson

Title:
Territory Sales Manager – Southern California

Location:
Santa Maria, CA

What does the holiday season mean to you?

To me, the holiday season means spending time with family and loved ones, reflecting and expressing gratitude for the year, and giving back to those in need. It also means cozy sweaters, holiday drinks from Starbucks, classic holiday movies and music, trees, lights, and just that overall feeling of comfort.

What’s your favorite holiday tradition or memory?

My favorite holiday tradition is decorating the tree every year with my family and making Christmas cookies with my mom. Growing up, we didn't go to the snow often, so my dad would get a flocked tree every year which I always loved.

What’s been the highlight of your year at GoMacro?

The week I spent in Viola for the GoMacro Games was definitely the highlight of my year. I really enjoyed connecting with others in the organization, especially those I'd only previously spoken to via email. It was so fun to be at the farm, connecting with others and playing games all day. My arms were very sore from tug-of-war but my heart was full!

What are three things you're grateful for?

I am very grateful for the people in my life—family, friends, and colleagues. I feel so lucky to have such supportive people in my circle. They have really shown up for me and I get to do the same for them, as well. I'm grateful for my job and the role I get to play here at GoMacro. I feel so blessed to get to work for such a wonderful company that cares about its people and community. Finally, my cuddly Labrador, Marley!

How do you express gratitude throughout the year?

Every day, I try to write a gratitude list of three things I'm grateful for. I find that it's a great way to help me stay in the present and remind myself of all the positives in my life. It's so easy to get down on ourselves, and writing a gratitude list is one way I stay in “the now” and maintain a positive daily outlook on life.

What’s your favorite way to give back?

The holiday season is my favorite time of year to give back! Every year, my family and I put together a few boxes filled with gifts for Operation Christmas Child (OCC). OCC is a project that delivers gift-filled shoeboxes to children all over the world who might otherwise go without. It’s so fulfilling to be able to participate in something so special and meaningful each year.