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Erin Ruck, Director of Marketing
Erin Ruck of Mercado GlobalGraduating from Yale University and landing a job right away as a Distribution Analyst could be something that many young adults hope for. For Erin Ruck, she realized after making it a reality that she had another calling. One that would get her excited to get out of bed in the morning and inspire her throughout the day. Erin, 23, is now the Director of Marketing for Mercado Global, a fair trade non-profit that connects Guatemalan women’s cooperatives and their artisan products to the US market. She spends her waking hours dedicated to promoting, connecting and networking with the right people and organizations to continue to grow the success of the non-profit. Learn more about Erin and her work with Mercado Global as feature her in this week’s Non-Profit Spotlight.
Non-Profit
Mercado Global
Founded
May 2004
Website
www.mercadoglobal.org
Name, Title
Erin Ruck
Director of Marketing
Age
23
Hometown
Menlo Park, California
Current residence
New York City, New York
Education
Yale University
BA Political Science ('06)
Work Experience
Mercado Global
Director of Marketing
(Sep 2006 - Present)
Cole Haan
Distribution Analyst
Jul 2006 - Sep 2006
Ethnicity
Japanese and Dutch
About the non-profit
Mercado Global is an eco-friendly, fair trade non-profit that links Guatemalan women's cooperatives and their artisan products to the U.S. market. We provide fair wage employment that allows upwards of 200 women cooperative members to provide for their families and send their children to schools. We accomplish this mission by helping these women institute production structures and develop fashionable products. Once these systems are in place and the product is ready to go, we market their handcrafted goods through our online store and our wholesale and sourcing program.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities?
Working for such a small organization, I do a little bit of everything. In the morning, I typically respond to emails and make phone calls. However in the afternoon, I could be doing any number of tasks. For example, I could be desiging a new necklace for our jewelry line, writing a press release, dropping a shipment off at Fedex, making a product presentation, preparing material for a student chapter, meeting with wholesale clients, cleaning the office, or even trouble shooting our high speed internet.
Most notable milestones
One of the most notable milestones for Mercado came this past summer when our executive director, Ruth DeGolia, was featured on both the cover of Newsweek and on Good Morning America for her work with our organization. Currently, we are also thrilled to note our eco-friendly ceramics are now avaliable in Wholefoods.
What's the niche?
What makes Mercado different from other non-profit organizations is that we develop eco-friendly, fair trade products that appeal to the discriminating tastes of consumers in our target market. Unlike other organizations, we truly partner with these women cooperatives, treating them as equals, to create eco-friendly, fair trade products that are both fashionable and high quality. Additionally, 100% of our profits are returned to the communities they serve.
What's the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge today is to resist the urge to partner with everyone who contacts us. Every week we are approached by different organizations and companies who would like to find a way to work with us. Although all of these offers provide great opportunities, we must selectively choose those relationships that are in line with our business goals to avoid spreading ourselves too thin and to ensure our organization's success.
What's in store for the future?
We will be growing our wholesale progam and expanding our production operations in southern Mexico and Ecuador.
Who would you like to be contacted by?
We would love to be contacted by any person, company, or other entity who is interested in our organization and/or believes they could help us.
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Best way to keep a competitive edge
Be a phenomenal listener. You'll suprised at what you can learn by simply being quiet and letting others speak.
Guiding principle in life
Trust your gut.
Yardstick of success
The yardstick of success for both Mercado and myself is looking at the little accomplishments, such as bringing in a new cooperative, meeting a new wholesale client, or receiving a donation. Because it's not one accomplishment or person that makes us successful, but rather all of the little ones combined.
Goal yet to be achieved
For Mercado, our next major goal is to be sustainable on our own sales. My own personal goal is to have a better work-life balance.
Best practical advice
Be authentic. People will respect you so much more if you are who you are. Don't put on an act. People can see through it.
Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture
"Hang in there. You're learning so much in such a short period of time, and you'll be happy you did it when all is said and done."
Mentor
My mentor is my dad. He has been my mentor for as long as I can remember. The reason he is such a great mentor is because he is so similar to me and has experienced many of the same challenges that I am going through now and will go through in the future. Therefore he can give me much more pointed advice, including short cuts to help me achieve my end goal more quickly and less painfully.
What motivated you to get started?
After working for a few weeks at my previous job, one night I was unable to fall asleep. I lay awake wondering if this job was what I had been preparing for for the last twenty-three years of my life. Was this it? Was this what the working world would be like for the rest of my life? I decided no. There had to be something else out there. It's not that I didn't like my job, but rather I believed that another job existed that would inspire me and make me want to get out of bed in the morning. Then I stumbled across Mercado. Talk about great timing.
Like best about what you do?
The best part about my job is that it makes me feel like I am actually making a difference in the world.
Like least about what you do?
The aspect of my job that I like least is the ridiculous hours we work. I wish I had a little more down time to sleep and hang out with my friends.
At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I didn't know what I wanted to be at that age. All I knew is that I wanted be the best at whatever I ended up doing.
What was your first job?
I coached soccer camps, but I never really considered that work because I loved playing so much.
Biggest pastime outside of work
Soccer. I played in middle school, high school, and college. I plan to continue playing until my body breaks down and I can't play anymore.
Person most interested in meeting
God or the higher being. Yes, I believe in a higher being. Because who doesn't want to know why we are all really here?
Leader in business most interested in meeting
Oprah. She has branded herself so well that any product she mentions, people run in flocks to buy. I'd like to know exactly what was going through her head as she built her empire, and then I'd want to ask her to mention our products on her show and in her magazine.
Three interesting facts about yourself
1. I love making "To Do" Lists.
2. I am a personal shopper and stylist for most of my friends and family.
3. I strongly believe in Eastern medicine, specifically accpuncture and herbal supplements.
Three characteristics that describe you
1. I make things happen.
2. I work hard and play hard.
3. I am always there when you need me .
Three greatest passions
1. My family (including my German Shepard).
2. My friends.
3. My work.
Favorite book
I don't have a favorite book. Instead I have two favorite genres: thrillers and chicklit.
Favorite cause
Animals in need.
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