Hi there! My name is Maria. What led me here today, all manifested from the 5 years I worked with my Sister’s Food Truck, Kitchen & Catering Businesses. It was then, when I got a real taste of running a business and where I wore the many hats of manager, line cook, prep cook, cashier, customer service rep, marketing and relations.. you name it, I probably had to do it at some point. During that time, I was introduced to the countless uncertainties of running a business: not having enough business, not knowing where the business will come from, not knowing where to start, etc. I can remember vividly the anxiety I would get looking at the empty calendar: just a handful of sub par vending opportunities. That stress however, of having little business pushed me to get creative and curious. I envisioned myself as one of the “popular Food Trucks”, with so many inquiries that they had to pass them off to other vendors, then.. I got to work - I started to make friends with the different food truckers, vendors, event coordinators, managers, and with EVERYONE else that crossed my path. I didn’t realize it then but I was planting seeds. My intention was to build relationships, have a good reputation in the community, and bring great food to the public. Eventually those seeds quickly grew and my 2-3 days a week of street vending turned into a consistent weekly rotation, spots at the busiest breweries, inquiries for weddings, corporate and event catering every other weekend, big events, long lines. It was very rewarding.

I realized we had met the goal of becoming one of the “popular Food Trucks” and we were vending almost everyday, some days stacked with double shifts. I was now the one passing off events and catering opportunities. Every so often I would get asked for tips and help from the newer vendors on how to grow. I enjoyed helping where I could, but I grew tired of the long hours. I knew this was a sign that I needed to slow down.

After leaving, I landed a job marketing for a company that needed help refining their company brand and culture. In an industry that was very traditional, they were eager to get unconventional and make waves. It was quite the undertaking, but with every new connection made and nurtured, the dots started to connect themselves and things came together beautifully. Just like that a new, refreshed brand emerged that I helped create.

I continued to explore my curiosity in this area of referral marketing and found myself at another company who needed similar marketing, this time to increase direct referrals from adjacent businesses. In just a few months, the seeds planted started to grow in the form of new relationships and new referrals.

They say when you’re in the frame, it’s hard to see the picture. I later realized that all along I was doing the same thing, leveraging the experiences that I took from running my sister’s businesses and being intentional with every new encounter. This basic principle can be applied to any business. It was simply about being patient and making the time to create the right relationships. 

Before I started Mtentional, I went from running my Sister’s businesses, to working part time marketing jobs, then realizing that deep down, what really mattered to me was reaching and helping more people. What I really wanted was the freedom to act with intention, to use business as a force for good and to help influence others.

I love what I do because I find it fulfilling when I’m able to connect the dots. Often when I create referral relationships I hear, “I wish I would’ve known about this sooner!”. There’s a sense of pride when you play a small part in finding solutions. I enjoy meeting people, learning about them personally and what their business needs are. I love making the right connections that turn into fruitful relationships that fit and satisfy both parties. When two businesses collaborate and exist to ultimately and truly serve their customers and their communities, there is great impact in the making and I am honored to be a part of that. 

When I’m not working, you can find me recharging in the mountains hiking, paddleboarding on the lake, hanging out with my daughter and my friends, or reading, journaling, and listening to podcasts. I love personal growth and continue striving to be better each day. 

I am always fascinated about businesses and the talented individuals behind them. It takes heart, a whole lot of drive and persistence to do what great businesses do. I’d love to learn more about you and your unique business! I encourage you to fill out this form if you’re looking for marketing help!