Her Story
About Jessica
Jessica Farfan serves as a sales representative specializing in food processing equipment for supermarkets and restaurants in the Chicago, Illinois area. With nearly 22 years in the field, she has consistently achieved higher sales each year and remains the top performer even after her company was acquired by an equity firm and expanded to include 10 entities. Born in Mexico, Farfan began studies in architecture school but immigrated to the United States as a young adult, where she learned English through self-study and immersion while taking on bookkeeping positions. Her bilingual skills in English and Spanish proved valuable, leading her bosses to transition her into sales, where her persistence and resilience helped her overcome initial challenges in a male-dominated environment, including negotiations in meat packing houses. Farfan credits her strong work ethics, learned from her mother and grandparents who were educators, for her ongoing success and dedication to customers and her company. Outside of work, she actively participates in fundraisers and Bible study groups at her church and her children's schools.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my work ethics learned from my mother and grandparents, persistence, resilience, and not taking no for an answer. My bosses trusted me and gave me opportunities which pushed me to work hard and do the best for customers and company.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice was to be resilient and be honest.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In the beginning, the language barrier and dealing with the male-dominated environment in meat packing houses and with butchers who try to take advantage during negotiations.
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