Startup Stories: Q&A With Thrive Market Member Specialist Francesca Tolentino

Welcome to Startup Stories, a series that takes you behind the scenes to share what working at a startup is really like. Our mission at Thrive Market is simple: to make healthy living easy and affordable for everyone. But fulfilling our big dreams take a team of dedicated, inspiring, funny, and tenacious people who show up to work every day eager to make a difference.

Today we’re introducing you to our Member Specialist Francesca Tolentino, one of the rock stars who helps solve problems for our members all day, every day. Read on for our interview!

Let’s start with the basics. Can you describe your role at Thrive Market?

I provide support and service to Thrive Market members, like fielding requests and complaints, answering questions, and processing orders.

Is there anything that might surprise members to learn about your work?

That we take an average of 50 calls per day.

What do you enjoy most about working in Member Services?

I enjoy helping members solve their problems. Other perks include my friendly coworkers and the free healthy lunches Thrive Market provides!

What does a typical day look like? Do you have any routines or rituals that help you feel your best? Or a favorite nibble to grab from the kitchen, perhaps?

Six in the morning is my start time for answering calls and replying to emails. I often eat a snack right when I get to work, usually a Thrive Market Almond Butter and jam sandwich.

What inspires you to live a healthy lifestyle? Is there something in particular that drew you to Thrive Market?

Health is wealth, and you only get one life to live—so why not eat healthy? To be honest, I didn’t know much about Thrive Market when I started working here but now that I’ve been here for a while, I realize how lucky I am to be a part of such a great company!

How has Thrive Market’s commitment to diversity impacted you?

It’s made me feel really comfortable and able to be myself.

When do you feel most successful or proud of your work?

When I speak with members who are really upset and I’m able to help them with their problems. I’m especially proud when we’re able to end the call with them feeling excited to be Thrive Market members.

Give us a peek at what you eat during the day—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack!

My breakfast of choice (shared above) is an almond butter and jelly sandwich on multigrain rice cakes. Lunch is usually a salad, or whatever wonderful option Thrive Market caters in that day. Dinner is a good protein with some colorful veggies. For snacks, I go for cookies or ice cream. It’s best to eat at least five times a day!

What’s one thing you want others to know about Thrive Market that they might not learn from ordering, reading the blog, or visiting the website?

That we’re one of the most diverse companies out there.

Last but not least, what’s your favorite Thrive Market product and why?

I love the Thrive Market Coconut Amino Sauce. It’s tasty, you can put it on almost anything you’re eating, and it’s a healthier alternative to soy sauce.