women of nt achieveme
Mus
ic Coordinator
Gloria z e u g i r d o R he Plant, a 17-acre eco-
industrial park founded in 2004, is also known as the Chatham Beverage District where Fair Game Beverage Company, Chatham Cider Works, Starrlight Mead, BMC Brewing and other food and beverage purveyors create and sell their goods in the company of several restaurants, food and gift shops and other delightful indoor and outdoor experiences. Amid this vibrant atmosphere, Gloria Rodriguez unexpectedly found her groove. Her journey to Lorax Lane began at Central Carolina Community College, where she earned an associate of arts degree in 2016. Gloria set her sights on further education and enrolled at North Carolina State University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. During this time, she also immersed herself in her native Pittsboro’s hospitality scene, taking on various roles to broaden her skill set and deepen her connection to her hometown. She joined The Modern Life Deli & Drinks as a server and bartender, gaining firsthand experience in food and customer service.
34
C H AT H A M M AG A Z I N E
Around this time, Gloria became more familiar with The Plant, spending time there and cultivating relationships. “By the time I graduated, I was very involved and committed to growing the place,” she says. Though her degree opened her up to other career paths, she was more interested in building her own alongside the growing community at The Plant. She joined the Fair Game team in November 2017 as the tasting room manager. “When I first walked into the Fair Game tasting room, I immediately saw an opportunity to create something special,” Gloria says. “Gloria’s energy is contagious,” says Lyle Estill, co-founder of The Plant. “She has truly helped us bring this property to life. She’s magnetic.” Over the years, Gloria’s dedication and vision have revitalized the tasting room, turning it into a thriving center of activity and community involvement. Her role has gone beyond that of a typical manager; she has become one of the driving forces behind The Plant’s growth and evolution, going on to support the Lilly Den Meats & Eats food truck as well. She recently took on the role of music coordinator at The Plant, and her responsibilities continue to grow, too. Her typical workdays include a wide range of activities, from learning how to weld to managing a kitchen to booking bands for special events.
A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 4
Gloria’s motivation stems from her creativity and her desire to make decisions that enhance the workplace. She doesn’t just follow instructions blindly; she values the opportunity to share her opinions, and encourages her team members to share theirs, too. “It’s all about experiences, from all sides,” she says. “The customer, but also the employees and myself. If everybody feels good, then the place will be good.” She is dedicated to creating lasting memories for visitors, too, both through major changes and small adjustments, in her goal of making The Plant a beloved destination that folks want to visit again and again. “I’ve suggested small changes that have turned The Plant into a place that people like to be,” she says. “Sometimes it’s big moves, but a lot of times it’s the small stuff.” Her most fulfilling moments happen when she sees her neighbors gathering in the space that she has helped shape. “I enjoy knowing that my work brings people together and provides them with a fun experience,” Gloria says. “The ‘worth it’ moments [of my career at The Plant] have been seeing people enjoy the place and talk about how unique and welcoming it feels. Or when people return, bring their friends and even have some of their big moments here.” Outside of work, Gloria finds joy in her family life, cherishing moments with her twoyear-old son, Leo, and their three tropical fish, who add a vibrant touch to their home. Her personal interests include interior design and human psychology, both of which contribute to her work. Looking ahead, Gloria says she and her team are especially excited to add more variety to the event calendar. “We are working hard to continue expanding our lineup,” Gloria says. “This year, we are hoping to expand the music scene and have more community events.” These will support the growing business community; last year, Kingston 99 Kitchen opened next door to Fair Game, bringing authentic Jamaican food and drinks to Pittsboro. Other additions on the horizon include a sake bar and chef Bill Hartley’s po’boy concept, JDubs. – by Ryan Christiano