Startup Stories: Q&A With Thrive Market Staff Accountant Emily Chodor

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 takes 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 staff accountant, Emily Chodor. She and her pup Brixton help make sure our numbers add up, and unlike many of us, she’s fluent in the complex language of financial statements. Read on for our interview!

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

Welcome to the accounting department, where everybody counts! (Sorry, had to throw in a pun for our controller’s sake) As a staff accountant, I play a large role in our month-end close process, as well as oversee Accounts Payable.

Is there anything people misunderstand about your job, or something that might surprise members to learn about your work?

Most people think accountants are good with numbers, but most of our job doesn’t involve complex calculations above a basic algebra level. Accounting is about being versed in accounting rules and financial statements reporting—a foreign language to most.

You’re one of our O.G. employees! How have you seen the company grow from your time on the member services team, to your current role supporting the finance department?

I’ve seen Thrive Market evolve so much, it’s hard to pinpoint one change, but I’ve noticed how much more well-known it’s become in the last few years, and the excitement when people finding out I work here. I’m so proud to be a part of this company and see how far we’ve come!

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?

A typical day starts with my pup, Brixton dragging me through the office to everyone’s desk to say, “hi”. Once his excitement’s out, I usually go through my emails to start my day before diving into any projects I’m working on. My favorite snack to grab from the kitchen is probably an apple with some Thrive Market Almond Butter.

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

To be honest, nothing in particular drew me to Thrive Market, but our mission and my team is what’s kept me here for over three years. Since we spend so much time together, I’ve learned how important it is to like the people you work with, and am so grateful to have such an awesome team!

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

I feel the most successful and proud of my work after a month-end close that went smoothly, and knowing I did my part for my team during a stressful couple of weeks.

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

I usually will have oatmeal or a yogurt to start the day, then enjoy some of our catered lunches, and will try to cook something at home with my sister for dinner. I usually snack on apples and almond butter, or Thrive Market Organic Turkey Jerky!

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?

Our culture. With the open office layout, I feel comfortable walking up to anyone to discuss things, and I think that allows us to function really well cross-departmentally.

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

Clean Wine, of course—it’s delicious and hangover-free!