Celebrating International Women’s Day with Maha Freij, President at Three Little Pigs

 

• How did your journey in the specialty food industry begin, and what inspired you to pursue a leadership role within this sector?

I originally bought an Italian Deli with my husband in Brooklyn, and while that didn’t work out, I decided to help a friend who opened a store on Greenwich Street, where one day, I met people who worked for a company called Three Little Pigs.

Eventually, they decided to set me up for an interview, and not long after, I started a role as an Accounts Receivable Specialist.

However, I was eager to learn more about the business and products, and I would help with sales whenever I had the chance. Eventually, with the departure of the Three Little Pigs’ primary sales manager and my passion for selling, I naturally fell into the sales role. After nearly 20 years of sales and leadership, I was awarded the title of President of Sales at Three Little Pigs in 2015. I recently celebrated 35 years at Three Little Pigs just a few months ago.

• Are there any organizations you joined to advance your career in the specialty food industry that you feel could help other women in the field? 

I became involved in the Specialty Food Association pretty early on. It allowed me to meet other women in the industry and learn more about the business I was in. Eventually, I joined the SFA Recognition Council and the SFA Mentorship Council and have had the pleasure of awarding people near and dear to my heart well-deserved recognition.

• How do you believe the specialty food industry could benefit from having more women in leadership positions?

Women are multi-taskers and have a passionate approach. The women I work with show emotions and realness, which allows us to be candid in the way we operate, and therefore exceptional leaders. Also, women can be very persistent if they want something done – they will get it done.

• Can you discuss a mentor or role model who has influenced your career and how they helped you navigate your path?

Cathy Strange is a very strong woman that I continued to watch throughout my career, thinking, “I want to be like her.” When I met her 30 years ago, she spoke with such a wealth of knowledge about cheese, and I just remember thinking to myself, “Wow, I hope I know as much as she does someday.”

Another woman who is strong-willed and that I look up to is Trish Pohanka; she helped me see that I could come the way I am- that I could carve my own path in the specialty food world. Also, Trish, always got the job done. I really admire that about her.”

Gayle De Caro is another woman I look up to. She is family-oriented and always made me feel like it was possible to raise a family and build a career. Managing both is nothing short of a challenge, but I think Gayle has and continues to do this beautifully.

• In celebration of International Women's Day, can you share a message or piece of wisdom with women who are striving to make their mark in their respective fields?

For me, I always feel that if you are passionate, honest, and upfront about what you are doing, you will succeed. When you feel passionate about something, you feel accountable for it, so you really pour your heart and soul into it. Also, if you’re passionate about what you do, you’ll always feel fulfilled, and you won’t spend your career looking for the next best thing- which is why Three Little Pigs has been my passion for the last 35 years (& counting).