1992

As soon as I could perch on a stool, my parents put me to work cracking eggs, peeling carrots and ringing up orders at the family restaurant.

2003

I spent four years library-hopping, hiking and making liquid nitrogen ice cream, and was awarded a B.A. in economics with honors. Senior year, I served as Head Chimesmaster for the Cornell Chimes, making music while balancing on one foot.

2007

I joined the Chicago Fed‘s banking and finance research group, just as Wall Street was undergoing fundamental changes. My research contributed to monetary policy recommendations and new crisis relief programs.

2010

Switching gears, I left economics to attend a masters program in Food Culture & Communications in Italy. Here in the heart of Slow Food, I took a holistic look at food’s role in society, culture, politics, environment, economics and art. In other words, I studied who we are through what we eat.

2011

Fresh is a documentary that celebrates the farmers, entrepreneurs and thinkers who are reinventing our food system. As the distribution and campaigns manager, I helped the film achieve over 4,000 screenings worldwide, and brought critical food systems issues (like factory farm reform) to a community of over 100k food “agtivists” through online advocacy campaigns.

2011

Backroom deals, lies and international intrigue—nope, this isn’t a spy flick, just the industrialized seafood world. At Element Seafood, a family-run distributor that specializes in quality shellfish, I demystified seafood for diners and chefs, supported independent farmers and fishers, and advocated for fair and transparent sourcing.

2014

What goes into that $45 entree? In an effort to understand what it’s like on the other side of the line, I studied classical French cooking in the Culinary Techniques program at the International Culinary Center. I followed this up by working the brunch line at Palo Santo in Brooklyn for several months.

2017

As the marketing manager for BCGA Concept, I promoted brand awareness for Bruce Cost Ginger Ale, an audaciously unfiltered, boldly spicy ginger ale, made with real ginger. I also helped launch Brooklyn Organics, a sugar-free ginger ale, crafted with organic ingredients, to give you all of the zip and none of the calories. With over 200 consumer events and 10 trade shows each year, I spread the ginger ale gospel far and wide to thirsty people. Drink it with a banh mi sandwich, pair it with a wedge of dark chocolate torte, mix it in your Dark & Stormy!

2017

As someone who’s mostly vegetarian, it’s slightly ironic that I am the brand manager for a butchery company. But Fleishers Craft Butchery is not just any butcher shop; we believe that you can eat better meat. That means pasture-raised animals that graze as nature intended, building relationships to support small farmers, and using the whole animal and empowering you with the knowledge to cook everything. All of this results in meat so flavorful, you’ll never go back. Curious about how you can eat ethically-raised meat? Want to partner on an upcoming event? Let me know!

Rather than coming up with reasons why something can’t be done, I find ways to make things happen. We can’t figure out what’s in the warehouse? Solution: create a new multi-user cloud-based inventory management system. There are no trucks available to make this delivery? I’ll ferry it over on a bike. In today’s business environment, adaptability is the name of the game.

I am happiest when learning something new, and apply the information I’ve acquired to problems at hand. Over the years, this drive for knowledge has led me from hacking sous-vide circulators out of coffee urns to hand-forging my own nails.

Whether it be debugging a website or alphabetizing place cards for an event, if something needs to get done, I will take care of it. There’s no task too large or too menial in the world of small business; you must have a positive, roll-up-your-sleeves attitude. I take charge when leadership is needed, and more importantly, step back when it isn’t.

Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, I kept a running list of “good” business ideas on my desk at all times. As the business development coordinator at Element Seafood, we increased sales by 50% and launched two new consumer retail outlets. The best part? An entrepreneurial spirit means I get to wear many hats—lawyer, photographer, accountant, copywriter, programmer—which is perfect for someone interested in learning everything.

Even with limited advertising resources, it’s easier than ever for companies to seek and build relationships with their customers. At Fresh, we gathered over 60k signatures for petitions on food policy issues, and experienced double-digit list growth. What’s the secret? Consistent engagement and well-written content.

What’s the best way to express the voice of your company? I specialize in creating unique, thought-provoking stories that embody your company’s values and promote your products in a genuine way.

Well-run events look effortless, but require logistical coordination, smart budgeting and fast-paced decision making. I have managed everything from intimate private workshops to large corporate parties, but my favorite event was an oyster pairing with Brooklyn Brewery. Who knew that beer and brine would work so well together?

I am trained in classical French cooking, and I am also knowledgeable about Italian and Chinese cuisine. I’ve worked as a line cook, and in the front of house as a server, in banquets and as a room service attendant. I hold a NYC Food Handlers License and am certified by the Wine & Spirits Education Trust in food and beverage pairing. I shuck oysters without spilling the liqueur.

Comments, questions and sandwich offers can be sent to: crystalbells at gmail.