Meet the chipper batch of people at Sofia's!

 

Mark Sigel
Owner/President

What's your background?
It’s hard to believe, but I have been in the cookie business for over 20 years. Needless to say, I love cookies!

What Do You Do at Sofia's?
Well, I own the place, so pretty much drive everyone crazy, and buy the group lunches!

Favorite Sofia’s Product?
All of them! But if I have to pick one it would be our Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
The people are what make it great and exciting to come to work every day. We are fortunate to have an incredibly dedicated, creative, and smart team that enjoys being with each other and shipping out great product that we are all proud of.

What do you like to do outside of work?
I spend a lot of time with my wife and two kids on Lake Minnetonka in the summer time – mostly competitive sailing. I was introduced to sailing at a young age, and have been fortunate to do it my entire life and now watch my kids compete at a very high level.

The best advice I’ve ever been given is . . .
The single most significant decision you can make on a day-to-day basis is your choice of attitude.

Laura Fritzke
Sales Director

What's your background?
Business Administration with a dash of Entrepreneurism.

What Do You Do at Sofia's?
My title is Sales Director; building relationships (and lots of talking) is my true passion.

Favorite Sofia’s Product?
Chocolate Chip Cookies-a borderline problem.

Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
Laughing out loud with my team…not a day goes by that I don’t think we should have our own reality show.

What do you like to do outside of work?
Anything with my husband and kids- (always a good story to be told when we are together), yoga, biking, gardening, cooking up a storm, exploring new places to vacation, drinking fancy coffee.

Cats or dogs?
Dogs all the way! (no offense, cats)

Georgi Macklem
Art Director/Integrator

What's your background?
I received my BFA from the University of North Dakota, and I have been here ever since!

What Do You Do at Sofia's?
I lead the Marketing and Design department, and assist with running day-to-day office operations.

Favorite Sofia’s Product?
Chocolate chip, classic and always delicious!

Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
The people. Everyone is caring, energetic and hard working.

What do you like to do outside of work?
Work on my own art (painting, drawing, design, photography), spend time with family in northern Minnesota & Wisconsin, and read as much as I can.

The best advice I’ve ever been given is . . .
‘Think about how happy you will be when it’s over’, this has helped me find confidence in difficult situations and find the positive.

 

Sara Mash
Production Manager

What's your background?
Prior to working at Sofia’s I was a Property Manager here in the Twin Cities.

What Do You Do at Sofia's?
I lead the Production Team!

Favorite Sofia’s Product?
Spicy Guac.

Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
I love collaborating with coworkers and distributors to brainstorm projects and creative solutions for end clients. Oh, and the endless amount of treats and snacks we have!

What do you like to do outside of work?
Read, hang out with friends/family, and get outside!

Three favorite Books, Movies, TV Shows, or Podcasts
I love any True Crime Podcast and show, and I read whatever my Book Club tells me to!

 

Kourtney Blair
Accountant

What's your background?
Originally from Florida. I have a degree in audio engineering and music production as well as accounting. I decided to start my own bookkeeping business in 2020 and have enjoyed the freedom it gives me to be the mom I want to be.

What Do You Do at Sofia's?
I am the head of the Accounting Department!

Favorite Sofia’s Product?
Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
The team atmosphere. Everyone is working together to get to the common goal. You don't find that everywhere.

What do you like to do outside of work?
I love to paddleboard and hangout with my son!

Three favorite Books, Movies, TV Shows, or Podcasts
Movie - The Holiday
Podcast - Oprah's Super Soul Conversations
Book - What You Think of Me is None of My Business by Terry Cole-Whittaker

 

Megan Leitschuh
Graphic Designer

What's your background?
I kicked off my creative career after graduating with a BFA in Illustration from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. From there, I worked as a plush toy and soft goods designer for over 8 years. In my personal work, I’m deeply inspired by the natural world, and have a love for surface design.

What Do You Do at Sofia's?
I am a Graphic Designer!

Favorite Sofia’s Product?
Vanilla Pecan Cookies and Yogurt Pretzels.

Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
The fun teammates and variety of work I get to do each day.

What do you like to do outside of work?
Pretty much any outdoor activity! Hiking, camping, and hammock lounging to name a few. I also love gardening with a focus on pollinator-friendly and native plants!

Three favorite Books, Movies, TV Shows, or Podcasts:
A few of my favorite podcasts are: Serial, My Favorite Murder, and Sawbones. I love these particular podcasts because of their deep dive on so many interesting stories.

Betsy Vilett
Customer Service Rep

What's your background?
Elementary classroom teacher and school librarian.

What Do You Do at Sofia's?
Customer Service.

Favorite Sofia’s Product?
Vanilla pecan cookies.

Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
I love the friendly and fun atmosphere. We laugh a lot! I also love seeing the cool artwork created by the the Design Team.

What do you like to do outside of work?
Going for walks with friends, cuddling with my dog, reading, and downhill skiing when I get the chance.

Three favorite Books, Movies, TV Shows, or Podcasts
Tough question but here’s a variety of books I have loved over the years - Interpreter of Maladies, Bossypants, and any of the Frog and Toad collections.

 

Ian Farnam
Graphic Designer

What's your background?
I’ve lived in the Twin Cities my entire life, I studied at The University of Minnesota for graphic design, graduating in 2020. I got my start working in a letterpress studio and interning for the Minnesota DFL.

What Do You Do at Sofia's?
Graphic Designer/Post Order Specialist. I manage proofing and printing order for production.

Favorite Sofia’s Product?
Key Lime Pie Cookies or Spicy Guac Mix.

Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
The guillotine (for paper).

What do you like to do outside of work?
Playing guitar, Biking, and Designing Fonts.

The best advice I’ve ever been given is . . .
Righty tighty, Lefty loosey.

Megan Hanley
Customer Service Director

What's your background?
Brand Management and Consumer Marketing.

What Do You Do at Sofia's?
Order Management.

Favorite Sofia’s Product?
Vanilla Pecan Cookies.

Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
For sure the people.

What do you like to do outside of work?
Watch my family of sailors race, travel, read, socialize.

Three favorite Books, Movies, TV Shows, or Podcasts:
Too many books to mention, but really anything by Kristin Hannah, Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, and for TV series, anything food or design related.

 

Etta Williams
Shipping Manager

What's your background?
Former promotional coordinator.

What Do You Do at Sofia's?
Shipping and inventory.

Favorite Sofia’s Product?
Butter Toffee Peanuts.

Favorite part of working at Sofia’s?
Working with my super fun coworkers!

What do you like to do outside of work?
Watching Netflix and play pickleball.

The best advice I’ve ever been given is . . .
Don’t be afraid of taking chances.