Staff Spotlight: John McPhee

If you’ve dropped off a food donation or volunteered at DMARC in the past year, there’s a good chance you met John McPhee. As Warehouse Manager, John is responsible for managing warehouse inventory, operations and directing volunteer groups. John makes sure that everything in our warehouse runs smoothly and in an orderly fashion.

John graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Technical Education- Adult Learning. In John’s free time he enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, traveling to state parks and watching sports.

What drew you to DMARC originally, and how has it changed since then?
I was in the middle of a career change, and was interested in the grocery industry. I started volunteering at DMARC for experience, which turned into a part time job, then I was hired in February 2018 full time.

What do you like most about working at DMARC?
Being part of a program that helps people in need. DMARC really helped me job-wise when I was at a low point, I feel like I am helping others who are also trying to work their way back, but need additional food resources.

What is your proudest moment at DMARC?
Helping others that need assistance. From clients to our member pantries, making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible from the warehouse point of view.

What’s a fun fact about yourself that others might not be aware of?
My wife and I along with our dog have been to 47 state parks in Iowa – only 26 more to go!

Do you have any hidden talents?
Photography. Have had some of my photos juried into the Iowa State Fair. My favorite thing to take photos of are flowers in Macro mode.

Before working at DMARC, what’s the most interesting job you’ve ever had?
Probably in High School, I got to work for a family friend in her biological warehouse. I was packaging and shipping the orders to schools for the students to dissect. Frogs and worms, Etc.

Where is your favorite place in the world to be?
Chamberlin, Maine, USA. I love to vacation there, so peaceful.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Like some HS students, I wanted to teach Social Studies and coach football. I just love to learn about history, especially civil war history. I also think I might have been a pretty good coach or at least a really good equipment manager.

If you could use one famous movie line to describe yourself, what would it be?
“Do you believe in miracles?”