Meet the Team: Marissa McNamara, Team Lead, Category Manager

If you want to know what it’s like to work at Peet’s, here’s your chance. Get the inside scoop from an employee who’s been inspiring us all with their dedication and passion. 

TELL US ABOUT YOU & YOUR ROLE
My name is Marissa McNamara; I’m originally from metro-Detroit, and after spending seven amazing years in the Bay Area, I now live in West Michigan. I joined Peet’s during my time in California as a Category Manager supporting our Consumer Packaged Goods, or CPG, sales team. I used data and insights to help Peet’s brands succeed in grocery retailers across the country, and I’m now a Team Lead on our small-but-mighty Category Management team. I do all the same things, but also help support other category managers as well.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN PEET’S?
I’ve always said that what I value most about Peet’s is the culture and the people. Even during the interview process, every conversation felt genuine and energizing—an early sign that this was the right place for me. On my first day, I was in a conference room with another new hire and an HR team member who was leading our onboarding. Suddenly, someone walked in carrying a couple of coffees for us new hires, exchanged a few light jokes with HR, and spent a moment welcoming us and talking about how we were joining a truly special organization. After he left, the HR employee smiled and said, “That’s our CEO.” It was a simple interaction, but it perfectly captured the culture I’ve come to appreciate so deeply at Peet’s.

ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE CONSIDERING A CAREER IN YOUR FIELD?
Don’t only focus on the technical side of the job. When people think about getting into Category Management, it’s easy to focus solely on the technical side—mastering scan data and becoming comfortable analyzing large data sets. While those capabilities are essential, the human side of the role is equally critical. Effective category managers are compelling storytellers who can translate insights into clear, persuasive narratives for customers. Data is powerful, but without the ability to communicate its meaning in a way that resonates with your audience, even the strongest insights lose their impact!

TELL US, WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO PEET’S ORDER RIGHT NOW?
When making coffee at home, I love Big Bang® in a French press (the best way to do black coffee at home, IMO). It’s a great medium roast that everyone seems to love. From our coffeebars, the Horchata Oat Latte is so delicious! It’s my favorite sweet treat from Peet’s. I always order it iced, even in January!

ANY FUN FACTS THAT MAKE YOU, YOU?
The year before I left California, I completed 100 hikes in one calendar year! The longest one being a nearly 18-mile loop in Yosemite National Park that gained over 5,000 ft of elevation. It is my second coolest accomplishment, after my daughter 😊