Jennifer McCarty is vice president of operations at Greenwood-based McCarty Mulch & Stone, a full-service manufacturer and distributor of landscape supplies. Her husband, Josh, started the company in 1994, and Jennifer assumed responsibility for the office and sales two years later. The mom of three is known as much for her love of faith, family and service as she is for her strong business acumen. You’ll find her on Instagram and Twitter @Mulchqueen.
1. What do you love most about your job and the family business?
One of the many things I love about my job would be working with our customers on their projects. It is always so exciting to hear about what they envision and helping to turn that into a reality. I love to be able to say, “Yes we have that; you don’t need to go anywhere else to buy those supplies.” I especially appreciate it when they return with the before-and-after pictures; we have some very imaginative and talented customers.
I also love working with my husband and children. We truly try to make it a family affair and get all of our kids involved in the business, as well as my husband’s father and brother. Another perk of my job is being able to make my own schedule, which has given me time to care for our family and lead the Christ Youth Bible Club at Center Grove Elementary School.
2. How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style starts with my faith. On October 8, I will be traveling with a group from our church to India on a mission trip. While we are there, we will be speaking at a Live Holy Women’s Conference with over 450 ladies from all over the country. This is my second mission trip there, and I can hardly wait. I’m counting down the days.
3. What’s your favorite fall event in Johnson County?
You have to love Apple Works in the fall. Nothing says fall has arrived quite like a lazy Sunday afternoon at Apple Works and maybe a little football. It’s always a difficult decision between their caramel apples or their apple dumplings. Another great fall event is the Fall Fest held at Mount Pleasant Christian Church. This is a wonderful Halloween alternative each year for little kids. The children’s costumes are so adorable. Even the church staff dresses up for this great event.
4. What McCarty family tradition do you most treasure?
I treasure family meals together and just spending time with my family. The kitchen table is where we share life together. It’s where we talk about the best part of our day. What we eat is pretty important, too. I’m following in the footsteps of some extraordinary cooks in my family and my husband’s family. Before my 100-year-old grandmother passed away, I watched intently, took notes and even videoed her making our family’s “famous” spaghetti and meatball recipe. I’m proud to say that mine tastes very, very close to hers (she’d be so proud). This is a tradition I want to instill in each of my children. Family is so important.
4. You and your husband are known for giving back to the community. Why is this important to you?
There is nothing more satisfying than giving back to the community. All of us have the ability to make an impact in some way. I think Mother Teresa said it best: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to make many ripples.”
by Julie Cope Saetre // Photography by Stacy Able
