EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
LISA BANCALARI
Customer Service, Global Logistics
How long have you been with MMQCI and how did you first learn about our company?
This is my tenth year with MMQCI. I was working in Portland in finance and was ready for a change. MMQCI’s job posting caught my eye since it’s close to home. I remember my son being jealous that I was applying for this job. He now works for Jackson Laboratory.
What are your primary responsibilities?
My main focus is coordinating international customer shipments, and developing these relationships.
Describe MMQCI in three words:
Growth, inspirational, motivating
What do you like best about MMQCI?
Teamwork between departments
How would you describe your team?
It’s a pleasure working closely with folks who are truly in sync with our customer needs. These professionals are not merely order takers, but care that our customers receive the best experience possible. This is one of the many things that holds MMQCI apart from others. Our Customer Service team is supportive of each other as well as the customers.
What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen since joining MMQCI?
Moving into our current state-of-the-art facility in Saco from our previous space in Scarborough was a huge change! Great memories from the groundbreaking all the way to the expansion of our second floor. I feel privileged to have experienced the growth firsthand.
What are the toughest challenges you’ve had at work?
Shipping perishable, temperature sensitive products into remote areas can be challenging in general. We face this every day. Dealing with many nations and languages can also be a challenge, but I love this aspect of my position.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Spending time with my family and grandkids always comes first. Crochet, crochet, and then I’ll take a break and crochet. Oh…and buy more yarn! It turns out that buying pretty yarn can be a hobby, too.
What’s the most unique part about working at MMQCI?
Feeling like all voices are being heard no matter what their position. Everyone’s input is valued.
Where is your happy place in Maine?
Anywhere coastal. I love the ocean and could never live far from the coast.
What’s your secret talent that most people don’t know about?
Being crafty in general. I love to crochet, but I also knit, quilt, cross stitch, sculpt, and paint. I’m a plant lover, too. Bring me any clippings from your houseplants and I’ll propagate them.
What’s one thing that’s on your “Bucket List”?
I’ve travelled quite a bit, but would love to see New Zealand, Australia, and then Asia someday.
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t be in such a hurry to start a family. Work on yourself!
What do you enjoy most about working here?
Event planning has always been a fun aspect I’ve taken on. Whether it’s sending announcements, ordering pizza, bringing in ice cream, or arranging a feast for a special occasion. I’m certainly not alone in these efforts with many others helping make these events enjoyable for all.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY.
What’s the last song you listened to?
Taylor Swift, Fortnight. But, I’m a big Alice Cooper fan. 😊
What, if anything, are you currently binge-watching? Or reading?
We’re watching EVIL on Netflix, great series for those who like a Scooby Doo ending. You never know if the EVIL is real or a hoax.
What is something about you that most people don’t know?
My husband and I ran our company, Elite Entertainment, a laserdisc and DVD label, for 15 years out of our home in Scarborough. We focused on horror, sci-fi, and cult films. We met many well-known directors, actors, and special effects artists.
What best advice can you give someone who might be interested in joining us here at MMQCI?
Don’t hesitate to join this amazing group of people. Many opportunities are available now. Apply!