Meet Holly McCracken, Senior EH&S Manager
This month we’re excited for you to meet Holly! She’s been with our team for just a couple months so far and we love having her! Holly has hit the ground running. She immediately saw opportunities to help production improve, through both 5S and taking a genuine interest in the safety of our production crew. She also naturally creates connections with everyone she’s introduced to. Read on to learn a bit more about her!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. The best part about growing up in Cottage Grove was playing soccer for the high school and meeting some of my best friends that I still have today. I also have fond memories of the strawberry fields, there was one that we would go to every year and pick buckets of fresh strawberries to eat. It was right across from my elementary school.
Where do you live now?
I currently live in Rosemount, MN with my husband Tom, four boys (15, 14 and twins 12), and two dogs, a Shepadoodle and a Havanese.
Tell us about them!
Active and hungry! Our time is usually spent between hockey, baseball, lacrosse and driving in the car to and from these activities. This year, one of the twins introduced us to a new hobby: working with horses! This has been an exciting new experience. Cameron’s Coffee partnered to donate some of the burlap bags from our green coffee beans to the stables. The horses use them for bedding and they also create interactive toys for the horses!!
When did you first try Cameron’s?
I can’t actually remember, but I do know walking through the grocery store Cameron’s always stood out to me as a favorite, and the smoothness and variety of flavors always made it my number one choice.
What do you do at Cameron’s, and how long have you been doing it?
I started with Cameron’s in March of 2022 as the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Leader. I remember coming in for my interview. I walked through the doors, saw the Cameron’s logo in big bold letters and met the team. What stood out to me was the people – the diversity along with the pride and passion for the coffee. I woke up the next morning and thought…I just want to go back and be a part of that team!
I am happy to add that I feel honored to work as the EH&S Leader here. Health, Safety and the Environment are a passion of mine. It was also very clear to me that the values of the company placed a high priority on the health and safety of their brand and workers, as well as a demonstrated, strong commitment to the environment.
What are your responsibilities and what does a typical day look like?
I am responsible for ensuring the health and safety of our employees is a top priority. In addition, my role ensures we are operating in a safe and compliant manner consistent with rules, regulations and responsible operating practices. Training, education, learning and improving are key to these responsibilities. From an environmental side, I have the same expectations.
My day usually starts with a round on the operational floor. From there you get a feel of how people are doing and any scheduled breaks that need to happen that day. After that I usually dive into EH&S Management system reviews, training, learning, education materials and auditing.
What’s your favorite part of working at Cameron’s?
The people and of course, the coffee.
What do you love about coffee?
For me it’s time for myself in the morning to relax and enjoy before the craziness of the day starts.
What’s your favorite Cameron’s blend, and how do you like to brew it?
Well my favorite is when I get Conor, the Operations Director, to make me a pour over! I try to conveniently be at the barista station at the right time. 🙂 Velvet Moon is my coffee of choice.
What does your ideal Saturday morning look like?
No early morning games or practices, sleeping in, coffee and breakfast with the boys.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spare time? What’s that?
Favorite place to grab food or drink? (Shakopee and elsewhere)
I like to go to Las Tortillas in Rosemount – for margaritas and some queso fundido!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A stenographer?!!?? That’s another story from what feels like a lifetime ago 🙂
Any other fun facts about you?
One of my good friends, Angie Goren, was featured on a short lived television show, Hockey Moms. It was an 11-episode documentary following Midwest hockey moms. I was able to participate in the filming and ended up on the show during several episodes. It was so FUN!! A great memory and snapshot in time.
