Grow Your Business with Traverse Connect

Join Now!

TCYP Member Spotlight – McKenzie Mac

What is your day job?
I currently perform marketing strategies for Team Elmer’s. 

How long have you lived in the Grand Traverse area?
Born and raised in the Grand Traverse Area. I went to boarding school in Massachusetts and graduated in 2014 and then went to College in Chicago and graduated in 2018. 

What is your favorite thing about living/working in the Traverse City area?
The beauty of the water that I am surrounded by brings me peace and comfort. Whenever I need to relax, I go for a drive along the Bay or drive to a beach nearby to sit and watch the waves or write in my journal.  

What do you do for fun?
I am always looking for adventure. In the summer months, I enjoy paddleboarding on Cedar Lake. In the fall, I am challenged to visit every scenic overlook and hiking trail before the leaves begin to fall. In the winter, I play ice hockey and enjoy occasional weekend trips to the ski slopes. 

How do you get involved in the community?
I am a part of the marketing committee for TCYP. I also am involved in Impact 100, a transformational granting organization that supports local non-profits. I also enjoyed going to educational classes led by SCORE and 20Fathoms. I have been attending TCNewTech pitch competitions throughout the years because I enjoy learning about new products and businesses.

What is your favorite local business and why?
Forrest, a Food Studio & Private Chef is a local food business driven by two entrepreneurs who have restructured their business to offer unique and creative meals to-go. Their hard work and creative mindset make it enjoyable for me to follow their work on their social platforms and watch their business grow. 

I also love shopping at Haystacks in downtown Traverse City. They have adorable women’s clothing that is so comfortable and the associates are always so welcoming.

What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?
I sold cups of cherries at the Cherry Festival when I was younger for Gallagher’s Farm Market. Lots and lots of cherries! 

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I lost a tooth playing hockey. No it wasn’t painful losing the tooth, but all the dentist visits that followed were painful. I also enjoy dog sitting for people. I can’t have a dog in my apartment so it is always fun for me to watch and care for other dogs 🙂 

What is something you learned in the last week?
I just recently got a side job delivering groceries for people through Shipt. I am learning the ins and outs of where products are in Meijer. I am also learning a lot about the app and how to efficiently shop for people. It has been really fun 🙂 

How can other TCYP members support you (personally or professionally)?
Connect with me and let’s chat about your career path! I am always eager to learn and grow through others experiences and career paths. I may be busy, but I need encouragement to live in the moment and gosh darn-it, I need to meet more people my age!